Annual renewal and compliance
A Marshall Islands company is light to maintain, but a few things must happen every year to keep it in good standing. Our annual renewal takes care of all of them.
Annual obligations
| Government annual fee | Due on each anniversary of incorporation |
|---|---|
| Registered agent and office | Must be maintained at all times |
| Economic Substance Declaration | Within 12 months after each anniversary date |
| Beneficial ownership attestation | Annually, as part of the renewal |
| Accounting records | Kept for at least 5 years, anywhere in the world; not filed |
| Annual return / audit | Not required |
Economic Substance Declaration
The Marshall Islands introduced Economic Substance Regulations in 2018, effective from 1 January 2019, to meet OECD and EU standards. Every non-resident entity files an annual declaration through the Registrar's secure online portal. The declaration says whether the company carried on a "relevant activity" (such as distribution and service centre, financing and leasing, fund management, headquarters, holding, intellectual property or shipping) and, if so, gives details of income, expenses, employees and premises.
Most clients' companies either do not carry on a relevant activity or are tax resident in another country, and only need to declare this. Pure equity holding companies meet a reduced test. A financial penalty applies for failing to file, so the declaration is included in our renewal and we prepare it with you.
Beneficial ownership records
Since the 2017 and 2018 reforms, every non-resident company must use reasonable efforts to keep an up-to-date record of its beneficial owners (natural persons owning or controlling more than 25%), its directors and officers, and must attest each year that these records are maintained. The records are not public. They must be produced to the registered agent or to authorities on lawful request. Tell us whenever ownership or directors change, and we will update the records.
What happens if you miss the renewal
Unpaid fees lead to late penalties and loss of good standing, which can stop you obtaining certificates or keeping a bank account open. If the company stays unpaid, the Registrar can annul it. Reinstatement is possible but costs considerably more than renewing on time.
How we keep you compliant
- Your renewal dates are visible in the client portal at all times
- Email reminders well before each due date
- Online payment of renewals by card through Stripe
- We file the Economic Substance Declaration and attestation for you
- Resellers see every client company's due dates in one place
Transferring an existing company
Already have a Marshall Islands company with another provider? We can take over as your service provider. Send us the company name and number and we will explain the steps. Contact us about a transfer.
Last reviewed: 12 October 2026
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