The official website of the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services

Department of Immigration
& Passport Services

Live in Vanuatu

Explore our visa categories, requirements, and application procedures.

Description

The Vanuatu Residence Visa is designed for individuals who wish to live in Vanuatu for a period exceeding 12 months. This visa offers six different pathways, each with its own eligibility criteria. Applicants can include their spouse and dependent children in their visa application, except for those applying under the “Self-Funded Resident” category.

Criteria

To be eligible for a Vanuatu Residence Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria based on their chosen category:

  • Partner: Must be married to or in a de facto relationship with a Vanuatu citizen, or have been in such a relationship before their partner’s death.
  • Child: Must be a dependent child of a Vanuatu citizen.
  • Employee: Must have secured employment with a Vanuatu-based business for at least 12 months.
  • Self-funded Resident: Requires a certified income of at least 250,000 Vatu per month, or 500,000 Vatu per month if including a spouse or de facto partner.
  • Foreign Investor: Must possess a VIPA approval certificate as a foreign investor and, if applicable, a business license.
  • Leasehold Holder: Requires leasehold ownership of a Vanuatu property valued at 10 million Vatu or more, with certified income of at least 250,000 Vatu per month per person in the application.
Change Of Status

The Vanuatu Immigration Service may grant Residence Visa holders certain conditions they must adhere to. For instance:

  • Partner Residence Visa: The main applicant must continue to be legally married to or in a de facto relationship with the same Vanuatu citizen who formed the basis of the visa, unless the citizen is deceased.
  • Child Residence Visa: The main applicant must continue to be a dependent child of a Vanuatu citizen.
  • Employee Residence Visa: The main applicant must remain employed by the business on which the visa was granted.
  • Self-funded Residence Visa: The main applicant must continue to meet the required monthly income criteria.
  • Foreign Investor Residence Visa: The main applicant must maintain a valid foreign investor approval certificate issued by VIPA and a valid business license if required.
  • Leasehold Holder Residence Visa: The main applicant must maintain the required monthly income and leasehold ownership of the property.
Fees

The visa application charge for the Vanuatu Residence Visa varies based on the applicant’s age and the chosen visa duration:

  • If the applicant is aged under 18: 2,880 Vatu.
  • If the applicant is aged 18 years and over: Fees range from 57,600 Vatu for a 1-year visa to 511,200 Vatu for a 10-year visa.
Validity

The validity of the Vanuatu Residence Visa varies based on the chosen category:

  • Partner, Child, Employee: The visa can be granted for different durations, typically 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, or 10 years, depending on the applicant’s preference and eligibility.
  • Self-funded Resident: The visa is typically granted for 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, or 10 years.
  • Foreign Investor: The visa’s duration may vary based on individual circumstances.
  • Leasehold Holder: The visa’s duration may vary based on individual circumstances.
How To Apply

To apply for a Vanuatu Residence Visa, applicants must complete the provided application form. This form should be filled out accurately, and all relevant documents, such as passports, photographs, and supporting certificates, should be attached. The application must be submitted to the Vanuatu Immigration Service, either in person or by mail.

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Description

The Permanent Residency Visa in Vanuatu is an opportunity for individuals to establish a lasting presence in this beautiful island nation. This visa program is divided into two categories, each catering to different eligibility criteria.

Criteria

Subclass 131 Visa (Part A):

  • Applicants must either be Ni Vanuatu nationals, of Ni Vanuatu descent, or have resided in Vanuatu for at least 12 months.
  • Application forms are available on the official website of the Vanuatu Immigration Services.

Subclass 132-135 Visa (Part B):

  • This category targets serious investors who are keen on making substantial investments in Vanuatu.
  • Applicants must demonstrate a sincere intention to invest significantly.
  • Application forms for this category can also be obtained from the Vanuatu Immigration Services.
  • Applicants to take note of PR Official Directive Notice NO.2 For 2023.
Change Of Status

The Permanent Residency Visa does not offer provisions for a change of status within Vanuatu. Therefore, applicants must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria and adhere to the requirements of their chosen visa category before applying.

Fees

The fees for the Permanent Residency Visa may vary depending on the specific category and requirements. Applicants should refer to the official Vanuatu Immigration Services website or contact them directly to obtain accurate information regarding the applicable fees.

Validity

The Permanent Residency Visa grants individuals the privilege of long-term residency in Vanuatu. It offers stability and security for those who wish to call Vanuatu their home.

How To Apply

For Subclass 131 Visa (Part A):

  1. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
  2. Download the prescribed application form from the official Vanuatu Immigration Services website.
  3. Complete the application form accurately.
  4. Submit the application to the Vanuatu Immigration Services.

For Subclass 132-135 Visa (Part B):

  1. Satisfy the stringent investment requirements.
  2. Access the application form provided by the Vanuatu Immigration Services.
  3. Carefully complete the application form.
  4. Submit your application, including all required documents, to the Vanuatu Immigration Services.
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Department of Vanuatu Immigration and Passport Services
  • Kumul Highway, Tamarama Building, Port Vila, Vanuatu
  • Mon-Fri 8:00am - 17:00pm
  • (+678) 22354
  • [email protected]
  • Postal Address: Po Box 9092
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