Vanuatu established itself as an International Finance Centre and off-shore tax haven for international business in 1971 and enjoys an excellent reputation with extensive financial, legal and banking facilities within the centre. Vanuatu successfully maintains the integrity of its jurisdiction with two pieces of legislation introduced in 1990 to help prevent money laundering activity. Confidentiality is assured, particularly for off-shore entities as strict secrecy provisions contained in legislation ensure that your privacy is protected. 

There is a complete absence of income tax, capital gains tax, withholding tax, estate duty and there are no exchange controls or reporting requirements in relation to the movement of funds. 

Located 2,250 kilometres north east of Sydney, Australia, Vanuatu is an easy centre to conduct business – even from overseas. It is located in a great time zone. There is up to a 90 minute overlap with New York (depending on daylight saving) and a 3 hour lead to Hong Kong. Port Vila has a first class international communication with its own earth satellite station and 24 hour telephone and facsimile facilities.

There are three entities used in Vanuatu designed for off-shore use. These include international companies, exempted companies (including banks and insurance companies) and trusts. You can even use a discretionary trust when forming your company to optimize secrecy. 

Negotiating the myriad of rules and regulations is best done by an expert. Let BDO Barrett & Partners, Vanuatu’s leading accountancy firm, do the work for you.