If you want to open a company in Vanuatu or invest in the country’s economy, and at the same time plan to stay for more than 12 months, a category 132 visa may be the optimal solution.
Vanuatu offers not only paradise beaches, stunning tropical landscapes, and a favorable tax system but also simple conditions for obtaining a permanent residency card. This jurisdiction is attracting more and more foreigners with its advantageous residency and citizenship-by-investment programs. If you want to enjoy an environmentally clean environment, have flexible business opportunities, and take advantage of tax benefits for your family, a residence permit in Vanuatu, which is part of the Vanuatu permanent residency options, is the perfect solution!
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Our legal company offers consultations and selection of the optimal residence permit program, full support in document submission, assistance in passing checks, and meeting the requirements of immigration authorities for obtaining your Vanuatu PR. Our lawyers will provide full support and help you easily obtain Vanuatu permanent residency.
Vanuatu Residency Visa is an official status that allows foreign citizens to reside within the jurisdiction legally. Depending on the category, Vanuatu permanent residency may grant the right to work, conduct business, invest, or maintain financial independence. Permanent Residency offers foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and their families extensive financial and personal opportunities.
One of the main factors attracting investors and wealthy individuals to Vanuatu is its advantageous tax system. There is no income tax for either individuals or legal entities. There is no capital gains tax, making Vanuatu an ideal place for long-term asset management. Offshore companies are not subject to corporate tax but instead pay a fixed annual fee. Such a tax system, combined with low fees, makes Vanuatu one of the most favorable places in the world for financial planning and capital preservation.
Unlike many countries where the process of obtaining a residence permit can take years, in Vanuatu, everything happens much faster. The application processing time for the permanent residency program and Vanuatu permanent residency is from 1 to 3 months. The minimum income requirement for applicants is simply to confirm financial solvency or investments in the economy. There is no mandatory residency – Vanuatu permanent residency status is maintained even without long-term presence in the country.
A Vanuatu residence permit can be arranged not only for yourself but also for the entire family. The application can include a spouse, children up to 25 years old (if they are financially dependent on the applicant), and parents over the age of 50. For family relocation, especially for those coming from a commonwealth country, Vanuatu offers a high level of safety, quality medical care, and favorable living conditions for Vanuatu citizens. Vanuatu is a well-known international offshore center offering favorable conditions for business.
Complete exemption from taxes, as regulated by the Vanuatu government (only a fixed annual fee);
Privacy and data protection – information about business owners is not disclosed.
Minimum requirements for bookkeeping and financial reporting;
Simple company registration available for non-residents.
Purchasing real estate in Vanuatu is a profitable investment. The cost of real estate in the country is significantly lower than in other popular jurisdictions. You can acquire a villa on the oceanfront, apartments, or commercial property. To invest in a property in Vanuatu, you don’t need any authorization from the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority, nor an Investor’s certificate or a business license.
High demand for rentals among tourists makes investments profitable and promising. Investing in real estate in Vanuatu is a reliable way to obtain a second passport or residence permit, with a processing time that is significantly shorter than in other jurisdictions, and simultaneously protect your capital.
Vanuatu allows dual citizenship, which enables wealthy investors to retain the citizenship of their home country. After several years of residence with a residence permit, it is possible to apply for citizenship for your spouse, but an alternative option is also available – obtaining a passport through the DSP investment program.
Citizenship is lifelong. After obtaining a passport through the Vanuatu permanent residency program, it will not need to be renewed annually. A residence permit must be renewed every year or once every few years, depending on the conditions and category of the visa.
Citizenship provides visa-free entry to more than 100 countries, including the United Kingdom and Schengen countries. Full protection of the state of Vanuatu and access to all civil rights, including the right to participate in elections and own certain types of property.
A residence permit grants the right to live and work in Vanuatu during the validity period of the residence permit. The opportunity to open a business or engage in entrepreneurial activity is subject to local legislation and tax benefits. There is no right to vote in elections or hold public office. For travel, a visa will be required based on the citizenship of your home country, not Vanuatu.
After obtaining a Vanuatu passport, you can take advantage of tax benefits, as there is no income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax as per the regulations of the Vanuatu government. Residents of Vanuatu also gain the right to enjoy benefits: no income tax, no capital gains tax. However, tax obligations to the country of your original citizenship may remain, but with an emphasis on security. For conducting business, there is an option to register offshore companies in Vanuatu and use a simplified tax system.
Under the DSP investment program, citizenship can be obtained within 1-2 months starting from 130,000 USD for a single applicant, plus associated costs and fees. The cost of a residence permit is significantly lower, but the application process may take longer and requires periodic renewal. It is important to comply with all regulated conditions (for example, having sufficient income, residing in the country for a certain period, or paying an annual fee).
If access to visa-free travel and the widest possible rights is important to you, citizenship is the best option. If you want to first test life in Vanuatu, obtaining a residence permit is sufficient. Citizenship by investment requires more substantial investments. A residence permit is less costly in terms of the initial fee, but you will have to regularly renew the status.
Our law firm offers comprehensive support in matters related to obtaining Vanuatu citizenship through the DSP investment program, obtaining a residence permit, including the foreign investor visa, and extending resident status, business registration, and tax planning in the jurisdiction.
Vanuatu does not require applicants to make huge investments, but it is important to prove that you have a stable financial position and showcase your financial solvency. and can support yourself without resorting to the state budget. Usually, for this purpose, to meet the income requirement, bank statements, income reports, and certificates of movable/immovable property ownership are provided.
One of the ways to obtain permanent residency is by registering a business or investing in the economy of Vanuatu (real estate, agricultural projects, etc.). The applicant can choose an offshore company format (with low tax burden) or invest in a local business to develop infrastructure.
