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Vanuatu Relocation

Things to consider if you plan to relocate to Vanuatu

If you're planning to relocate to another country and enjoy island lifestyle and tropical climate, then Vanuatu could be the right choice for you. Being only a couple of hours flight away from Australia's east coast and New Zealand, Vanuatu is a popular relocation choice with Australian and New Zealand expats. Many of them have chosen Vanuatu as their second home.

Relocating to another country shouldn't be a rush decision. One has to weigh pros and cons of such a move and consider advantages and disadvantages of the chosen location. Before you consider such a move, visit Vanuatu first and experience the local life first hand. Many of Vanuatu resorts and other accommodation places will be happy to direct you to the right places to investigate your Vanuatu relocation options.

There are many expats who choose relocating to Vanuatu

If you enjoy a warm and tropical climate, with a laidback lifestyle, relocating to Vanuatu
and settling in Port Vila could be a great option, where you can connect with other expats.

Expat services

Apart from good climate and relaxed lifestyle, Vanuatu is well known in expat community by the absence of any personal or income taxes. The only taxation that is applied is VAT - Value Added Tax or consumption tax of 12.5%, charged on goods and services.

Banks, internet and mobile network are available on the main islands and readily accessible, even if things sometime can be a bit slow in line with relaxed island lifestyle. But like other expats, you get used to it and learn how to deal with it. It's not for everyone, but if you're fond of island living, then you know how things move at slower pace on islands.

Expat community is well established in Vanuatu and the local banks know how to cater for expat needs. There's a number of offshore services' providers in Port Vila, who can help you with setting up in Vanuatu, in particular if you plan to run an international business from there. In this age of growing online business, you will find that Vanuatu offers many advantages of running an online business.

The main street in Port Vila town centre

Thoe who choose to relocate to Vanuatu will find it a friendly town with many conveniences
and a typical South Pacific and Melanesian laidback lifestyle.

Vanuatu citizenship

Obtaining Vanuatu citizenship is not an easy process and takes time and commitment. There are many things to consider before you decide to sell your home in your country and relocate to Vanuatu. While there are various forms of rental accommodation available, your ability to lease or purchase property in Vanuatu depends on your citizenship and residence status.

Buying land in Vanuatu or a private house sale is only possible for citizens. To become a citizen of Vanuatu there are all sorts of criteria including 10 years residence and various Government approvals.

The Republic of Vanuatu doesn’t recognise dual citizenship, so to take Vanuatu citizenship, you’d automatically lose your home country citizenship. Even in this case, you’d only be allowed to buy urban land, as the rest of the land belongs to the customary or traditional owners, as established in the 1980 Constitution.

Houses available for rental are not cheap, especially if you’re looking for a Western-style property of a decent size. There are real estate agents in Port Villa, although it’s recommended that you shop around as estate agents fees vary and you’re not guaranteed to get the same level of service from all.

Republic of Vanuatu

Location: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia

Geographic Coordinates: 16 00 S, 167 00 E

Area: 12,200 sq km (includes more than 80 islands, about 65 of which are inhabited)

Coastline: 2,528 km

Climate: tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds from May to October; moderate rainfall from November to April; may be affected by cyclones from December to April

Highest Point: Tabwemasana 1,877 m

Population: 215,446 (July 2008 est.)

Languages: local languages (more than 100) 72.6%, pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama) 23.1%, English 1.9%, French 1.4%, other 0.3%, unspecified 0.7% (1999 Census)

Information courtesy of the CIA World Factbook

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