Moving to Vanuatu: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Vanuatu: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 4 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Vanuatu the top income tax rate is 0%, dividends are taxed at up to 0% and companies pay 0% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
You can become tax resident in Vanuatu from arrival once you take up residence (Residence visa + home; no income tax or residence test). The typical route is Citizenship by investment (DSP, ~USD 165k family of 3): Donation USD 165k for family of 3 + ~USD 5.5k due diligence; no residence or visit needed There are 4 open residence programmes in Vanuatu — see the list below.
Living there
Port Vila has a tropical rainforest climate with winter highs around 25.5 °C and summer highs around 30 °C. The economy grew -1% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 1.5% for 2026. Its passport opens about 83 countries without a visa in advance. Security: No conflict exposure.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 0% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 0% |
| Corporate tax | 0% |
| Résidence fiscale | dès l'arrivée — Residence visa + home; no income tax or residence test |
| Voie de résidence typique | Citizenship by investment (DSP, ~USD 165k family of 3) — Donation USD 165k for family of 3 + ~USD 5.5k due diligence; no residence or visit needed |
| Passeport | sans visa ou visa à l'arrivée dans 83 pays |
| Economic growth | -1% (2025), forecast 1.5% (2026) |
| Type de climat | tropical rainforest · 25.5° / 30° (Port Vila) |
| Guerre & conflits | none — No conflict exposure |
| Tous les risques naturels | 7.3/10 |
| Solidité bancaire | 3.5/10 · NR |
| Protection de la propriété | 4/10 |
| Logements chauds en hiver | 9/10 |
Residence programmes in Vanuatu
- Development Support Program (DSP) – Citizenship by Investment — Investissement CHF 104'000 · open · 2026-10
- Self-funded Residence Visa — Revenu / an CHF 20'100 · open · 2026-10
- Foreign Investor / Leasehold Holder Residence Visa — Investissement CHF 67'000 · open · 2026-10
- Work Residence Visa — employment · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Vanuatu to become tax resident?
dès l'arrivée. Residence visa + home; no income tax or residence test No income, gains or inheritance tax; VAT only
How much tax will I pay in Vanuatu?
In Vanuatu the top income tax rate is 0%, dividends are taxed at up to 0% and companies pay 0% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Vanuatu offer?
Development Support Program (DSP) – Citizenship by Investment (CHF 104'000); Self-funded Residence Visa; Foreign Investor / Leasehold Holder Residence Visa (CHF 67'000); Work Residence Visa
What is the usual way to move to Vanuatu?
Citizenship by investment (DSP, ~USD 165k family of 3). Donation USD 165k for family of 3 + ~USD 5.5k due diligence; no residence or visit needed
Compare with nearby countries
Afghanistan · Armenia · Australia · Azerbaijan · Bangladesh · Bhutan · Cambodia · China · Fiji · Georgia · Hong Kong · India
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