Moving to Vanuatu
Moving to Vanuatu offers an uncommon balance of natural beauty, personal freedom, and straightforward rules for living long-term in the South Pacific. The archipelago stretches across warm, clear waters between Fiji and New Caledonia, with year-round tropical temperatures, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and some of the least crowded beaches anywhere. English and French are widely used alongside Bislama, so North American newcomers rarely face a language barrier in daily tasks such as banking, shopping, or visiting officials. Most people arrive with goals that range from opening a boutique hospitality project to building a location-independent life with lower stress, slower pace, and closer community ties.
Security and community cohesion are key reasons families choose Vanuatu. Islanders are famously welcoming and community-minded; neighborhoods in Port Vila and Luganville tend to feel safe, children play outdoors, and social life is based around markets, coastal walks, church activities, and weekend boat trips. Crime exists as in any country, but violent incidents are rare and visitors quickly adapt to commonsense precautions. Another benefit is the relative simplicity of the legal environment: business rules are published, immigration procedures are published, and the banking system—while conservative—supports everyday needs reliably.
Connectivity is better than many expect for a chain of islands. Port Vila’s international airport links to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and New Caledonia; these gateways connect to North America with one stop. Fiber and 4G/5G coverage has expanded in the capital and main towns, enabling remote work, video calls, and cloud business tools. Food supply combines imported goods with local produce—bananas, pawpaw, taro, squid, line-caught fish, beef from grass-fed cattle—so weekly shopping can be both healthy and cost-effective if you lean toward local options. For people burnt out by mega-cities, this mix of calm routine and sufficient infrastructure is precisely the reset they seek.
Visa and residency options in Vanuatu
Vanuatu issues several categories of permission to stay. Short visits are handled with visitor status or visa-free entry for eligible nationalities, typically allowing stays of up to 30–90 days. Those who want to remain longer transition to a residence permit under a qualifying ground such as employment, investment, land ownership, or self-funded living. The permits are granted for a defined period—usually one or two years—and are renewable so long as the original ground remains valid. Most applicants work with a local agent or immigration lawyer to prepare forms, police checks, medicals, and proof of funds.
Employment residence suits professionals with a job offer from a Vanuatu employer. The sponsoring company demonstrates the need for a foreign hire and registers the contract with authorities. Investor residence is aimed at people creating or acquiring a business locally, such as a guesthouse, dive shop, farm-to-table café, or marine services company. Applicants outline the investment, show source-of-funds, and meet minimum capital and job-creation thresholds set by regulation. Self-funded residence supports retirees and remote workers who can demonstrate sufficient income or assets without needing local employment. Finally, landowner residence applies to individuals who purchase or lease approved property and maintain it in compliance with land laws.
Processing times depend on file quality and the specific province, but well-prepared cases commonly finalize in a few months. Keep originals plus certified copies of passports, birth and marriage records, police clearances from every country of significant residency, a simple medical certificate, and recent bank statements. Vanuatu accepts documents in English or French; where another language is used, attach a certified translation. The following table summarizes the core routes at a glance so you can match your plan with the right permit from day one.
| Residence route | Primary eligibility | Initial validity | Key documents |
| Employment | Signed local contract; employer sponsorship | 1–2 years | Contract, police & medical, company registration, tax number |
| Investor / business owner | Qualifying investment with business plan | 1–2 years | Source-of-funds, incorporation papers, lease/title, budget & jobs |
| Self-funded (retiree/remote) | Stable income or assets; private health cover | 1–2 years | Bank statements, pension/income proof, insurance, police & medical |
| Landowner | Ownership or long lease of approved property | 1–2 years | Title/lease, rates paid, proof of maintenance, police & medical |
Two practical tips improve outcomes. First, align immigration and business registrations on the same timeline: set up the entity, obtain tax IDs, and open accounts while the residence is processing so you can operate the day you arrive. Second, build a “compliance pack”—digitized PDFs of everything you submit and receive, with standardized filenames. Renewals will be faster, and you’ll have audit-ready records for banks, landlords, and regulators.
Vanuatu citizenship opportunities
Vanuatu offers a naturalization path through residence and a separate economic citizenship route known as the Development Support Program (DSP). Naturalization by residence targets people who make the islands their primary home over time. Applicants keep permits in good standing for the statutory period, demonstrate good character, and maintain a clean record. This route appeals to those building a long-term life—families with school-age children, small business owners, and retirees deeply rooted in a community.
