About 90% of land in Vanuatu is customary owned with a balanced owned by the government and a small portion by the private sector.

Vanuatu Land Use Planning

The office now has the National Land Use Policy available for potential foreign investors.

The Policy provides an improved framework for land allocation of both customary and leasehold land. The plan and policy is supported by an extensive database on land quality, tenure, topography, existing land use and environmental issues. This will allow businesses and investors to quickly identify potential sites and determine the issues, which will have to be addressed in undertaking a successful development.

The office now has the National Land Use Policy available for potential foreign investors.

The Policy provides an improved framework for land allocation of both customary and leasehold land. The plan and policy is supported by an extensive database on land quality, tenure, topography, existing land use and environmental issues. This will allow businesses and investors to quickly identify potential sites and determine the issues, which will have to be addressed in undertaking a successful development.

For further information on Land Use Planning contact:

Lands Department (Planning Unit)
Private Mail Bag 9090
Phone: +678 27602
Fax: +678 27708
Email: lands@vanuatu.com.vu

Land Leases

There is no freehold system of land in Vanuatu. Land can be obtained only on a lease basis.

Urban Land

All land in the two towns of Port Vila and Luganville Santo (urban areas) is public land owned by the Government. In all matters of land in the above urban areas, approach should be made directly to the Director of Lands.

Rural Land

The land in rural areas (outside Port Vila and Lugainville Santo) belongs to the traditional owners except any land owned by the Government. No negotiation is permissible with the traditional owners without the prior permission of the Government, which is granted in the form of a "Certificate of Negotiation" by the Lands Department.

Duration of Leases

Long-term leases can obtain for periods ranging from 50-75 years. Land rentals are generally low at about 2.5-4% of the unimproved capital value of the land. New leases may be negotiated at the expirty of any lease.