Deep coverage17 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Vanuatu.
4 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Vanuatu Visa-Free Visitor Entry
Citizens of roughly 117 visa-exempt countries (including Australia, New Zealand, the EU/Schengen states, the UK and the USA) may enter Vanuatu for tourism without a visa and are granted a free visitor permit at the border. Most nationalities receive an initial 30 days, extendable, with a maximum tourist stay of up to 120 days that cannot be further extended. Visitors must hold a passport valid at least six months beyond departure and show proof of onward or return travel. The permit does not allow any employment, business or commercial activity.
Government fee
VUV 0
Processing time
0 days
Max stay
120 days
Validity
120 days
Document checklist (4)
Valid passportPassport valid at least 6 months beyond the intended date of departure from Vanuatu.
Proof of onward or return travelConfirmed onward or return ticket out of Vanuatu.
Proof of sufficient fundsOptionalEvidence of adequate funds to support the stay.
Proof of accommodationOptionalHotel booking or address of stay in Vanuatu.
Tourist Visa
Vanuatu Tourist Visa (Non-Exempt Nationals)
Nationals of countries that are not on Vanuatu's visa-exemption list must obtain a tourist visa before travel, applied for online through the Vanuatu eVisa portal or from the Principal Immigration Officer. The fee is VUV 5,150 and the visa permits a stay of up to 120 days for tourism, which cannot be extended. Holders may not engage in any commercial, employment or business activity. Applicants must show a valid passport, onward travel and means of support.
Proof of onward or return travelConfirmed onward or return ticket.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking or address in Vanuatu.
Proof of sufficient fundsOptionalEvidence of funds to cover the stay.
Visa fee paymentPayment of the VUV 5,150 visa charge.
Business Visitor Visa
Vanuatu Business Visa
The Business Visa is for business travellers attending meetings, negotiations, exploratory visits or short temporary work in Vanuatu. A single-entry business visa permits a stay of up to 90 days; a multiple-entry business visa is valid for up to 10 months. The visa application fee is VUV 20,000 (single entry) or VUV 35,000 (multiple entry). It does not authorise ongoing local employment, which requires a work permit and employment visa.
Invitation or business documentationLetter of invitation from a Vanuatu company or proof of the business purpose.
Proof of onward or return travelConfirmed travel itinerary.
Visa fee paymentVUV 20,000 (single entry) or VUV 35,000 (multiple entry).
Business Visitor Visa
Vanuatu Business Visitors Permit
The Business Visitors Permit lets foreign nationals undertake short business, study, research, consultancy or work-related activity in Vanuatu for a single period of 21 days. Since 1 August 2022 it is granted for a fixed 21-day period. It is aimed at short professional visits that fall short of taking up an employment position, which would instead require a work permit and employment visa.
Work: Limited short-term business, consultancy or work-related activity for 21 days only; not a full employment authorisation.
Study: Short study/research activity permitted within the 21-day period; not for enrolled programmes.
Max stay
21 days
Validity
21 days
Document checklist (5)
Business visitors permit applicationCompleted application form lodged with Immigration.
Valid passportPassport valid at least 6 months beyond departure.
Letter of purposeLetter describing the business, research, consultancy or work-related activity and host.
Proof of onward or return travelConfirmed travel itinerary.
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Vanuatu Student Visa
The Student Visa is for foreign nationals who have enrolled in or been accepted to a study programme at a Vanuatu institution. The Director must receive written confirmation from the institution of enrolment. Applicants must show funds or income of at least VUV 40,000 per month per applicant for the duration of the visa, and applicants aged 18 or over must provide medical examination results. The fee is VUV 2,880 for applicants under 18 and VUV 14,400 for those 18 and over. The visa is multiple-entry and may be extended subject to conditions; minors not living with a parent or guardian need an approved Vanuatu host.
Study: Full enrolment at the admitting Vanuatu institution.
Government fee
VUV 14,400
Validity
365 days
Min. income / month
VUV 40,000
Document checklist (7)
Student visa application formCompleted student visa application lodged with Immigration.
Valid passportValid passport (or certified copy of bio-data and used pages if applying from outside Vanuatu).
Letter of enrolmentWritten advice from the institution confirming the applicant is a student or has enrolled in a programme.
Proof of financial meansEvidence of funds or income of at least VUV 40,000 per month per applicant for the visa duration.
Medical examinationMedical examination results (applicants aged 18 and over).
Guardian/host undertakingOptionalFor minors not residing with a parent or legal guardian: an undertaking from an approved Vanuatu host.
