The Vanuatu Residence Visa is designed for individuals who wish to live in Vanuatu for a period exceeding 12 months. It offers six different pathways, each with its own eligibility criteria:
• Partner: Must be married to, or in a genuine de facto relationship with, a Vanuatu citizen (or previously in such a relationship with a Vanuatu citizen who has since died).
• Child: Must be a dependent child of a Vanuatu citizen.
• Employee: Must have secured employment with a Vanuatu-based business for at least 12 months.
• Self-funded Resident: Must have a certified monthly income of at least 250,000 Vatu (or 500,000 Vatu if including a spouse or de facto partner). Income must be certified by a bank operating in Vanuatu.
• Foreign Investor: Must hold a valid VIPA (Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority) approval certificate as a foreign investor and, if applicable, a business licence.
• Leasehold Holder: Must own a leasehold property in Vanuatu valued at 10 million Vatu or more, plus meet the required certified income (generally 250,000 Vatu per month per person in the application).
Ongoing Conditions
Once granted, Residence Visa holders must continue to meet the conditions of their specific category. Examples include:
• Partner: Must remain legally married to, or in a de facto relationship with, the same Vanuatu citizen who formed the basis of the visa (unless that citizen is deceased).
• Employee: Must remain employed by the business on which the visa was granted.
• Self-funded Resident: Must continue to meet the required monthly income criteria.
• Foreign Investor: Must maintain a valid VIPA approval certificate (and business licence if required).
• Leasehold Holder: Must maintain both the qualifying leasehold ownership and the required income level.
Failure to maintain the conditions of the visa can affect legal status in Vanuatu.
