Permanent Resident Visa

Overview

The Permanent Resident Visa is Vanuatu's longer-term residence status, issued by the Department of Immigration and Passport Services. It is aimed at people with a strong, lasting connection to Vanuatu - for example those of Ni-Vanuatu descent, people with a long period of lawful residence, or serious investors with a sustained qualifying investment - and is assessed against its own criteria rather than granted automatically. It confers permanent residence, not citizenship: Vanuatu citizenship is acquired separately, including through the Development Support Program. Eligibility, qualifying periods and any investment conditions change, so always confirm them on the official Department of Immigration page rather than third-party sources.

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Check the route fit

   Identify your qualifying basis - Ni-Vanuatu descent, long lawful residence, or serious sustained investment - and the conditions that apply on the official Department of Immigration page.

2. 02

   Build the evidence pack

   Gather evidence of your qualifying basis (descent records, residence history, or investment proof), your passport and character clearance.

3. 03

   Submit through the official channel

   Apply for the Permanent Resident Visa through the Department of Immigration and Passport Services.

4. 04

   After approval

   Hold permanent residence subject to its conditions, and meet any renewal or reporting requirements the Department sets.

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Related routes

• Residence Visa (Employee ground)

  For people coming to work in Vanuatu for an employer, where the job runs for 12 months or more. The visa is granted on the employee ground and tied to that employment.

• 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.

• Residence Visa (Partner / Child ground)

  For the partner or child of someone settled in Vanuatu - for example a Vanuatu citizen or a resident. The visa is granted on the family relationship and supported by the sponsoring family member.