Visa fee paymentVUV 2,880 (under 18) or VUV 14,400 (18 and over).
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
1 route
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Skilled Work Visa
Vanuatu Employment Visa and Work Permit
Foreign nationals taking up skilled work in Vanuatu for more than two months need an employer-sponsored Employment Visa from Immigration plus a Work Permit from the Department of Labour. The work permit is employer-led and granted mainly where a local skills gap exists; the Department targets a 5-working-day decision for foreign-investor permits. The Employment Visa is multiple-entry and valid for 12 months; the visa fee is VUV 51,500, the standard one-year work permit fee is VUV 200,000, and a separate Work Permit Tax applies. Both must be renewed annually.
Work: Work for the sponsoring employer in the approved role; tied to the valid work permit.
Residency after 10 years
Government fee
VUV 51,500
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (8)
Employment visa application formCompleted employment visa application supported by the employer sponsor.
Work permit (Department of Labour)Work permit issued by the Vanuatu Department of Labour to the sponsoring employer.
Valid passportPassport valid for the period of stay.
Employment contractSigned contract or letter of offer from the Vanuatu-based employer.
Police clearance certificateCriminal record / police clearance from the home country.
Proof of qualificationsEvidence of qualifications and that no suitable local candidate is available.
Medical examinationOptionalMedical examination results.
Fee paymentEmployment visa fee VUV 51,500 plus work permit fee VUV 200,000.
Not yet researched
Digital Nomad Visa
Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Seasonal Work Visa
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
6 routes
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Residence Visa (Investor / Self-Funded)
Available
Residence visas of 1-10 years for VIPA-approved investors and self-funded residents with certified income of VUV 250,000/month (~USD 2,000), with permanent residency possible after 12 months.
Vanuatu Permanent Residence Visa (Investor, Subclass 132-135)
The investor permanent residence stream (Part B, subclasses 132-135) targets serious investors who genuinely intend to invest substantially in Vanuatu, with tougher requirements than the standard residence visa. Reported thresholds include purchasing property or agricultural land worth around USD 100,000 and demonstrating substantial savings. The permit is renewable every ten years; investors who reside lawfully and continuously for at least ten years while maintaining ownership and management of their business may qualify for a permanent investor visa and, ultimately, naturalisation. Applications use the prescribed Part B form (3-1) lodged with the Director of Immigration.
Work: May own, manage and work in the qualifying Vanuatu business.
Study: Permanent residence permits study.
Residency after 10 years
Family: Spouse and dependent children may be included.
Validity
3,650 days
Min. investment
$100,000
Document checklist (7)
Permanent residence application (form 3-1)Prescribed Part B investor application lodged with the Director of Vanuatu Immigration Services.
Valid passportPassport valid for the application period.
Proof of qualifying investmentEvidence of property/agricultural land purchase (around USD 100,000) or qualifying business investment.
Proof of savings / financial standingEvidence of substantial savings to support the investment and living costs.
Business documentationCompany registration and evidence of ownership and management of the Vanuatu business.
Medical examinationOptionalMedical examination results.
Citizenship by Investment
Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP) Citizenship
The Development Support Program is Vanuatu's principal citizenship-by-investment route, granting full lifelong citizenship and a passport in exchange for a non-refundable contribution to the government's development fund, with no residency, interview or language requirement. As of 2026 the minimum contribution is about USD 130,000 for a single applicant, USD 150,000 for a married couple and USD 165,000+ for a family of three or more (around USD 185,500 all-in for a family of four), with roughly USD 10,000 per additional dependant; a USD 5,500 due-diligence fee is included. Applicants must be 18-65, show clean police certificates and demonstrate net assets of at least USD 250,000. Applications must go through a government-authorised agent, with approval-in-principle typically in 2-3 weeks and completion within about 30-60 days. Citizenship is overseen by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission.
Work: Full citizenship confers unrestricted rights to live and work in Vanuatu.
Study: Full citizen access to study.
Residency: Grants citizenship directly; no residence step or waiting period.
Family: Spouse, dependent children (to age 25) and dependent parents aged 65+ can be included.
Processing time
60 days
Min. investment
$130,000
Document checklist (8)
Application via authorised agentApplication submitted to the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission through a government-authorised designated agent.
Valid passportCertified copies of the applicant's and dependants' current passports.
Police clearance certificateClean police/criminal record certificate(s) for all applicants 18+.
Proof of net worthEvidence of personal or joint net assets of at least USD 250,000.
Source-of-funds evidenceDocumentation showing the lawful source of the contribution funds for due diligence.
