 Vanuatu,
official name, the Republic of Vanuatu. (French: République de Vanuatu),
is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean.
The archipelago, which is of volcanic origin, is some 1,750 kilometres
(1,090 mi) east of northern Australia, 500 kilometres (310 mi) northeast
of New Caledonia, west of Fiji, and southeast of the Solomon Islands, near
New Guinea. Vanuatu was first inhabited by Melanesian people. The first
Europeans to visit the islands were the members of a Spanish expedition
led by Fernandes de Queirós who arrived in Espiritu Santo in 1605.
In the 1880s France and the United Kingdom claimed parts of the country,
and in 1906 they agreed on a framework for jointly managing the archipelago
as the New Hebrides through a British-French Condominium. An independence
movement arose in the 1970s, and the Republic of Vanuatu was created in
1980. The Republic of Vanuatu is very popular in the community of entrepreneurs
and people interested in doing international business. This is partially
due to Vanuatu’s very relaxed tax laws, which are simple for business owners
as well as regular residents. - Doing
Business in Vanuatu |
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 EscapeArtist.com
Real Estate Marketplace Real Estate In Vanuatu South Pacific - Current
Listings - Vanuatu
is an emerging growth Nation which has gone unnoticed until now. The Republic
of Vanuatu, recently passed The Strata Title Act in 2005, which has
been a major game changer. Before the act passed you had to be a native
of The Republic of Vanuatu to own land in Vanuatu. The Strata Title
Act is a very important key that opened up the market for international
property investors in Vanuatu. Now foreigners can own land in this beautiful
paradise. |
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 Real
Estate in Vanuatu South Pacific
- Escapeartist would like to introduce its readers to the beautiful country
of Vanuatu in the South Pacific. Vanuatu is an emerging growth destination,
which is now in the process of opening up to the rest of the World. Several
factors make Vanuatu an ideal place to visit and invest in and in our interview
with a prominent Vanuatu businessman I think you will see why Escapeartist
has selected Vanuatu as one of the best destinations in the world for your
retirement, business activities and investments. We interviewed Richard
Butler who has over 35 years of property development experience in Australia
and New Zealand. Mr. Butler’s first visit to Vanuatu was in February
2008, just prior to the beginning of the current global credit crisis.
He was marketing and selling luxury resort and residential developments
for $1-3 million for two and three-bedroom luxury apartments on the Queensland
coast of Australia and he knew the end was near. “The result of the these
million dollar prices for concrete boxes had placed an enormous price increase
of 20 to 25% per annum over 50 to 60 months. It has been said in recent
Property Reports that any growth of 4 x 20% is heading for leveling in
demand.” |
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 Living
in Vanuatu - Vanuatu is filled with
a number of restaurants, all offering some of the best in local cuisine
as well as international fare, such as Asian, Indian, and Australian inspired
meals. As well, the country’s historical ties with France are evident in
the number of French restaurants and cafes around the islands. Vanuatu
takes food extremely serious – aside from fresh fruits and vegetables,
fresh seafood, and local beef; there is foie gras, escargot, and extremely
appetizing desserts. Port Vila on Efate is known for its nightlife, having
some of the best clubs and bars found anywhere in Vanuatu. It is possible
for locals and visitors to mix and mingle at a local pub or discotheque.
Vanuatu is also extremely rich in various cultural festivities that cannot
be found anywhere else. This includes the death defying Pentecost Land
Dive and the Tanna Toka Dance, which is known to go on for many days. There
is also the mystical Rom Dance of Ambrym island of magic and fire, and
the Water Music Custom Festival performed by the women who live on Gaua
Island. Those who live in Vanuatu are able to take part in these amazing
experiences and witness some of the most amazing rituals and cultural festivities. |
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 Moving
to Vanuatu - Before moving to
Vanuatu, it is essential to do all research to ensure full preparedness
for the relocation process. For instance, the Vanuatu Customs Act provides
the opportunity to bring personal furniture and electrical appliances into
the country free of VAT (value added tax) and duty, if they have been owned
for longer than one year. Individuals may have to provide proof of length
of ownership, such as a receipt with the date of purchase. The act also
permits individuals to import a mode of transportation, such as a car,
motorcycle, motorbike, water borne craft, or even an airplane or helicopter.
Much like personal effects, these must be owned for at least one year.
