Residence Visa (Self-funded ground)

Overview

The Self-funded ground is a basis for a Vanuatu Residence Visa for people who support themselves from offshore income rather than local work, issued by the Department of Immigration and Passport Services. You typically show a regular monthly income certified by a bank operating in Vanuatu, with a higher figure where a spouse or partner is included; the exact figures change, so treat anything you read elsewhere as indicative. The visa is issued for set periods and renewed, and is separate from the Development Support Program (which grants citizenship, not residence). Always confirm the current income conditions and fees on the official Department of Immigration page.

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Check the route fit

   Confirm you can certify a qualifying offshore income through a bank operating in Vanuatu for everyone included in the application.

2. 02

   Build the evidence pack

   Obtain the bank certification of income and gather your passport, character clearance and supporting documents.

3. 03

   Submit through the official channel

   Apply for the Residence Visa on the self-funded ground through the Department of Immigration and Passport Services.

4. 04

   After approval

   Receive the Residence Visa, keep meeting the income condition, and renew before expiry as required.

Also explored by

Compare Republic of Vanuatu with

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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 (Leasehold Holder ground)

  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.

• 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.