Residence Permit of Vanuatu

Vanuatu residence permit is a document that allows foreign citizens to reside in the country for 1 year or more. The government of the country is loyal to relocants and residence permits are issued to foreigners (and their family members) if they meet the minimum requirements. Migration policy of the Republic can be confidently attributed among the most loyal in the world. The program allows you to obtain one of 6 permits for the right to reside in the country without citizenship or with the prospect of obtaining a local identity card. If all the requirements are met, each of the ways is available.

In order to apply, it is necessary to prove that the applicant has sufficient financial resources to support himself and his dependents for the duration of their stay in the Republic.

Important

In 2024, applications for temporary residence permits and permanent residence permits can be submitted through the government online portal or certified organizations.

Types of Residence Permits

Entry and residence in Vanuatu are regulated by National Law No. 17 "On Immigration." Entry into the country for purposes beyond short-term tourist or business visits is strictly controlled. Therefore, the right to long-term residence is granted to those who can contribute to the development of the economy. There are six different grounds on which a residence permit can be granted. Both individual programs and comprehensive programs for families (subject to registration as a self-financing resident) are available.

The processing time for an application generally does not exceed 2-3 months. However, it should be noted that the process may take longer depending on the volume of applications and the completeness of the applicant's dossier.

Residence Permit for the Purchase of Real Estate

One of the simplest ways to obtain residency is through investments. Existing programs can meet the needs of any serious investors intending to invest in the Republic's economy. However, the requirements for the applicant are stricter compared to obtaining a regular resident visa.

Important

Investments such as acquiring property or engaging in securities do not satisfy the requirements for this visa category.

Necessary justifications

In recent years, the requirements for investors and the conditions for granting residence permits have undergone many changes. Improvements are primarily aimed at enhancing relations with the European Union. Currently, a foreign investor can use one of two grounds:

• Land lease. The minimum transaction amount must be 10,000,000 Vatu ($85,000). Purchasing land is not provided for; only leasing for a period of up to 75 years is available. The second condition is the confirmation of a stable income of 250,000 Vatu ($2,100) per month.
• Business start-up/operation. A foreigner can obtain a long-term residence permit if the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority (VIPA) approves the existing business plan. This must be an active business or manufacturing activity that benefits the country.

The validity period of such a permit is 1 year. Dependents of the applicant can also be included in the application.

List of documents

• Valid passport with certified copies of all pages.
• Two passport-sized photos.
  
• Online application form.
  
• Receipt of payment for visa fees.
  
• Birth certificate (if applicable).
  
• Marriage certificate (if applicable).
  
• Original or certified copy of the Foreign Investor Approval Certificate issued by VIPA.
  
• Original or certified copy of the business license issued by the relevant official authority, if the VIPA certificate specifies that a business license is required.
  

In each case, the Immigration and Passport Department reserves the right to request additional documents for further verification as necessary.

Student Residence Permits

Permission for studying at local secondary educational institutions or universities is granted to foreign citizens upon confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution. The student must provide a letter from the institution confirming the right to study.

These permits are intended for applicants who plan to study in the country for up to 1 year. If the course lasts longer than 12 months, it will be necessary to apply for a new student visa each year.

Required justifications

Requests can be made by both new students and current holders of student permits. The main requirement for participating in the program is proof of enrollment in a university. Additionally, proof of existing education and information about financial status will be required. If a student is receiving a government scholarship, they will be exempt from paying visa fees.

List of Documents

• A valid passport with certified copies of all pages.
• Birth certificate.
  
• 2 passport-sized photographs.
  
• Proof of enrollment in a study course.
  
• Online application form.
  
• Receipts for visa fee payments.
  
• Proof of funds/income – minimum 40,000 Vatu per applicant per month.
  
• If the applicant is 18 years old or older – medical certificate.
  
• If the applicant is under 18 years old and not living with parents or legal guardians – parental consent for issuing a student visa.
  

Residency Permit for Financially Independent Individuals (Freelancers, Digital Nomads)

The remote worker visa allows digital nomads to live and legally work in the country either as self-employed or as part of a company registered abroad. The residence and work permits are issued based on an approved business visa application by the Department of Immigration and Passport Services of Vanuatu.

New applications undergo thorough screening by the Labor Department's commission. If the applicant fully meets the requirements and has provided all necessary information, the application review takes 7 days.

Necessary justifications

A foreigner can submit a petition provided they justify their sources of income and the expected earnings. The mandatory requirements for the applicant always include the absence of a criminal record, compliance with health requirements, and employment in a company located outside the Republic.

The candidate must be outside the country at the time of the freelance visa application.

List of documents

• Valid passport with certified copies of all pages.
• 2 passport-sized photographs.
  
• Receipts for visa fee payments.
  
• Proof of an average monthly income of at least 250,000 Vatu ($2,100).
  
• Proof of employment with a foreign company.
  
• Medical certificate.
  
• Return ticket.
  