The DSP is a different mechanism intended to fund national development priorities. Applicants who meet due-diligence standards can obtain citizenship after contributing a defined amount to the state. The process is efficient, conducted through licensed agents, and does not require prior residence. Successful applicants receive a Vanuatu passport and may include spouse and dependents under the program’s family rules. Because citizenship and residence are separate legal ideas, holding the passport alone does not create tax residence; if you later relocate, ordinary tax and immigration rules would then apply.
Families should distinguish the two routes based on goals. If your priority is secure mobility and a second nationality while you continue to live elsewhere, the DSP is designed for that. If your priority is building a home on an island, embedding children in local schools, and participating in village life, residence-based naturalization is the more organic path. Either way, prepare a paper trail that covers identity, clear police history, medical fitness, and—where relevant—source of funds. Keeping this organized from the start avoids gaps when the government requests clarification.
Cost of living in Vanuatu
Vanuatu can be cost-effective, but budgets vary dramatically depending on lifestyle. Imported goods carry shipping and duty, while local produce is affordable and fresh. Power costs are higher than in North America, yet you can offset with solar and good ventilation. Housing ranges from simple bungalows with ocean breezes to modern villas on the ridges above Port Vila; rents are lower outside the capital, though you’ll trade distance for savings. Private schooling and comprehensive health insurance for international coverage are the most substantial line items for families emigrating with children.
The smartest way to manage costs is to adopt local habits in food and transport. Shop at fresh markets for fruit, vegetables, fish, and beef; reserve imported specialty items for treats. Use a small, fuel-efficient vehicle and plan errands in clusters to reduce trips. Consider a grid-connected solar system with battery backup if you buy or long-lease a house; the investment often pays back in a few years through lower utility bills and better resilience during storms. Internet plans have improved; fiber in central neighborhoods and fixed-wireless elsewhere cover remote work needs for most people.
The following snapshot provides a planning baseline. Numbers are indicative and will vary by neighborhood, import cycles, and season; the purpose is to help you model scenarios for different lifestyles rather than lock into a single figure.
| Monthly expense (Port Vila) | Modest single | Remote-work couple | Family of four |
| Rent (furnished) | US$600–900 | US$900–1,400 | US$1,600–2,400 |
| Utilities & internet | US$110–180 | US$150–230 | US$220–350 |
| Groceries & markets | US$220–320 | US$320–480 | US$520–780 |
| Transport & fuel | US$60–120 | US$80–160 | US$140–220 |
| Insurance & healthcare | US$60–120 | US$120–220 | US$250–500 |
If you plan to buy rather than rent, factor legal fees, land lease costs (freehold is rare; long leases are standard), stamp duty, and potential cyclone-proofing upgrades. For new builds, budget extra for drainage, water storage, backup power, and wind-rated fixtures. These details can be the difference between a house that is merely picturesque and one that is genuinely resilient.
Tax system and financial benefits
Vanuatu is known for a simple, low-friction tax environment. There is no personal income tax, no tax on capital gains, no inheritance or estate tax, and no net-wealth tax. For individuals who earn from foreign sources—remote work, dividends from offshore companies, royalties, or retirement income—this eliminates a major drag on cash flow compared with high-tax jurisdictions. The government raises revenue through indirect taxes and fees, the most prominent of which is value-added tax (VAT) on local goods and services; the prevailing standard rate is commonly cited as around 15% for domestic transactions. Customs duties and excise taxes apply to imports, particularly vehicles, alcohol, and tobacco. Employers contribute to national provident or social funds under local labor rules, and businesses register for VAT once they exceed the turnover threshold.
Because there is no tax on individual salaries or investment income, planning revolves around two items: VAT compliance for any local sales and the cost structure for imports. If you operate a café, charter boat, or dive shop, price menus and packages to include VAT and model seasonal changes in import duty. If you are a pure remote worker billing clients abroad, you typically avoid local indirect taxes, but you should confirm status with a Vanuatu accountant. North Americans should also remember home-country rules: U.S. citizens must continue to file annually and report foreign accounts (FBAR/FATCA), while Canadians are taxed primarily on residency and should analyze whether they remain tax resident of Canada after relocating.
