Everything you need to know about retiring in Vanuatu

Who has never longed to spend their retiring days in the tropics, facing turquoise waters while sipping a fresh pomelo juice? You’re in luck; your dream can come true. Thanks to the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program, get a Vanuatu passport and spend your retirement in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Endless sunshine, visa-free travels to over 129 countries and tax benefits are guaranteed!

Benefits of retiring in Vanuatu

What does it mean to retire in Vanuatu?

If you are wondering what retirement in Vanuatu entails, let us enlighten you. Picture crystal clear blue waters, white-sand beaches, mesmerizing coral reefs, and tropical weather. That’s Vanuatu for you. This country of 80 islands is called a paradise on earth for a reason.

Every year, tourists come in droves to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle and idyllic setting of Vanuatu. The booming tourism industry has allowed the country to develop while preserving its traditions and identity. Indeed, multiculturalism is beaming over here! While the main languages are Bislama, English, and French, there are over 110 spoken languages throughout the Vanuatu island chain.

The country’s positive outlook on foreign investment is highlighted by Vanuatu’s favorable real estate market. There are no restrictions for foreigners wishing to purchase Vanuatu property and no tax on property. If you’re in to purchase beachfront villas at ridiculously low prices, Vanuatu is your place.

Vanuatu cost of living for retirees

Vanuatu’s cost of living is not cheap, but definitely affordable. Because the country is composed of small islands, it needs to import products from abroad such as milk, cheese, meat, and clothes. As you can imagine, imported products are more expensive than average. However, goods produced locally are cheap and you’ll find plenty of delicious tropical fruits and vegetables at affordable prices — breadfruit, pomelo, lychees, banana, and rose apple to name just a few. 

If you’d like to rent property in Vanuatu you can find a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for $1,500 per month, or $900 if located outside the city center. Looking for a bigger space? A three-bedroom apartment will cost around $2,600 in the city center and $2,500 outside the city. However, if your plan is to retire in Vanuatu our advice is to buy property. The real estate market in Vanuatu is just so attractive and opportunities to get returns on your investment are real.

Vanuatu real estate investment

Vanuatu tax benefits of becoming a Vanuatu citizen

If you become a Vanuatu citizen, you’ll benefit from a very favorable tax regime. Getting a Vanuatu passport is therefore an excellent ‘plan B’ for individuals who’d rather keep their savings instead of spending it on taxes. In Vanuatu, there are no income, capital gains, or estate tax; as well as no wealth, gift, or other personal income taxes.

How to get citizenship in Vanuatu

The best option to get citizenship in Vanuatu is to apply to the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program. In just one to two months get a Vanuatu passport in exchange for a donation of at least $130,000 to the Vanuatu’s local development fund.

The Vanuatu passport will give you visa-free access to over 129 countries — including the European Union countries, the UK, Singapore and Russia. You’ll also be able to spend up to six months in the UK without having to apply for a visa and up to 90 days in any EU country.

Frequently asked questions about retiring in Vanuatu