How does someone register a business in Tuvalu?

A Sole Trader submits the Business, Revenue & Customs Registration Form to business@gov.tv. A Partnership adds a signed Partnership Agreement, while a Company also submits the incorporation forms, director consents, Company Model Rules and payment proof through the Government Cashier.

Which Operational License does a registered business activity need in Tuvalu?

Every registered business activity requires an Operational License under the Licenses Act 2008. The responsible Kaupule depends on the operating location, such as Funafuti, Nanumea or one of Tuvalu’s other seven island authorities.

How are small-business taxes calculated for a Sole Trader or Partnership in Tuvalu?

When annual sales are below $100,000, Presumptive Tax is $100 up to $10,000 in sales, $250 from $10,001 to $30,000, $500 from $30,001 to $50,000 and 2% of sales income from $50,001 to $100,000. Sole Traders and partners also receive an individual $10,000 tax-free threshold before 30% income tax applies.

When must a Company file its annual return in Tuvalu?

A Company files an annual return at least once each year, with lodgement within 42 days after its annual general meeting. It must also keep proper accounting records and follow the applicable annual accounts and audit requirements.

Business in Tuvalu

Business activity in Tuvalu can operate as a Sole Trader, Partnership or Company. Registration is handled through the Department of Business and Tuvalu Revenue & Customs Service, followed by an Operational License from the Kaupule responsible for the operating location. Taxes, permits, company filings and available financing depend on the business form, activity and turnover.

Tip

Choose the legal form that matches the number of owners and the liability you are prepared to accept, then coordinate registration, the location-specific Operational License and any activity permits before trading. Set up tax records and deadline controls from the first sale, because turnover thresholds, quarterly filings and company obligations can create costs or penalties if they are missed. Treat financing and business support as options to verify, not as guaranteed services.

byMele&Sione

A Sole Trader has one owner, while a Partnership has two to 25 owners. A Company is formed under the Companies Act and may be public or proprietary; member liability is generally limited to paid-up shares. Sole Traders and Partnerships are taxed as individuals, while resident companies pay Business Tax at 30% of net profit and non-resident companies at 40%. A foreign company or non-Tuvaluan should contact the Department of Business directly because additional financial, character and security information may apply to foreign pecuniary interests or officers and directors. A Sole Trader submits the Business, Revenue & Customs Registration Form to business@gov.tv. A Partnership adds a signed Partnership Agreement. Company incorporation requires the registration form, Form 1 Application for Incorporation, Form 2 Consent of each director, Company Model Rules and proof of payment through the Government Cashier; the company registration fee is $100. Every registered business activity also requires an Operational License under the Licenses Act 2008. The relevant Kaupule depends on the operating location: Nanumea, Nanumaga, Niutao, Nui, Vaitupu, Nukufetau, Funafuti or Nukulaelae. The licensing process is therefore location-dependent rather than handled by a single country-wide desk. Additional permits may apply to imports and exports, animal or plant products, marine products and food. The Tuvalu Trade Portal provides a procedural overview, but the responsible authority and current local handling should be confirmed for the specific activity. A Sole Trader or Partnership can use the Presumptive Tax system when annual sales are below $100,000: the amounts are $100 for sales up to $10,000, $250 for $10,001 to $30,000, $500 for $30,001 to $50,000 and 2% of sales income for $50,001 to $100,000. Presumptive Tax returns are filed quarterly within 15 days after the quarter ends. Individuals and partners also have a $10,000 tax-free threshold each, followed by 30% income tax. When taxable income is expected to exceed $50,000, provisional tax requires at least one-third by 30 September and the remaining two-thirds by the last day of February after the tax year. Tuvalu Consumption Tax applies to taxable supplies and imports, with compulsory registration from taxable supplies of $100,000 or more in any 12-month period. The rate shown in the current Registration Form is 7%, and quarterly returns are due on 30 April, 31 July, 31 October and 31 January for the preceding quarters. Exports are zero-rated, while examples of exemptions include health, education, financial services, residential land leases and certain basic foods. Customs duty and excise form part of the taxable import value where applicable. A Company must keep proper books showing assets, liabilities, purchases, receipts and expenditure. It files an annual return at least once a year, with lodgement within 42 days after the annual general meeting, and follows the applicable annual accounts and audit framework. The Development Bank of Tuvalu offers Business Savings and Business Loan products, with published materials referring to agriculture, fishing, women’s entrepreneurship and youth entrepreneurship; current interest rates and eligibility should be confirmed directly. The Tuvalu National Private Sector Organisation provides private-sector representation and business networking through the Tuvalu Trade Portal. No reliable evidence establishes a nationwide incubator or mentoring service, and the UNDP TIPS project from 2020 to 2025 should not be treated as a current programme. A going concern transfer can be zero-rated under the Consumption Tax Act when the parties make a written agreement and notify the Taxation Officer. A Company may be closed through members’ voluntary or creditors’ voluntary winding up, involving a liquidator, creditor meetings where applicable, a final meeting and dissolution; the Registrar may also strike off a defunct company. Official sources do not provide a complete current close-out workflow for a Sole Trader, so the Department of Business and Tuvalu Revenue & Customs Service should confirm the required deregistration and tax steps.