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Vanuatu Company Formation – Offshore Business Setup

More Information

5 simple steps are needed to incorporate your company in Vanuatu

 
Complete our application form - Vanuatu
Complete our order form and make the payment for your chosen services. You will then be assigned a client manager to assist you through the incorporation process.
 
Upload your documents
Your account manager will ask you for official documents which are required for your company formation.
 
Incorporate your company successfully
Once your documents have been processed your company will be successfully incorporated subject to local authority approval.
 
Process any additional services
Your account manager will guide you through the steps of completing your request of additional services such as bank accounts.
 
Manage Your company via our client portal
Our client portal will give you immediate access to all your documents as well as display your company structure.
 
 

Vanuatu Offshore Banking Options

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Vanuatu Offshore Company Formation

Good to Know
The appointment of nominees on an international company is permitted in general. However, the Commission of Vanuatu will not permit the appointment of nominees in relation to a company performing restricted activities subject to a special license, such as dealing with securities and other regulated financial activities.

Main Characteristics of a Vanuatu Offshore Company

Company type
International Company (IC)
Governing corporate legislation
Vanuatu Financial Services Commission is the office responsible for registering Vanuatu companies
Information published relating to company officers
No
Accounting requirement
No accounting / reporting requirements.**
Taxation
No taxes of any sort.
While the company may not be liable to pay taxes, please consult with a tax/legal advisor in your country of residence, to determine your own tax liability.
Legislation
International companies Act of Vanuatu
Standard currency
Vatu
Time to form
3 to 4 days (upon validation of your identification documents)*
Stability
Vanuatu is a small island uniquely positioned, Vanuatu is determined to preserve the economic growth and stability which makes it an excellent choice for business for clients. Our clients can hence benefit from the tax-friendly regulatory framework where there is no direct taxation in the country.
Communication
Efficient communication means.
Time zone
GMT +11
Secretary required
Yes
Paid up capital requirement
Standard authorised capital: USD 10,000.00
Minimum paid up: USD 1
Renewal Date
Anniversary date of the company / Each Year
Basis of legal System
Under Common Law.
Minimum directors/shareholders
Minimum of 1 director/shareholder
Bearer shares
No
Documents Required
for the Registration of a Vanuatu Company
A certified copy Certification of a passport can be made by a notary, an attorney-at-law, a bank, a public officer, or in accordance with SFM indications. Kindly consult your dedicated account manager at SFM to obtain precise information. of your passport, a certified copy of a second ID document (such as birth certificate / driver license / Identity Document), a certified copy of proof of domicile dated less than three months, a certified and recent extract of criminal record dated less than 3 months, a curriculum vitae, as well as last 3 months' bank statement. All in original.**






Frequently Asked Questions
Offshore Company Formation in Vanuatu

  • What type of company do you register in Vanuatu?

    The type of company that we form in Vanuatu is known as an International Company (IC), commonly known as offshore companies, and is regulated under The Companies Act (Cap 191) and the International Companies Act (1993). An International Company (IC) is a company that is registered in Vanuatu and conducts its business activity purely outside the island.
  • Is a Vanuatu Offshore Company (IC) tax liable?

    No, International Companies formed in Vanuatu are exempt from any form of taxation in Vanuatu as long as the IC does not conduct its business in Vanuatu.

    While the company may not be liable to pay taxes, please consult with a tax/legal advisor in your country of residence, to determine your own tax liability.
  • Will my name be public once I setup an offshore company in Vanuatu?

    No, there is no public register of company officers in Vanuatu.
  • How many directors and shareholders should I appoint to my Vanuatu IC?

    A minimum of 1 director and 1 shareholder should be appointed to setup an International Company (IC) in Vanuatu.
  •  
  • Do I need to submit accounting records for my International Company (IC) in Vanuatu?

    No accounting/reporting requirements.

    However, the company must keep all financial records, which should reflect the financial position of a company and to allow for the preparation of financial statements.
  • Will my liability be limited if I register my company as an International Company (IC) in Vanuatu?

    The shareholders’ liability in a Vanuatu IC is typically limited to the amount of shares respectively held by them.
  • Do I need to deposit the paid up capital for a Vanuatu International Company (IC)?

    No, there is no paid up capital requirement to incorporate a Vanuatu offshore company. The standard share capital is USD 10,000 but can be amended to fit your requirements.
  • Are bearer shares allowed in Vanuatu?

    Yes. Bearer shares are permitted, however, SFM does not assist in registering companies with bearer shares.


Vanuatu Offshore Jurisdiction News


Two new banks in SFM’s bank portfolio with the addition of CIBC First Caribbean International Bank and Pacific Private Bank.

9 October 2017
CIBC Bank of the British Virgin Islands and Pacific Private Bank of Vanuatu are both among the latest additions to the SFM bank portfolio after both banks confirmed their interest in servicing SFM clients.[..]



* Subject to the constraints of the due diligence procedure.
** If the company applies for a financial license, accounting requirements will be applicable
*** Documents must be provided for every person related to the company.
Disclaimer: Nothing on this webpage shall be construed as a contractual commitment or as a warranty. Services conditions are governed by the applicable terms and conditions.

Our Client Reviews

Our Testimonials Are Verified By Feefo, A Third Party Company

4+ out of 5 stars customer rating
Overall Rating
96% Customer satisfaction rate, testimonials verified by Feefo.com
28-Jul-2025
Very professional. Jane always responded very quickly with clear information.
12-Jul-2025
A high-level professional service. Very responsive agent, willing to go an extra mile to complete the specific task with me as a customer.
10-Jul-2025

20-Jun-2025
I am very grateful for Jane’s assistance in registering „AntradienioWave Ltd“. She was responsive, helpful, and ensured the process was successfully completed. Overall, the service was smooth, and I am satisfied with the result.

However, there was some confusion regarding electronically signed documents. Initially, I was informed that such signatures were acceptable, but later I was required to provide hand-signed documents, which caused a slight delay. It would be beneficial if SFM communicated their policy on electronic signatures more clearly to avoid similar misunderstandings in the future.

Overall, I am pleased with the service and would recommend SFM for company registration, especially due to professionals like Jane.
18-Jun-2025
Excellent Professionalism & Seamless Service – Highly Recommended!

Working with SFM Corporate Services has been an exceptional experience from start to finish. Their team combines deep expertise with a truly client-focused approach, making the complex process of international company formation and banking feel smooth, clear, and efficient.

From day one, I felt well-supported. Every query was addressed with clarity, and their transparency in timelines, documentation, and requirements gave me full confidence in each step. What stood out most was their professional integrity, multilingual communication, and personalized attention, even across time zones.

If you’re looking to set up a company, open a business account, or structure your operations globally — whether in Europe, the UAE, or beyond — SFM is the gold standard.

Thank you, SFM team, for your outstanding support! Special thanks to Alkesh for his continued support.
14-Jun-2025
SFM is a team of professionals who can help you set up and run a business efficiently with relevant and responsive information. I highly recommend!

Vanuatu's stable political environment, highly developed financial industry, and efficient company registration process have made it an attractive offshore jurisdiction for businesses looking to establish a presence in the Pacific region. Its simple and straightforward legal framework, coupled with a business-friendly environment, further contribute to its popularity as a location for offshore company formation.

With just a few simple steps, you can register a company online in Vanuatu and take advantage of its many benefits. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you register a company in Vanuatu.

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