Vanuatu · Skilled Worker Visa

Employment Visa

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)

✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-24 · Our methodology

5.5/10 diff

Challenging

Requirements verified against the official government source.

Min income

—

Processing

—

Path to PR

Job offer

Required

Not legal advice. This content is for educational and decision-support purposes only. It is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify requirements with the relevant official authority before making decisions.

At a Glance

Visa Duration

12 months

Processing Time

—

Min Income

—

Path to PR

Difficulty

5/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

Requirement	Details
Age Range	18–65
Job Offer Required	Yes
Sponsorship Required	Yes
Health Insurance Required	No

Application Timeline

Job Search & Documentation

30–90 days

Secure job offer from Vanuatu employer, gather required documents including police clearance, medical exam, qualifications

Blocker: Must have confirmed job offer before proceeding

Work Permit & Visa Application

15–30 days

Employer applies for work permit, employee applies for residence visa simultaneously

Blocker: Labour market testing by employer required

Government Review & Approval

30–60 days

Department of Labour reviews work permit, Immigration reviews visa application

Blocker: Complete documentation required, may request additional information

Travel & Entry

1–14 days

Travel to Vanuatu, complete entry procedures at airport

Blocker: Valid visa and work permit required

Initial Settlement

14–30 days

Set up accommodation, register with local authorities, commence employment

Family & Rights

Right	Details
Path to Permanent Residency	No

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Port Vila

Single (monthly)€1,065

Family (monthly)€2,100

Rent 1BR (center)€500

Groceries€300

Transport pass€25

Luganville

Single (monthly)€630

Family (monthly)€1,250

Rent 1BR (center)€315

Groceries€210

Transport pass€35

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Employment Visa?

The Employment Visa is an immigration pathway offered by Vanuatu. It falls under the Skilled Worker Visa category.

Can the Employment Visa lead to permanent residency?

No — this is a temporary pathway and does not itself lead to permanent residence. Holders often switch to a different route to pursue settlement.

Are there alternative pathways to Vanuatu?

Yes. Vanuatu offers 4 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Vanuatu country page.

What is the cost of living in Vanuatu?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Port Vila: €1,065/mo; Luganville: €630/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

immigration.gov.vu

Data last verified: 2026-06-24 · See our methodology

Complete guide to emigrating to Vanuatu →

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