Programme overview
About the Vanuatu Permanent Residency
Vanuatu is a South Pacific island republic of around 80 islands, with its capital in Port Vila on the island of Efate. It became independent in 1980 and is a member of the Commonwealth, the United Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum. English, French and Bislama are its official languages.
A Vanuatu permanent residency lets you live in the country long term while you remain a citizen of your home country. It is the lighter, lower-cost alternative to full citizenship, and many clients choose it as a first step, as a regional base, or because their home country restricts holding a second nationality.
Passport and PR, operated by Business Migration Worldwide, is an authorised representative for Vanuatu's programmes. We assess your profile, prepare the application, submit it to the authorities and keep you informed until a decision is made.
Complete guide
Everything about the Vanuatu Permanent Residency
What is Vanuatu permanent residency?
Vanuatu permanent residency is a long-term immigration status granted by the Government of Vanuatu to approved applicants. It entitles the holder to live in Vanuatu on an ongoing basis without needing repeated short-term visas.
Residency routes are separate from citizenship. As a resident you keep your original nationality and passport; you do not become a Vanuatu citizen and do not receive a Vanuatu passport. If a passport is your goal, see our Vanuatu Passport page.
Why choose Vanuatu as a second home?
Vanuatu combines a stable parliamentary democracy with a lifestyle many people travel across the world to enjoy: volcanic landscapes, coral reefs, beaches and a strong local culture. Port Vila, the capital, offers restaurants, services, banks and an international airport.
The country does not charge personal income tax, capital gains tax or inheritance tax, which makes it attractive to people building international lives. Tax outcomes always depend on where else you are resident, so we encourage every client to take independent tax advice before applying.
Vanuatu PR or Vanuatu passport: which is right for you?
Choose permanent residency if you want a place to live and a low-cost, quick second base without changing your nationality. Choose the Vanuatu passport if you want full citizenship and a second travel document, and you are comfortable with a higher contribution.
Because the two routes build on each other, many clients start with residency and upgrade later. During your consultation we compare both against your goals, budget and timeline and tell you honestly which fits best.
Vanuatu PR for Asian and Middle Eastern clients
Many Asian citizens, specially from China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, India, Jordan, Egypt and Russia, face some challenges in international travel and trade mobility which makes Permanent Residency a practical way to secure a second base abroad. Clients across Asia, Middle East and Russia use Vanuatu residency as a regional foothold in the Pacific.
From our Kuala Lumpur office we explain how a foreign residency interacts with your home-country rules before you apply. We always recommend that Malaysian citizens confirm their personal position first.
Costs, fees and timeline
Our Vanuatu PR packages start from US$6,500* for the main applicant, with processing from 20* days once your documents are complete. Family members and different routes change the final figure, so we provide a written, itemised proposal after your consultation.
Your written proposal itemises every cost before you commit.
Key benefits
Why clients choose the Vanuatu Permanent Residency
Long-term right to reside
Live in Vanuatu on a permanent basis, with the stability of residency status rather than a short visa.
Keep your current nationality
Residency does not require you to give up your existing passport or citizenship.
Low entry cost, fast timeline
From US$6,500* with processing from 20* days, among the most affordable and quickest options in our range.
A Pacific base for your family
Eligible family members can be included, so your household can share the same status.
Favourable tax environment
Vanuatu does not levy personal income tax. Your obligations still depend on your home country, so take independent tax advice.
A route towards citizenship
Many clients later upgrade to Vanuatu citizenship through the Development Support Programme. We can plan this with you from day one.
Who it is best suited to
Lifestyle seekers and retirees
A tropical, English- and French-speaking island nation with a relaxed pace and a warm climate.
Entrepreneurs and investors
A low-tax Pacific base from which to explore regional opportunities, subject to local business rules.
Families planning ahead
Residency in a second country gives your household options if circumstances change at home.
Clients with dual-nationality limits
If your home country restricts a second passport, residency adds a second base without changing your citizenship.
Who can apply
- The main applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- A clean criminal record, with no serious offences.
- Successful completion of government background and due diligence checks.
- A lawful source of funds that can be documented.
