13 answers for owners and founders of a Vanuatu company, from ordering to banking, annual compliance and what happens after incorporation. General information, not legal or tax advice; your specialist confirms how it applies to you.
The licensed agent usually asks for certified passport and address copies for every director, shareholder and beneficial owner. A lawyer, notary or accountant can certify them. Vanuatu applies the Apostille Convention, so Vanuatu company documents can be apostilled when you need them abroad.
Source: Status table: Apostille Convention, Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH)
A signed form naming each individual who ultimately owns or controls the company, directly or through other entities. The agent files it with the VFSC, which does not publish it. The VFSC's 2026 guidance asks agents to look more closely at ownership chains, so include every layer on day one.
Source: Legal person and UBO risk assessment guideline (2026), Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)
Often, yes, if you apply in time and pay the restoration fee of US$250 plus unpaid annual fees and penalties. The agent confirms whether the company is still within the restoration period. Send us the company name and number and we check its status.
Source: Companies fees and penalties, Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)
They may. EU member states apply defensive measures to payments involving listed jurisdictions, such as refusing a tax deduction or charging withholding tax. If your customers are EU businesses, check this before you choose Vanuatu.
Source: EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, Council of the European Union
Yes. Besides the yearly fee of US$300, the VFSC offers 5-year (US$675), 10-year (US$1,200) and 20-year (US$2,000) registration options. These are government fees only; the registered agent and our work are still renewed each year. Ask us before your renewal if a longer term suits you.
Source: Companies fees and penalties, Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)
The VFSC adds a US$100 penalty when the annual fee is not paid on the due date, and a company that stays unpaid can be struck off. Restoring a struck-off company costs a further US$250 plus the arrears. We pay the fee as part of your renewal.
Source: Companies fees and penalties, Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)
The Starter package for an international company is US$2,399 for the first year. From year 2 the renewal is US$2,485 a year, which covers the VFSC annual fee, the registered agent and registered office, and our service.
Mostly institutions outside the EU, because EU-based banks may decline companies from EU-listed jurisdictions. Payment institutions and banks in Asia or the Pacific are the usual starting point. We check which ones accept Vanuatu companies for your activity before you commit; each institution decides.
The certificate of incorporation, the constitution, the registers of directors and members, a recent certificate of good standing and the ownership chart. Add a business plan and contracts or invoices that show real activity. Keep the set up to date, because counterparties ask for the same documents.
Not on its profits in Vanuatu, which has no corporate income tax or capital gains tax. The company pays its annual registration fee to the VFSC. You may still owe tax where you live, because many countries tax foreign companies that their residents control or manage.
Pass a resolution, have the new person complete KYC and the beneficial owner declaration, and the agent reports the change to the VFSC. Report it promptly, because the VFSC's records must match the company's registers (confirm the deadline with your specialist). We prepare the documents.
Source: Legislation: International Companies Act [Cap 222], Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)
Yes. The company changes its registered agent to one we work with, after your KYC and a check that fees and filings are up to date. Your current agent releases the records, and the change is filed with the VFSC. The company itself does not change.
Source: Legislation: Company and Trust Services Providers Act, Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)
If it has no assets or debts, the shareholders resolve to end it and the agent applies to the VFSC to remove it from the register. A company with assets or creditors is wound up instead. Closing properly avoids penalties building up and gives you a clear record for banks (confirm the steps with your specialist).
Source: Legislation: International Companies Act [Cap 222], Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)
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