Vanuatu — Complete Emigration Guide 2026
321,409 people · Capital: Port Vila · Melanesia
Updated H2 2026 · Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis
Overview
Vanuatu is located in Melanesia, with a population of 321,409. Its currency is the Vanuatu vatu. Our database tracks 13 visa pathways for Vanuatu, each linked to a named source.
See also: Vanuatu country profile
Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis. See our methodology and data sources.
Visa Pathways (13)
Sponsored Employment (3)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Development Support Visa | — | — | 60 mo | — |
| Employee Residence Visa | €1,837/mo | €423 | 12 mo | — |
| Employment Visa | €1,893/mo | — | 12 mo | — |
Investment / Golden Visa (5)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Investment Immigration Plan | — | €113,332 | — | — |
| Foreign Investor Residence Visa | €1,837/mo | €423 | 12 mo | — |
| Leasehold Holder Residence Visa | €1,830/mo | €423 | 12 mo | — |
| Real Estate Option Program | — | — | — | — |
| Vanuatu Contribution Program | — | €226,665 | — | — |
Passive Income (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Funded Residence Visa | €1,838/mo | €423 | 12 mo | — |
Family Reunification (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Residence Visa | €1,838/mo | €423 | 12 mo | — |
| Partner Residence Visa | €1,838/mo | €423 | 12 mo | — |
Permanent Settlement (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Residency Visa | — | — | — | — |
Religious Workers (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religious Worker Visa | — | — | 60 mo | — |
Salary & Employment
| Sector | Median (gross, €/yr) |
|---|---|
| Construction | €15,000 |
| Education | €16,000 |
| Engineering | €24,000 |
| Finance | €22,000 |
| Healthcare | €18,000 |
| Hospitality | €12,000 |
| IT | €28,000 |
| Retail | €11,000 |
Shortage Occupations
- Healthcare Workers (healthcare)
- Construction Workers (construction)
- Nurses (healthcare)
Tax
Healthcare
Education
| University | QS Rank | English Progs | Tuition (Intl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of the South Pacific (USP) | — | 28 | €4,200 |
| Vanuatu Institute of Technology | — | 12 | €3,500 |
| Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie | — | 18 | €3,800 |
| Pacific Institute of Advanced Studies | — | 15 | €4,100 |
| Vanuatu National University | — | 10 | €3,200 |
Practical Info
Banking
Driving
Phone & Internet
Credentials
Quality of Life
Official sources
The visa data on this page is compiled from official government sources — 10 of the 10 pathways link directly to the government page they were verified against, and 3 financial requirements below carry the exact quote from the official source. Values that fail verification are removed, not guessed — see the live verification freshness index.
- tradeportal.gov.vu · 4 pathways · verified 2026-06-24
- immigration.gov.vu · 3 pathways · verified 2026-06-24
- immigration.gov.vu · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-10
- tradeportal.gov.vu · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-22
- vancitizenship.gov.vu · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-09
Verified requirements — exact official citations
Each figure below was verified verbatim against the official page linked, on the date shown.
Foreign Investor Residence Visa · 1 verified requirement
Minimum investment: “'If you are applying for a residence visa on the basis of being a foreign investor: 1) the original or certified copy of your approval certificate as a foreign investor issued by VIPA...' No dollar/vatu amount is stated on this procedure page; VIPA's own minimum-investment…” — tradeportal.gov.vu, 2026-07-07
Self-Funded Residence Visa · 1 verified requirement
Minimum income: “evidence of income of at least 250 000 Vatu per month or 500 000 Vatu per month if you have included your partner in the application [FX VUV/EUR 136.041828 @ 2026-06-22 = EUR 1837.67]” — immigration-vanuatu.com, 2026-06-26
Real Estate Option Program · 1 verified requirement
Minimum investment: “The REO program commenced 23 July 2021. Applicants for citizenship under the REO must invest in a property in a Vanuatu Government Approved Project (VGA Project) in addition to payment of the prescribed fees. [The official Vanuatu Citizenship Office REO page lists 4 approved VGA…” — vancitizenship.gov.vu
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Vanuatu have?
Our database tracks 13 visa pathways for Vanuatu across 6 categories, the largest being Investment / Golden Visa, Sponsored Employment, Family Reunification. Each entry links directly to an official government source.
What is the minimum income for the Self-Funded Residence Visa?
The Self-Funded Residence Visa lists a minimum income of EUR 1,838 per month, according to the official source (last checked 2026-06-22).
What is the average salary in Vanuatu?
The average gross salary in Vanuatu is EUR 1,200 per month. The statutory minimum wage is EUR 412 per month.
What is the top income tax rate in Vanuatu?
The top personal income tax rate in Vanuatu is 0%. The standard VAT rate is 12.5%.
Start Preparing for Vanuatu
Still shortlisting? See our data-driven ranking of the best countries to move to in 2026 — Top 10 overall plus picks for digital nomads, retirees, skilled workers, families, and low-cost living.