Manuel Garrido
Are you relocating to Vanuatu for work? The Vanuatu Work Visa is the perfect solution for you. As a growing economy strategically located in the South Pacific region, the island attracts many investors and entrepreneurs.
This guide will take you through the various types of Work Visas Vanuatu offers, the requirements for a Vanuatu work permit, and the application process.
Understanding Vanuatu Work Visas
The primary understanding for foreigners seeking work in Vanuatu is that they must obtain a valid work permit and residency visa before starting employment in Vanuatu.
The Vanuatu Department of Labour and Employment Services issues work permits to foreign nationals with confirmed job offers from a Vanuatu company or Vanuatu-based employer. The country’s small job market means work permits are typically granted for roles where a clear local skills gap exists.
The employer applies for the work permit on the employee’s behalf, submitting the employee’s passport, employment contract, criminal record certificate, and proof that no local candidates qualified for the role. Once granted a work permit, the employee can apply for a residency visa.
Who needs a Work Visa in Vanuatu?
- Foreign employees: Foreigners seeking work in Vanuatu must obtain a Work Visa by being hired by a Vanuatu company or an organization with operations in the country.
- Self-employed individuals: Individual entrepreneurs and business owners can obtain a Vanuatu business visa for work by establishing local operations.
- Remote workers: The Vanuatu Remote Worker Visa allows freelancers and digital nomads employed by foreign companies to work remotely from Vanuatu.
- Disaster workers: Individuals working in disaster relief can apply for a Disaster Recovery Visa.
- Religious workers: Religious individuals traveling to Vanuatu for religious work or activities can obtain a Religious Worker Visa.
Work in Vanuatu – Advantages
- Tax-free income: Vanuatu taxes do not include income tax, allowing employees and business owners to retain 100 percent of their income.
- Low living costs: Daily expenses are cheaper than those of developed countries like Australia and the United States.
- Natural beauty: Vanuatu Work Visa holders enjoy life by the island’s beaches, volcanoes, and coral reefs.
- English-speaking population: English is one of Vanuatu’s official languages, making communication with colleagues and locals easier.
- Business opportunities: Vanuatu is a developing economy and offers opportunities for investment in tourism, agriculture, and business services.
- Friendly local community: Ni-Vanuatu people welcome foreign nationals and are known for being warm and hospitable.
Types of Work Visas Available
Vanuatu offers four types of Vanuatu work permits.
- Employment Visa: This type of work permit is valid for one year. Individuals who want to continue their stay in Vanuatu can extend their Work Visa up to four years.
- Short-Term Employment Visa: If a temporary visa holder’s work stay is four months or less, they can apply for a Vanuatu Temporary Visa.
- Disaster Recovery Visa: This type of visa is applicable to those whose work stay is for 12 months or less to help with disaster recovery.
- Remote Worker Visa: Remote Worker Visas allow digital nomads to stay in Vanuatu for 12 months.
- Religious Worker Visa: Designed for religious workers and valid for up to five years.
- Development Support Visa: This visa is designed for individuals working within government agencies or governmental organizations. It is valid for up to five years.
- Specialist Skilled Visa: A short period, two-week visa for specialised workers such as entertainers and sportspeople.
If you are relocating to work with a religious institution, you can apply for a work residence permit that remains valid for a year. You need to pay the same application fees for each type of work permit. However, note that your annual tax may vary depending on your stay period in Vanuatu.
Vanuatu Work Visa Requirements
The employer of an applicant should file the application form to obtain a Vanuatu work permit. Make sure that you have all the necessary supporting documents for submission to the Department of Labor and Employment Services.
Here is a list of Vanuatu visa requirements you must provide for a work permit.
- Valid passport
- Passport-size photographs
- Reason for employing a non-Vanuatu citizen
- Copy of the job notice
- Applications accepted in line with the job advertisement
- Fully completed application for the Vanuatu working visa
Employers also need a copy of their employee’s flight details if they apply for a temporary or an exempted work permit. If an employer is applying for a Long-Term Work Visa, they will be required to share the employment contract.
It must be noted that the application process will be completed only after the potential employee signs a contract. Therefore, employers must assess the application form in detail and discuss the scope of work with the person hired for the job.
Vanuatu Working Visa – Application Procedure
Although the application procedure for the Vanuatu Working Visa is fairly straightforward, the processing time can be long. For that reason, make sure to keep all your documents handy. Your application will be reviewed by the Department of Labor and Employment Services in Vanuatu.
In addition to promoting investment opportunities in the country, Vanuatu also focuses on enabling the hiring of foreign citizens. However, your application will be thoroughly reviewed by the Commissioner of Labor, who will decide based on various factors whether to issue the visa.
Here are the things they’ll consider:
- Scan your job notice.