- Payment of the programme package and government fees as set out in your written proposal.
Documents you will need
- Certified copy of your valid passport
- Birth certificate and, where relevant, marriage certificate
- Police clearance certificates
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Proof of address and proof of source of funds
- Supporting documents for each included family member
The exact checklist depends on your nationality and family. We confirm it with you at consultation and review every document before submission.
How it works
Your Vanuatu PR application, step by step
- 1
Free consultation
We review your goals, family and background, and confirm that residency is the right fit.
- 2
Written package
You receive an itemised proposal covering government fees, due diligence and our professional fees.
- 3
Document preparation
We tell you exactly what is needed, check each document and handle certification.
- 4
Application and due diligence
We lodge your application and manage all communication with the authorities.
- 5
Approval and issuance
Once approved, your permanent residency is issued and we guide you on the next steps.
Investment and fees
Vanuatu Permanent Residency pricing
* Contact us now for your package. The final amount depends on your route and family size and is confirmed in writing. Your written proposal itemises every cost before you commit.
Family package
Protect your whole family
Contact us for a family package at the lowest market rate, with peace of mind that your file is handled by government-authorised professionals.
Ask for a family packageQuestions
Vanuatu PR: frequently asked questions
How much does Vanuatu permanent residency cost?
Our Vanuatu PR packages start from US$6,500*. The exact figure depends on your route and your family size. Contact us now for a written breakdown of government fees, due diligence and professional fees.
How long does the Vanuatu PR process take?
Processing starts from 20* days once your documents are complete and accepted. Timelines depend on how quickly documents are prepared and on the authorities, so we give you a realistic schedule at your consultation.
What is the difference between Vanuatu PR and a Vanuatu passport?
Permanent residency lets you live in Vanuatu while you remain a citizen of your home country. A Vanuatu passport is full citizenship with a travel document. See our Vanuatu Passport page for that route.
Can my family be included in my application?
Yes, eligible family members can usually be included. Contact us for a family package at the lowest market rate, with peace of mind that your file is handled by government-authorised professionals.
Do I have to live in Vanuatu to keep my residency?
Requirements for maintaining residency are set by the authorities and can change. We explain the current conditions during your consultation so there are no surprises.
Can Malaysian citizens apply for Vanuatu permanent residency?
Yes, applicants of many nationalities may apply, including Malaysians. Residency does not change your citizenship, which makes it a practical option where dual nationality is restricted. We advise on your own situation first.
Does Vanuatu charge income tax?
Vanuatu does not levy personal income tax. Your tax position in other countries is separate, so take independent tax advice.
Can I upgrade from residency to citizenship later?
Many clients do. Vanuatu citizenship is available through the Development Support Programme, and we can plan the upgrade with you.
Discover Vanuatu
Life, landscape and modern infrastructure
Beautiful islands, a growing capital and modern infrastructure: the lifestyle that comes with Vanuatu residency.
Ready to apply? Start online in five minutes.
Apply online nowRelated guides
- Residency by investment
- Second residency in the Pacific
- Vanuatu residence permit
- Vanuatu immigration: your routes
- Vanuatu CIIP and our residency packages
- How much does Vanuatu PR cost?
- Vanuatu PR requirements
- Vanuatu PR agent in Kuala Lumpur
- Company registration in Vanuatu
- Business setup in Vanuatu
- Vanuatu embassy in Pakistan
- Vanuatu flights: getting to Port Vila
Guides by nationality
- Second passport and residency for Pakistani applicants
- Second passport and residency for Indian applicants
- Second passport and residency for Bangladeshi applicants
- Second passport and residency for Iranian applicants
- Second passport and residency for Russian applicants
- Second passport and residency for Chinese applicants
- Second passport and residency for Arab applicants
Free consultation
Ask about the Vanuatu Permanent Residency
Tell us a little about yourself and an adviser will contact you within one working day.
Kuala Lumpur office
Business Migration Worldwide
Menara Arina Uniti, Level 7
Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz
50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact
Tel: +603 2779 7693
Fax: +603 2779 6200
WhatsApp: +60 10 274 1081
Email: [email protected]