All other personal items, such as clothes and liens are duty free. But
they do need to be packed well and inventory. There is a chance that the
Customs Department may require a physical examination of the box. To ensure
protection, expensive personal goods, like clothing and shoes, should be
placed in plastic bags and family heirlooms and jewelry should not be packed
into the personal effects. |
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 Technology
in Vanuatu - For tourists staying at
any number of the hotels and resorts, it is important that you pack the
necessary adapters with you – otherwise, you will not be able to plug in
your laptop or cell phone charger to the electrical outlets. In Vanuatu,
the electrical current is 220V to 240V, 50Hz AC and requires the use of
Australian-style plugs in order to connect to electricity. For tourists
coming to Vanuatu from other parts of the world, especially the United
States, it is important not to use appliances that run on a 100 to 125
volt range in these types of outlets, or else the appliances will become
severely damaged and might even create a fire danger. Protect your appliances
and property by purchasing the proper plugs or appliance converters prior
to visiting Vanuatu. Cell phone usage has drastically risen in the past
few years, but Vanuatu is still new to the surge in use and popularity.
In 2008, Vanuatu experienced the addition of a telecommunication company
to the islands, creating competition for the first time in the industry
of this type of technology. Telecom Vanuatu Limited offers mobile, landline
and High Speed Internet services to the residents and businesses found
through the islands of Vanuatu. |
 Vanuatu
- Life in Vanuatu Video- - Vanuatu’s
showcase 7-min movie presenting the country and the highlights of tourism
in the six provinces. This film should give you plenty of reasons to explore
the beautiful islands yourself. The blend of traditional culture (Custom
or Kastom) and beautiful nature should be irresistible to any visitor!
Vanuatu is located near Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Solomons and New
Zealand. It is an Independent Republic since 1980. The archipelago consists
of around 82 islands. Port Vila, the capital, is located on Efate island.
A population of over 250,000 Ni-Vanuatu is spread over the islands in 6
provinces. Unspoiled nature and a traditional native culture of wonderful,
happy, south sea islanders make it a fantastic territory to discover. The
SHEFA province consists of: EFATE & the SHEPERDS islands. In this clip
you see the sand drawings at the Cultural Center / Museum, the Mele cascades,
the Roi Mata cave on Lelepa, the WWII artifacts in Port Havannah, fishing
on the way to Nguna and Pele islands, banyan trees, coconuts for drinking,
horse-back riding, relaxing on white sand beaches, sailing charter cruises,
cruiseship in port, dolphins swimming, snorkeling, underwater post office
at Hideaway island, tropical fish & corals, wrecks, dugongs, traditional
sailing canoes in Epi, poulet fish, bats, kids in Sunday dress on Lamen
island, Epi east coast, Tongariki island paramount chief ordination, Epule
River tour, Secret Garden, Ekasup Cultural Village, string band, Vanuatu
beef, parasailing, hotels & resorts, wedding ceremonies, lobster dinner,
steaks bbq, casinos, cultural and Melanesian feasts. |
 Private
Trust Banking – 21st Century Offshore Banking-
Imagine the setting: A beautiful tropical island, no clouds in the sky
and palm trees gently swaying in the breeze. Wealthy, well dressed
people are sipping an exotic cocktail in the shade, their luxury yachts
nestling in the harbor. An expensive car pulls up and a man with a white
suit steps out with a large suitcase which he proceeds to take into the
bank opposite the sidewalk. The scene cuts to the manager´s office
where the well-dressed man clicks open the case to reveal stacks of 100
dollar bills …. A sly smile creeps across the manager´s face …..
A good setting for a 007 movie maybe, as well as being many people´s
image for how the offshore banking industry works. However, that particular
scenario does not exist – indeed it never has and the fact that it remains
a popular idea in Hollywood movies and works of fiction only goes to prove
how poor general understanding of the offshore industry actually is. MORE
>>> |
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 Investing
in Vanuatu - Vanuatu is a beautiful,
Y-shaped archipelago that consists of 83 islands and covers more than 12,000
square kilometers. It is located approximately 1,700 kilometers east of
the Australian coastline. In 2006, Vanuatu was voted “The Happiest Place
on Earth,” because of its amazing white sandy beaches, beautiful volcanoes
that are still active today, untouched lagoons and rainforests, consistent
sunny weather, and a large abundance of various indigenous cultures, making
it one of the most culturally diverse countries found anywhere on the globe.
