Manuel Garrido
If you are an investor or business traveler looking to invest in Vanuatu to secure Vanuatu permanent residency, the Vanuatu Permanent Resident Visa offers the perfect route to permanently settle in the South Pacific island nation.
You are eligible for a permanent residency visa in Vanuatu if you invest at least $100,000 in real estate or agricultural land. If you are retired, you can qualify for permanent residency with a monthly retirement income of $2,500. Additional costs include a $10,000 fee and an additional fee to apply for a permanent residence permit for family members.
- Vanuatu Permanent Residence Visa types
- Residency visa in Vanuatu
- Vanuatu tax residency
- Permanent Residence Visa eligibility
Permanent Residence Visas
The Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services offers two types of permanent resident visas to foreign nationals. A government fee of VT 300,000 (about $2,500) applies to each Vanuatu Permanent Residency program applicant.
Part A: Subclass 131
A subclass 131 visa is granted to an individual whose parents are Ni-Vanuatu or of Ni-Vanuatu descent. This visa also permits applicants who have lived in the country for the past 12 months to apply for permanent residency. To apply for this visa, an individual needs to submit a completed Form 3-0 to the Office of the Director, Vanuatu Immigration Services.
Part B: Subclass 132-135
The subclass 132-135 visa is granted to foreign investors looking to invest significantly in Vanuatu. Compared to the standard Vanuatu Resident Visa, the eligibility and requirement criteria is strict and goes through a more rigorous evaluation process.
On the other hand, business investors enjoy significant benefits with the permanent residency program, allowing them to reside in Vanuatu indefinitely. Interested individuals can secure this visa by applying to the Director’s Office, Vanuatu Immigration Services with Form 3-1.
Vanuatu Permanent Residency Green Card
The Vanuatu Green Card is one of the fastest permanent visas worldwide. The Vanuatu government takes only a day to issue the PR Green Card to qualifying individuals. Applicants are not required to make and investment to get the PR card.
The total processing time for this card takes around five days. Additionally, there is no personal visit required nor minimum residency period to qualify.
Eligibility criteria
- Be 18 years old and above
- Have valid passport
- Pass a police clearance
- Own assets worth at least $350,000
Overview of Vanuatu Residency Visas
There are three types of residency visas in Vanuatu:
- Self-Funded Visa
- Land Owner Visa
- Investor Visa
- Citizenship by investment
These visas are usually granted for temporary periods of around one year to individuals who invest $50,000 in the country or can prove that they have enough income to sustain themselves in Vanuatu.
Self-Funded Visa
If you are a senior citizen looking to retire in Vanuatu or an expat traveling to the country, a self-funded visa allows you to reside in the country temporarily. You must prove you earn at least VT 250,000 (about $2,000) per month. Applicants can include their spouse of partner with a total monthly income of VT 500,000.
Vanuatu Land Owner Visa
Vanuatu offers the Land Owner Visa to foreigners who invest at least VT 10 million (about $83,000) in physical property or land in Vanuatu. Keep in mind that Vanuatu’s land ownership laws are based on leasehold only. Residential properties can be leased for 50 years. Commercial properties are leasable for 75 years.
Vanuatu real estate investments to get a Land Owner Visa require a professional reference. To invest in a property in Vanuatu, you don’t need authorization from the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority (VIPA), nor an investor’s certificate or a business license.
Foreign Investor Visa
An individual can apply for a Vanuatu Investor Visa with a $50,000 investment in the country. The Vanuatu Investment and Promotion Authority (VIPA) must approve the project. Applicants must obtain an investor certificate from the VIPA. The certificate permits foreign nationals to establish and run businesses in Vanuatu. The total Vanuatu permanent residency cost excludes government fees.
Citizenship by investment
The Vanuatu citizenship by investment program isn’t a residency visa but a path to obtain Vanuatu dual citizenship. The minimum investment starts with a non-refundable donation of $130,000 to the Development Support Program. The main applicant can apply for Vanuatu citizenship for their spouse and dependent children and parents.
