No stamp duty on the transfer

Stamp duty on share transfers was abolished in Fiji from 1 August 2020, along with stamp duty on all other instruments. You no longer need to calculate, assess, or pay stamp duty when transferring shares in a Fiji company — that cost and step is gone from the process. What still applies is everything else below: the transfer paperwork, board approval, and register updates that make a transfer valid.

The paperwork that actually constitutes a valid transfer

A share transfer typically requires: a share transfer instrument (no stamp duty required), board approval via resolution, an updated share certificate, and an entry in the company's register of members reflecting the new holder. Skipping any of these steps means the "transfer" may not be properly effected even if everyone involved has informally agreed to it.

UBO register implications

Because Fiji's beneficial ownership rules require companies to maintain and confirm an accurate UBO register, any share transfer that changes who ultimately controls or benefits from the company needs to be reflected in that register, not just the share register. This is easy to overlook when a transfer happens between related parties or as part of a wider restructure.

Power of attorney for overseas shareholders

Where a shareholder is based overseas and can't be present to execute transfer documents in person, a properly drafted power of attorney lets a local representative sign on their behalf, provided it's set up correctly and within its stated authority.

Allotments are a related but separate process

Issuing new shares (an allotment) — for example, bringing in a new investor via fresh capital rather than a transfer of existing shares — follows a related but distinct process, with its own board approval and Companies Office filing requirements.

How Alvin Kumar & Associates helps

We manage share allotments, transfers, UBO register updates, and power of attorney arrangements end-to-end, including preparing transfer instruments and updating the UBO register, so the transaction is properly documented from day one. Share transfer requirements are set by Fiji law and can change, so confirm your position with us before transferring or allotting shares.