This post provides a clear overview of the typical costs associated with establishing and maintaining a standard private limited liability company in Solomon Islands for the current year (2025). All figures are sourced from official and reputable local authorities, with values expressed in Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD).
Company Registration and Initial Setup Costs
Anyone considering starting a business in Solomon Islands should be aware of the principal formation costs for a Private Company (Limited Liability Company). The average total creation cost is SBD 2,250. The full breakdown of these expenses is outlined in the table below:
| Creation Cost Item | Amount (SBD) |
|---|---|
| Company registration fee (Registrar of Companies) | SBD 1,000 |
| Business name registration fee | SBD 200 |
| Stamp duty on company documents | SBD 50 |
| Legal fees (average for standard incorporation) | SBD 1,000 |
| Total Average Creation Cost | SBD 2,250 |
These figures reflect the standard procedure for incorporation, including necessary government fees and common legal charges. The legal fee component represents the average cost for standard documentation and filing; complex structures or additional legal services may incur higher costs.
Annual Company Maintenance Costs
After incorporation, ongoing compliance and operational costs must be considered. Annual maintenance for a standard private company typically ranges between SBD 350 and SBD 1,500, depending on the size and complexity of the business. A detailed breakdown is provided below:
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| Maintenance Item | Amount (SBD) |
|---|---|
| Annual return filing fee (Registrar of Companies) | SBD 250 |
| Business license renewal (average for small business) | SBD 100 |
| Accounting and tax filing services (optional but common) | SBD 1,150 |
| Annual Total Range | SBD 350 – SBD 1,500 |
The low end of the range reflects scenarios where businesses conduct all compliance and filings internally, while the higher end includes outsourcing common administrative and accounting duties. The use of professional services is prevalent and strongly recommended for foreign-owned or internationally active entities to remain compliant with local law.
Key Sources
Pro Tips for Managing Business Establishment Costs
- Consider using registered agents or local legal counsel for company formation; while it adds to upfront costs, it helps avoid compliance mistakes that often result in delays or penalties.
- Plan for annual maintenance beyond mandatory filings—accounting and tax services are not required by statute for every small company but are essential for those with complex operations or external ownership.
- Budget for both minimum and maximum expected annual expenses based on whether you plan to conduct reporting and compliance activities internally or via professional service providers.
- Review the main government portals for updates on fee structures or regulatory changes, especially around the start of each fiscal year.
Additional Considerations
While the costs of company registration and annual operation in Solomon Islands remain moderate by regional standards, careful planning for ongoing compliance, including accounting support, is advisable for international businesses. The main government and industry resources remain the most reliable sources for the most current regulatory information and fee schedules.