MCCTIL is pleased to announce a new initiative intended to enhance our nonprofit sector. Tonga’s Incorporated Societies and Charitable Trust Acts are both dated and would benefit from modernization. This would allow for both of these entities to eventually be included in the online register. The Ministry has prepared a Consultation Paper for each entity and hereby requests feedback from the public on proposed changes to the law. You can find the consultation papers for both acts under the tab above called “Nonprofit Sector.” Comments are due by August 28, 2026. As additional documents become available, they will be added to this tab. 

MCCTIL is also undertaking a small amendment to the Companies Act. The proposed amendment will assist Tonga in complying with international anti-money laundering mandates. The changes would also increase transparency and good governance of local companies. You can find the consultation paper for these changes under the tab above called “Companies Act Changes.” Again, comments are due by August 28, 2026.

Using the Online register. The following details will help you use the online system, and additional information is available under the tab called “Guides for the online registry” tab just above. The most helpful guide to get started is called “Overview of the online registry.”

Entities in the registry. Companies, business names and business licences continue to be managed in the registry. In addition, the foreign investor certification process is now provided for in the online system.

Online only. All filings for these business entities can now be submitted via the online system. For this reason, paper filings are no longer be accepted. If you need assistance you may visit any MCCTIL office for help in getting started with the online system.

Client accounts.   To use the online system, you will need an online client account with the registry. Creating a client account is both easy and free. Simply click on the “Create Client Account” link on the upper right-hand corner of this webpage, fill out the form and upload a scanned version of a current government-issued photo ID.  The first time you log in you will be asked to confirm your details and to update your password.

Authority to file.  You must have authority to submit filings against any entity. Typically directors have authority, and sometimes attorneys or accountants. If you were the person that created the entity you will automatically be granted authority. For more details on authority please see the Overview guide.

If your company has been struck off for failure to file an annual return, you may be eligible to have it restored to the register. Additionally, third parties (like creditors) may also be eligible to restore a company. To file an online application to reinstate an existing company, you must have a client account. For information on how to create a client account, please click the Create Account link. You must also have authority to submit filings for the company. If you don't already have authority, please see the How to Obtain Authority to Manage and Existing Business Entity guide.  In essence, you will submit a request for authority to the Registrar explaining why you have the legal right to submit filings against a particular corporation (such as being a shareholder or creditor of the entity). Please click on this link on How to Restore a Company for more information.

Payments.  You will pay any fees by funding your client account. The account funds will then be used for the transaction fee. You may fund your account by making a one-time payment via a credit card at the time you submit a filing, or you may pre-fund your account with various payment methods at the MCCTIL office.