Doing Business Vanuatu

DOING BUSINESS in VANUATU

Where Business Meets Paradise

Doing business in Vanuatu offers significant tax benefits, as both domestic and foreign companies do not pay corporation or capital gains taxes. Despite increased scrutiny, it remains a very business-friendly country with a robust regulatory framework and a well-developed common law system based on English law, making it an attractive destination for investors.

Why Vanuatu is the Ideal Business Destination

Vanuatu, formerly a joint British and French overseas territory located in the South Pacific, has long been an attractive financial services centre for investors and corporations. In addition to its bustling tourism industry, the island offers a wide range of professional services such as banking, company formation, insurance, funds, as well as vessel and aircraft registry.

A business in Vanuatu can be structured as a sole trader operation, a partnership, or a limited company. Additionally, foreign companies can register a branch to operate locally. Many companies are choosing to incorporate in Vanuatu due to its business-friendly government, competitive cost structures, and relatively relaxed regulatory environment, which is less encumbered by the red tape often found in similar jurisdictions. Vanuatu: The New (Old) Frontier Monte-Carlo Economic Forum 2023 By Charles Pratten

Recent Developments in the Economy

Vanuatu’s economy has experienced rapid growth in recent years, primarily driven by the corporate services, tourism, and agriculture sectors. This growth stems from improved economic policies and institutional quality, positioning Vanuatu as one of the fastest-growing economies among Pacific island nations. Notably, Vanuatu has also benefited from substantial foreign investment, particularly from China, which is focusing on integrating Vanuatu into the Belt and Road initiative. This involvement is expected to deliver major benefits to the economy, further accelerating Vanuatu’s economic progress and development.

Business Opportunities in Vanuatu

Vanuatu stands out as a premier financial hub in the region, offering a wealth of local and international business opportunities. The Government is focused on advancing the financial sector, particularly through the incorporation and redomiciling of various corporate entities, including international companies, funds, and trusts. Additionally, Vanuatu welcomes investment in tourism, agriculture, fishing, forestry, and particularly the development of commercial real-estate. Notably, emphasizing sustainability, the Government has established restrictions to prevent the over-exploitation of natural resources. There is a strong focus on promoting labor-intensive industries and using local products for import substitution, ensuring that business opportunities in Vanuatu are both economically promising and environmentally responsible.

Some Advantages of Investing in Vanuatu are:

  • No income taxes
  • No corporate taxes on local & offshore income
  • No withholding taxes
  • No capital gains taxes (except on some real estate transactions)
  • No death duties
  • Minimal bureaucracy and fewer filing requirements for companies with annual income under VT25,000,000
  • Foreign Business (Subsidiary or Branch)

This tax regime results in less administrative hassle and more time to focus on business development and enjoying Vanuatu’s unique lifestyle.

Vanuatu Legal Structures for Every Purpose

Vanuatu’s Financial Centre is internationally recognized for its leadership in developing modern corporate and other legal structures that leverage new and emerging technologies and financial structures. The jurisdiction offers several business forms to suit various investment needs. These include:

  • Company (Public Company or Private Company)
  • International Company
  • Incorporated or Protected Cell Companies
  • Companies Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
  • Partnership (General or Limited)
  • Offshore Limited Partnerships (Offshore Professional Partnership or Offshore General Partnership)
  • Foreign Business (Subsidiary or Branch)

These options provide flexibility and adaptability for investors seeking to establish their operations in Vanuatu, making it an attractive destination for diverse business ventures.

Vanuatu’s Comprehensive and Streamlined Licensing Solutions

Vanuatu continues to advance its world-class financial and business licensing regime, evolving with emerging market niches. It is swiftly surpassing many comparable entrepreneurial jurisdictions by offering cost-effective and streamlined licensing processes. This includes licenses for Captive Insurance, Financial Dealers, International Banking, Interactive Gaming, Lotteries, Mutual Funds, Unit Trusts, Trademark Registration, FOREX, and Crypto. Vanuatu’s comprehensive and efficient approach makes it an attractive destination for businesses seeking simplicity and excellence in their operations.

  • Additionally, Vanuatu boasts one of the world’s largest international shipping registers, accommodating a diverse range of commercial high-seas vessels. This includes everything from oil tankers and container ships to fishing fleets and even oil rigs. The registry is renowned for its comprehensive coverage and efficient services, making Vanuatu a key player in the global maritime industry.

