(CNMI DOL) — The CNMI Department of Labor is advising all businesses that, beginning January 2026, new requirements for the Certificate of Good Standing or COGS will take effect. These updates were made after a departmental review identified redundancies in the documentation process. The new policy streamlines requirements while reinforcing compliance and workplace safety standards.
Documents that remain the same:
Request letter addressed to the Secretary of Labor or Designee
Copy of valid Business License(s) (if applicable – not required for government agencies)
Letter of Compliance from the Department of Finance (not older than three months)
Employer’s Quarterly Withholding Tax (most recent three quarters)
New requirements effective January 2026:
Certificate of Compliance from the Department of Commerce Workers’ Compensation Office (not older than three months)
Certificate of Completion from the OSHA On-site Consultation Program (valid for one year)
The inclusion of the new requirements ensures that employers maintain compliance not only with labor and tax laws but also with workplace safety and employee protection standards. The OSHA On-site Consultation Program provides free consultation services on all three islands, so businesses based in Tinian and Rota can easily access the service and obtain their certificate of completion.
The CNMI Department of Labor encourages all employers who anticipate requesting a Certificate of Good Standing in 2026 to begin preparing now to avoid delays. Ensuring these requirements are met ahead of time will help streamline processing and prevent interruptions in business operations or government contracting eligibility.
For more information, visit www.labor.cnmi.gov/, email info@labor.gov.mp, or contact the Office of Administrative Services at (670) 664-3190 for assistance.
