GENERAL
Status: Independent Democratic Republic
Location: Vanuatu comprises about 83 islands in the south-west Pacific: 600km north east of New Caledonia; 800km west of Fiji; and 2,500km north east of Sydney.
Area: 11,900km2
Capital: Port-Vila, on the island of Efate
Population: 180,000
Business Languages: Bislama, English and French
Currency: Vatu (VT) of 100 centimes
Time Zone: GMT +11
Office Hours: Mon to Fri am 7.30am to 5.00pm
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Company Registry Office
PMB 023
Port Vila
Vanuatu
Tel: + 678 222 47
Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce
POB 189
Port Vila
Vanuatu
Tel: + 678 2132 55
Vanuatu Financial Centre
Association – Promotions Office
PB1128
Port Vila
Vanuatu
Fax: + 678 27272
Email: fincen@vanuatu.com.vu
EXPAT EMPLOYMENT DETAILS
Visa and work permit required.
COMMUNICATIONS
There are two international airports in Vanuatu. Direct flights to Brisbane, Sydney, Aukland, Nandi and Noumea are available. Two deep sea ports and a number of wharves serve both cargo and passenger vessels. International telecommunications in Vanuatu are excellent.
POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC STABILITY
The Anglo-French Condominium of the New Hebrides became an independent republic within the Commonwealth under the name of Vanuatu in July 1980. Stable rule by a president who is elected for a five year term and parliament elected for four years.
KEY ACTIVITIES
International companies; trust companies; securities; offshore banking and foreign currency; captive insurance; and shipping registration.
ADVANTAGES OF VANUATU
- Political stability
- Mature offshore centre which has been in operation since 1971
- New modern legislation introduced in 1992
- Excellent professional services and banking infrastructure
- No taxes or exchange control
- Good confidentiality provisions
The content of this factfile is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances from a local lawyer or accountant.