All applicants and adult family members (if applying as a family package) must provide a certificate of no criminal record from the country (or countries) where they have lived for more than 1 year. This certificate must be translated into English and apostilled.
Migration authorities of Vanuatu and authorized licensed agents conduct their own due diligence. All documents must meet the eligibility criteria and be officially translated. In addition, police clearance, notarization, and apostille are also required per international standards.
In some cases, the Vanuatu Government may request proof of residence in the country (rental agreement, property ownership, or an invitation). It is also necessary to provide medical certificates confirming the absence of serious infectious diseases that pose a public danger.
Depending on the specific category, additional conditions may be imposed, for example: a certain level of monthly income or a minimum amount in a bank account, the need to present a business plan or proof of future employment, or the obligation to stay in the country for a certain number of days per year.
If you plan to stay in Vanuatu for more than 12 months, we draw your attention to two types of visas — 131 and 132. In addition, there are short-term visas that may be suitable for short trips or seasonal residence.
Visa 131 is intended for those who want to reside long-term and, if necessary, work in Vanuatu. Validity period: usually from 1 to 2 years, with the possibility of extension. Visa 131 is the perfect option for specialists who have found a job in a local company, as well as for foreign entrepreneurs wishing to conduct business and plan to reside here for more than a year.
Visa 132 is aimed at investors and business owners who plan significant investments in the economy of Vanuatu or establish a company within the country. Validity period: from 1 year or more, with the possibility of extension provided that the investments continue to meet the requirements.
If you want to open a company in Vanuatu or invest in the country’s economy, and at the same time plan to stay for more than 12 months, a category 132 visa may be the optimal solution.
The fees for the Permanent Residency Visa may vary depending on the specific category and requirements. Before starting to collect documents, it is necessary to determine the basis for obtaining a residence permit under the specific program. Depending on the purpose of relocation and your capabilities, there are several main categories for applicants :
We recommend consulting with a licensed agent or an experienced lawyer specializing in Vanuatu immigration services for serious investors. Professionals will help you choose the appropriate category and explain which documents need to be prepared. During the consultation, lawyers analyze your financial solvency and the purpose of your trip.
Documents
A foreign passport with a validity period exceeding the planned duration of stay in the country;
Certificates of no criminal record from all countries where the applicant has resided for more than 12 months;
Bank statements confirming the required amount in the account, income documents (auditor reports, employment certificates), or proof of investment assets;
Marriage certificates, birth certificates of children, if a family application is submitted;
Documents confirming the intention to live in Vanuatu: rental agreement, certificate of ownership, or invitation letter;
All documents must be translated into English and notarized or apostilled if required by local laws.
Before approving a residence permit application, the migration authorities of Vanuatu and authorized agents conduct a check for the absence of offenses, connections with crime, or money laundering. As part of this procedure, you will need to provide proof of the legal origin of funds (business documents, tax declarations, etc.), as well as complete special questionnaires.
You can apply to a licensed migration agent. This is the safest and fastest option, as the specialist knows all the nuances and maintains contact with migration authorities to ensure your application is granted.
If the application decision is positive, you receive a document confirming resident status (card/certificate). Usually, a residence permit needs to be renewed every year or once every few years (depending on the type of permit).
Obtaining a residence permit in Vanuatu is an opportunity to enjoy life in a tax-friendly jurisdiction, take advantage of international business benefits, and live in one of the most picturesque countries in the world. However, the process of obtaining a residence permit requires strict compliance with immigration requirements, gathering a complete set of documents, and undergoing a reliability check. Errors in the application or lack of documents can lead to delays or rejection.
Our legal company offers full support at all stages of obtaining a residence permit in Vanuatu. We will help you choose the optimal visa category, whether it is an investor visa, a work residence permit, or the status of a financially independent resident. Our lawyers will handle the entire process of document preparation for your pr card, their translation and notarization, as well as assist in passing the Due Diligence check.
By collaborating with us, you will avoid bureaucratic complications, receive legal protection, and expedite the processing. We have experience working with the immigration authorities of Vanuatu and know all the nuances of local legislation, which guarantees you a successful acquisition of a residence permit in the shortest possible time.
Contact us right now to receive professional consultation and start the process of obtaining a residence permit in Vanuatu. We will provide you with legal support at every stage and make the process as comfortable as possible.
Obtaining a residence permit in Vanuatu can be done in several ways. Through investments in the Vanuatu residency program – registering a business, purchasing real estate, or investing in the country’s economy, with a minimum investment required for each type. Financial independence, providing proof of stable income or sufficient funds for living.
Through employment, obtaining a work permit, or a pr card, which may include your application for a Vanuatu PR, and a long-term contract with a local company. For retirees, providing evidence of pension income and financial stability. Each option has its requirements and specifics for applicants, as well as being among the popular destinations, so it is recommended to consult specialists to choose the optimal path.
The processing time for the application depends on the chosen basis for the residence permit and the completeness of the submitted documents. On average, the process takes from 1 to 3 months from the moment the application is submitted to the migration authorities of Vanuatu. With proper documentation and legal assistance, the process proceeds significantly faster.
The Development Support Program allows foreigners to obtain a country’s passport through a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund. The cost starts at 130,000 USD for a single applicant and increases depending on the number of family members. The program offers fast processing (1-2 months) and visa-free access to more than 100 countries.
Yes, after obtaining permanent resident status, you can apply for citizenship. However, there is no automatic transition from permanent residency to citizenship – a separate naturalization procedure is required. The main criteria include the length of residence, financial stability, and the absence of offenses.
Unlock your path to Vanuatu citizenship by investment with us. We’ll show you how to get citizenship quickly and hassle-free. Your journey starts here!
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