HOW TO SET UP A BUSINESS IN VANUATU

Establishing a business in Vanuatu is a streamlined process comprising seven straightforward steps. Our professional team is available to provide expert guidance and support throughout each stage of the setup process.

The Seven Steps of Setting up a Business

Detailed information on each step, including the relevant departments involved, is available through the downloadable links provided. You can also access and download the Business Startup Guide on the right, which outlines all seven steps and their requirements in greater detail

  • 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.

RECENT NEWS

We ensure you stay updated on any policy changes, procedural updates, or other matters that may impact your business

Nine International Investors, Deputy Prime Minister, Government Officials and VFIPA Gather to Celebrate a New Era for Vanuatu’s Sandalwood Industry

Natural Treasures Vanuatu hosted a special reception on Saturday, 30 May 2026, to celebrate the official soft launch of Vanuatu’s […]

VFIPA supports New Sandalwood Processing Facility

The Vanuatu Government has given its support to a new sandalwood oil distillation and wood processing facility proposed for Port […]

call-for-stronger collaboration

Vanuatu made week 2025

The two weeks “La Foire du Pacifique (Pacific Trade Show) and Wik Blong Vanuatu in Noumea, 2 – 8 October […]

GETTING IN TOUCH WITH US

Reach out to us for information on how we can facilitate your investment journey, or other enquiries.

Contact Us