New Ni-Vanuatu and Foreign Investor Procedures

In Vanuatu, a picturesque South Pacific nation with a burgeoning tourism industry and a welcoming atmosphere for foreign investors, there are specific procedures in place for both Ni-Vanuatu investors and foreign investors looking to contribute to the country's economic growth. These procedures ensure that investments align with regulatory requirements and promote the sustainable development of the nation. Let's take a closer look at the steps involved for each category.

Ni-Vanuatu Investors

1. Interview Client & Conduct Site Visit: The process begins with an interview and a site visit to assess the feasibility of the investment.

2. Direct Tourism Investors to Accreditation Division: Tourism investors are directed to the Accreditation Division to obtain a Tourism Permit.

3. Department Advises VeSW of Updated Tourism Permits: The Department of Tourism notifies the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority (VeSW) of any updated tourism permits for tracking purposes.

4. Provide Required Documents & Payment: Clients are required to submit the necessary documents and make a payment of VT12,000 as an application fee to the Department of Tourism.

5. Customs Brokers Facilitate Duty Application Online: Customs brokers assist and facilitate the online duty application process, streamlining the paperwork.

6. Notify Department of Tourism: Customs brokers notify the Department of Tourism once the duty application is in progress.

7. Senior Business Development Officer Review/Query/Approval: A Senior Business Development Officer reviews, queries, and approves the application.

8. Director of Tourism Review/Query/Approval: The Director of Tourism reviews, queries, and gives final approval.

9. Customs Broker Processes Clearance: Once all approvals are granted, the customs broker processes the clearance for the investment.

Foreign Investors

Foreign investors, while sharing some steps with Ni-Vanuatu investors, have additional procedures to ensure compliance with foreign investment regulations:

1. Register with Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (VFIPA): Foreign investors need to go through a seven-step registration process with VFIPA to establish their legal presence in Vanuatu.

2. Interview Client & Conduct Site Visit: Similar to Ni-Vanuatu investors, foreign investors start with an interview and a site visit to evaluate their investment plans.

3. Direct Tourism Investors to Accreditation Division: Tourism investors, foreign or local, are directed to the Accreditation Division to obtain a Tourism Permit.

4. Department Advises VeSW of Updated Tourism Permits: The Department of Tourism informs VeSW about any updated tourism permits issued to foreign investors.

5. Provide Required Documents & Payment: Foreign investors must submit the required documents and pay the VT12,000 application fee to the Department of Tourism.

6. Customs Brokers Facilitate Duty Application Online: Customs brokers assist in processing the duty application online for foreign investors as well.

7. Notify Department of Tourism: Customs brokers notify the Department of Tourism about the progress of the duty application.

8. Senior Business Development Officer Review/Query/Approval: The Senior Business Development Officer reviews, queries, and approves the application for foreign investors.

9. Director of Tourism Review/Query/Approval: The Director of Tourism gives the final review, queries if necessary, and provides the approval.

10. Customs Broker Processes Clearance: After all approvals are obtained, the customs broker proceeds with the clearance process.

Existing Ni-Vanuatu and Foreign Investors Procedures

For existing Ni-Vanuatu and foreign investors, the procedures are streamlined as follows:

1. Director of Tourism Review/Query/Approval: The Director of Tourism reviews and approves ongoing investments.

2. Customs Broker Processes Clearance: Customs brokers continue to process clearance for existing investors.

It's important to note that if a request is in line with the Duty Exemption Act, the Department of Tourism may continue with its process. However, if the request does not align with the Duty Exemption Act, the Department may redirect the investor accordingly.

These well-structured procedures aim to foster a conducive environment for investment in Vanuatu, whether you are a Ni-Vanuatu looking to contribute to the local economy or a foreign investor seeking opportunities in this beautiful island nation.