Why Move to Vanuatu?
Vanuatu arises as a distinct Golden Visa option in the South Pacific. With unparalleled natural beauty, boasting azure-blue waters, lush rainforests, promises of endless adventure, and diverse cultural wealth waiting to be discovered, Vanuatu captivates and entices visitors to stay for a while longer until it has become their new home. Moving to Vanuatu also means advantages such as visa-free travel to more than 100 countries, tax benefits, the possibility of family inclusion, and one of the most affordable Citizenship by Investment programs in the world. All this truly cements Vanuatu as one of the best countries to have a second passport.
Before you make your move reach out to our team of experts who will help navigate through the whole process, making it faster and smoother. With our knowledge and expertise in Before you make your move reach out to our team of experts who will help navigate through the whole process, making it faster and smoother. With our knowledge and expertise in tax and legal matters, we guarantee that every step taken is within the local legal framework. So, enjoy this stunning destination, and let us take care of all the rest. tax and legal matters, we guarantee that every step taken is within the local legal framework. So, enjoy this stunning destination, and let us take care of all the rest.
Fast facts
Despite accounting for little more than 300,000 people, Vanuatu ranks among the world’s most linguistically diverse countries with more than 100 Oceanic indigenous languages.
According to the Happy Planet Index, Vanuatu is consistently present among the happiest countries in the world, often ranking as high as number two in the Index.
The fun activity of bungee jumping is thought to have been inspired by land diving, a longstanding tradition practiced by the men of Pentecost Island in Vanuatu.
During World War II, the United States built a military base on the Vanuatuan island of Espiritu Santo. After the conclusion of the war, the American forces dumped the surplus equipment into the sea. Nowadays, it is a popular diving and snorkeling site.
- Population: 336.000
- Capital City: Port Vila
- Climate: Vanuatu has a distinct tropical climate with year-round warm temperatures, though its wet season runs heavily from November to April.
- Time Zone: VUT (Vanuatu Time) UTC+11:00
- Language: English, French, Bismala
- Country Code: +678
- Currency: VUV (Vanuatu Vatu)
- Economy: Tourism, agriculture, financial services
- GDP Per/Cap: USD $3,073
- Borders: Vanuatu does not share any borders, either land or maritime, with other countries. The closest countries are Fiji, New Caledonia (a French overseas territory), Australia and New Zealand.
Lifestyle
The Ni-Vanuatu are a deeply interconnected people, placing immense importance on social connections and outdoor living. Detached from technology, the local communities embrace a slower, more relaxed approach to life. This is reflected in the landscape of the country, as much of Vanuatu is rural.
Cost of living
Despite the country’s modest economy, the cost of living in Vanuatu is higher than expected. Due to the archipelago’s remote location, the costs to import goods are high, which is reflected in everyday life, including groceries, transportation, accommodation, and utilities.
Safety
Vanuatu is extremely safe. The U.S. Department of State classifies it as Level One, which means only regular precautions. Crime and violent crime rates are low compared to neighboring countries, and the local population is welcoming of foreign internationals.
Healthcare
As an island nation, it is not surprising infrastructure is limited in Vanuatu, including healthcare. Medical facilities are available on the island, though resources are restricted. Pursuing private medical insurance with the option of evacuation to countries such as Australia or New Zealand is advisable.
Education
Education is limited in Vanuatu. Transportation difficulties, shortage of materials, and lack of qualified teachers represent challenges in Vanuatu. The country boasts its own campus of the University of South Pacific, and the government is committed to improving the education sector for the long term.
Language
More than 100 languages are spoken in Vanuatu. Officially, Vanuatu recognizes three languages: Bismala, the national language, and English and French, due to its past as a co-governed country by the British and the French.
Money and taxes
The Vatu is the country’s official currency. The Vatu is not strong compared to the US dollar or the EURO. In terms of taxes, Vanuatu is extremely friendly, imposing no taxes on income, gifts, inheritance, capital gains, or wealth.
Popular Destinations
Espiritu Santo
Port Vila
Tanna Island
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Learn about our array of services and the golden visa process in our brochure.
Download Our BrochureDo I Need a Visa to Move to Vanuatu?
Yes. Moving to and living in Vanuatu will require a Visa. The country has several visas depending on the purpose of the visit, whether for tourism, business, studying, or for settling down and establishing Residency in Vanuatu. The best way to bypass all these Visa requirements is to directly invest in the country and become a citizen. Investment Visa recommends endeavoring through the Vanuatu Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) - CNO Future Fund.
Moving to Vanuatu as an EU citizen
As a small island nation country, Vanuatu depends highly on tourism. With a friendly “open borders” policy for European Union citizens, Vanuatu allows them to visit the country without having to go through the ordeal of requesting a visa before their arrival. A Tourist Visa will be issued on arrival to Vanuatu. Furthermore, EU citizens can also apply for Residency and Permanent Residency Visas, though the requirements are more extensive and time-consuming, which only highlight the CIIP – CNO Future Fund as the best and fastest solution, offering a straight path to Citizenship.
Moving to Vanuatu as a non-EU citizen
In the same vein as European Union countries, Vanuatu practices the same policy of “open borders,” allowing most nationals of non-EU countries to obtain a tourism visa on arrival to the country. For example, nationals of countries such as the United States, Canada, Singapore, China, and India, among many others, can enjoy the same tourism benefits as EU citizens, affording the possibility of visiting and getting to know more about the country before fully committing to investing. However, Vanuatu does impose further restrictions on other countries, requiring a visa to be obtained before arrival to the country, and even banning certain nationalities from stepping foot into its territory. Contact Investment Visa to find out more about how your situation fits into this scenario.
Moving to Vanuatu Through Investment Visa Programs
Vanuatu offers three different Golden Visa programs leading to Citizenship. First is the Development Support Program (DSP), a mechanism entirely founded on contributions and donations to the country’s economy. Second is the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) through the CNO Future Fund, providing the opportunity to obtain actual financial returns on the initial investment. The last and most profitable is through the Real Estate Option (REO), which requires an investment in government-approved real estate projects.
How can I gain Citizenship in Vanuatu?
How to obtain Permanent Residency in Vanuatu?
Investing in Vanuatu’s Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) represents the best path to assume Citizenship in the country. This program currently has one option, the CNO Future Fund. When designing this program, the Vanuatuan government committed to transparency as one of its core values. As such, the program promises Citizenship through an investment of USD $130,000, plus a due diligence fee of USD $8,000, easily being one of the most affordable programs in the world. This amount covers not only the investor but up to a family of four. However, additional fees will be included in the application if further dependents are added.
Besides the opportunities from which one can gain Citizenship, there are also other paths to take if it is decided that Permanent Residency is more desirable. It is possible to achieve this status after residing legally in Vanuatu for more than a year. While these hold their own merit, it is always important to keep in mind that Permanent Residency does not guarantee the same, full rights as Citizenship; the amount of time it may take to process the application; and if it can render any yields on the investment.