Residence permit through marriage

If a spouse has residency, their partner has the right to submit a petition. The main feature is the ability to request it whether in an official marriage or a civil union. However, in the latter case, without providing documentary evidence, there is a high chance of refusal.

Minimum duration of marriage or civil partnership is 5 years. The issued permit is valid for 1 to 10 years, depending on the rights of the applicants.

Required justifications

To obtain the right to a residence permit based on marriage, the applicant must be married or in a factual relationship at the time of application or until the partner's death. An additional criterion may be the presence of children who are citizens of the Republic.

List of documents

• Valid passport with certified copies of all pages.
• Two passport-sized photos.
• Receipts for visa fee payment.
• Online application.
• Certified copy of birth certificate (if applicable).
• Certified copy of marriage certificate. If the couple was in a civil partnership, proof of cohabitation is required.
• Certified copy of death certificate (if applicable).

Family Reunification

There is no separate residency program for family reunification in Vanuatu. To protect the family, the government offers residency permits based on marriage. If the foreigner has relatives or ancestors in Vanuatu, they may benefit from residency programs. In this case, if the parents or adoptive parents are citizens, the applicant can initiate the process of obtaining a passport.

Obtaining Vanuatu citizenship through family ties is possible in certain situations.

Required justifications

To submit an application, it is necessary to have a relative with citizenship. At least one of the parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents must be a native resident or a resident by birthright or through the process of naturalization.

Additionally, a family member may obtain the appropriate status through marriage or by familial connections. Children born within the territory of the Republic acquire citizenship by jus soli (right of the soil).

To grant residency to a child born outside the country, an investment fee of $15,000 is required.

List of documents

• Valid passport with notarized copies of all pages.
• 2 passport-sized photographs.
• Receipts for visa fee payments.
• Notarized copy of the birth certificate (if children are present).
• Notarized copy of the marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Notarized copy of the death certificate (if applicable).
• Certificate of no criminal record.
• Medical certificate.

Residence Permit for Employment

A long-term residence permit is issued based on a work visa. This program is available to foreign workers for performing skilled work when employed by a local company. The work visa is issued for a period starting from 2 months. The list can include a spouse and children.

The application must be submitted by the current or potential employer when hiring a new foreign employee, renewing the permit, or changing the employer.

You can find more information about work visas and apply online on the official website of the Department of Immigration and Passport Services.

Necessary justifications

At the time of issuing the permit, the foreigner must already be employed or have a preliminary employment contract. Additionally, throughout the validity period of the issued residence permit, the employee must remain an employee of the organization that submitted the request. In case of changing employers, a new request must be submitted. If the employment contract is terminated, the right to work in the Republic is annulled.

The process of issuing permits and extensions is regulated by the Labor Law (SAR 187).

List of documents

• Valid passport with notarized copies of all pages.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Receipts for visa fee payments.
• Certificate of no criminal record.
• Medical certificate.
• Copies of written contract, employment agreement, interview results.
• Statement from the employer operating in the country.

Residence Permit for Business and Self-Employment

For business travelers and those seeking new business opportunities, Vanuatu offers several visa options for various purposes. Temporary and long-term stay permits can be obtained for both business meetings and negotiations as well as for conducting business. In Vanuatu’s immigration service, a businessman can apply for one of two types of visas:

• Single-entry visa – for a one-time entry into the country, valid for up to 3 months.
• Multiple-entry visa – for periodic business trips and conducting business, valid for up to 10 months.

A foreigner who has obtained a business residence permit must comply with the conditions under which it was granted, including adhering to the specific types of activities listed in the application. In the event of any significant change in the goals or type of activity, the applicant must contact the immigration authorities to update the permit.

Necessary justifications

The Vanuatu government has not established specific conditions or requirements for businesses. Each application is reviewed individually. The primary criterion is the economic benefit to the country. For obtaining citizenship through investment, the minimum investment amount is $130,000.

The Director of the Vanuatu Immigration Service has the authority to approve or deny an application based on an individual assessment of the request.

List of documents

• Valid passport with certified copies of all pages.
• 2 passport-sized photographs.
  
• Receipts for visa fee payments.
  
• Certificate of no criminal record.
  
• Medical certificate.
  
• Information about employment type/business plan.
  
• Copy of valid business license.
  
• Copy of valid temporary work permit from the Department of Labor.
  
• Confirmation letter from the institution/company in Vanuatu, confirming the purpose of the visit (if applicable).
  

Extension of Residence Permit

In practice, the processing time for the application is 5-7 working days, depending on the accuracy of compliance with immigration requirements. The application for the extension of an existing permit is less demanding on the applicant. The extension application must be submitted to the Department of Immigration at least 6 weeks before the expiration of the current permit.

All applications for obtaining and renewing a residence permit are processed at the main office of the Department of Immigration. However, the application can be submitted online or at branch offices throughout the archipelago.

If a previously issued residence permit is linked to investments in the country's economy, the permit can be extended for a longer period if the applicant has a good reputation.