The table below summarizes how taxes touch different profiles. Use it as a checklist for discussions with your accountant rather than as legal advice; rates and thresholds can change, and niche sectors (e.g., fuel imports, spirits, gaming) have special rules.
| Profile | Local taxes typically encountered | Planning notes |
| Remote employee / freelancer | Usually none on foreign earnings; VAT only if selling locally | Keep bank statements and contracts; confirm non-taxable status for offshore revenue |
| Hospitality or tours business | VAT on sales; import duty & excise on supplies/equipment | Model seasonality, factor freight/duty into pricing, maintain VAT records |
| Retail importer | VAT, customs duty, excise (for restricted goods) | Forecast FX and shipping costs; maintain HS codes and supplier invoices |
| Property owner (leasehold) | Stamp duty/fees on transfer; annual municipal rates | Budget cyclone-hardening; verify lease terms, covenants, and land category |
Banking is conservative but stable. Bring thorough KYC: certified passports, proof of address, employment or business evidence, and a short source-of-funds narrative. Expect questions on any large incoming wires until the relationship history is established. To smooth things, prepare a simple one-page profile with your background, business model, and anticipated transaction volumes.
Working and doing business in Vanuatu
Employment opportunities center on tourism, construction, marine services, agriculture, and skilled trades that support these sectors. Teachers, hospitality managers, dive professionals, skippers, mechanics, and healthcare workers see regular openings. Salaries are lower than in Australia or North America, so most newcomers either operate their own venture or bring remote income. For entrepreneurs, the entry barriers are moderate: company registration is streamlined, bank accounts open with proper KYC, and Vanuatu’s small-market scale rewards focused, quality-driven offerings.
Popular small-business models include boutique accommodation, surf or dive operations, charter fishing, eco-tours, cafés with locally sourced menus, maintenance services for boats and villas, and event logistics for weddings or corporate retreats. The best operators emphasize reliability—on-time pickups, good maintenance, clear safety briefings—because word-of-mouth travels fast in island communities. Build relationships with local suppliers and villages; long-term success depends on being part of the ecosystem rather than extracting from it.
When hiring, follow local labor law: written contracts, fair wages, contributions to required funds, and respectful scheduling. Train staff for cyclone preparedness and customer safety. Keep compliance simple with monthly checklists—VAT submissions if registered, payroll contributions, vehicle maintenance logs, and safety equipment audits. These routines protect your license, reduce downtime, and build trust with customers and authorities alike.
Challenges and considerations
Relocating to Vanuatu is rewarding, but island life includes realities you should plan for. Health services in Port Vila and Luganville cover typical needs, yet complex procedures often require medical evacuation to Australia or New Caledonia. Purchase comprehensive insurance that includes medevac; the premium is minor compared with emergency costs. Weather and geology are part of daily life: cyclones can disrupt power and flights for days, and earthquakes occur. Choose homes with proven cyclone ratings, maintain water storage and generator fuel, and keep digital and paper copies of essential documents in a waterproof kit.
Distance adds friction to supply chains. A single delayed container can affect inventory for weeks, so build buffer stocks of critical items—seawater-resistant hardware, filters, batteries, and medications. If your business depends on imports, diversify suppliers and plan reorders earlier than you would at home. Internet is robust enough for remote work, but always keep a backup plan: a second SIM from another carrier, a mobile hotspot, and offline versions of key files.
Finally, approach land and culture with respect. Much of Vanuatu’s land is customary; long leases are the norm, and community consent is essential for any project. Work with reputable surveyors and lawyers, attend village meetings, and be a patient partner. You will find that generosity returned in social capital—neighbors who look out for your home during storms, fishermen who bring fresh catch, and a network that turns a new country into a true home.
- Carry comprehensive health insurance with medical evacuation coverage.
- Choose cyclone-rated housing and maintain water, fuel, and backup power.
- Organize documents in a secure cloud plus a waterproof folder for emergencies.
- Order imports early and hold critical spares to bridge shipping delays.
- Engage locally: hire and train Ni-Vanuatu staff, source produce from village suppliers, and support community events.
Moving to Vanuatu is not about replicating a big-city lifestyle in the tropics; it is about adjusting pace, simplifying routines, and investing in relationships. With the right visa, a realistic budget, and a resilient plan for health and weather, the islands reward residents with clean air, meaningful work, and the kind of daily presence that many people hope to rediscover. For North American families, remote professionals, and small business owners, that blend of opportunity and calm is precisely why Vanuatu belongs on the shortlist.