For those seeking clear guidance on starting an individual business in the Solomon Islands, this post explains the availability of the sole proprietorship status and registration requirements as they stand in 2025. We present only what is officially published about business setup options for individuals in this jurisdiction.
Availability of Sole Proprietorship Status in the Solomon Islands
In the Solomon Islands, there is no specific legal category recognized as a “sole proprietorship” or an equivalent regime for individuals to operate and invoice as a business without forming a separate legal entity. The system does not provide a simplified or specialized tax path for micro-entrepreneurs or freelancers. This means that individuals must follow standard business establishment procedures, regardless of the scale or nature of their work.
Instead, anyone wishing to conduct business as an individual must register either a business name or a company. There are no exceptions for single-person operations or freelance activities. As a result, micro-businesses have the same compliance requirements as larger entities when it comes to registration and tax obligations.
Business Registration Options for Individuals
| Registration Type | Available for Individuals? | Simplified Regime? | Registration Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | No | No | Not Applicable |
| Business Name | Yes | No | Company Haus |
| Company | Yes | No | Company Haus |
All types of businesses, including those run by a single owner, must register formally with Company Haus. There is no specialized tax treatment for self-employed individuals—the same requirements apply regardless of business size.
Key Obligations in 2025
All business entities and registered business names are required to comply with the Solomon Islands’ business tax laws. This includes:
- Registering your business or company with Company Haus before starting operations
- Fulfilling all standard tax filing obligations with the Inland Revenue Division (IRD)
- Observing all other business compliance requirements, such as renewals or annual returns, as mandated by law
There is no threshold or exemption for businesses operated by individuals from these formalities.
No Special Micro-Enterprise or Freelance Regime
Unlike some countries, the Solomon Islands does not offer a specialized registration or reduced tax regime for micro-entrepreneurs, freelancers, or very small businesses. As of 2025, every business—regardless of size—must proceed with the standard procedures and obligations.
| Status | Special Tax Regime? | Ability to Invoice Without Legal Entity? | Registration Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freelancer/Micro-Entrepreneur | No | No | Business Name or Company |
Official Reference Sites
Pro Tips for Individual Business Registration in the Solomon Islands
- Register promptly: Complete business name or company registration with Company Haus before offering goods or services—unregistered operation can cause significant legal complications.
- Understand ongoing compliance: Stay aware of annual filing, tax, and possible renewal obligations to avoid penalties or business deregistration.
- Keep documentation in order: Maintain accurate records of all your business transactions, as audits are a standard part of business oversight, regardless of your size or legal form.
- Consult main government sites directly: For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, rely on official sources such as Company Haus or the IRD when planning your business operations.
In summary, the Solomon Islands does not offer a specific sole proprietorship regime or any distinct micro-business category for tax or regulatory purposes. All businesses must formally register and comply with normal tax and business requirements starting from day one. This structure makes it critical for prospective individual operators to understand the full scope of obligations before commencing business activity.