The International Banking Act has improved the reputation of Vanuatu as a bona fide banking jurisdiction by establishing the supervisory framework to preserve the benefits of creditors, investors and guarantee financial and financial assurance. All incompatible with universally accepted measures of the I.M.F and the Basel Accords.

Timeframe: from 4 months

Net assets: At least 385,000 Pound

Overview

Vanuatu is identified as an offshore finance market in the Pacific region with a vast assortment of tax advantages.

International Banking is organized by the International Banking Act [CAP. 280]. The Reserve Bank of Vanuatu is the administration, effective for obtaining and assessing of forms for International Banking license and all supporting records, as well as evaluating whether a person/body corporate is “robust & proper”.

Key features for obtaining and retaining a license:

  • The ownership extent, financial position, and financial records (if any) of the applicant are adequate
  • Each executive and manager of the appellant is a fit and proper person and has enough expertise in international banking to be associated with processes or management of an international bank
  • Each partner of the appellant is a fit and proper person to possess an interest in an international bank
  • The risk administration, accounting and internal control operations of the applicant are competent
  • The capital structure of the candidate is satisfactory and the amount of whole paid-up capital of the applicant is at least 387,000 pound. It is essential that the Bank in Vanuatu has continually 387,000 pound more in receivable from abroad bank compare to what it owes to customers
  • The appellant must have an office and trained staff working in Vanuatu
  • All accounts of the licensee must be retained in Vanuatu
  • the services will not be allowed to Vanuatu residents or in Vatu (local) currency
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Notable features

General information

Company structure

  • Minimum one shareholder required. Who can also be a legal person, no nationality or residency limitation.
  • Minimum two individual directors required. At least 1 director needs to be a resident of Vanuatu.
  • Minimum one worker that will have a day-to-day understanding of the international banking industry conducted by the licensee and adequate authority within the licensee to engage in the management of that day-to-day international banking industry.

Taxation

  • 0% income tax.
  • 0% estate, succession, inheritance or gift tax.
  • The following devices are exempted from stamp duty:
  • A bill of exchange, promissory note and all other records, device or document produced by, or for, or in conjunction with the global banking business of a licensee
  • An instrument in association to a change of property, other than real property, situated in Vanuatu, to or by a licensee
  • An instrument in relation to a transaction and record in honor of shares, debt burdens or other securities of a licensee
  • A device in connection to any other transaction of the international banking establishment of a licensee
  • Accounting and Audit obligations
  • Each fiscal year an auditor needs to be appointed to inform on all financial statements developed by the licensee in relation to that year
  • Placement of an auditor needs a prior written permission of the Reserve Bank
  • Copies of financial statements and auditor’s statement must be presented to the Reserve Bank within 4 (four) months after the close of the licensee’s fiscal year

Secretary – Needed

Registered Agent – Needed

Registered office – Needed

Local office – Needed

Procedure

In order to receive a license, the following steps will be carried out:

  • Development of the application forms
  • Analyzing and improving the recommended banks business plan and other records forming part of the application
  • Establishment of the company
  • Bank account application
  • License application with the Regulator
Important Documents
  • For local regulatory authority:
  • CV
  • A notarized copy of valid passport
  • Notarized 2nd ID
  • A copy of evidence of residential address
  • Bank Reference Letter
  • Bank Statement Leller
  • A notarized proof of a University Diploma
  • Signed and notarized application forms
  • Two Acknowledged letters from a notary, lawyer, auditor or similar

All documentation shall be presented in English language or translated to English by an expert and certified by Notary Public.