Birth and marriage certificatesCertificates evidencing family relationships for any included dependants.
Medical / health declarationHealth declaration or medical certificate confirming good health.
Contribution and fee paymentPayment of the development contribution plus the USD 5,500 due-diligence fee.
Citizenship by Investment
Vanuatu Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) Citizenship
The Capital Investment Immigration Plan is Vanuatu's second citizenship-by-investment route, granting full lifelong citizenship with no residency requirement. The contribution is about USD 165,000, of which roughly USD 50,000 is placed into a designated investment fund (e.g. the Cocoa Sustainable Fund) that is guaranteed and redeemable after four years, making the net cost lower than the headline figure. Like the DSP it requires clean police certificates, due-diligence checks and application through a government-authorised agent, with completion typically within about one to two months. The Vanuatu Contribution Program (VCP), reserved for the China market, runs in parallel as a separate contribution stream.
Work: Full citizenship confers unrestricted rights to live and work in Vanuatu.
Study: Full citizen access to study.
Residency: Grants citizenship directly; no residence step or waiting period.
Family: Spouse, dependent children and dependent parents can be included.
Processing time
60 days
Min. investment
$165,000
Document checklist (7)
Application via authorised agentApplication submitted through a government-authorised designated agent to the Citizenship Commission.
Valid passportCertified copies of the applicant's and dependants' current passports.
Police clearance certificateClean police/criminal record certificate(s) for all applicants 18+.
Source-of-funds evidenceDocumentation of the lawful source of the contribution and fund-investment monies.
Birth and marriage certificatesCertificates evidencing relationships for any included dependants.
Medical / health declarationHealth declaration confirming good health.
Contribution and fund investmentPayment of the contribution including the refundable fund component plus due-diligence fees.
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
Self-Funded Resident (Residence on Assured Income)
Available
Residence permit (issuable for 1 to 10 years) for self-funded persons with bank-certified monthly income of at least VUV 250,000 (about US$2,100), or VUV 500,000 including a spouse, with no local employment.
Residence visa for foreign investors who hold a valid Foreign Investor approval certificate from the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority (VIPA) and, where required, a business licence. The visa length scales with the investment: about VUV 15,000,000 supports a 3-year visa, VUV 25,000,000 a 5-year visa, VUV 50,000,000 a 10-year visa and VUV 100,000,000 a 15-year visa. Residence visa fees range from about VUV 57,600 for one year up to roughly VUV 511,200 for ten years (18+), plus VUV 20,000 per year of validity in advance. The VIPA application fee is VUV 120,000 with a VUV 30,000 annual renewal. The investor must keep the VIPA certificate and licence valid throughout.
Work: May manage and work in the approved VIPA-registered business.
Study: Lawful residence permits study.
Residency after 10 years
Family: Spouse and dependent children can be included on the residence visa application.
Government fee
VUV 57,600
Validity
1,095 days
Min. investment
VUV 15,000,000
Document checklist (8)
Residence visa application formCompleted foreign-investor residence visa application lodged with Immigration.
VIPA Foreign Investor approval certificateValid Certificate of Approval issued by the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority.
Business licenceOptionalValid Vanuatu business licence, where the VIPA certificate indicates a business will be operated.
Valid passportPassport valid for the period of the visa.
Police clearance certificateCriminal record / police clearance from the home country.
Medical examinationBasic medical examination results.
Proof of investment fundsEvidence of the qualifying investment amount supporting the chosen visa length.
Visa fee paymentResidence visa fee plus VUV 20,000 per year of validity paid in advance.
1 route
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Retirement Visa
Vanuatu Self-Funded Resident Visa
The Self-Funded Resident Visa is Vanuatu's route for financially independent and retired foreigners who support themselves without local employment. Applicants must show certified monthly income paid into a Vanuatu bank of at least VUV 250,000 (single) or VUV 500,000 if including a spouse or de facto partner, and must keep meeting that income test. The visa is typically issued for 1, 3, 5 or 10 years; fees range from about VUV 57,600 for one year up to roughly VUV 511,200 for ten years (18+), plus VUV 20,000 per year of validity in advance. A clean police record and a basic medical examination are required.
Study: Lawful residence permits study.
Residency after 10 years
Family: Spouse/de facto partner can be included on the higher income test; dependent children may be added.
Government fee
VUV 57,600
Validity
1,095 days
Min. income / month
VUV 250,000
Document checklist (7)
Residence visa application formCompleted self-funded resident visa application lodged with Immigration.
