Investment Visa

The Kiribati Investment Visa enables foreign nationals to reside in Kiribati for the purpose of establishing and operating an approved business investment. It is governed by the Immigration Act 2019 and the Immigration Procedures 2020, and requires applicants to first obtain a Foreign Investment Certificate issued by the Investment Promotion Division within the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MTCIC). Unlike passive or golden visa programs, Kiribati's scheme requires active business establishment and local employment obligations.

• Hold a valid Foreign Investment Certificate issued under the Foreign Investment Act 2018
• The investment enterprise must employ more locals than foreigners, with a minimum of 7 local employees, increasing gradually over time
• Business activities must fall outside the Reserved List (Schedule 1), which is exclusively for Kiribati citizens (e.g., retail distribution, tour guiding, artisanal fishing)
• Clean police record; character questions are included on the application form
• Medical certificate may be required

The Foreign Investment Certificate application requires a business plan with capital input. Investments of AUD 250,000 or below may be approved by the Registrar in consultation with the Secretary; investments exceeding AUD 250,000 require Cabinet approval. The Foreign Investment Act 2018 designates three categories of business activities:

• Reserved (Schedule 1): Exclusively for Kiribati citizens — bus and taxi transport, rental vehicles, retail/wholesale distribution, tour guiding (incl. handicraft production), saw milling, artisanal/coastal/reef fishing within inshore waters (up to 12 nautical miles), and "Tibuta" garment designing and production
• Restricted (Schedule 2): Allowed only on prescribed conditions — salt and virgin coconut oil manufacturing (local joint venture required), recyclable refuse disposal services, and maritime/maritime agency services (commercial presence, licensing and a local agent required)
• Prohibited (Schedule 3): Strictly forbidden — nuclear, bacteriological and chemical weapons, narcotics, exploitation of conserved bird species, fishing in conserved areas, wild coral export, turtle hunting, wild giant clam and berried lobster harvesting, coconut crab harvesting, and logging coconut-bearing trees

For the Foreign Investment Certificate (MTCIC):

• Completed application form and statutory declaration
• Business plan
• Photocopy of passport ID pages for each investor
• Bank statements for each investor
• Police Clearance Certificate(s) for each investor intending to reside in Kiribati
• Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report (if applicable)
• Photocopy of business name reservation

For the Investment Visa (Department of Immigration):

• Completed and signed Investment Visa application form
• Approved Foreign Investment Certificate from MTCIC
• Two passport-sized colour photographs
• Passport or travel document (valid 6+ months) for all persons in the application
• Medical certificate(s) if required
• Police certificate(s) if required
• Evidence of relationship/guardianship for dependants

The visa duration is tied to the approved Foreign Investment Certificate. Renewal is subject to maintaining compliance with the certificate conditions. Certificate holders must submit yearly financial statements to the Registrar within 60 days after the end of each financial year, and bi-annual progress reports. For specific validity periods, contact the visa officer at [email protected].

Partners and dependent children may be included in the Investment Visa application. Each dependant requires their own passport or travel document and may need separate medical and police certificates. Evidence of the family relationship or guardianship must be provided.

A non-resident withholding tax of 30% applies to payments for services, interest, royalties, or other income sourced in Kiribati under the Kiribati Income Tax Act. Foreign investors receive national treatment with rights not less than those of Kiribati citizens. Profits, dividends, royalties, loan repayments, and sale proceeds may be transferred abroad, subject to exceptions for creditor protection, tax compliance, and balance-of-payments situations.

The process is two-stage:

1. Foreign Investment Certificate: Submit the application form and supporting documents (including business plan and bank statements) to the Investment Promotion Division at MTCIC. The Registrar determines applications within 30 working days, with potential 10-day extensions for ministry consultations. Investments over AUD 250,000 require Cabinet approval.
2. Investment Visa: Once the Foreign Investment Certificate is issued, apply for the Investment Visa at the Department of Immigration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Bairiki, Tarawa. Processing takes approximately 2 weeks. Contact: [email protected] or telephone 75021342.

After arrival, investors must register their business with the Business and Company Registration units at MTCIC. Operations are primarily based on Tarawa or Kiritimati Island, each with separate registration procedures.