Step #1: Foreign Investment Registration Certificate (FIRC)
How to Register for a Foreign Investment Registration Certificate (FIRC)
Any foreign investor wishing to operate in Solomon Islands must obtain a Foreign Investment Registration Certificate (FIRC) from InvestSolomons before starting business activities. This applies to all foreign-owned businesses, whether new or existing.
Register online via the Business Registry Office under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labor and Immigration (MCILI).
Process
1. Create an account
Registration is free. Click on “Logon/Register” at the top right of the page and follow the steps for new users.
2. Provide business information
Applicants are required to provide:
- Completed FIRC application form (online via the Solomon Business Registry portal)
- Investor details (passport + résumé for individuals; incorporation documents for companies)
- Business activity details, including a description and sector classification
- Copy of business plan
- Planned operating locations
- Employment details (proposed jobs and positions)
- Planned investment information (confidential, for economic data)
3. Review & pay registration fee
The application should be carefully reviewed before submission. Applicants must then pay the registration fee of SBD $2,400 (approx. US $290) at the Ministry of Finance & Treasury (MFT) or at a treasury of the provincial cashier, and present the receipt to Company Haus. Once the account is topped up, the application can be submitted online.
4. Processing & receive the Certificate
Applications are normally processed within five (5) working days. Once approved, the Foreign Investment Registration Certificate is emailed to the applicant and can also be downloaded at any time from the online dashboard. If the application is incomplete, InvestSolomons staff will return it by email for correction.