10 answers for owners and founders of a Vanuatu company, from ordering to banking, annual compliance and what happens after incorporation. General information, not legal or tax advice: your specialist confirms how it applies to you.
The licensed agent usually asks for certified passport and address copies for every director, shareholder and beneficial owner. A lawyer, notary or accountant can certify them. Vanuatu applies the Apostille Convention, so Vanuatu company documents can be apostilled when you need them abroad.
Certification and apostilleSource: Status table: Apostille Convention, Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) (accessed Sep 2026)
A signed form naming each individual who ultimately owns or controls the company, directly or through other entities. The agent files it with the VFSC, which does not publish it. The VFSC's 2026 guidance asks agents to look more closely at ownership chains, so include every layer on day one.
Source: Legal person and UBO risk assessment guideline (2026), Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) (accessed Sep 2026)
Yes. Besides the yearly fee of US$300, the VFSC offers 5-year (US$675), 10-year (US$1,200) and 20-year (US$2,000) registration options. These are government fees only; the registered agent and our work are still renewed each year. Ask us before your renewal if a longer term suits you.
Company renewalSource: Companies fees and penalties, Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) (accessed Sep 2026)
Mostly institutions outside the EU, because EU-based banks may decline companies from EU-listed jurisdictions. Payment institutions and banks in Asia or the Pacific are the usual starting point. We check which ones accept Vanuatu companies for your activity before you commit; each institution decides.
Business account supportSource: EU updates list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions (17 February 2026), European Commission, DG Taxation and Customs Union (accessed Sep 2026)
The certificate of incorporation, the constitution, the registers of directors and members, a recent certificate of good standing and the ownership chart. Add a business plan and contracts or invoices that show real activity. Keep the set up to date, because counterparties ask for the same documents.
The VFSC adds a US$100 penalty when the annual fee is not paid on the due date, and a company that stays unpaid can be struck off. Restoring a struck-off company costs a further US$250 plus the arrears. We pay the fee as part of your renewal.
Company renewalSource: Companies fees and penalties, Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) (accessed Sep 2026)
Pass a resolution, have the new person complete KYC and the beneficial owner declaration, and the agent reports the change to the VFSC. Report it promptly, because the VFSC's records must match the company's registers (confirm the deadline with your specialist). We prepare the documents.
Corporate changesSource: Legislation: International Companies Act [Cap 222], Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) (accessed Sep 2026)
Yes. The company changes its registered agent to one we work with, after your KYC and a check that fees and filings are up to date. Your current agent releases the records, and the change is filed with the VFSC. The company itself does not change.
Change of agentSource: Legislation: Company and Trust Services Providers Act, Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) (accessed Sep 2026)
Often, yes, if you apply in time and pay the restoration fee of US$250 plus unpaid annual fees and penalties. The agent confirms whether the company is still within the restoration period. Send us the company name and number and we check its status.
Ask a specialistSource: Companies fees and penalties, Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) (accessed Sep 2026)
If it has no assets or debts, the shareholders resolve to end it and the agent applies to the VFSC to remove it from the register. A company with assets or creditors is wound up instead. Closing properly avoids penalties building up and gives you a clear record for banks (confirm the steps with your specialist).
Company closureSource: Legislation: International Companies Act [Cap 222], Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) (accessed Sep 2026)
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