Discover the beautiful South Pacific island nation that offers one of the world's most attractive citizenship by investment programmes.
Vanuatu is a sovereign island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,750 kilometres east of Australia and 500 kilometres northeast of New Caledonia. The country comprises an archipelago of 83 islands, of which 65 are inhabited, stretching over 1,300 kilometres from north to south.
Formerly known as the New Hebrides under joint British-French colonial administration, Vanuatu gained full independence on 30 July 1980. Today, it is a stable parliamentary democracy with a constitution that guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to all citizens.
The capital city, Port Vila, is located on the island of Efate and serves as the country's commercial, administrative, and tourism hub. English, French, and Bislama (a Melanesian pidgin language) are the three official languages.
Beyond its natural beauty, Vanuatu offers compelling advantages for international citizens and investors.
Vanuatu is a full member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the Pacific Islands Forum, and numerous other international organisations. This membership provides diplomatic protections and inter-governmental cooperation that benefit all citizens.
Vanuatu has maintained a stable parliamentary democracy since independence in 1980. The country has a constitution that guarantees fundamental rights and a functioning judicial system based on common law principles inherited from the British legal tradition.
Vanuatu's economy has shown consistent growth, driven by tourism, agriculture (copra, cocoa, coffee), fisheries, and increasingly by its financial services sector. The CBI programme has also become a significant contributor to national revenue and development.
Vanuatu imposes no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no wealth tax, and no inheritance tax. This tax-neutral status has attracted international businesses and investors, making it one of the most favourable jurisdictions for wealth preservation.
Positioned between Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Island nations, Vanuatu enjoys strong ties with its regional neighbours. The country's location in the Oceania region provides access to growing Asia-Pacific markets and trade networks.
Consistently ranked among the world's happiest countries, Vanuatu boasts pristine beaches, active volcanoes, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs. The country offers an exceptional quality of life for those who choose to visit or reside there.
Vanuatu is an active participant in the international community, holding membership in these organisations:
Full member since 1980, providing citizens with diplomatic support and access to Commonwealth programmes worldwide.
UN member since 1981, participating in global governance and benefiting from international development programmes.
WTO member since 2012, enabling Vanuatu to participate in the global trading system and benefit from trade agreements.
Founding member of the Pacific Islands Forum, the region's premier political and economic policy organisation.
Member of the ADB, benefiting from regional development financing and technical assistance programmes.
Member of the MSG, an intergovernmental organisation promoting economic growth and cultural exchange among Melanesian states.
Vanuatu has positioned itself as a favourable jurisdiction for international business. The country's tax-neutral status, combined with a straightforward regulatory framework, has attracted businesses from around the world.
Vanuatu allows the formation of International Business Companies that enjoy zero corporate taxation for 20 years, with an annual maintenance fee of just $300 USD. IBCs are popular among international entrepreneurs for holding companies, trading operations, and intellectual property management.
While Vanuatu's financial sector is smaller than major offshore centres, it offers licensed banking institutions that serve international clients. The Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) regulates the sector and ensures compliance with international standards, including anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) requirements.
Tourism is the largest contributor to Vanuatu's GDP, with visitors drawn by the country's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure activities. Agriculture — particularly copra, cocoa, kava, and coffee — remains an important sector, employing a significant portion of the population. The CIIP programme's Cocoa Sustainable Development Fund directly supports the growth of Vanuatu's cocoa industry.
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