Cook Islands

The Cook Islands, nestled in the South Pacific, presents an enticing perspective for foreign business investors exploring a second residence. With a stable economy and favorable tax environment, the nation offers opportunities in tourism, financial services, and agriculture. The pristine natural beauty, warm climate, and vibrant Polynesian culture create an appealing lifestyle. While the Cook Islands doesn’t have a formal residency by investment program, the investor-friendly atmosphere and welcoming authorities make it an attractive choice. Prudent financial planning, understanding local regulations, and engagement with local experts are essential for a successful investment endeavor in this tropical paradise.

Cook Islands Golden Visa

The Cook Islands, while self-governing, are in “free association” with New Zealand, with their Head of State being the King of New Zealand. For this reason, Cook Islanders are New Zealand citizens, hence they do not issue their own passport. Because of this, they do not have a golden visa or citizenship by investment programme. The golden visa programmes offered in other countries frequently let individuals obtain citizenship or residency rights through a considerable investment, typically in real estate, national development funds, or local businesses. One such citizenship investment programme in the south Pacific can be found in neighbouring Vanuatu.

Residency and Citizenship in the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands have specific immigration and citizenship requirements that do not involve direct citizenship or residency through investment. The pathways to obtaining Cook Islands citizenship or residency typically include criteria related to family connections, employment, or other non-investment factors.

Applicants wishing to gain Permanent Residency in the Cook Islands must have lived in the Cook Islands continuously. For non-New Zealand citizens, this is for a continuous ten years, while for New Zealand citizens this is for five years.