The Vanuatu work visa is available in several categories: the Employment Visa at 257,500 VUV (~$2,146 USD) for 12 months, the Short-Term Employment Visa at 51,500 VUV (~$429 USD) for up to 6 months, and the Specialist Skills Visa at 30,900 VUV (~$258 USD) for up to 2 weeks. All work visas require employer sponsorship and a valid work permit issued under the Labour (Work Permit Act) [CAP 187] by the Vanuatu Department of Labour.
For a complete overview of all visa categories, see our Vanuatu eVisa guide. If you need a detailed document checklist, visit our Vanuatu eVisa requirements page.
What Is the Vanuatu Work Visa?
The Vanuatu work visa is an employment-based entry authorization issued by the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services. It is designed for foreign nationals who intend to work in Vanuatu under the sponsorship of an employer operating in the country.
Vanuatu offers multiple work visa categories to match different employment durations and skill levels. Each category has specific eligibility criteria, fees, and validity periods. All work visa holders must comply with the conditions of the Labour (Work Permit Act) [CAP 187].
Key features common to all Vanuatu work visas include:
- Employer sponsorship is mandatory for all categories
- A valid work permit from the Department of Labour is required
- Visa holders must comply with all Vanuatu laws
- Employment must be limited to the activity for which the visa was granted
- Visa holders must notify Immigration of any significant changes in personal or financial circumstances
Types of Vanuatu Work Visa
The Department of Immigration and Passport Services offers five distinct work-related visa categories:
| Visa Type | Fee (VUV) | Fee (USD approx.) | Validity | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Visa | 257,500 | ~$2,146 | 12 months | Multiple |
| Short-Term Employment Visa | 51,500 | ~$429 | 1-4 months | Multiple |
| Development Support Visa | 10,300 | ~$86 | Up to 5 years | Multiple |
| Religious Worker Visa | 10,300 | ~$86 | Up to 5 years | Multiple |
| Specialist Skills Visa | 30,900 | ~$258 | Up to 2 weeks | Single |
For the full fee breakdown across all visa types, see our Vanuatu eVisa fee guide.
Employment Visa
The Employment Visa is the primary long-term work visa for foreign nationals undertaking skilled work in Vanuatu for more than two months. This is the most common visa category for expatriate workers employed by Vanuatu-based businesses.
Key details:
- Fee: 257,500 VUV (~$2,146 USD)
- Validity: 12 months with multiple entry
- Eligibility: Applicants must have acceptable sponsorship from an employer to undertake skilled work in Vanuatu
- Family inclusion: Spouse (married or de facto) and children can be included in the application
- Change of status: Allowed only to an Investor Visa category
The Employment Visa requires the applicant to remain an employee of the sponsoring business and to hold a valid work permit under the Labour (Work Permit Act) [CAP 187]. If employment ends, the visa conditions may be affected.
Short-Term Employment Visa
The Short-Term Employment Visa is for foreign nationals who need to work in Vanuatu for a period not exceeding six months. This visa is available to applicants in two situations:
- The applicant is sponsored for skilled work in an occupation listed on the Vanuatu skilled occupation list
- The applicant has special skills or experience that cannot be performed by a Vanuatu national, as assessed by the Commissioner of Labour
Key details:
- Fee: 51,500 VUV (~$429 USD)
- Validity: 1 to 4 months with multiple entry
- Maximum stay: 6 months
- Change of status: Allowed only to an Investor Visa category
This visa is suitable for project-based work, seasonal skilled employment, or short-term specialist assignments that require more time than the Specialist Skills Visa allows.
Development Support Visa
The Development Support Visa is a special category for individuals working in government agencies or on development-oriented programs formally agreed with the Government of Vanuatu.
Eligible applicants include:
- Officials, employees, consultants, advisers, experts, or volunteers working for a UN agency or recognized international organization
- Individuals working for an agency of the Government of Vanuatu
- Personnel directly engaged in the administration of aid and development programs (excluding NGOs unless nominated)
Key details:
- Fee: 10,300 VUV (~$86 USD) for individuals; 15,450 VUV (~$129 USD) for a family of four
- Validity: Up to 5 years with multiple entry
- UN agency staff: Exempt from visa fees
- Extension: Allowed subject to prescribed conditions
- Change of status: Not allowed
Religious Worker Visa
The Religious Worker Visa is for individuals entering Vanuatu to work in a religious capacity. The sponsoring religious organization must provide written notification detailing the nature, location, and duration of the proposed religious activities.
