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

Land Use Planning

The Department 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 issues that will have to be addressed to undertake a successful development.

For further information on Land Use Planning contact:

Department of Lands
Private Mail Bag 9090
Phone: +678 22892
Fax: +678 27708
Email: lands@vanuatu.com.vu

Land Leases

Land tenure in Vanuatu is based on lease hold. Freehold system is not permitted.

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 relating to land in the above urban areas, approach should be made directly to the Director of Lands.

Rural Land

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

Duration of Lease

Long-term lease can be obtained for periods up to 75 years and is renewable upon negotiation by parties concerned. Land rentals are generally low at about 2.5-4% of the unimproved capital value of land. New lease may be negotiated at the expirty of any lease.