Move to Vanuatu: 0% Tax + Citizenship from $130k
Vanuatu is one of the few countries on earth with genuinely zero direct taxation. No income tax, no corporate tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no withholding tax. The government funds itself entirely through VAT, import duties, and its Citizenship by Investment program. For anyone earning foreign income, Vanuatu offers a complete tax blank slate—plus a second passport with visa-free access to ~130 countries including the EU Schengen area.
Tax Environment
Vanuatu levies zero direct taxes. There is no personal income tax, no corporate tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no withholding tax. This applies universally—there is no distinction between local and foreign-sourced income because neither is taxed. Vanuatu is not a territorial system; it is a genuinely zero-tax jurisdiction.
Government revenue comes from indirect sources: a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods and services, import duties on goods shipped to the islands, and substantial fees from the Citizenship by Investment program (Development Support Program). There are no tax treaties, no CRS reporting obligations initiated by Vanuatu, and no worldwide income disclosure requirements.
For crypto holders, traders, and DeFi participants, this is particularly relevant: there is no capital gains tax on any asset class, no distinction between short-term and long-term holdings, and no reporting obligations for digital assets. Vanuatu is one of the cleanest zero-tax options available globally.
Cost of Living
A mid-range lifestyle in Port Vila, Vanuatu's capital. Imported goods are more expensive due to shipping, but local produce and seafood are affordable.
| Category | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed apartment, Port Vila) | $600 |
| Food & groceries | $400 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | $100 |
| Transport | $100 |
| Total | $1,200 |
Visa & Citizenship Options
Contribution from $130,000 (Development Support Program)
Passport with visa-free access to ~130 countries incl. EU Schengen
Processing: 30–60 days, no residency requirement
Requires real estate investment in Vanuatu
Path to permanent residency
No minimum stay requirement
Establish a local business in Vanuatu
Low capital requirements for small operations
Includes work and residency rights
Visa-free for many nationalities on arrival
Good for scouting trips before committing
No work rights
Estimated Annual Tax Savings
Approximate savings from relocating to Vanuatu, based on standard tax rates in each origin country. All foreign income is completely untaxed in Vanuatu.
| Moving From | Gross Income | Tax at Home | Tax in Vanuatu | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | $200k AUD | ~$78k | $0 | ~$78k/yr |
| United Kingdom | £150k GBP | ~£48k | £0 | ~£48k/yr |
| Canada | $200k CAD | ~$75k | $0 | ~$75k/yr |
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Open the calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vanuatu have income tax?
No. Vanuatu is one of the few countries in the world with genuinely zero direct taxation. There is no personal income tax, no corporate tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no withholding tax. The government funds itself through VAT (15%), import duties, and fees from its Citizenship by Investment program. This applies to both residents and citizens regardless of where the income is sourced.
How does Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment program work?
Vanuatu's Development Support Program (DSP) grants full citizenship starting from a $130,000 contribution. The process typically takes 30 to 60 days. A Vanuatu passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 130 countries, including the entire EU Schengen area. There is no residency requirement, no language test, and no interview. Dependants can be included in the application for additional fees.
What is the cost of living in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu offers very affordable Pacific island living. A budget lifestyle costs around $1,200 per month, a mid-range lifestyle around $2,000, and a comfortable lifestyle around $3,500. In Port Vila, a one-bedroom apartment rents for approximately $600 per month, food and groceries cost around $400, utilities around $100, and transport around $100. Imported goods can be more expensive due to shipping costs.
How is the internet and connectivity in Vanuatu?
Internet in Vanuatu has improved significantly with the Interchange Cable Network (ICN) submarine cable. Port Vila offers 4G mobile data and fixed broadband options. Speeds typically range from 10 to 50 Mbps in the capital, which is sufficient for video calls and remote work. Starlink is also becoming available. Outside Port Vila, connectivity drops off considerably, so remote workers should plan to base themselves in or near the capital.