HOW TO SET UP A BUSINESS IN VANUATU

Setting up a business in Vanuatu involves seven simple and quick steps. Contact our friendly staff who will advise and guide you through all the steps.

The seven steps of setting up a business

More details on the process for each step by departments concerned are also provided by the download links for each step. The Business Startup Guide below to the right presents all the seven steps requirement in more details which you can also download.

  • Step 1. Foreign Investment Registration Certificate (FIRC)

    Advice on business startup process and requirements and investment certificate registration is your first step. Click here to get more information about the FIRC registration process and other related information

  • Step 2. Company and Business Registration

    Company or Business name reservation and incorporation is your second step to start a business in Vanuatu. This step can be done concurrently with steps 1. Click here to get further information about company registration.

  • Step 3. Business License Registration

    The approval of business licenses within the municipal areas in Port Vila, is given by the Director of Customs and Inland Revenue while the six Provincial Governments is responsible for issuing licenses to foreign investment outside of the Port Vila municipality. Click here for further information

  • Step 4. Registration for VAT (Value Added Tax)

    Consult if your business is eligible to register for VAT. The Department of Customs and Inland Revenue (DCIR) is responsible for VAT registration and administration. To get more information, click here

  • Step 5. Obtaining a Residence Permit

    If you will be residing in Vanuatu to manage your investment, you are required to apply for a Residency Permit which has a 12 month validity. The Department of Immigration and Passport Services is responsible for issuing Residency Permits. Click here to get more information.

  • Step 6. Obtaining a Work Permit

    A work permit is needed in the instance that you want to employ a foreign employee to work within your company in key positions. The Department of Labor is responsible for the granting of work permits. Get more information about the process of getting a work permit here

  • Step 7. Employer Registration with the VNPF

    It is an obligation for anyone employing a person earning up to VT3000 to register as an employer with the Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF). Get more information about the registration requirements

The VFIPA can guide you

Your decision to invest in Vanuatu may involve a number of approaches regards the startup requirements.

Process of starting a business in Vanuatu
Business start Up Guide

TRADE PORTAL AND SINGLEWINDOW PORTALS

These 2 resources provide very useful information relevant to your business. Please take time to explore.

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