Can Foreigners Buy Land in Vanuatu? Complete Guide

May 5

3 min read

Introduction

At Coastal Property Group, one of the most common questions we receive from international buyers is simple: "Can I actually own land in Vanuatu as a foreigner?"

The answer is yes, and Vanuatu is one of the most foreigner-friendly investment destinations in the entire South Pacific. Our beachfront lots in Port Vila are available to both local and international buyers, and the process is more straightforward than most people expect.

Here is everything you need to know.

Aerial view of a tropical beach with turquoise water, white sand, and lush greenery. Distant mountains and scattered houses visible. Relaxing vibe. — **Coastal Property Group's beachfront lots offer direct ocean frontage in Port Vila, Vanuatu.**

How Land Ownership Works in Vanuatu

Under the Vanuatu Constitution, all land belongs to the indigenous customary owners. This means nobody, local or foreign, can own land outright in the freehold sense. Instead, all buyers access land through a registered lease system.

A registered lease is a legally binding agreement between you and the custom landowner, registered with the Vanuatu Lands Department. For buyers of Coastal Property Group lots, this means:

Lease terms of 50 to 75 years are long enough to build, develop, and pass on to your family
Your lease is fully transferable; you can sell it just like a freehold property
You can build, develop, mortgage, or subdivide your leasehold land
The lease is publicly registered and legally protected

In practical terms, a 75-year registered lease gives you full, secure control of your land for generations.

Land title document for Lot 5, Vanuatu, on a wooden desk. Includes maps, seal, and text detailing lease info. Sunlight filters through blinds. — **Every Coastal Property Group lot comes with a registered title and survey plan.**

What You Can Do With Your Coastal Property Group Lot

Once you hold your registered lease on one of our beachfront or riverfront lots, you are free to:

Build a luxury private residence or holiday home
Develop resort villas or boutique accommodation to tap into Vanuatu's booming tourism market
Rent out your property for short or long-term income
Sell your lease at any point for capital gain
Use the lease as mortgage security for development financing

Our lots range from residential-zoned land like Lot 5 (5,398 m² with direct access to the Epule River) to beachfront parcels ideal for resort-style development.

Tax Advantages When You Buy Land in Vanuatu as a Foreigner

This is where Vanuatu truly stands out from every other Pacific destination. As highlighted on our Investment Opportunities page, Vanuatu offers:

No income tax
No capital gains tax
No withholding tax
No death duties
No exchange controls. Transfer your money freely in any major currency

For nearly 40 years, Vanuatu has operated as a trusted international financial centre. Your investment profits stay with you, not with the government.

Aerial view of a coastal town with green hills, blue sea, a harbor with ships, and colorful buildings along the shoreline on a clear day. — **Vanuatu's tax-free environment makes it one of the most attractive investment destinations in the Pacific.**

Do You Need Government Approval?

The process to buy land in Vanuatu as a foreigner is well-supported, though larger land-based projects may require approval from the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority (VIPA). The good news is that the Vanuatu Government actively encourages foreign investment and is strongly committed to supporting new projects that bring value to the islands. At Coastal Property Group, we work with trusted local lawyers to ensure this process is smooth and efficient for every international buyer.

At Coastal Property Group, we work with trusted local lawyers and can connect you with the right professionals to make this process smooth and efficient.

Why Buy Through Coastal Property Group?

We are your trusted partner in Vanuatu real estate, based right here in Port Vila. Our beachfront and riverfront lots are:

Fully titled with registered survey plans
Located in Port Vila, Efate Island, is the most accessible and highest-demand location in Vanuatu
Priced to offer genuine value in a fast-growing market
Supported by a team that guides you through every step of the purchase process

Whether you are in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, or anywhere in the world, we make buying land in Vanuatu straightforward.

Woman in white dress wades in clear, turquoise water on a sunny beach. Palm trees line the shore, with boats and hills in the distance. — **Ready to invest? View our available lots at** **coastalpropertygroup.vu**

Discover Your Dream Property in Vanuatu!

Are you ready to own a piece of paradise? Look no further! Coastal Property Group is here to help you find the ideal property in the stunning islands of Vanuatu.