Majuro: what to see and whether to move there

Is it worth moving to Majuro in 2026

Majuro is the capital of the Marshall Islands, an atoll in the central Pacific where about 30,000 people live on a narrow strip of land a few dozen kilometres long. It has the government, port, airport, hospital, banks and almost all of the country's jobs. The Marshall Islands are linked to the United States by a compact of free association, so the US dollar is the currency and many rules and standards are American.

People move here mainly for work: in government and international organisations, coastal protection projects, fisheries, the port and ship registration. For living by choice Majuro is a poor fit: the islands rise only a couple of metres above the sea, housing is expensive and scarce, and foreigners cannot buy land.

Cost of living in Majuro

Prices come from two independent price databases for 2025-2026, in US dollars. The housing market is tiny, so an apartment outside the centre can cost as much as or more than in the centre. Electricity is generated from imported fuel, so utility bills are high, and food is almost all imported and pricier than in the United States.

Where to live in Majuro

• Delap, Uliga and Djarrit - the eastern part of the atoll with government buildings, shops, banks and most housing.
• Around the hospital and port - convenient for work but noisier and denser.
• Laura - the western tip of the atoll an hour along the only road, quieter, greener and with beaches.

The atoll stretches along one road, so commute time depends on the area. People get around by car and shared taxis that run up and down the road.

Entry and residence

Russian citizens are on the list of countries that receive a free visa on arrival for up to 90 days. However, a police certificate and a medical certificate must be presented on arrival, so documents are prepared in advance. Work requires a permit arranged by the employer, and long-term living requires residence based on work, business or family.

There is no separate residence for investors, remote workers or retirees. Certificate and timing requirements should be checked before travel, as they change.

Taxes in the Marshall Islands

Wage tax is 8% on the first $10,400 a year and 12% on the amount above, and no tax is paid on annual wages of $5,200 or less. Entrepreneurs and companies pay gross revenue tax: a flat $80 on revenue up to $10,000 a year and 3% on revenue above that. Tax is withheld by the employer. There is no VAT as such, but import duties apply.

Renting and land

Land in the Marshall Islands belongs to clans and families under customary law and is not sold to foreigners; only a lease agreed with the owners is possible. For a long lease it is important to identify all owners of the plot, as land rights are often shared by several people. Housing is rented through the employer and contacts, and before moving in check the water tank, air conditioning and storm protection.

Climate and daily life

The climate is tropical: around 27-31 degrees all year, with a wet season from May to November and droughts in some years. Water comes ashore during king tides and storms. The languages are Marshallese and English. Majuro has a hospital and private clinics, but complex treatment is done abroad, so insurance with evacuation is needed. Flights link Majuro with Honolulu and Guam as well as neighbouring island nations.

Pitfalls

• A police certificate and medical certificate are required on arrival.
• No residence for investors or remote workers.
• Foreigners cannot buy land, only lease it.
• Expensive housing, electricity and imported food.
• Rising sea levels and storms.
• Few flights and weak healthcare.

Murblz specialists help with the work permit, residence, company registration and housing in the Marshall Islands. A consultant in the chat will calculate the cost of support.