Valid passportPassport valid for the period of the visa.
Proof of certified monthly incomeBank certification of income of at least VUV 250,000/month (single) or VUV 500,000/month (with spouse/partner).
Police clearance certificateClean criminal record from the home country.
Medical examinationBasic medical examination results.
Visa fee paymentResidence visa fee plus VUV 20,000 per year of validity paid in advance.
Not yet researched
Working Holiday Visa
2 routes
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Spouse / Partner Visa
Vanuatu Partner (Spouse / De Facto) Residence Visa
The Partner Residence Visa is for foreigners legally married to, or in a genuine de facto relationship with, a Vanuatu citizen or resident. The applicant must remain in that relationship with the same partner who is the basis of the visa, unless the partner has died. The visa lets the partner live in Vanuatu for the granted period and is renewable while the relationship continues. A foreign spouse of a Vanuatu citizen becomes eligible for Vanuatu citizenship after two years of marriage.
Work: Partners of citizens/residents may generally live and work in Vanuatu.
Study: Lawful residence permits study.
Residency after 2 years
Family: Built around the partner relationship; dependent children may be included via the child residence route.
Validity
1,095 days
Document checklist (7)
Partner residence visa applicationCompleted application lodged with Immigration.
Valid passportPassport valid for the application period.
Marriage certificate or proof of de facto relationshipEvidence of marriage to, or a genuine de facto relationship with, the Vanuatu citizen or resident.
Partner's status documentProof that the sponsoring partner is a Vanuatu citizen or holds a valid residence status.
The Child Residence Visa is for the dependent child of a Vanuatu citizen or resident, allowing the child to live in Vanuatu with the qualifying parent. The sponsoring parent must hold Vanuatu citizenship or a valid residence status, and the relationship and dependency must be evidenced. The visa is renewable while the child remains a dependant and the parent's status is maintained.
Study: Permits the child to study in Vanuatu.
Residency after 10 years
Family: Issued to the dependent child of a citizen or resident parent.
Validity
1,095 days
Document checklist (6)
Child residence visa applicationCompleted application lodged with Immigration by the parent or guardian.
Child's valid passportPassport valid for the application period.
Birth certificateEvidence of the parent-child relationship.
Parent's status documentProof that the parent is a Vanuatu citizen or holds valid residence status.
Proof of dependencyEvidence the child is a dependant of the qualifying parent.
Passport photographsOptionalRecent passport-size photographs of the child.
Not yet researched
Family Reunification Visa
Ancestry / Repatriation
2 routes
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Talent / Highly Skilled Visa
Vanuatu Specialist Visa
The Specialist Visa is for foreign nationals coming to Vanuatu to provide specialised skills, expertise or short technical assignments, typically under a contract with a Vanuatu-based organisation or project. It is sponsored by the host entity and granted for the period of the assignment. It is distinct from the standard employment visa and is used where a defined specialist role or consultancy is being performed. Specific fee schedules are set by Immigration.
Work: Work limited to the sponsored specialist assignment.
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
Specialist visa application formCompleted specialist visa application lodged with Immigration.
Valid passportPassport valid for the period of the assignment.
Sponsor/host letterLetter from the Vanuatu host entity describing the specialist role and engagement period.
Contract or assignment agreementContract detailing the specialist services to be provided.
Proof of qualificationsEvidence of the specialist skills, qualifications or experience.
Police clearance certificateOptionalCriminal record / police clearance from the home country.
Permanent Residence
Vanuatu Permanent Residence Visa (Subclass 131)
Subclass 131 is the non-investor permanent residence route, open to people of Ni-Vanuatu parentage or descent and to those who have resided in Vanuatu for the preceding 12 months. Applicants must demonstrate a stable income or sufficient savings to support themselves; employment with a local company is not mandatory. Applications are lodged on the prescribed form with the Director of Vanuatu Immigration Services. It confers long-term settlement and can lead to naturalisation after the qualifying period of continuous residence.
Work: Permanent residents may live and work in Vanuatu.
Study: Permanent residence permits study.
Residency after 10 years
Family: Spouse and dependent children may be included subject to assessment.
Document checklist (6)
Permanent residence application (form 3-0)Prescribed Part A application lodged with the Director of Vanuatu Immigration Services.
Valid passportPassport valid for the application period.
Proof of Ni-Vanuatu descent or 12-month residenceEvidence of Ni-Vanuatu parentage/descent or of residing in Vanuatu for the last 12 months.
Proof of income or savingsEvidence of stable income or sufficient savings to support living costs.
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