Constrained activities for investors

Under the Investment Policy and Promotion Strategy 2023-2043, certain economic activities are subject to investment restrictions. These include:

Restricted List (Met by foreign investor)

Fishing: At least 30% equity held by Solomon Islands citizens. Foreign investors: ≥ US$500k in ownership or paid-up capital*.
Forestry (plantation & logging): Local equity: 20% State, 10% Provincial Gov., 19% Resource Owners. Must include value-adding. Foreign investors: ≥ US$500k in ownership or paid-up capital*.
Tobacco production: Foreign investor must use ≥ 75% locally grown/processed tobacco in cigarette production, and ≥ US$500k in ownership or paid-up capital*.
Tourism (cultural heritage): Any cultural heritage investment: ≥ US$500k in ownership or paid-up capital*.
Real estate development/management/agents: ≥ US$1m in ownership or paid-up capital* and certification under Real Estate Act.
Tourist rentals (homes, villas, apartments, bures): ≥ US$250k in ownership or paid-up capital*.
Construction: ≥ US$1m in ownership or paid-up capital*.
Earthmoving: ≥ US$1m in ownership or paid-up capital*.
Inter-island shipping & passenger services (excl. tourism support): ≥ US$500k in ownership or paid-up capital*.

^{(*) Paid-up capital for companies in the form of cash from the operational date, to be fully brought into Solomon Islands within the implementation period (12 months (< US$2.5m projects) / 18 months (≥ US$2.5m projects).}

Reserved List (Only for Solomon islands citizens)

Food & beverage services: Milk bar or cafeteria business, Kava business, Bakery business, Liquor bar and Nightclub (except those operated within the vicinity of a hotel/resort and/or operated by foreign owned hotels/resorts).
Transport services: Taxi business and Bus business.
Retail & trade: Retail sale via stalls and markets, and Handicraft business.
Personal & household services: Tailor shops, Repair of personal and household goods, Plumbing business, and Electrical business.
Community & social services: Plant nursery and care, and Day-care center.
Hospitality & leisure services: Home-stay lodging services, Back-packer operations, and Internet café, amusement, and gaming center.