Vanuatu Business Briefing

With a population of only 292,773 and an expat community of around 8000 people, one would think that Vanuatu is just like any other island nation with limited business opportunities. But this is not the case. Vanuatu is a sleeping giant in terms of its economic potential and the only thing that has stooped it from waking thus far is the size of its local airport and therefore limited transport opportunities.

This is all about to change very rapidly as the new international airport is meant to come on force this year in 2020. This means that there will be direct flights from China, Europe and other destinations since larger planes can be handled from now on.

The reasons why Vanuatu is one of the world’s best kept business secrets can fill a small book, however, we only name a few of them.

Ø Vanuatu’s Capital Porta Villa has the majority of its offshore financial services located here with a sophisticated collection of lawyers, accountants, business professionals all experts in managing offshore money. As a Vanuatu Citizen (read the Citizenship section) you will have the protection of Vanuatu banking secrecy plus a zero tax lifestyle with over five domestic and international banks, licensed trust companies and firms able to offer wealth management and escrow services. The offshore services legislation allows for the establishment of offshore banks, trust companies and providers and it is likely these type of businesses will boom in the upcoming years.

Ø Vanuatu has over 80 islands (82 to be exact) which gives a total farming land mass. of highly fertile volcanic soil. Even greater than New Zealand . Whilst Vanuatu has some of the best Cattle , Coffee, Vanilla, Cava and other cash crops most of its farming potential is still untapped . The cost of leasing land is a fraction of what it is in other countries and the people are hard working and willing to farm for minimum wage. The opportunity exists because simply no one has ever really promoted or developed these opportunities. Vanuatu has also passed legislation to legalize medical marijuana production, its volcanic soil and climate make it perfect for this crop and for Kava as well, which highly demanded in Europe and Asia. Tanna, a volcanic island close to Port Vila, grows some of the best coffee on earth and demand is outstripping supply.

Ø Vanuatu has incredible opportunities for medical technologies that are stifled by centralized governments. For example, several entrepreneurs have set up clinics to treat cancer using extracts of aubergine as well as sea cucumber. The combination of high quality sea products and mild legislative barriers to new technologies make this a perfect place to set up medical facilities.

Ø  Vanuatu has the same and arguably better natural wonders and resources than Tahiti but at a fraction of the price. The 80 islands offer everything from diving, fishing, surfing, caving and natural exploration. In Vanuatu you´ll also find unique experiences related to eco-tourism such as living in a native village on an untouched island, almost virtually unexplored by westerners. Vanuatu needs more resorts, tour operators, restaurants and developments to cope with what will be a perfect investment storm in the coming years.

Ø Vanuatu has one of the Pacific’s largest economic zones which makes it an untapped paradise for fishing activities.

If you have already decided to invest in Vanuatu, there are two ways. The first one is to go through the process of VIPA, Vanuatu investment Promotion Authority, which will vet your application and then grant a permit for residency and investment. The second one is to obtain a citizenship by investment. Please click here to visit our citizenship section for more information.  

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