This article presents a detailed breakdown of average company formation and ongoing maintenance costs for a standard Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Papua New Guinea (PG) as of 2025. All figures are based on the most recent publicly available data and official fee schedules.
Company Registration Costs in Papua New Guinea (2025)
For those seeking to establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Papua New Guinea, it is critical to understand the upfront and recurring costs involved. Below, you’ll find a transparent overview of the required payments and typical professional fees.
Average Company Formation Costs
| Item | Amount (PGK) | Amount (USD) (1 PGK ≈ $0.27 USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Company name reservation fee | K50 | $13.50 |
| Business registration fee (IPA) | K600 | $162.00 |
| Stamp duty | K50 | $13.50 |
| Legal/lawyer fees (average) | K500 | $135.00 |
| Total Estimated Creation Cost | K1,200 | $324.00 |
This does not include any costs for supplementary advisory or accounting services not listed above. The currency rate used for conversion is 1 PGK ≈ $0.27 USD.
Ongoing Annual Company Maintenance Costs
Ongoing costs mainly cover mandatory government filings and optional professional services, which vary by business complexity.
| Item | Amount (PGK) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual return filing fee (IPA) | K300 | $81.00 |
| Accounting and tax filing (average) | K50 | $13.50 |
| Optional legal/accounting review (average) | K650 | $175.50 |
| Estimated Annual Cost Range | K350 – K1,000 | $94.50 – $270.00 |
The range reflects whether optional legal/accounting review services are used; most small companies will incur costs toward the lower end of this spectrum.
Regulatory and Filing Considerations
The Papua New Guinea Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) is the main regulatory body overseeing company registrations and statutory filings. All businesses are mandated to file an annual return to maintain good standing with authorities. Failure to meet reporting deadlines or pay annual fees can result in penalties or administrative dissolution.
Summary Table: Key Company Costs in Papua New Guinea (2025)
| Cost Type | PGK (Papua New Guinea Kina) | USD (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Company Formation (one-time) | K1,200 | $324.00 |
| Annual Maintenance (recurring) | K350 – K1,000 | $94.50 – $270.00 |
Official Sources
Pro Tips for Managing Company Costs in Papua New Guinea
- Make sure to reserve your company name early and double-check availability with the IPA to avoid delays and extra fees.
- File your annual returns on time each year to prevent penalty costs and administrative complications with the authorities.
- If your operations are simple, you may minimize ongoing compliance fees by handling basic filings internally, while reserving legal or accounting consultations for complex matters only.
- Keep receipts and documentation organized for all registration and annual fees—this will make statutory compliance and business accounting easier each year.
Understanding the typical company formation and maintenance costs in Papua New Guinea helps business owners and international professionals plan accordingly. The overall cost of establishing a standard LLC remains moderate, and annual governmental filing fees are straightforward. However, those with more complex business arrangements may incur higher professional service fees, so careful preparation and attention to administrative details is advised.