Investor Visa

The Vanuatu Investor Visa is a residence visa pathway for foreign nationals who invest in active business operations in Vanuatu. Established under the Immigration Act No. 17 of 2010, the programme offers four progressive tiers -- Provisional, Business, Direct, and Permanent -- each with increasing investment thresholds and longer validity periods. Unlike the Citizenship by Investment programme, this visa requires actual business establishment and operations in Vanuatu. Investors must obtain a Foreign Investment Registration Certificate (FIRC) from the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (VIPA). After 10 years of continuous lawful residence, holders may be eligible for citizenship by naturalisation.

• Obtain a Foreign Investment Registration Certificate (FIRC) from VIPA
• Meet the minimum investment threshold for the chosen tier
• Investment must be in an active business or productive activity that benefits Vanuatu
• Passive investments such as real estate purchases or bond holdings alone do not qualify
• No serious criminal record
• Register business with the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)
• Obtain a valid business licence from the relevant authority
• Sector-specific permits may be required (tourism, forestry, fisheries)

Provisional Investor Visa (12 months): Proof of funds with minimum VT 10,000,000 (~USD 84,000). Designed for the initial business setup phase. Employment is prohibited during this stage.

Business Investor Visa (3 years): Requires an operational business with VIPA certificate, VFSC registration, and business licence. Employment limited to proposed investment activities only.

Direct Investor Visa (8 years): Proof of assets in Vanuatu valued at more than VT 20,000,000 (~USD 168,000), plus a bond deposit and proof of living expense funds.

Permanent Investor Visa (indefinite): Proof of assets in Vanuatu valued at more than VT 50,000,000 (~USD 420,000), plus 10 years of continuous lawful residence.

• Completed application form
• Valid passport with certified bio-data pages
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• VIPA Foreign Investment Registration Certificate (FIRC)
• Certificate of registration from VFSC (for Business tier and above)
• Valid business licence (for Business tier and above)
• Proof of business bank account from a Vanuatu-operating bank
• Proof of assets in Vanuatu (for Direct and Permanent tiers)
• Police clearance certificates from countries of citizenship or residence for 12+ months in the past 10 years
• Medical reports (conducted within 3 months of application)
• Statutory declaration of criminal convictions from the past 10 years
• Proof of physical business establishment (for Business tier)

Visas are renewable provided the investment is maintained. The FIRC must be renewed annually at a fee of VT 30,000. Investors must continue to hold a valid FIRC and business licence for their visa to remain valid. Holders can progress through the tiers: Provisional to Business, Business to Direct or Permanent. Permanent Investor Visa holders cannot change status.

Spouses (married or de facto) and dependent children may be included in the application. Dependent children are defined as unmarried and under 18 years, or aged 18-20 if unmarried and financially, psychologically, or physically dependent on the applicant. All visa holders must notify immigration of significant personal or financial changes.

Vanuatu has no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, no wealth tax, and no withholding tax on dividends or interest. Businesses pay a 12.5% VAT on goods and services. International Business Companies (IBCs) are exempt from corporate tax for 20 years, paying only a USD 300 annual fee. Business licence fees and customs duties apply to commercial operations.

The process involves two stages. First, obtain a FIRC from VIPA by completing the prescribed application form and business plan template, paying the VT 120,000 application fee. VIPA targets 15 working days for approval. Second, apply for the appropriate visa tier through the eVisa portal at evisa.gov.vu or in person at the Department of Immigration in Port Vila. Visa application fees range from VUV 51,500 (Provisional) to VUV 3,090,000 (Permanent). All tiers provide multiple-entry privileges.