About Us

Strategic Corporate Services Ltd is a leading independent professional services firm in Vanuatu, providing a comprehensive range of solutions to both corporate and private clients. Our expertise extends to establishing robust business structures for operations in Vanuatu and globally. With extensive experience, we specialize in guiding clients through the setup and management of various business entities, ensuring effective governance and compliance across diverse jurisdictions.

Setting Up Your Business in Vanuatu

The process of setting up a business in Vanuatu depends on the nature of the proposed business. Different types of businesses may have varying requirements and steps to follow. Typically, this involves registering your business with the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC), obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and complying with local regulations. It’s essential to understand the specific needs and legal requirements of your business type to ensure a smooth and compliant setup, allowing you to start your operations efficiently in Vanuatu.

If your proposed business is not intended to operate locally in Vanuatu—meaning it won’t provide over-the-counter services to residents but will function as an international entity operating offshore—the setup process is relatively straightforward. However, establishing a company can take several weeks. To expedite this process, we maintain a range of “shelf companies,” including those limited by guarantee. These pre-registered entities can be transferred to clients within hours, enabling immediate utilization and streamlining your entry into the Vanuatu offshore market.

  • We also offer a comprehensive range of company secretarial services, including acting as a local agent for your business and handling the preparation and lodgement of any required statutory filings.

Our in-house legal counsel oversees all communications, ensuring clients benefit from legal professional privilege and confidentiality in all their interactions and arrangements.

Vanuatu and Worldwide

Our firm leverages an extensive network of business experts across multiple jurisdictions to support the development of your business in Vanuatu and worldwide. We specialize in creating and implementing effective business structures designed to streamline and integrate your operations. By providing independent advice and tailored business services, we ensure that your business activities are efficiently managed and aligned with your specific needs and goals.

Initial Contact

In the first instance, all initial enquires should be made via our ‘secure contact portal’. Upon receipt, we shall promptly address a mutually convenient time for an initial consultation.

For convenience, we typically conduct electronic face-to-face meetings, often via Skype or a similar platform. These meetings allow us to assess the scope and complexity of your intentions, ensuring compliance with your objectives. Additionally, this serves as the first step in our Know Your Customer (KYC) obligations, which we strive to make as unintrusive as possible.

For our high (and ultra-high) net worth clients and families, we go the extra mile by arranging one of our legal representatives to meet you or your designated representative(s) at a mutually convenient location. This ensures that we can provide personalised and comprehensive services tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

Fees

Our professional fees are structured in alignment with the scope services rendered, as well as any necessary costs, including for application and establishment, and disbursements incurred. We believe in transparency and fairness, ensuring that our clients receive value for their investment. Additionally, we offer complimentary initial consultations, allowing prospective clients to explore our services without any financial obligation.

Secure Contact Portal

You do not need to provide your full name.
Initial enquires are recieved by email to our secure Proton account.
Please provide a brief explanation of what services you would like to enquire about.
Please inform us of your domicile:

Note: Our services are not offered to Australian or New Zealand interests

Confidentiality & Privilege

Confidentiality and discretion is paramount. Our team, overseen by in-house legal counsel, ensures all services meet stringent legal compliance standards, safeguarding our clients’ interests and unique structures. Thus, we prioritise the highest levels of confidentiality to protect our clients’ sensitive information.

With robust measures in place, we mitigate risks of unauthorised access or breaches, providing clients peace of mind and assurance that their affairs are securely handled with professionalism and care. Learn more …

Frequently Asked Questions

How easy is it to set up and do business in Vanuatu?

Setting up and doing business in Vanuatu is relatively straightforward, thanks to its business-friendly environment. The process is efficient, with minimal bureaucracy, and Vanuatu offers various incentives for international businesses. Whether you’re establishing a local entity or an offshore company, the regulatory framework is designed to facilitate smooth operations. Additionally, Vanuatu’s strategic location and favorable tax regime make it an attractive option for global business ventures.

Do I need to have a registered office in Vanuatu to operate a business there?

Yes, having a registered office in Vanuatu is typically required for businesses operating locally. This office serves as the official address for legal and administrative purposes. However, if your business is an offshore entity or operates primarily outside of Vanuatu, you may not need a physical office in the country. In such cases, we can assist in setting up a local address and providing necessary business services to comply with local regulations.