Combine that with no foreign exchange control, no income tax, as well as
an independent judiciary, and Vanuatu becomes the premier location for
investment right in the center of the South Pacific. Not only that, but
current social and political problems occurring on other South Pacific
islands, such as Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea have turned
investors toward Vanuatu as a highly viable alternative. Vanuatu boasts
a very beneficial tax regime which is further enhanced by a number of unique
features when compared with other finance centers. First of all, there
is no income tax throughout all of Vanuatu. This includes exchange controls,
death duties, withholding tax, and capital gains tax. Money can be easily
transferred into any of the major currencies. The financial center in the
country has been in existence for just about forty years. With a strong
infrastructure of established trust companies, accountants, banks, and
lawyers, it provides the opportunity to investors to receive top quality,
reliable service right on the spot. |
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 Vanuatu
Joins the World Trade Organization -
There are different reasons countries decide to join with the WTO, but
the biggest reason is that lowering import taxes and other obstacles should
increase the overall volume of trade, raising the average wealth. Globally,
the potential gains from cutting tariffs and lowering trade barriers are
great. But for smaller, less developed countries like Vanuatu there is
not much to gain, even if there is an improvement in overall global prosperity.
Global trade rules are supposed to stop arbitrary changes in trade policy,
thus making trade fairer for smaller LDCs, who cannot retaliate through
trade wars. The laws are there to help balance the scales, so that the
bigger and stronger economies do not dominate global trade any more than
they already do. Tragically, smaller countries have little choice than
to join the WTO, since most regional trade agreements must be WTO compliant,
meaning that countries must accept WTO rules even if they are not members.
Since Vanuatu’s neighbors and trading partners are members of the WTO,
Vanuatu is subject to the laws of international trade. They might as well
have a voice, rather than having the rules being dictated to them by other
nations. See
Video - WTO welcomes Vanuatu as a new member |
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 Relocating,
Residency and Taxes in Vanuatu
- People seek to establish permanent residency in Vanuatu because of two
major reasons. Vanuatu is a tax haven and it also offers the most excellent
and carefree tropical lifestyle. Aside from easy access to New Zealand
and Australia, Vanuatu also offers one of the best and reliable international
banking communities and fairly priced modern housing. There are various
factors that may be common among every applicant who wants to establish
their residency in Vanuatu. However, different steps are needed for those
who want to establish a business. However, residency permits are
granted to employees, retirees, and investors. Investors who want to apply
for residency permit in Vanuatu are required to apply to the Vanuatu Foreign
Investment Board for approval. Retirees who are over fifty five years old
can also qualify for a residency permit only if they present proof of their
retirement from their country of origin. Individuals who are in Vanuatu
for employment purposes can also qualify for a one year residency permit.
However, this type of residency permit can only be eligible for certain
professions but it can be renewed annually. |
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 Health
Care in Vanuatu - Travelers
to Vanuatu should also have international medical insurance. International
insurance will cover selected medical costs should there be an emergency
while on vacation – one important item to look for in an insurance policy
is medical evacuation, which will transport patients to major cities in
Australia and New Zealand, such as Brisbane or Sydney. In the event of
a serious accident or trauma, patients will be flown out to such locations
in order to receive necessary treatment from medical centres equipped to
handle serious conditions and traumas. Another important factor in purchasing
medical insurance – especially if you are visiting – is to find an insurance
plan that pays for your expenses to travel home, in the event you need
to leave Vanuatu unexpectedly or sooner than planned. While no one would
like to think of being in a serious accident on vacation or suffering from
a severe ailment or condition, preparation for such an event is always
recommended. Medical evacuations are very costly, so an insurance plan
will help lower potential costs. Residents may purchase private health
insurance from local offices around Vanuatu to cover the costs of medical
accommodations, ambulance, air transportation and treatments. The annual
premium cost of private insurance depends on the age of the individual. |
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 Doing
Business in Vanuatu -
The Republic of Vanuatu is very popular in the community of entrepreneurs
and people interested in doing international business. This is partially
due to Vanuatu’s very relaxed tax laws, which are simple for business owners
as well as regular residents. This makes it very inviting for some businesses
to move their practice to Vanuatu in hopes of maintaining a strong business
with fewer restrictions. Vanuatu, with the introduction of new commercial
laws in the 1970s, quickly became an international Financial Center, specifically
in the South Pacific where it is located. The town of Port Vila is the
main location for commercial business on Vanuatu, which is composed of
a group of islands. In Port Vila, finance and banking are the major practices.