Key eligibility criteria:
- If the organization is affiliated with the Vanuatu Christian Council, the Director must be satisfied that the organization supports the proposed placement in writing and that the placement is in the community interest
- A security bond may be required if the applicant will be in the country for more than 90 days
Key details:
- Fee: 10,300 VUV (~$86 USD) for individuals; 20,600 VUV (~$172 USD) for a family of four
- Validity: Up to 5 years with multiple entry
- Extension: Allowed subject to prescribed conditions
- Change of status: Not allowed
Specialist Skills Visa
The Specialist Skills Visa is for very short-term work assignments lasting no more than two weeks. This visa is designed for foreign nationals with specialist skills needed for a brief engagement in Vanuatu.
Key details:
- Fee: 30,900 VUV (~$258 USD)
- Validity: Up to 2 weeks with single entry
- Eligibility: Acceptable sponsorship from an employer for specialist skills work
- Change of status: Not allowed
Required documents include:
- Copy of terms of reference
- Letter from the requesting company or business registered in Vanuatu
- Copy of valid passport
- Copy of return ticket to country of origin
Vanuatu Work Permit Process
In addition to a work visa, all foreign nationals seeking employment in Vanuatu must obtain a work permit from the Department of Labour under the Labour (Work Permit Act) [CAP 187]. The work permit is separate from the visa and authorizes the actual employment activity.
The work permit process involves:
- Employer application – The employer in Vanuatu applies to the Department of Labour on behalf of the foreign worker
- Labour market assessment – The Commissioner of Labour evaluates whether the position can be filled by a Vanuatu national
- Skills verification – For the Short-Term Employment Visa, the Commissioner must be satisfied that the applicant has special skills or experience not available locally
- Permit issuance – If approved, the work permit is issued and must be presented as part of the visa application
The work permit must remain valid for the duration of the employment. Visa holders are required to continue as employees of the sponsoring business to maintain valid visa status.
Vanuatu Work Visa Requirements
All work visa applicants must meet the general eligibility criteria set by the Department of Immigration and Passport Services:
General Requirements
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended stay
- Employer sponsorship letter from a business registered in Vanuatu
- Work permit from the Department of Labour (Labour (Work Permit Act) [CAP 187])
- Completed application form – duly signed
- Passport-sized photograph – recent, meeting standard requirements
- Character assessment – applicants must pass a character test
- Health requirements – free from contagious diseases or conditions that could pose a risk to the Vanuatu community
Employer Requirements
The sponsoring employer in Vanuatu must provide:
- Cover letter detailing the employment position and applicant’s role
- Valid Business License
- VIPA (Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority) registration
- VFSC (Vanuatu Financial Services Commission) registration
- Copy of the company’s valid business registration documents
Family Inclusion
For the Employment Visa, applicants may include:
- Spouse (married or de facto partner)
- Children (dependent children)
Family members are included in the main applicant’s visa application and are subject to the same visa conditions.
How to Apply for a Vanuatu Work Visa
The application process for a Vanuatu work visa involves the following steps:
- Secure employer sponsorship – Obtain a job offer and sponsorship letter from a Vanuatu-based employer
- Apply for a work permit – Your employer applies to the Department of Labour for a work permit under the Labour (Work Permit Act) [CAP 187]
- Gather required documents – Collect passport, photographs, employer letters, work permit, and business registration documents
- Pay the visa fee – Fees vary by visa type (see table above). Payment is made to the government cashier
- Submit the application – Applications can be submitted to the Department of Immigration and Passport Services or through the official eVisa portal at evisa.gov.vu
- Await the Director’s decision – The Director of Immigration assesses each application individually
The Department of Immigration and Passport Services is located at:
- Address: Kumul Highway, Tamarama Building, Port Vila, Vanuatu
- Phone: (+678) 22354
- Email: [email protected]
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Work Visa vs Business Visa vs Tourist Visa
Understanding the differences between Vanuatu’s visa categories is essential for choosing the right visa:
| Feature | Work Visa | Business Visa | Tourist Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Permitted | Temporary only (with work permit) | Prohibited |
| Business activities | Permitted | Permitted | Prohibited |
| Duration | Up to 12 months | 3-10 months | 120 days |
| Employer sponsorship | Required | Not required | Not required |
| Work permit | Required | Required for employment | Not applicable |
| Fee | 51,500-257,500 VUV | 20,000-35,000 VUV | 5,150 VUV (non-exempt) |
| Family inclusion | Yes (Employment Visa) | No | No |
For travelers conducting short business activities such as meetings, conferences, or exploratory visits, the Vanuatu business visa may be more appropriate. For tourism and leisure, see our Vanuatu tourist visa guide.
