Cook Island is a self-governing archipelago located in the South Pacific Ocean in free association with New Zealand. The country has many opportunities for development and growth. The GDP of Cook island increased by 3.1% in the past years. The country mainly focuses on service industries and tourism to improve the GDP.
Major economic hubs:
Avarua, Amuri, Avatiu
Skills in demand:
Digital Marketing, IT engineer, software engineer, and Developer.
Local Universities
The top local universities in Cook Island are as follows:
Takamoa Theological College
Ranking:
Local: 1
University of the South Pacific
Ranking:
Local: 2
Cook Islands campus and Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute
Ranking:
Local: 3
Salary Data
The average monthly salary of some jobs available in Cook Island is as follows:
In order to maintain a fair and decent work environment, the employer must know about the labor law, social security contribution, bonus, and allowances that the employee needs to be provided with. This section contains all the information for the employer.
Employee Contract
The language of the employment contract must be in the official language; English or Cook Islands Māori.
Probation Period
The probation period in Cook island must not exceed six months.
Public and Provincial Holidays 2023
Date
Name
Type
1 Jan
New Year’s Day
Public Holiday
2 Jan
New Year’s Day observed
Public Holiday
2 Jan
Day After New Year’s Day
Public Holiday
3 Jan
Day After New Year’s Day observed
Public Holiday
7 Apr
Good Friday
Public Holiday
10 Apr
Easter Monday
Public Holiday
25 Apr
ANZAC Day
Public Holiday
5 Jun
Sovereign’s Birthday
Public Holiday
7 Jul
Ui Ariki Day
Public Holiday
4 Aug
Constitution Day
Public Holiday
26 Oct
Gospel Day
Public Holiday
25 Dec
Christmas Day
Public Holiday
26 Dec
Boxing Day
Public Holiday
Employee Leaves
Type of Leave
Time Period
Mandatory
Annual/Earned Leave
10 days
Yes
Sick Leave
5 days
Yes
Maternity Leave
6 Weeks
Yes
Payroll
Payroll Cycle
The payroll cycle in Cook Island is Monthly.
Minimum Wage
The minimum wage in Cook Island is NZD 8.00/hour.
Overtime Pay
The overtime rate is 1.5 times the monthly wage.
Bonus
13th Month Pay:
There is no statutory law for 13th-month pay in Cook Island
*2,618 NZD + 27 cents for each 1 NZD above 30,000 NZD
Above 80,0001
30%
*16,118 NZD + 30 cents for each 1 NZD above 80,000 NZD
In Euro
Annual Taxable Income
Income Tax Rates (%)
Deductible Amount (EUR)
Up to 7,112
14.5
Nil
Ranging from 7,113 to 10,732
23
604.54
Ranging from 10,733 to 20,322
28.5
1,194.80
Ranging from 20,323 to 25,075
35
2,515.63
Ranging from 25,076 to 36,967
37
3,017.27
Ranging from 36,968 to 80,882
45
5,974.54
80,882 and more
48
8,401.21
Note: Depending on the employee income above the tax-free threshold, calculate the payable tax for each income bracket. For instance, the payable income between 14,601 NZD and 30,000 NZD is 17 cents for every dollar. For the tax bracket 30,000 NZD to 80,000 NZD, the employee has taxed 27 cents.
In Cook Island, there is no statutory law for severance pay.
Visa and Immigration
Any individual to work from Cook Island needs to apply for a work permit in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration. Also, the individual has to provide all the personal documents with the employee contract and Health clearance check. Before traveling to the country, police checking is essential.
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