Vanuatu
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Vanuatu.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Vanuatu welcomes 100% foreign-owned companies
Fully remote formation — you never need to set foot in the country.
- 100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
- Legal system: Mixed (Common Law and French Civil Law)
- Primary registration authority: Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)
- Registry website: https://www.vfsc.vu
- Tax authority: Vanuatu Revenue and Customs Service
- Corporate income tax (CIT): 0% - Source: Vanuatu: 0% CIT, 0% VAT - zero-tax offshore jurisdiction.
- VAT / sales tax: 0%
- Estimated formation timeline: 3-7 days - VFSC online portal. Source: VFSC Vanuatu
- Annual compliance and renewal obligations apply
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Tax at a glance
Vanuatu Tax Overview
0%
Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
Vanuatu: 0% CIT, 0% VAT - zero-tax offshore jurisdiction.
0%
VAT / Sales Tax
Vanuatu: 0% CIT, 0% VAT - zero-tax offshore jurisdiction.
Vanuatu Revenue and Customs Service
Tax Authority
https://www.customs.gov.vu
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Legal framework: Mixed (Common Law and French Civil Law)
Primary registry: Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)
Tax rate: 0% CIT
Incorporated company has access to Vanuatu market
Considerations
Local professional guidance recommended for regulatory compliance
Banking KYC requirements can be extensive - allow time for account opening
Professional services market may be limited compared to major financial centres
Verify sector-specific restrictions before investing
Currency risk: VUV fluctuations may affect USD-denominated investments
Incorporation Process
The process is strictly digital. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Name reservation
Prepare incorporation documents
Submit registration application
Tax registration
Open corporate bank account
What you'll pay
Cost Architecture
Government Fees
Annual Ongoing
Professional Services
Government fees change frequently. Always verify current fee schedule at https://www.vfsc.vu before committing.
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Vanuatu setup is different. A 15-minute call with one of our specialists will give you a personalised cost breakdown — completely free.
Fintech & Banking
Can non-residents open accounts without visiting? NO.
Banking options for non-resident founders in Vanuatu. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANZ Vanuatu | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| BSP Vanuatu | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Bred Bank Vanuatu | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Annual company filing | Ongoing | File annual returns with Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) to maintain good standing. |
Corporate income tax return | Ongoing | Submit annual CIT return to Vanuatu Revenue and Customs Service. Rate: 0%. |
VAT filing | Ongoing | VAT-registered businesses file periodically. Rate: 0%. Verify threshold with Vanuatu Revenue and Customs Service. |
Accounting records | Ongoing | Maintain statutory books per Mixed (Common Law and French Civil Law) requirements. |
Beneficial ownership disclosure | Ongoing | Verify current UBO requirements in Vanuatu. |
Frequently Asked
Speak with a Vanuatu specialist
Get personalised guidance on entity types, costs, timelines and banking — free, no commitment needed.