The duration of the incentive benefits is extended from seven to ten years according to the amending decree of the General Budget of the Republic of Haiti for the fiscal year 2025-2026. This three-year extension demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s attractiveness and offering investors an extended period to consolidate their operations before reaching their full tax capacity.
The new general provisions
The expanded incentives now include a full exemption from corporate income tax for ten consecutive years, compared to seven previously. These are complemented by accelerated depreciation of real estate, equipment, hardware, and software, allowing for immediate tax optimization, as well as exemption from duties and taxes on imports of capital goods, with the possibility of renewal for an additional five years for modernization or expansion projects.
These provisions apply to eligible sectors: Agriculture, Handicraft Production, Tourism and related services, Export, National Industries, Free Zones, as well as other sectors defined by legislation.
What is an incentive measure?
Incentive measures refer to tax exemptions, customs exemptions, or administrative facilitations granted to companies meeting certain criteria. Their objective is to liberalize, stimulate, and guarantee private investment by facilitating the establishment and development of businesses that create jobs and added value for the national economy.
Advantages by strategic sector
Export Sector : Exporting companies benefit from customs and tax exemptions on imports of raw materials, capital goods, and equipment necessary for their operations, provided these goods are not available locally in sufficient quantity and quality. The scheme includes retroactive exemptions on import duties for equipment, waivers of security deposits for temporary admission, and exemptions from verification fees. These measures significantly reduce start-up costs and optimize cash flow from the outset.
Agricultural Sector : Faced with food security challenges, the agricultural sector benefits from customs and tax exemptions for ten consecutive years on inputs, equipment, and materials necessary for the activities of agricultural businesses, development companies, and cooperatives. The exemption from the Customs Code for temporary admission imports significantly simplifies procedures. Contributing 16% to GDP and representing 29% of national employment, agriculture remains a fundamental pillar that the State actively supports.
Craft Sector : The craft sector benefits from a ten-year exemption from customs duties on supplies and materials necessary for production, as well as a ten-year exemption from taxes and customs duties on equipment. The waiver of the security deposit for temporary imports facilitates access for small businesses to equipment that improves their productivity and the quality of their products destined for local and export markets.
Industry Sector : Industrial companies benefit from a ten-year exemption from customs and tax duties on equipment necessary for the installation and operation of their production units. This exemption extends for five years to raw materials for companies wishing to modernize or expand their facilities. The waiver of the security deposit reduces working capital requirements. This measure is particularly appreciated in the textile sector, which represents the leading FDI sector in Haiti and has created more than 45,000 direct jobs.
Tourism Sector : Recognizing tourism’s potential for job creation and foreign exchange earnings, the State grants tourism businesses a 15-year exemption from customs and taxes on equipment necessary for prospecting, establishment, and development; a 15-year exemption from business licenses; and a waiver of the security deposit requirement for temporary imports. With 1,500 kilometers of pristine coastline and an exceptional historical heritage, Haiti possesses considerable assets for developing responsible and value-creating tourism.
Free Trade Zones : Promoters and operators of free trade zones benefit from customs and tax exemptions on capital goods and imports of raw materials, infrastructure equipment, and other inputs. The scheme provides for exemption from registration and transcription fees for fifteen years for all documents relating to the incorporation and operation of the company, as well as exemption from the CFB (Business Formalities Fund) for seven years. Haiti has three major industrial parks: SONAPI (Port-au-Prince), PIC (Caracol), and CODEVI (Ouanaminthe).
Simplified application process and free support from the CFI
All applications must be addressed to the Director General of the CFI, who provides secretariat services for the Interministerial Investment Commission. The application must be accompanied by a detailed business plan, financial projections, the company’s articles of incorporation, the business license, proof of financial capacity, a detailed list of the equipment for which the exemption is requested, and a formal commitment regarding job creation and the duration of operation.
The CFI verifies the completeness of the application, analyzes the project’s eligibility, submits the application to the Interministerial Commission, monitors the process throughout the approval procedure, and issues the exemption certificates once approval is granted. Estimated processing time: 2 to 4 months for a complete application.
The CFI plays a central role in accessing these benefits. The institution provides free support to investors at every stage: project eligibility assessment, preparation of a complete and compliant file, rigorous review and monitoring throughout the approval process, obtaining exemption certificates, and post-obtaining follow-up for compliance with obligations and possible renewal.
Conditions and obligations
To benefit and retain these advantages, companies must meet several conditions: creation of direct jobs with measurable impact, compliance with minimum investment thresholds defined by sector, maintenance of activity throughout the exemption period, regular reporting with financial statements and employment data, proper use of imported equipment under the exemption, contribution to development through training of the local workforce, and compliance with environmental, social and quality standards.
Failure to comply with these obligations may result in the immediate revocation of benefits and the obligation to reimburse the amounts of exemption from which the company has benefited.
CFI Communications Unit