Buying a Business in the Cook Islands

Buying a business in the Cook Islands can be a rewarding way to combine lifestyle, income and long‑term investment. For many non‑Cook Islanders, purchasing a going‑concern business is also the most practical way to obtain work and residency permits and establish a base in the islands.

From tourism accommodation and cafés to automotive and service businesses, the Cook Islands offers a range of commercial opportunities on leasehold land, each with its own strengths and considerations.

At Cook Islands Real Estate, we’ve spent over 20 years helping local and overseas buyers find the right business and understand how the process works.

Why Buy a Business in the Cook Islands?

People look to buy businesses here for different reasons:

• A lifestyle change in a safe, friendly island nation

• A desire to run a hands‑on tourism or service business

• Diversifying investments into a unique Pacific location

• Exploring a pathway to residency and work permits

Cook Islands businesses often benefit from:

• A steady mix of local and visitor demand

• Strong repeat tourism from New Zealand and Australia

• The ability to live close to your work and community

• A more relaxed, village‑style pace of life compared to large cities

Types of Businesses Available

Common business and commercial opportunities include:

• Accommodation and tourism – resorts, villas, guesthouses, holiday rentals

• Food and beverage – cafés, restaurants, bars, beachfront dining

• Tour and activity operators – lagoon cruises, diving, fishing, cultural experiences

• Automotive and service businesses – mechanics, rental fleets, workshops, trades

• Retail and mixed commercial – shops, convenience stores, service providers

You can view current opportunities on our Businesses for Sale and Business & Commercial pages.

Leasehold Land and Business Ownership

All land in the Cook Islands is leasehold, with maximum lease terms of up to 60 years. When you buy a business here, you are typically buying:

1. The going‑concern business entity (goodwill, brand, stock, equipment, sometimes vehicles), and

2. The leasehold interest in the land and buildings where the business operates.

Key points:

• The business itself can be owned 100% by you, even if you are a non‑Cook Islander.

• The land is not freehold, but held under long‑term lease from landowners.

• Leases may be existing (with years remaining) or newly granted (e.g. new 60‑year term on sale).

For more about the leasehold system, see:

• Buying Leasehold Property in the Cook Islands

• Cook Islands Leasehold Property Explained

The Usual Pathway for Non‑Cook Islanders

If you are not a Cook Islander and do not hold Cook Islands Permanent Residency, buying a business is usually the first step into the property and residency system.

Typical pathway:

1. Purchase a going‑concern business operating on leasehold land.

2. Apply for or maintain the necessary work and residency permits, with the business acting as your economic base.

3. Live and work in the Cook Islands, build up the business and your local track record.

4. After a period of successful operation, you may consider additional property options (such as residential property or land), subject to the rules in place at the time and your status.

If you have Cook Islands blood or family ties, or think you may qualify for P.R., this can expand your options significantly. Please tell us your background when we speak.

Key Things to Review Before Buying a Business

When assessing a business, we recommend paying close attention to:

• Financial performance – recent accounts, income sources, seasonality

• Lease details – remaining term or new term, ground rent, review dates and renewal rights

• Assets included – buildings, plant, equipment, vehicles, licences, intellectual property

• Staff and operations – existing team, key roles, training needs

• Licences and compliance – health, tourism, liquor, commercial licences where applicable

• Growth opportunities – new services, online marketing, partnerships, upgrades

Our role is to help you:

• Understand the lease and property aspects clearly

• Direct you towards appropriate advice for financial and legal due diligence

• Work with the vendor and landowners toward a smooth transition

Residency and Work Permits

Purchasing a business does not automatically grant residency, but it can be a key part of building a case for:

• Work permits – to actively work in your business

• Residency permits – where applicable, under the rules in force at the time

We are not immigration advisers, but we can explain the typical patterns we see and connect you with the appropriate offices or professionals to clarify requirements.

How We Help Buyers

At Cook Islands Real Estate, we:

• Listen carefully to your goals (lifestyle vs income vs investment)

• Suggest businesses that realistically match your capabilities and budget

• Explain the leasehold structure in plain language

• Co‑ordinate inspections and discussions with vendors

• Work alongside your chosen legal and accounting advisors

Our aim is to ensure you fully understand what you’re buying and how it fits into your long‑term plans.

Next Steps

If you are considering buying a business in the Cook Islands, we suggest:

1. Reviewing our current Cook Islands businesses for sale

2. Reading Buying Leasehold Property in the Cook Islands for the bigger picture

3. Contacting us with a brief outline of:

   • Your background and country of residence

   • Whether you have Cook Islands heritage or P.R.

   • The type and scale of business you are interested in

📞 Contact Cook Islands Real Estate to discuss your plans and explore suitable business opportunities in Rarotonga and the outer islands.

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Frequently Asked Questions – Buying a Business in the Cook Islands

Can non‑Cook Islanders buy a business in the Cook Islands?

Yes. Non‑Cook Islanders can buy going‑concern businesses that operate on leasehold land, subject to the usual approvals. The business entity itself can typically be owned 100% by overseas buyers.

Does buying a business automatically give me residency?

No. Purchasing a business does not automatically grant residency, but it can be an important part of applying for work permits and, in some cases, residency permits. Immigration decisions are made by the relevant authorities.

What is the maximum lease term for business land in the Cook Islands?

All land in the Cook Islands is leasehold, with maximum lease terms of up to 60 years. Some business sites may have an existing lease with years remaining, while others can offer a new full‑term lease at the time of sale.

What kinds of businesses are most common for overseas buyers?

Many overseas buyers look at tourism, accommodation, café and restaurant, automotive, and service businesses, as these often combine lifestyle with income. The right fit depends on your skills, budget and goals.

What should I check before buying a business?

You should review financial performance, the lease term and ground rent, assets included in the sale, staffing needs, licences and compliance, and growth opportunities. Professional legal and accounting advice is strongly recommended.

How can Cook Islands Real Estate help me?

We help you understand the leasehold and property side of the purchase, introduce you to suitable businesses, co‑ordinate inspections and discussions, and work alongside your chosen professional advisers so you can make an informed decision.