Vanuatu eBusiness Link is set to make it easier for foreign investors to establish businesses in the country.

Last week, the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (VFIPA), Customs and Inland Revenue, and the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) signed an agreement to join a new digital system that will allow investors to pay for key business documents entirely online.

The long and complicated process of registering a foreign business in Vanuatu has been a major concern. With this new step—led by VFIPA—investors will now be able to make important payments for documents before even arriving in the country.

At the signing of Phase 2 of the “Vanuatu eBusiness Link,” heads of Customs and Inland Revenue, VFSC, and VFIPA confirmed their commitment to the system.

The platform will allow online payments for documents such as Foreign Investment Certificates, Entity Registration, Business Licences, and VAT Registration.

VFIPA’s CEO said the success of online registration so far has already attracted more investor interest.

“Once we achieve this, the registration process will be faster, cheaper, and more transparent—giving confidence to investors to see Vanuatu as an attractive investment destination.”

Customs Director Harold Tarosa and VFSC Commissioner Branan Karae both stressed the need for one integrated system across agencies to cut down the time investors spend on starting a business.

Mr. Tarosa said, “We hear concerns all the time about the ease and cost of doing business. In today’s world, technology is here to support us.”
Mr. Karae added, “Investors are often asked to reproduce the same documents at every stage. This system will streamline the process, making it easier to track progress across agencies.”

Minister of Trade, Hon. Samson Samsen, welcomed the initiative, calling it a key government reform.

“It takes too long to register land certificates and collect documents. This eBusiness Link, supported under the government’s 100-Day Plan, will make the investment process much easier,” he said.

The cost of Phase 2 is estimated at 20 million vatu, with PACER Plus covering 80 percent of the expenses.

PACER Plus National Coordinator, Mr. Michael Ligo, said the support was aimed at making Vanuatu more competitive for investors.

“This system will reduce the time it takes to register across different agencies and strengthen Vanuatu’s competitiveness compared to other countries.”

Other departments such as Immigration, Labour, and VNPF are expected to join later.

The Vanuatu eBusiness Link is expected to go live next year.