Republic of Vanuatu · residence general
Residence Visa (Leasehold Holder ground)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
For people who hold a qualifying property leasehold in Vanuatu and can show a certified income. Land in Vanuatu is held by lease, so this route is built around leasehold ownership rather than freehold.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the official Department of Immigration page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - residence visa fees vary by validity period, and qualifying property-value and income conditions apply. Confirm current amounts and thresholds on the official Department of Immigration page, not third-party sources.
- Typical duration
- Issued for set periods and renewable while you maintain the qualifying leasehold and income. Confirm the current bands on the official Department of Immigration page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
The Leasehold Holder ground is a basis for a Vanuatu Residence Visa for people who hold a qualifying property leasehold in Vanuatu, issued by the Department of Immigration and Passport Services. Because land in Vanuatu is generally held under lease rather than freehold, the route is framed around leasehold ownership of a property at or above a set value, together with a certified income for each person included in the application. The exact value and income figures change, so treat anything you read elsewhere as indicative. The visa is issued for set periods and renewed while you maintain the leasehold and income, and it is separate from the Development Support Program (which grants citizenship, not residence). Confirm the current conditions and fees on the official Department of Immigration page.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Leasehold ownership of a qualifying property in Vanuatu at or above the set value.Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu) ↗
- ✓A certified income for each person included in the application (verify the current figures on the official page).Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu) ↗
- ✓A valid passport with sufficient validity.Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu) ↗
- ✓Character and supporting documents required by the Department.Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu) ↗
Common blockers
- !No qualifying leasehold property, or a property below the required value.Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu) ↗
- !Income below the required level for the people included in the application.Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu) ↗
- !Incomplete application or missing supporting documents.Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport.Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu) ↗
- ·Lease documents evidencing the qualifying leasehold property.Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu) ↗
- ·Bank certification of the required income.Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu) ↗
- ·Police or character clearance and supporting documents.Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm you hold (or will acquire) a qualifying leasehold property at or above the set value and can certify the required income.
Build the evidence pack
Gather your lease documents, bank certification of income, passport and character clearance.
Submit through the official channel
Apply for the Residence Visa on the leasehold-holder ground through the Department of Immigration and Passport Services.
After approval
Receive the Residence Visa, maintain the leasehold and income, and renew before expiry as required.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Residence Visa (Leasehold Holder ground) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Residence Visa (Leasehold Holder ground).
Department of Immigration and Passport Services (Vanuatu) · verified
Also explored by
Compare Republic of Vanuatu with
Related routes
Residence Visa (Self-funded ground)
For people who can support themselves in Vanuatu from certified offshore income, without local employment. You show a regular income certified by a bank operating in Vanuatu.
Residence Visa (Foreign Investor ground)
For people investing in a business in Vanuatu who hold a Foreign Investor approval certificate from VIPA. The visa is granted on the foreign-investor ground and tied to that investment.
Permanent Resident Visa
Vanuatu's longer-term residence status, for people with Ni-Vanuatu descent, a long period of lawful residence, or a serious sustained investment. It is residence, not citizenship - the citizenship route is the separate Development Support Program.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners own land in Vanuatu for this visa?+
Land in Vanuatu is generally held under lease rather than freehold, so this route is built around qualifying leasehold ownership of a property at or above a set value, alongside a certified income. The exact value and income figures change, so confirm them on the official Department of Immigration page.
Do I need an income as well as a property for the leasehold visa?+
Yes. As well as holding a qualifying leasehold property, you typically need a certified income for each person included in the application. Any specific figures you see elsewhere are indicative only - confirm the current conditions on the official Department of Immigration page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor →