Dmitri Mihhailov
Managing Partner
Founder of Prifinance. 15+ years structuring international companies, banking and licensing for founders worldwide.
Register a company in Vanuatu
- the Pacific’s zero-tax licensing hub.Offshore company registration in Vanuatu allows you to establish an International Company remotely within 1-3 business days, with no income tax, corporate tax, capital gains tax or withholding tax. Ownership registers are closed to the public, while the VFSC operates one of the best-known budget licensing regimes for forex brokers, securities businesses and virtual-asset providers. The trade-off is the jurisdiction’s watchlist exposure and banking that requires careful preparation.
30 yrs
of experienceof experience
60+
in-house specialistsspecialists
6,000+
companies servedcompanies served
Updated
Vanuatu · at a glance
Legal formIC · International Company
Time to set up1-3 business days
Direct taxes0% - none exist
LicensingVFSC - forex & more
RegistersClosed - not public
Remote setupYes - fully online
4.7
★★★★★
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Vanuatu in brief
Zero direct tax with a regulator that actually licenses.
Vanuatu has operated without direct taxation since independence: there is no personal income tax, corporate income tax, capital gains tax, withholding tax or inheritance tax for either companies or individuals. An International Company can be incorporated through the VFSC electronic registry within 1-3 business days, with no minimum capital and closed public registers. What distinguishes Vanuatu from many other zero-tax jurisdictions is the regulator itself: the VFSC licenses forex dealers, securities businesses and, more recently, virtual-asset providers.
The other side of the equation is reputation. Vanuatu has been a recurring name on EU lists of non-cooperative jurisdictions, which means European counterparties may apply defensive measures and banks scrutinise the flag more closely. This makes it a specialised rather than universal option: particularly relevant for VFSC-regulated brokers and for international traders or holding structures that value zero direct tax and accept the jurisdiction’s compliance cost.
Packages & pricing
Company registration in Vanuatu - cost and packages.
01 - IC · INTERNATIONAL COMPANY
Company
from$1,800USD · all-in
Remote Vanuatu offshore registration includes the name check, constitutional documents, VFSC fees and the first year of the registered agent and office.
✓Name check and VFSC e-filing✓Government fees included✓Constitution drafted for the structure✓Registered agent and office - first year✓Beneficial-owner filing handled✓Free pre-incorporation consultation
Optional add-ons: nominee services - from $600/year · apostilled document sets - from $200 · annual renewal - from $1,200/year.
Start with Company →02 - IC · INTERNATIONAL COMPANY
Most popularCompany + Bank Account
from$3,400USD · all-in
A working International Company with a fintech or bank account - multi-currency balances and online banking arranged with a compliance file built for a watchlisted jurisdiction.
✓Everything in Company✓Account with an EMI or bank - multi-currency, SWIFT✓Account application and KYC file preparation✓Introduction to 2-3 suitable institutions✓Compliance onboarding support✓Dedicated account manager
Start with Banking →These are starting prices and are fixed for the specific case before filing. VFSC fees and the registered-agent cost are itemised, while licensing projects are scoped separately.
What you can do
Popular reasons to open a company in Vanuatu.
A Vanuatu IC may conduct almost any lawful business worldwide, but not with Vanuatu residents. Financial services require VFSC licensing, and this regulated segment is precisely where the jurisdiction stands out.
Forex brokeragelicensed
The VFSC dealer licence remains a budget regulatory route used by hundreds of retail brokers worldwide.
Crypto & virtual assetslicensed
Crypto licence registration in Vanuatu is available through the VFSC’s VASP framework, combining regulated virtual-asset activity with a zero-direct-tax corporate environment.
International trading
Import, export and intermediary activities without a local corporate income-tax return.
Holding & assets
Investment portfolios, vessels and intellectual property held without local capital gains or withholding tax.
Consulting & services
International invoicing through a company that can be formed within a few business days.
Investment businesslicensed
Securities and fund-type activities may operate under separate VFSC authorisation.
Why Vanuatu
Key advantages of the jurisdiction.
✓
0% direct taxes
No personal income tax, corporate income tax, capital gains tax, withholding tax or inheritance tax.
✓
1-3 day e-registry
VFSC operates an electronic registry, making company formation in Vanuatu one of the faster Pacific incorporation routes.
✓
Budget licensing hub
Forex, securities and VASP licences can cost significantly less than comparable regulated projects in the EU or Australia.
✓
Closed public registers
Directors and beneficial owners are filed with the regulator but are not publicly disclosed.
✓
No minimum capital
There is no minimum or paid-up capital requirement for an ordinary IC, and capital may be denominated in any currency.
✓
Common-law foundation
The legal framework draws on common-law principles, with English-language corporate filings.
How it compares
Vanuatu alongside the usual shortlist.
Seychelles offers similar pricing with a milder watchlist history; the Marshall Islands bring a stronger maritime profile; the Cook Islands specialise in asset protection; and Samoa is the quieter Pacific alternative. Vanuatu’s defining advantage is the combination of zero direct taxation and an active licensing regulator. Figures current as of 2026.
| Country | Direct taxes | Watchlists | Signature edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanuatu | None - 0% | EU-listed - no varnish | VFSC licences · e-registry |
| Seychelles | 0% - territorial | Milder history | Price & speed |
| Marshall Islands | None - 0% | Watchlist history | Shipping & holding |
| Cook Islands | None - 0% | Cleaner | Asset-protection trusts |
| Samoa | None - 0% | Quieter | Low-profile Pacific twin |
VanuatuVFSC licences · e-registry
Direct taxesNone - 0%
WatchlistsEU-listed - no varnish
SeychellesPrice & speed
Direct taxes0% - territorial
WatchlistsMilder history
Marshall IslandsShipping & holding
Direct taxesNone - 0%
WatchlistsWatchlist history
Cook IslandsAsset-protection trusts
Direct taxesNone - 0%
WatchlistsCleaner
SamoaLow-profile Pacific twin
Direct taxesNone - 0%
WatchlistsQuieter
Requirements
What Vanuatu law actually requires.
01
One director - an individual or company of any nationality or residency; no local director is required.
02
One shareholder - the same person may hold both roles, and corporate shareholders are permitted.
03
Capital - there is no minimum and nothing needs to be paid up; capital can be declared in any currency.
04
Registered agent & office - every IC must operate through a licensed Vanuatu agent; the first year is included in the package.
05
Closed registers, filed with the regulator - directors and beneficial owners are lodged with the VFSC but are not publicly available.
06
Records & renewal - accounting records are maintained internally and the annual VFSC fee must be paid; an ordinary IC has no audit or public-accounts filing requirement. Licensed firms have additional reporting obligations.
How it works
From application to a registered company - within days.
To register a company in Vanuatu, the entire process can be completed electronically through the VFSC registry. Documents are signed remotely, and most companies are incorporated within three business days.
01Same day
Free consultation
We confirm whether Vanuatu fits the project and assess whether the EU-listing cost outweighs the tax and licensing advantages.
021-2 days
KYC & documents
Passports, proof of address and a short business description; the constitution is prepared.
031 day
Name check
The company name is cleared and reserved in the VFSC registry.
041-2 days
E-incorporation
The VFSC issues the registration certificate electronically.
053-7 days
Registers & apostille
Ownership information is filed with the regulator and apostilled originals are sent by courier.
062-4 weeks
Banking
The company is introduced to EMIs and banks that work with Pacific jurisdictions and supported through onboarding.
Quick facts
Legal formInternational Company
Director / shareholder1 + 1, any nationality
Direct taxesNone - 0%
Standard timeline1-3 business days
AccountsRecords kept - none filed
RegistersClosed to the public
RenewalFrom $1,200/year
Banking normally takes longer than business registration in Vanuatu, so the account-opening track is started in parallel with incorporation rather than afterwards.
On the ground
On the ground in Vanuatu.
Prifinance - Vanuatu
Port Vila
Port Vila, Vanuatu
01
Licensing specialists
Your setup is run by a team that files VFSC company and licence applications every month.
02
Licensed agent included
A Vanuatu-licensed agent and registered office keep the company compliant while you operate remotely.
03
Banking for hard flags
We maintain a live map of EMIs and banks that actually onboard Vanuatu structures. And build the file they expect.
04
Also in Hong Kong, London, Dubai & more
A network of offices across Europe, the Gulf and the Americas. One team for your whole international structure.
We also have offices in
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
5/F, Yau Lee Centre, 45 Hoi Yuen Road, Kwun Tong
Vilnius
Lithuania
Gedimino pr. 2
London
United Kingdom
7 Bell Yard
Prague
Czech Republic
Vlkova 532/8, Žižkov
Berlin
Germany
Rankestraße 26
Madeira
Portugal
Rua da Alegria 31, 1F
Budapest
Hungary
Korányi Sándor u. 4
Istanbul
Türkiye
Perpa Ticaret Merkezi, A Blok
Dubai
UAE
33 Level, Al Saqr Business Tower
Toronto
Canada
1110 Finch Avenue West, suite 406
Singapore
Singapore
3 Church Street, #29-68 Samsung Hub
Bangkok
Thailand
Unit P01, Penthouse, VASU1, 1 Sukhumvit 25 Alley
Foshan
China
A-Tower, Yuneng Digital Plaza, 46 Lishui Avenue South
Almaty
Kazakhstan
Republic Square 13
Bishkek
Kyrgyzstan
32 Razzakov Street
Taxation 2026
0% direct tax since independence.
Vanuatu has never imposed personal income tax, corporate income tax, capital gains tax, withholding tax or inheritance tax. The state instead relies on VAT, duties and government fees. An International Company has no corporate income-tax return to file, while regulated firms pay licensing and regulatory fees rather than profit tax.
Corporate & income tax
Do not exist - there is no tax to calculate, defer or elect.
Capital gains & estates
Not taxed in Vanuatu.
Withholding
Dividends, interest and royalties leave without local withholding tax.
What is taxed
VAT at 15% and duties apply inside Vanuatu and are generally irrelevant to an IC operating abroad.
Levies in 2026
Corporate income taxNone
Personal income taxNone
Capital gains taxNone
Withholding taxNone
VAT - domestic only15%
Renewal & VFSC feesFrom $1,200/year
Owners remain responsible for tax where they are personally resident. Zero tax in Vanuatu does not automatically mean zero tax in the owner’s home jurisdiction.
Your team
The specialists who'll handle your case.
Eugeniu Bevziuc
International Business Consultant
Guides clients from the first consultation to a working setup - companies, accounts and substance in 60+ jurisdictions.
Alex Danila
Corporate Services Specialist
Handles incorporation paperwork, KYC and bank introductions so your Vanuatu company launches without delays.
Follow Prifinance
Active across our channels.
Watch: opening a company in Vanuatu with Prifinance
The Pacific zero with a working regulator - company in days, licence when you need one, terms stated at the door. Full support, start to finish.
Talk to a specialist →FAQ
Common questions about company registration in Vanuatu.
Can I open a company in Vanuatu without visiting?+
Yes. The VFSC registry is electronic from end to end, so KYC, signing and filing can all be handled remotely. Apostilled originals are sent by courier after incorporation.
How much does company registration in Vanuatu cost?+
Turnkey incorporation starts from $1,800, including VFSC fees and the first year of the licensed agent and office. Packages with an arranged account start from $3,400, while annual renewal starts from $1,200. Forex, VASP and securities projects are scoped separately.
Is it really 0% tax?+
Yes. Vanuatu has no personal income tax, corporate income tax, capital gains tax, withholding tax or inheritance tax. The state relies on VAT, duties and fees. Owners may still have tax obligations in their own countries of residence.
What does the EU listing mean?+
EU counterparties may apply additional defensive measures, some payment providers may decline the jurisdiction, and banks generally ask more detailed compliance questions. Where the client base is mainly in the EU, another jurisdiction may be more practical.
Why do forex brokers choose Vanuatu?+
The VFSC dealer licence provides genuine regulatory cover at a fraction of the cost and capital requirements of many EU, UK or Australian regimes. The company, licence application and substance requirements can be handled as one coordinated project.
How does crypto licence registration in Vanuatu work?+
The VFSC operates a separate VASP regime for virtual-asset providers. To register a crypto licence in Vanuatu, the project is structured on top of the ordinary company and carries its own application, compliance and operational requirements. Licensing takes longer than standard incorporation and is scoped separately.
How does banking work for a Vanuatu company?+
This is usually the most difficult part. Traditional banks are cautious with unlicensed Vanuatu ICs, while EMIs and specialist providers are more accessible with a complete file covering contracts, flows and source of funds. VFSC-licensed firms generally have better banking options.
Is ownership private?+
Directors and beneficial owners are disclosed to the VFSC but are not published in a public register. Nominee arrangements are permitted when properly documented, while international financial-account reporting such as CRS still applies where relevant.
What are the annual obligations?+
An ordinary IC pays the annual VFSC renewal fee, keeps its registers current and maintains accounting records internally. There is no mandatory audit or public filing of accounts. Licensed companies have additional reporting, capital and audit requirements.
Vanuatu or Seychelles?+
Both jurisdictions are relatively inexpensive and fast. Seychelles generally has an easier banking and reputational profile for simple trading or holding structures. Vanuatu’s main advantage is the VFSC: where a forex, securities or VASP licence is part of the plan, its licensing economics can be more attractive.
Client notes
Google4.7★★★★★
Founders who wanted it done right.
Google4.7★★★★★
“As a software development crew at FewMoreTaps OÜ, we've had the pleasure of working with Prifinance on some key financial moves.First of all, navigating the world of corporate banking and finance can be a maze, but Prifinance made it feel like a walk in the park. They helped us set up a corporate bank account without the hassle of jumping on a plane or drowning in paperwork. Everything was done remotely, smoothly…”
Google
“I had their assistance in company registration and I would recommend them. They were answering all my clarification during the process and offering all their supportThank you Daniel and Irinia”
Google
“We found PRIFINANCE COMPANYvia the Internet and asked for help in organizing the opening of their company in Estonia. PRIFINANCE COMPANY specialists helped us a lot with this. Their professional, competent approach and knowledge of their business left us with only the best impressions.”
Google
“I'm thrilled with my experience with PriFinance! They helped me obtain a crypto license in Estonia without any hassle. The team was super understanding and always available to answer my questions and assist. It was great to see how they put effort into preparing the documents to ensure everything went smoothly. I'm delighted with the outcome and highly recommend PriFinance to anyone looking to get a license…”
Google
“Opening an account with Prifinance in a Swiss bank was such an easy and quick process that I was shocked. It all started with the first call, where I received detailed guidance on the required documents and the entire procedure.One of the key highlights was their attention to detail. As someone who usually gets tangled up in paperwork, I was pleasantly surprised when they sent me all the documents and…”
Google
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Boris.. and I must say, it was a fantastic experience. Boris went above and beyond to assist me with my residency needs. His professionalism, knowledge, and dedication truly stood out. I highly recommend working with Boris and the team!”
Google
More from Prifinance
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Free consultation
Start your Vanuatu company today.
Tell us about the business, and a specialist replies within one business day: IC, a VFSC licence project or a different flag, with a timeline and a fixed quote.
✓No obligation; the first consultation is free✓A clear recommendation, not a sales pitch✓Transparent fixed fees, confirmed up front✓EN · RU speaking team