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Here are five important facts about Vanuatu:

1. Location and Geography: Vanuatu is an archipelago located in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of 83 islands, with the capital city being Port Vila on the island of Efate. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, including white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and lush rainforests. Mount Yasur, an active volcano on the island of Tanna, is a popular tourist attraction.

2. Cultural Diversity: Vanuatu is home to a diverse population with over 100 indigenous languages spoken throughout the islands. The country takes great pride in its cultural heritage and traditional practices. The indigenous Melanesian people have a strong connection to their land and engage in customary practices, including kastom ceremonies, dances, and traditional arts and crafts.

3. Ecotourism and Marine Conservation: Vanuatu is a haven for eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts. Its marine biodiversity and coral reefs make it a popular destination for diving and snorkeling. The country has taken significant steps in marine conservation, including the establishment of protected marine areas and sustainable tourism practices to preserve its natural resources.

4. Resilience to Natural Disasters: Vanuatu is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and is susceptible to natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. Despite this, the people of Vanuatu have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity and have developed strategies for disaster preparedness and recovery.

5. Agriculture and Sustainable Development: Agriculture plays a vital role in Vanuatu's economy, with subsistence farming being the primary livelihood for many communities. The country is known for its organic farming practices and exports products such as copra, cocoa, coffee, and kava. Vanuatu is also actively pursuing sustainable development initiatives, including renewable energy projects and initiatives to protect its natural resources.

 

Immigration Details

To immigrate to Vanuatu, there are various visa options available for different purposes. Here are the main ways to obtain residency or citizenship in Vanuatu:

1. Visitor Visa:
- Purpose: This visa allows individuals to visit Vanuatu for tourism or business purposes.
- Requirements: Typically, a visitor visa can be obtained upon arrival for a stay of up to 30 days. For longer stays, an extension or conversion to a different visa type may be required.
- Duration: Up to 30 days initially, with the possibility of extensions.

2. Business Visa:
- Purpose: The business visa is designed for individuals who intend to engage in business activities in Vanuatu.
- Requirements: You will need to provide documentation related to your business activities, such as a business plan, proof of financial resources, and information about your local business contacts or partners.
- Duration: Business visas are typically valid for one year, renewable annually.

3. Work Permit:
- Purpose: This permit allows individuals to work for an employer in Vanuatu.
- Requirements: The employer must sponsor the work permit application, and you will need to provide documentation such as a valid employment contract, proof of qualifications, and a clean criminal record.
- Duration: Work permits are typically valid for the duration of the employment contract.

4. Study Visa:
- Purpose: This visa allows individuals to study at a recognized educational institution in Vanuatu.
- Requirements: You will need to provide an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means to support your studies, and a clean criminal record.
- Duration: Study visas are typically valid for the duration of the study program.

5. Permanent Residence:
- Purpose: Permanent residence allows individuals to live and work in Vanuatu indefinitely.
- Requirements: The requirements for permanent residence in Vanuatu vary and may include specific investment or business requirements, contribution to the local community, or other qualifying criteria.
- Duration: Permanent residence status does not expire, but you may need to renew your residence permit periodically.

6. Citizenship:
- Purpose: Vanuatu citizenship provides full rights and benefits, including the ability to live, work, and own property in the country without restrictions.
- Requirements: Citizenship can be obtained through various pathways, such as investment in the country's Development Support Program (DSP) or the Vanuatu Contribution Program (VCP). The specific requirements, including investment amounts and supporting documents, can vary.
- Duration: The citizenship application process can typically take several months to complete.

Fees, processing times, and required documents can vary depending on the visa type and individual circumstances. It is recommended to consult with the nearest Vanuatu embassy or consulate or seek professional advice to obtain accurate and up-to-date information tailored to your situation.

Location
Rank
  • VISA-FREE
    61
  • DUAL CITIZENSHIP
  • POPULATION
    308,043
  • Time To Citizenship
    46
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TAX

The income of Vanuatu citizens or residents is free of any kind of local taxes, whether the income is remitted or not. Vanuatu is a low tax and offshore jurisdiction free from personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax and wealth tax.

Lands in Vanuatu are not freehold. Properties can be leased for up to 50 years for residential lots and 75 for commercial ones. Land lease is subject to a 2% registration fee and 5% stamp duty on the unimproved capital value.

Value-added tax (VAT) in Vanuatu is 12.5%.

Regarding corporate taxation, companies incorporated in Vanuatu are free from income taxes, dividend distribution taxes, capital gains taxes and withholding taxes.

Companies incorporated under the Companies Act are entitled to do business within the country. Those incorporated under the International Companies Act may have restrictions to do business with residents, but may benefit from confidentiality, no filling requirements and may be guaranteed for a full tax exemption for 20 years.

This should not be construed as tax advice. We have access to a global network of qualified attorneys and accountants who can give you the proper advice for your particular circumstances. Contact us for further information.

  • Property Tax Yes
  • Transfer Tax Yes
  • Inheritance Tax No
  • Net Worth Tax No
  • CFC Law No
  • Tax Residency Days 183
  • Personal Income Tax Rate 0%
  • Capital Gains Tax Rate 0%
  • Investment Income Tax Rate 0%
  • Territorial Taxation Yes
Visa-Free Explain

What Countries Issue Visa on Arrival to Vanuatuan Passport Holders?