Visa Conditions and Compliance
All Vanuatu work visa holders must comply with the following conditions throughout their stay:
- Comply with all laws of Vanuatu
- Maintain good conduct – no behavior prejudicial to peace, good order, good government, or public morality
- Report changes – inform Vanuatu Immigration of any significant changes in personal or financial circumstances
- Continue employment – the visa holder must not cease the activity for which the visa was granted
- No unauthorized work – the visa holder must not engage in employment or commercial activities outside the basis of the granted visa
Failure to comply with these conditions may result in visa cancellation and removal from Vanuatu.
Change of Status
Foreign nationals on a work visa in Vanuatu who wish to change their immigration status should be aware of the following:
- Employment Visa and Short-Term Employment Visa holders may change status only to an Investor Visa
- Development Support Visa and Religious Worker Visa holders cannot change status
- Specialist Skills Visa holders cannot change status
To change status, applicants must pay the applicable change of status fee to the government cashier and submit a new visa application with all required documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Vanuatu work visa cost?
The Vanuatu Employment Visa costs **257,500 VUV** (~$2,146 USD) for 12 months. The Short-Term Employment Visa costs **51,500 VUV** (~$429 USD) for 1-4 months. The Specialist Skills Visa costs **30,900 VUV** (~$258 USD) for up to 2 weeks. All fees are paid to the government cashier.
Do I need a work permit in addition to a work visa?
Yes. All foreign nationals working in Vanuatu need both a **work visa** from the Department of Immigration and a **work permit** from the Department of Labour under the Labour (Work Permit Act) [CAP 187]. The employer applies for the work permit on behalf of the employee.
Can my family accompany me on a Vanuatu work visa?
Yes, holders of the **Employment Visa** can include their spouse (married or de facto) and dependent children in their application. The Development Support Visa and Religious Worker Visa also allow family inclusion with separate family fees.
How long does it take to get a Vanuatu work visa?
Processing times vary depending on the visa type and the completeness of the application. The Department of Immigration assesses each application individually. It is recommended to apply well in advance of the intended start date of employment and to ensure the work permit from the Department of Labour is obtained first.
Can I switch from a tourist visa to a work visa in Vanuatu?
Foreign nationals in Vanuatu on a tourist visa cannot directly switch to a work visa. The tourist visa **strictly prohibits employment** and does not allow change of status. You must apply for a work visa from outside Vanuatu through the eVisa portal or a Vanuatu embassy. However, you may be able to change status to a business visa, which permits temporary employment with a work permit.
What is the difference between the Employment Visa and Short-Term Employment Visa?
The **Employment Visa** (257,500 VUV, 12 months) is for long-term skilled work lasting more than two months and allows family inclusion. The **Short-Term Employment Visa** (51,500 VUV, 1-4 months) is for work lasting up to six months, available for occupations on the skilled occupation list or positions requiring special skills not available locally.
Can I apply for a Vanuatu work visa online?
Yes, applications can be submitted through the official Vanuatu eVisa portal at **evisa.gov.vu**. However, visa fees must be paid to the government cashier by cash or check. You can also submit applications in person at the Department of Immigration and Passport Services in Port Vila.
What happens if my employment ends while on a work visa?
Your work visa conditions require you to remain an employee of the sponsoring business. If your employment ends, you should contact the Department of Immigration immediately to discuss your options. Continuing to stay in Vanuatu without valid employment may result in visa cancellation.
