Vanuatu's Immigration and Visa Information

Most imported products including food are imported and expensive including rent in Vanuatu. Anyone thinking of coming to Vanuatu should make good considerations

Vanuatu the Immigration Act (Cap 66) as amended and by Immigration Orders issued by the Minister governs all by Entry and Residence in Vanuatu. Entry to Vanuatu is very strict and controlled. However, Permits to Enter and Reside are normally issued to those who can in some way make a positive contribution to the economic development of Vanuatu.

Anyone who is planning to visit Vanuatu for a holiday or to see relatives or for reasons of business where such business is not located in Vanuatu (i.e. sales representative etc) must have a Visitors Permits on arrival and must also have a confirmed round-trip ticket back to their home country. They must also have enough financial means to support themselves during their visit here in Vanuatu. Aside from everything already mentioned, all visitors are not allowed to involve in any business or employment. The validity of a Visitors Permit can be extended to a maximum period of four months but, under the law, no further. Any Visitors’ Applications for Residence Permits CANNOT BE CONSIDERED

Residences Permits are normally valid for one year in the first instance but may be renewed given the conditions under which they were first issued remain the same. The fee for one year and subsequent annual renewal is VT 20,000. Fees which are not refundable are to be paid when submitting the form of application. Residence Permits for limited periods may be renewed to expatriate where authority, by way of a Work Permit, is given for them to be employed on contract by local employers, in occupations where there are not enough Ni-Vanuatu available. However, many occupations previously filled by expatriates are being filled by the local people. Work Permits are usually issued on conditions that the employer takes positive action to train Ni-Vanuatu to fill posts occupied by expatriates. Residence Permits can be given to anyone who wishes to invest in a business in Vanuatu where approval from such business has been given by the Ministry of Finance. In addition, small, urban based businesses require a minimum capital investment of 5 million vatu.