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. Our lawyers will provide full support and help you easily obtain a residence permit in Vanuatu.
A residence permit in Vanuatu is an official status that allows foreign citizens to legally reside within the jurisdiction. Depending on the category, a residence permit 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 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 is from 1 to 3 months. The minimum requirements for applicants are simply to confirm financial solvency or investments in the economy. There is no mandatory residency – permanent resident 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, Vanuatu offers a high level of safety, quality medical care, and favorable living conditions.
Vanuatu is a well-known international offshore center offering favorable conditions for business. Advantages of company registration:
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. High demand for rentals among tourists makes investments profitable and promising. Investing in real estate in Vanuatu is a reliable way to obtain a residence permit 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, but an alternative option is also available – obtaining a passport through the DSP investment program.
Citizenship is lifelong. After obtaining a passport, 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. 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. 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 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 can support yourself without resorting to the state budget. Usually, for this purpose, 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 be officially translated. Notarization and apostille are also required in accordance with international standards.
In some cases, the authorities of Vanuatu 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, 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. Requirements:
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 planning 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 and more, with the possibility of extension provided that the investments continue to meet the requirements. 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.
Before starting to collect documents, it is necessary to determine the basis for obtaining a residence permit. Depending on the purpose of relocation and your capabilities, there are several main categories:
We recommend consulting with a licensed agent or an experienced lawyer specializing in Vanuatu immigration matters. 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 submit an application through a licensed migration agent. This is the safest and fastest option, as the specialist knows all the nuances and maintains contact with migration authorities.
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, 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 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 – registering a business, purchasing real estate, or investing in the country’s economy. By financial independence – providing proof of stable income or sufficient funds for living. Through employment – obtaining a work permit and a long-term contract with a local company. For retirees – providing evidence of pension income and financial stability. Each option has its own requirements and specifics, 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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