- Investigate whether there are Vanuatu citizens with the required qualifications to do the job.
- Investigate your employment history.
- Keep local and national interests in mind.
- Examine the foreign applicant’s qualifications in detail.
- Curate training sessions/programs for the non-citizen applicants to attend after the work permit is no longer valid.
After going through all documents, the Commissioner evaluates an employer’s request of hiring a non-citizen of Vanuatu. If the applicant meets all the eligibility criteria and submits a copy of the employment contract, the administration of Vanuatu can also offer a Work Visa that is valid for a period of three years.
Costs and Fees Associated with Vanuatu Work Visas
- Employment Visa: 257,500 VUV ($2,150)
- Short-Term Employment Visa: 51,500 VUV ($430)
- Development Support Visa: 10,300 VUV ($85)
- Religious Worker Visa: 10,300 VUV ($85)
- Specialist Skilled Visa: 30,900 VUV ($260)
- Disaster Recovery Visa: Exempted
Other costs will include the government visa fee, legal fees, document translation and certification, and criminal background checks.
Other Factors for Consideration
Organizations with foreign workers must maintain a record of all work permits. The record should consist of the following:
- Work permit numbers
- Nationalities of the applicants
- The validity period for each work permit
Employers should note that they will be required to pay an annual work permit tax per Vanuatu Work Visa.
The Vanuatu working visa doesn’t guarantee legal residence in the country. If an employee wishes to stay in the country for more than a year, they need to apply for the Vanuatu Resident permit. Employers cannot apply for residence visas on behalf of the employee;.
Take a look at our Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
Vanuatu Remote Worker Visa
After the COVID-19 pandemic, Vanuatu offered a program called the Vanuatu Remote Worker Visa to facilitate the work of professionals. Under this new scheme, a remote worker could live in Vanuatu and continue to work for their foreign employer or business registered overseas.
Vanuatu remote worker visa benefits
- Residency for up to one year
- Opportunity to stay in a safe and secure country
- Work remotely in a country with natural beauty.
Who can apply?
- Entrepreneurs and business owners working for foreign organizations
- Freelancers offering services to individuals or organizations abroad
- Employees of foreign organizations and businesses
Vanuatu remote worker visa eligibility
- Proof of income and a certified letter from the bank showing sufficient funds
- Clean criminal record
- Clean health certificate
- Valid passport
Renewing Your Vanuatu Work Visa
Vanuatu Work Visa holders can renew expiring visas by submitting a renewal application before the current visa expires. The initial requirement to renew their employment contract is to maintain eligibility to remain a foreign employee.
Supporting documents include a renewed employment contract, an employee letter confirming continued work, proof of accommodation, and a recent health certificate.
Work Visa holders need to begin the renewal process well before their visa expires to avoid overstaying or financial penalties. Depending on your visa type, renewal fees may apply. Foreigners working legally in Vanuatu for at least 12 months can apply for a Vanuatu Permanent Residence Visa.
Life and Work in Vanuatu for Expats
Relocating to Vanuatu with a Work Visa is a relatively straightforward process, but it may take time depending on the visa category. Vanuatu has a work-friendly infrastructure, offering a fantastic work experience to foreign employees. However, this also depends on who you’re working for.
With regard to safety in Vanuatu, crime is low in Port Vila and other populated cities, but the country’s geographic location means natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions and cyclones are a threat. Most working expats are based in Port Vila and Luganville, as these cities offer the most developed infrastructure, amenities, and job opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Vanuatu's Work Visa
Can foreigners work in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu offers several Work Visas to foreign nationals, including an Employment Visa for non-citizens who receive job offers in that country that fill a skills gap and a Development Support Visa for foreign government agency workers, NGO employees, officials, consultants, and volunteers.
How do I get a Work Visa for Vanuatu?
You can enter Vanuatu for work by getting a work contract for a Vanuatu employer, who will then file your application to obtain a work permit. By sharing the necessary documents and meeting the eligibility criteria, the Department of Labour and Employment Services will issue you a Work Visa.
Can I move to Vanuatu?
You can move to Vanuatu by meeting the residency requirement to obtain a Work Visa, which requires receiving a job offer from a Vanuatu-based company. Other options include maintaining a deposit in a bank in Vanuatu or applying for Vanuatu citizenship by investment.
Is there a Vanuatu working visa for Indians?
Indian citizens are eligible to work in Vanuatu by applying for a Work Visa, which requires securing a position with a company based in or operating in the country. The Vanuatu citizenship program is a valid alternative, allowing Indians to legally get a Vanuatu passport and work in the country.
What is the minimum wage in Vanuatu?
Rick Tchamako Mahe of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Vanuatu signed the order to raise the minimum wage for private sector workers from 220 VUV to 300 VUV per hour on 1 June 2023.
