1. Check availability of business name with the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)

This service is not automated and cannot be completed on the spot. A form must be completed and faxed to the VFSC – this form is usually available at the lawyer’s office or can be downloaded from the website).In addition to checking the name, it is possible to reserve the name, which costs VUV 2,000. This is required by foreign investments before applying for a Foreign Investment Application Certificate (required in step 2).See our Useful Links for the VFSC website.

1 day

No charge

(VT 2,000 to reserve the business name)

2. (Foreign Investors Only) Foreign Investment Approval with the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority

Foreign Investors must obtain a Foreign Investment Application Certificate from VIPA before starting a business in Vanuatu. VIPA authorises all new investment into Vanuatu and checks that your business fits within Vanuatu’s investment guidelines. Once VIPA approval is granted, business license, residency permit and work permit approvals become largely automatic.See Investing in Vanuatu for more information on residency and work permits.See our Useful Links for the VIPA website.

15 business days

to process application

VT 120,000

For the first year, then VT 30,000 per year after that

3. (Companies Only) Application for a Permit to Form an Incorporated Company with or without Limited Liability in Vanuatu with the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)

Pursuant to the Companies Act [CAP. 191], an application for a company incorporation permit must be filed with the minister of Finance via the VFSC.The steps for company formation depend on whether the company is a local, overseas or international company. The VFSC website outlines these steps in more detail.See our Useful Links for the VFSC website.

10 business days

VT 30,000 -250,000

For Incorporation Fees

4. Register your business name with the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)

An individual must register every business name that is in any way different to his/her own surname, with or without his/her forenames or initials.A partnership or group of persons must register every business name that does not consist of the names of the persons in the partnership or group.A company registered under the Companies Act [CAP 191] must register any business name that differs from its full company name.See our Useful Links for the VFSC website.

Same day

if paid with cash

VT 10,000

5. Apply for a business license with the Rates & Taxes Office, Department of Customs and Inland Revenue

It is necessary to hold a business license if you operate a business in Vanuatu. The holder of a valid business license is automatically a member of VCCI.

Under the Act, business licenses are valid for one year and are subject to renewal on or before 31 January of the new licensing year.The Rates and Taxes Office of Customs Department issues the business licenses which are required for the commercial activity in the municipalities of Port Vila and Luganville. Provincial Councils of six provinces that are Shefa, Sanma, Malampa, Penama, Tafea, and Torba are responsible for issuing business licenses to businesses operating in these provinces.See our Useful Links for the Department of Customs and Inland Revenue website.

5 business days

VT20,000 – VT 1,000,000

dependant on business activity and annual turnover

6. Register with the VAT Office, Department of Customs and Inland Revenue

A company must register with the value added tax (VAT) office if it anticipates turnover of at least VUV 4 million per year.See our Useful Links for the Department of Customs and Inland Revenue website.

3 business days

No charge

7. Register as an employer with the Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF)

It is compulsory for an employer to be registered at VNPF and to pay its contributions. Under the law, an employer must register with this fund 7 days after incorporation of the business (or 7 days as soon as the first employee is recruited). Payment of contribution is made directly at the National Provident Fund.See our Useful Links for the VNPF website.

1 week

No charge