A sudden expansion occurred in the area with the onset of the new commercial
laws and has thrived ever since. Port Vila is the Vanuatu capital for support
organizations and professionals. It has had such rapid growth, along with
the rest of the islands’ economy, that it has become known and respected
in the international business community. |
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 Working
in Vanuatu - Vanuatu, a South Pacific volcanic
island, is a tropical island, with ancient culture and friendly people.
Vanuatu is the ideal place to live, and the living atmosphere relaxed,
with time for the afternoon siesta for all employers and employees. The
economic growth is strong with different work opportunities. Vanuatu’s
economy is primarily agriculture based with beef, kava, copra and coconut
oil making up over 75% of total agricultural exports. Agriculture
accounting makes up around 20%. After agricultures, tourism is the
next largest strength in the economy’ growth. Work Opportunities in Vanuatu
- Vanuatu offers diverse opportunities. There are government office,
shops and restaurants, fishing, and the opportunity to open your own business.
Business Hour in Vanuatu - Government Offices: Government offices
typically are open from Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 11:30 am with
a two hour break for a siesta or to eat lunch and run errands. The
business then reopens at 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Some government offices
may be open on a Saturday morning. Shops: Shops generally begin to
trade at 1:30 pm and continue throughout the day until about 6 pm.
Shops are open on Saturdays until about 11:30 am, with the exception of
Chinese stores, which are open all weekend. |
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 Plantations
In The South Pacific-Vanish To Vanuatu - The
tale is told of a man who, during the 1930s, saw the winds of war about
to blow over the world. Where could he go to get out of harm’s way, and
live an enjoyable life? He chose the most obscure place he could find,
and bought a copra plantation in the Solomons on the island of Guadalcanal
just west of Vanuatu. Vanuatu was known as the New Hebrides Islands a condominium
of France and Britain, until independence in 1980. It remains one of the
world’s most out-of-the-way and, outside the capital of Port Vila, more
backward countries. You’d think it might have gotten a jump start when,
during WW II the Americans used the place in particular the town of Luganville
on the largest island Espiritu Santo as their major staging area for the
counter-invasion of the South Pacific. But the main things the GIs left
were the raw materials for the John Frum religion and thousands of tons
of heavy equipment whichin the best tradition of government thriftwas pushed
into the ocean off what’s known a Million Dollar Point outside Luganville.
It’s supposed to be a great place to dive, but I didn’t have time to do
so on this trip, my third in five years. My purpose was mainly to look
at real estate. That, and take the political temperature of the place. |
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 Vanuatu
- Island Living In The South Pacific - Vanuatu
is a series of Islands situated between Australia and Fiji. Flying time
from New Zealand and Australia is less than 3 hours on a late model Boeing
737’s flown and maintained by expats. Flying time to Fiji or New Caledonia
is about 1 hour. We have standard digital phone and mobile phone service
and the internet service extends to broadband. Your GSM mobile phone should
“roam” here. The economy istax-haven based and banking secrecy is
extremely good. The temperatures are such that we can swim all year
round and we experience regular rainfalls so the countryside is perpetually
green. The expat community is very friendly and makes potential new expats
welcome. Overseas visitors are sometimes overawed when they first step
on to an Air Vanuatu aircraft. When you arrive at Port Vila Airport you’re
met by a string band. As one American visitor said to me, “I’ve
never been on a flight as friendly as that one before!”. The restaurants
are great and many have the “French Cuisine” touch. Many visitors are drawn
to the displays in the windows of real estate offices. They find the low
prices of property quite unbelievable. Up until the year 2000 the
real estate market was very quiet and the properties that were selling
were mainly in the lower price range. As from 2000 there were serious enquiries
from Australia and New Zealand and as sales were made prices started
to rise. As of 2005 all of the cheaper initial waterfront blocks have been
sold but the newer water front subdivisions which are higher priced are
still set at approximately half the price of general South Pacific Island
oceanfront blocks. The average oceanfront block on the Island of Efate
(the main Vanuatu Island) now sell for US$200,000-US$250,000. |
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launched EscapeDates and is well position to becoming a leader in the international
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