Vanuatu

Company Formation in Vanuatu

Vanuatu

Formation Time

1–2 business days

Min. Capital

No minimum

Corporate Tax

0% (20-year tax guarantee for ICs)

Foreign Ownership

100%

Overview

The Republic of Vanuatu is an independent Pacific island nation operating under an English common law legal system. Renowned as a nimble, low-cost international financial centre, Vanuatu's International Companies Act allows the rapid formation of an International Company (IC) in as little as 24 to 48 hours. By statute, an International Company enjoys a 20-year government guarantee of complete tax freedom: zero corporate income tax, zero capital gains tax, zero withholding taxes, and zero estate duties. Regulated by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC), the jurisdiction has also become a leading global destination for online FX, CFD, and digital asset brokerage licensing under its Financial Dealers Licensing Act. Furthermore, Vanuatu is globally celebrated for offering the fastest Citizenship by Investment (CBI) passport program in the world, with approvals commonly issued in just 30 to 45 days.

20-year tax exemption guarantee

1–2 day formation

Top FX & CFD broker licence

Fastest CBI passport (30–45d)

English common law

Why Choose Vanuatu

Statutory 20-year government tax exemption guarantee

1–2 business day incorporation turnaround time

0% corporate tax, 0% capital gains, and 0% withholding tax

World-renowned Financial Dealers Licensing (FX, commodities, crypto brokerages)

Fastest Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program worldwide (30–45 days)

English common law framework with independent judiciary

Confidential corporate register with no public filing of directors or shareholders

Low government fees and economical annual maintenance

Business Entity Types

Entity	Ownership	Directors	Capital	Tax	Best For
International Company (IC)	100%	1 (individual or corporate)	No minimum (standard USD 10,000 to USD 50,000 authorized)	0% tax guaranteed for 20 years from incorporation	International trading, FX brokerages, consulting, digital asset holding
Exempt Company	100%	1 director	No minimum	0% tax on international revenue	Corporate holdings with partial local nexus
Foundation	100%	Foundation Council	USD 1,000 standard	0% tax	Wealth preservation, family succession, crypto foundations

Step-by-Step Formation Process

Name Search & KYC Approval

1 day

Search proposed name on VFSC registry and obtain registered agent compliance approval.

Constitution & Filing

1 day

Lodge company Constitution and statutory application with Vanuatu Financial Services Commission.

Certificate of Incorporation

Same day

Receive Certificate of Incorporation and registered corporate registers from VFSC.

Apostille & Legalisation

2–3 days

Produce apostilled statutory set for corporate contracting and banking.

Bank / EMI Account Setup

2–6 weeks

Open multi-currency business accounts with international banking partners.

Costs & Fees

Government / License Fee	USD 300+
Our Service Fee	USD 1,400+
Annual Renewal	USD 1,000+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

Vanuatu ICs typically establish operational banking relationships through digital banks, Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs), or international private banks across Europe, Mauritius, or the Caribbean.

Account Opening Time

2–6 weeks

Multi-Currency

Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

National Bank of Vanuatu (domestic/select clients)Wise BusinessAirwallexAfrAsia Bank MauritiusBank One MauritiusSwissquote (via introduction)

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax

0% — 20-year statutory tax exemption guarantee under the International Companies Act

Personal Income Tax

0% for non-residents and foreign nationals

VAT / Sales Tax

0% (exempt for international operations)

Capital Gains Tax

0% — no capital gains, gift, or estate duties

Withholding Tax

0% on all outbound distributions

Double Tax Treaties

0 countries

No exchange controls; funds can be remitted freely in any international currency.

Visa & Residency

Citizenship by Investment (DSP / VCP)

Lifetime passport and citizenship

Fastest CBI program globally (30–45 days) starting at USD 130,000 donation for a single applicant

Investor Permanent Residency

1 to 10 years, renewable

Available through real estate or capital investment in Vanuatu

Family visa: AvailableProcessing: 30–45 days (Citizenship)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 20-year tax guarantee in Vanuatu?

Under the Vanuatu International Companies Act, the government statutorily guarantees that an International Company (IC) is exempt from all corporate income taxes, capital gains taxes, stamp duties, and withholding taxes for a period of 20 years from the date of its incorporation.

Why is Vanuatu so popular for FX and securities brokerages?

The Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) offers one of the most accessible and cost-effective Financial Dealers Licences (FDL) in the world. It allows regulated trading in foreign exchange, commodities, shares, derivatives, and crypto assets with lower capital requirements and faster turnaround than European or Australian equivalents.

How does the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program work?

Vanuatu's Development Support Program (DSP) is the fastest CBI in the world. With an investment starting at USD 130,000 and simple documentation, full citizenship and a passport can be obtained in as little as 30 to 45 days without any requirement to visit or reside in Vanuatu.