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Obtain Export Permit  (2) expand_more expand_less
Obtain Business License  (3) expand_more expand_less
Obtain Phytosanitary Certificate copy  (2) expand_more expand_less
Obtain airway Bill  (1) expand_more expand_less
Customs and Biosecurity Clearance  (1) expand_more expand_less
Hire Customs Broker Optional
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3
Apply for business license
(last modified: 22/07/2025)

Contact details

Entity in charge

Ministry of Trade and Economic Development

Latai Estate,P.O Box 110, Cnr Queen Salote and Tupoulahi Rd, , Nuku'alofa
Tel: +6767400105 / +6767400104
Website: https://www.businessregistries.gov.to/

Unit in charge

Business Registry

Mon: 08:30 - 04:00
Tue: 08:30 - 04:00
Wed: 08:30 - 04:00
Thu: 08:30 - 04:00
Fri: 08:30 - 04:00
Sat: closed
Sun: closed
Open during lunch hour from 12:30 - 1:30 pm.

Person in charge

Losana Timani

Computer Operator Grade 1
Tel: 7400105 ext.145
Email: losanat@mted.gov.to

Expected results

Receipt of Application for New Business Licence

Requirements

All
1. Application for a Business License
Application for a Business License (original)
completed by applicant
2. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Valid Identification (original)
National ID or Passport
3. Business Inspection Form
Business Inspection Form (original)
Upon Lodgement of application and the filled business inspection form, an inspection visit will be conducted to the site of intended business.
Foreign Investors
1. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
FIC Certificate (original)
If applicant is a foreign investor then a Foreign Investment Certificate is required to apply for a business licence.
2. Import Permit (Australia Only)
Import Permit (Australia Only) (original + Simple copy)
This only applies to exporters of Kava to Australia.

Cost TOP 57.5

TOP expand_more expand_less
  • TOP Add Name Here
TOP 57.5
Application for initial business license in person incl. of CT
Payment methods: cash, credit cards, Check
*Applying online for a new Business License is TOP $57.50 incl. of CT. The initial manual cost of $115 is not applicable anymore, as everything is done online.
Business Licence Prescribed Fees Business Licence Prescribed Fees

Time frame

If online registration with necessary documents are completed, you will be able to obtain a business license on that same day. *The only wait time would be to manually pay registration fee.
Waiting time in queue: min   5mn - max  10mn

Legal justification

1. Business License Regulations 2012
Business License Regulations 2012
Article 3(1)&Schedule1
Related regulatory frameworks are also made available on the registry website https://www.businessregistries.gov.to/

Additional information

APPLICATION ONLINE

To register online via https://www.businessregistries.gov.to , or to maintain an existing business license online, you will first need a Business Registries account. Filling in the application form for a new license and renewal of license can be done online but payment has to be paid to the office.
*Due to an upgrade of the Business Registries system, if you have an existing registered business, you will need to do a transitional update of your business details from the old system to the current one.
*Note that registering for a Business License are now only completed online, there is no manual registration except temporarily having to manually pay at the office.

BUSINESS NAME
You must determine what name to use on the business license. If one decides to use any other name other than your own name then you are required to register that name under the Registration of Business Name Act 2013.

RENEWAL
Renewal of business license has to be done annually.

Complaints: Ministry of Trade and Economic Development

Entity in charge

Ministry of Trade and Economic Development

Latai Estate,P.O Box 110, Cnr Queen Salote and Tupoulahi Rd, , Nuku'alofa
Tel: +6767400105 / +6767400104
Website: https://www.businessregistries.gov.to/

Unit in charge

Business Registry

Mon: 08:30 - 04:00
Tue: 08:30 - 04:00
Wed: 08:30 - 04:00
Thu: 08:30 - 04:00
Fri: 08:30 - 04:00
Sat: closed
Sun: closed
Open during lunch hour from 12:30 - 1:30 pm.

Person in charge

Poinisetia Paongo

Deputy Secretary Registry
Tel: 7400105 ext. 121 / +6767400105
Email: poinisetiap@mted.gov.to
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