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Pathway

Vanuatu Self-Funded Resident Visa

Vanuatu Residency
Pathway overview

At a glance

Vanuatu’s Self-Funded Residence Visa requires regular monthly income confirmed by a bank operating in Vanuatu. The published amounts are VUV 250,000 for one applicant or VUV 500,000 with a partner, but conflicting family guidance needs confirmation.

One applicant
At least VUV 250,000 in monthly income
Partner amount
VUV 500,000 monthly if Immigration confirms partner inclusion
Bank evidence
A bank operating in Vanuatu must certify the income

Summary

Vanuatu’s self-funded residence route lets eligible people live there on continuing income. A bank operating in Vanuatu must certify the required monthly amount. The application form allows a spouse or partner at the higher threshold but excludes dependent children. Other official pages describe family inclusion differently, so obtain written confirmation before applying with family.

The published threshold is at least VUV 250,000 a month for the main applicant, or VUV 500,000 a month if a spouse or genuine unmarried partner is included. A lower income requirement applies only to people who already held self-funded-retiree residence before February 7, 2011. New applicants cannot use that older rule.

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Eligibility

The applicant must show continuing monthly income at the required level and obtain the Vanuatu-bank certification. Before applying, ask the bank what evidence it will accept, whether funds must be paid into a local account, how many months must be shown, and the wording of its certification.

The current new-application checklist also calls for:

The full application form states that medical and police certificates are generally required for each applicant aged 18 or over. The police evidence should cover each country in which that person lived for at least 12 months during the previous five years.

Confirm whether a partner can be included

The application form allows a spouse or partner at the VUV 500,000 monthly threshold but excludes dependent children. The separate “Live in Vanuatu” page says self-funded applicants cannot include dependents. Confirm family inclusion with Immigration in writing before applying or paying fees.

Planning a self-funded stay in Vanuatu
  1. Check regular income and family eligibility Resolve the conflicting partner guidance with Immigration before applying.
  2. Obtain the Vanuatu bank’s income certification Prepare the required income, personal, medical, police, and bond records.
  3. Apply and keep the income evidence current Check the chosen term, fees, and fresh evidence needed for renewal.

The requirement is recurring monthly income, not simply a savings balance.

What This Route Allows

If approved, the visa allows the holder to live in Vanuatu for the period granted and to enter and leave subject to the visa conditions. Immigration currently describes self-funded residence periods of one, three, five, or ten years.

Published adult charges range from VUV 57,600 for one year to VUV 511,200 for ten years. A person applying from inside Vanuatu may also face the separate change-of-status charge shown on the checklist. Confirm the total and payment method with Immigration before paying.

The status can be renewed if the applicant continues to satisfy the required monthly income and other rules. Immigration's renewal checklist specifically asks for a current statement or certification of continuing monthly income of VUV 250,000.

What This Route Is Not

This is not an employment visa or general work authorization. It is assessed on self-supporting income, not a Vanuatu job. Anyone planning to work, consult, or carry on business locally should obtain written advice from Immigration and the Labor Department about the correct additional or replacement status before starting.

It is not enough to hold savings of a particular amount. The published test is certified monthly income. A large account balance, property value, or one-off transfer does not necessarily meet it.

It is not permanent residence or citizenship. A ten-year residence visa remains an immigration status with continuing conditions. Ordinary naturalization is a separate Citizenship Commission application with residence, character, language, Bislama-test, knowledge, oath, and decision requirements.

Next Steps

  1. Identify the exact recurring income sources and build at least a clear recent payment history. Separate reliable monthly income from savings, capital gains, or one-time transfers.
  2. Contact a bank operating in Vanuatu and ask what it needs to certify at least VUV 250,000 a month, or VUV 500,000 for a partner case if Immigration confirms that inclusion is permitted.
  3. Ask Vanuatu Immigration in writing whether the intended spouse, partner, or child can be included, given the conflicting official family guidance.
  4. Download the current self-funded checklist and gather the application, certified passport, photos, police clearances, medical evidence, bond, civil records, and fee receipt.
  5. Confirm the requested one-, three-, five-, or ten-year duration, total fee, and whether an in-country change-of-status charge applies.
  6. Do not start local work or business activity without confirming the required immigration and Labor permission.
  7. Maintain the Vanuatu-bank certification and income evidence throughout the visa period and obtain a fresh certification for renewal.

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