The issuance of the Business licence is the second step in investing in Vanuatu and can't be issued unless the investor has been granted a VIPA Approval Certificate.
In Vanuatu it is illegal to carry on any non-exempted commercial activity without obtaining a Business licence. It is, therefore, obligatory for a "person" (which term also includes a company) to obtain a Business licence from the Rates and Taxes office, Customs Department, before taking up any commercial activity as required in the terms of the Business licence Act.
Every Business licence is issued annually and may be subject to certain conditions. The licence is transferable and the business licence subject to an annual fee which has been standardised to a principal sum of VT20, 000 plus VT90, 000 for each non-citizen employee, principal or partner engaged in the business.
Other businesses in the financial and monetary institutions including insurance companies and agents are charged on the basis of 2% of estimated turnover.
Click here to download our "Costs of doing business in Vanuatu" brochure.
For further information on business licences please contact:
Manager of Rates & Taxes OfficeMr. Ben Malas
Phone: +678 24635 or 24544
Fax: +678 24257
Email: bmalas@vanuatu.gov.v
