Vanuatu continues to experience economic growth and offers some clear advantages to investors:
Vanuatu’s financial centre has been in operation for many years. The infrastructure of lawyers, accountants, trust companies and banks is well established and this enables it to offer investors reliable and high quality service.
There is a ready supply of unskilled labour in Vanuatu and a growing supply of skilled labour. The cost of labour is still relatively cheap.
There are four major banks in Port Vila that provide a wide range of quality banking products and services to business and individuals throughout Vanuatu.
All the banks offer loans to purchase property. The interest rates and amount of equity required may vary from each bank and depending on the specific circumstances of the investor.
Vanuatu’s business legislation is similar to that which exists in Australia and New Zealand. Local business can operate through the following legal entities: Sole Trader, Partnership, Trust, Company.
To invest in Vanuatu requires firstly that VIPA (Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority) approval be obtained. VIPA is equivalent to Australia’s FIRB and authorises all new investment into Vanuatu. Once VIPA approval is granted, business licence, residency permit and work permit approvals become largely automatic. The VIPA application process itself requires completion and lodgement of the prescribed application form.