There is no in-person interview or requirement to visit Vanuatu during the application process. After becoming a Vanuatu citizen, investors qualify for a Vanuatu passport and gain the right to permanently reside in Vanuatu without restrictions or PR card renewals.
Vanuatu Tax Residency
Vanuatu is one of the world’s few tax-free countries. Individuals do not pay personal income tax or corporate tax. Additionally, Vanuatu permanent residents do pay wealth, capital gains, or inheritance tax on their assets. The regulations for Vanuatu taxes attract many international companies and investors.
Take a look at our Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
Benefit of Vanuatu Permanent Residency
The main benefit of gaining permanent residency in Vanuatu is setting up a second residency in a safe, tax-free island nation. With no corporate and personal income tax and no inheritance, wealth, or capital gains taxes, permanent residents enjoy a significant financial advantage while living in a peaceful, politically stable environment. The process to apply for Vanuatu residency to permanently live there is relatively straightforward and affordable.
Vanuatu Permanent Residency Requirements
Two government authorities issue ten-year Permanent Residence (PR) Cards to foreign nationals. Applications must provide the following documents.
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of income or assets
- Undertaking letter addressed to the Government of Vanuatu
- Two passport-size photographs
- Completed visa application form
Vanuatu Permanent Residency Visa – Application Process
Choose the permanent residency visa class that you want to apply for- Gather the required documents
- Completed Form 3-0 or 3-1
- Passport-size photographs
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of income or investment
- Undertaking letter addressed to the Government of Vanuatu
- Submit the application form and necessary documents to the Vanuatu Immigration Service in Vanuatu or an embassy or consulate abroad.
- The application process is generally quick, taking about five to seven days.
Choose the permanent residency visa class that you want to apply forWhy use Global Citizen Solutions?
Global Citizen Solutions is a multidisciplinary firm offering bespoke residence and citizenship solutions in Europe and the Caribbean. In a world where the economy and politics are unpredictable, having a second citizenship opens up opportunities and creates flexibility for you and your family.
So, why work with Global Citizen Solutions to obtain Caribbean citizenship?
- Global approach by local experts: We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean CBI programs.
- 100 percent approval rate: We have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial, free-of-charge, due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
- Independent service and full transparency: We will present to you all the investment options available, and all expenses will be discussed in advance, with no hidden fees.
- An all-encompassing solution: A multidisciplinary team of immigration lawyers, investment specialists, and tax experts will take into consideration all your and your family's mobility, tax, and lifestyle needs.
- Confidential service and secure data management: All private data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vanuatu Permanent Residency
How do I get a Permanent Residency in Vanuatu?
By investing in real estate property worth at least VT 10 million (about $83,000), you can obtain a Permanent Resident Visa in Vanuatu. The visa is valid for ten years, after which you can apply for Vanuatu citizenship.
Is a Resident Visa the same as a Permanent Resident in Vanuatu?
A Vanuatu Permanent Residence Visa and a Vanuatu Resident Visa are not the same. Generally, foreigners can apply for a Resident Visa and then a Permanent Residence Visa after living in the country for a specific period. However, Vanuatu offers a direct path to obtaining permanent residency through the Permanent Residency Visa program.
Does a residency visa expire?
Residency Visas expire after one year in Vanuatu. They may have the option for renewal, depending on the visa.
What should I remember when applying for a Vanuatu investment visa?
Some things you should remember before submitting an investment visa in Vanuatu are:
- Due diligence: Thorough due diligence checks are carried out, including a virtual interview by an independent firm.
- Financial contribution: A minimum financial contribution to the economy is required to participate in the program.
- Minimum net worth: The main investor must have at least $250,000 in assets to apply.
Consult with a licensed agent: Investors must submit their applications through a licensed agent of the program.
Is it easy to get PR in Vanuatu?
Securing a Vanuatu Permanent Residency card is relatively straightforward as there a several options and the process is fast. You can buy property or invest in a business to qualify for the permanent residency program, as well as donate to the country’s economy and get citizenship instead.
