Earth-Mars Trade

Earth-Mars trade will likely be the primary form of commerce for the first Martian settlements. This trade is limited by the great distance between Earth and Mars, and the enormous cost of lifting goods out of the gravity well of the two planets. The majority of the commerce will necessarily be information-based.

Short-Term Business Models

Initial business models could resemble those similar to the ones used by many small nations, such as the Vatican, Monaco, San Marino, and some Pacific islands. Like the first Martian settlements, these nations cannot rely on large pools of labor, infrastructure, or abundant natural resources.

Information Services

Offworld backup

Offsite backup is a vital aspect of data security for any business. It ensures data backup in the event of natural disasters. No location could be more offsite than Mars!

Internet domain sale

People could buy the .mars domain.

Consultancy

Established colonies can advise governments and corporations in their own exploration/colonization efforts.

Financial Services

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Flag of Convenience

As on Earth, a sovereign martian state can sell ship registration. Initially, this would apply only to marine vessels, but it may be expanded to space vessels in the future. A vessel's registration determines which laws are in effect for its occupants when it is in international waters.

Science

Scientific Lease

A settlement can lease space and sell resources to governments or institutions that want to send their scientists to Mars. Alternately,

Research for Hire

Skilled settlers could be paid to do scientific research.

Hazardous Research Facility

An irradiated near-vacuum environment is a near-perfect biological barrier . Any facility would necessarily be isolated from the colony, of course. It would be the perfect location for biotechnology research without the risk to terrestrial life.

Education

Martian scientists and professors can record lectures and presentations that can be sold to schools, colleges, and universities.

Consumer Goods and Services

Tourism

Certain people with a lot of money have historically been interested in Space Tourism, even when there are significant risks. So, Mars tourism is an even more exotic challenge.

TV rights

Reality shows, etc.

Licensed Merchandise

While Mars itself cannot be trademarked, likenesses of the settlement/settlers could be. Possibilities include stamps, coins, playsets, etc. First colonists would likely gain celebrity status. These goods would be manufactured on Earth, due to the cost savings.

Commercial Sponsorship

Companies may pay to place a logo on a wall, use "the official << insert commercial product here >> of Mars" in advertising.

Genetic Legacy

Ensure your genetic legacy by sending your sperm/eggs/embryos to Mars. Having descendants on two worlds is more secure.

Real Estate

Land Speculation

While historically not the most respectable business, an actual presence on Mars lends much more credibility to the transaction.

Martian Cemetery

People might pay to have their ashes buried on Mars.