If you are a Vanuatuan citizen, you can get a visa on arrival for the 35 countries listed below:

  • Armenia
  • Bangladesh
  • Bolivia
  • Burundi
  • Cambodia
  • Cabo Verde
  • Comoros
  • Egypt
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Iran
  • Jordan
  • Laos
  • Macau
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Maldives
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritania
  • Mozambique
  • Nauru
  • Nepal
  • Palau
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Rwanda
  • Samoa
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • Solomon Islands
  • Somalia
  • Saint Helena
  • Thailand
  • Timor-Leste
  • Togo
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu

You receive a visa on arrival (VOA) after entering the country that issues such a visa. Usually, there is a separate section at the airport where you can submit your application for your visa on arrival.

Countries With Visa Requirements for Vanuatuan Citizens

You need a valid visa to enter the following 109 countries with a Vanuatuan passport:

  • Afghanistan
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • American Samoa
  • Angola
  • Argentina
  • Aruba
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Bahrain
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Bhutan
  • Caribbean Netherlands
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cameroon
  • Canada
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Chile
  • China
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Republic of the Congo
  • Ivory Coast
  • Croatia
  • Cuba
  • Curaçao
  • Cyprus
  • Czechia
  • Denmark
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Estonia
  • Falkland Islands
  • Faroe Islands
  • Finland
  • France
  • French Guiana
  • French Polynesia
  • French West Indies
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Greece
  • Greenland
  • Guam
  • Guyana
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Iraq
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Latvia
  • Lebanon
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Mali
  • Malta
  • Mayotte
  • Mexico
  • Mongolia
  • Morocco
  • Myanmar
  • Namibia
  • Netherlands
  • New Caledonia
  • New Zealand
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • North Korea
  • North Macedonia
  • Northern Mariana Islands
  • Norway
  • Paraguay
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Puerto Rico
  • Réunion
  • Romania
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • South Sudan
  • Spain
  • Saint Martin
  • Sudan
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Syria
  • Taiwan
  • Tunisia
  • Turkmenistan
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • United States Virgin Islands
  • United States
  • Uruguay
  • Vatican City
  • Venezuela
  • Yemen

The application for a visa goes as follows:

  1. Make an appointment at the visa center in Vanuatu. You must contact a local visa application center in your home country and make an appointment to submit your application. It may take several months to schedule a meeting with the embassy or consulate.
  2. Get your documents ready. To submit a successful application, you have to prepare the required documents for your visa, i.e., passport, application form, health insurance, etc. Some of your documents must be verified with an apostille stamp or certified by a foreign office.
  3. Submit your application. Finally, you can submit your application and attend the visa interview—you may also be required to submit your biometrics. Once you translate your documents as required by the embassy or consulate and verify them with an apostille stamp— if possible, then you can submit your application. From then it will take several weeks until a decision is made regarding your visa application.

Please note that if you have a valid visa that allows you to enter more than one country, you don’t have to apply for a new visa.

What Documents Do Vanuatuan Citizens Need to Apply for a Visa?

Vanuatuan citizens that want to visit countries that require them to apply for a visa beforehand need to submit a few documents. Depending on the country you want to visit, document requirements may vary. However, most countries will certainly require the following:

  • Your valid Vanuatuan passport (plus a photocopy). Some countries require the passport to be valid for more than six months after the day you plan on departing their country.
  • A filled visa application form.
  • Passport pictures that are not older than six months.
  • Travel health insurance that covers your entire period of stay.
  • Proof of paid visa fee.
  • Detailed travel itinerary that shows all the places you want to visit.
  • Letter of invitation (if applicable)
  • Proof of booked return ticket for the flight home.
  • Proof of booked accommodation.
  • Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your visit
  • Civil status documents (marriage papers, certificates of birth, etc.)

Where Can Vanuatuan Passport Holders Travel Without a Visa?

As of June 2023, Vanuatuan passport holders can travel visa free to 61 countries and territories:

  • Andorra
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Bermuda
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Botswana
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • Cook Islands
  • Costa Rica
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Fiji
  • Gibraltar
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Indonesia
  • Israel
  • Jamaica
  • Kenya
  • Kiribati
  • Kosovo
  • Lesotho
  • Malaysia
  • Mauritius
  • Micronesia
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • Montserrat
  • Nicaragua
  • Niue
  • Palestine
  • Panama
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Russia
  • San Marino
  • Senegal
  • Singapore
  • Sri Lanka
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Suriname
  • Tanzania
  • Gambia
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Uganda
  • United Kingdom
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
  • Eswatini

For visa-free travels, you still must have a valid passport — usually six months after your departure date— and you must purchase travel health insurance as required by your destination country.

What Countries Issue eVisa to Vanuatuan Citizens?

The following 21 countries issue eVisas for Vanuatuan passport holders:

  • Azerbaijan
  • Benin
  • Colombia
  • Djibouti
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • Georgia
  • Guinea
  • India
  • Kuwait
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Qatar
  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Tajikistan
  • Türkiye
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vietnam

The process of getting an eVisa is more or less the same as applying for a traditional visa. However, in this case, you don’t have to visit a visa application center— you can submit your application online, including the visa payment.

After your application is approved, you will receive an email confirming your visa status along with a document you must print out and bring with you when crossing the border. Your visa will be registered online, but some officers may ask you for a physical copy of the permit; that is why it’s important to keep the copy on your person while traveling.

 

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