Updated
GL-V-06
Glossary · Vanuatu citizenship
Vanuatu company for a citizen
A company a Vanuatu citizen registers after receiving the passport, for an account and business. Vanuatu is on the EU tax blacklist (decision of 09.10.2026), so European banks will have questions.
01 / In 30 seconds
The short answer
- What it is
- A company a citizen registers in Vanuatu after the passport
- Why
- A company account, business, a personal account in the UAE
- Risk
- Vanuatu is on the EU tax blacklist (09.10.2026)
- Taxes
- For a Russian tax resident - a controlled foreign company
02 / In plain words
What Vanuatu company means
A Vanuatu company is the next step for many new citizens 1-3 months after the passport: for a company account, business, or together with an account in the UAE.
On 09.10.2026 the EU kept Vanuatu on its tax blacklist. For a company and EU accounts this means questions from European banks. VAT in Vanuatu is 15%.
For a Russian tax resident, a Vanuatu company is a controlled foreign company with reporting in Russia. Raise this with a tax adviser before registering.
A simple example
Two months after the passport, a client registered a Vanuatu company and opened a UAE account, having sorted out CFC reporting in advance.
Where you will meet it
- Business after the passport
- A company account
- A UAE account
- Tax planning
03 / What it covers
What to know
Why
- Company account
- Business
- With a UAE account
Risks
- EU blacklist
- EU bank questions
- Compliance
Taxes
- VAT 15%
- CFC for Russian residents
- Reporting in country of residence
When
- After 1-3 months
- After the passport
- Remotely
04 / How it works
How to open a company
Goal
Account, business, structure.
Tax assessment
CFC and reporting.
Registration
Remotely.
Account
A bank for the task.
05 / Key facts
Key facts
01When it is set up
1-3 months after the passport
Many new citizens open a Vanuatu company for a company account, for business, or alongside a personal account in the UAE.
02EU blacklist
Vanuatu stays on it, decision of 09.10.2026
On 09.10.2026 the EU kept Vanuatu on its tax blacklist. European banks will have questions for the company and its owner.
03Russian tax residents
The company is a CFC with reporting
For a Russian tax resident a Vanuatu company is a controlled foreign company. It must be reported in Russia, so settle this with a tax adviser before registering.
04VAT in Vanuatu
15%
The value added tax rate in Vanuatu. Check with a tax adviser how it applies to your company before registering.
Common mistakes
Opening a company without tax advice.
Before registering, confirm with a tax adviser where you are tax resident and what reporting this triggers.
Expecting an easy EU bank account.
Vanuatu is on the EU tax blacklist, so a European bank will ask questions. Many people open an account in the UAE instead.
Forgetting CFC reporting.
A Russian tax resident reports a Vanuatu company in Russia as a controlled foreign company. Confirm deadlines and forms with a tax adviser.
06 / Expert advice
How to prepare
Before registering, discuss with a tax adviser how the company will be reported in your country of residence.
What we do for you. We register the company remotely and advise where to open an account for your purpose.
Anna KovalevskayaLead lawyer for EU citizenship and residency, 12 years of practice
07 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is no need to travel to the islands.
Usually 1-3 months after receiving the Vanuatu passport.
For a company account, for business, or alongside a personal account in the UAE.
They will have questions: on 09.10.2026 the EU kept Vanuatu on its tax blacklist. For EU accounts this means extra checks by the bank.
Yes, if you are a Russian tax resident. For you a Vanuatu company is a controlled foreign company that must be reported in Russia.
15%. It is best to check with a tax adviser how this applies to your company before registering.
Vanuatu citizenship glossary
- Vanuatu programme →
- DSP
- CIIP
- Vanuatu passport
- Vanuatu passport renewal
- Replacing a lost Vanuatu passport
- Schengen and Vanuatu
- Greek residence permit for Vanuatu citizens
- Asset Statement
- Witness field (Vanuatu forms)
- Remarks block (CIIP form)
- Medical certificate (Vanuatu)
- Bank letter (Vanuatu)
- Professional reference (Vanuatu)
- Vanuatu police clearance
- Nomination Form (CIIP form)
- Principal candidate
- Spouse (Vanuatu form)
- Dependent child (Vanuatu form)
- Dependent resident
- Form B (Vanuatu passport form)
- Birth Registration Questionnaire (9610)
- Vanuatu FIU due diligence
- FIU letter
- BRIDGES pre-check
- Vanuatu due diligence fee
- 3-month deadline for payment and oath
- Vanuatu citizenship certificate
- Vanuatu birth registration certificate
- Vanuatu National ID
- Vanuatu fund share
- Fund option without share return
- Additional family member (Vanuatu)
- Dependant aged 18-25 (Vanuatu)
- Parents and older dependants (Vanuatu)
- Vanuatu citizenship by birth
- Vatu (VT)
- Port Vila
- Bislama
- Vanuatu Citizenship Act (Cap. 112)
- Vanuatu Citizenship Commission
- Vanuatu Citizenship Office
- Vanuatu authorised agent
- Official DSP contribution schedule
- All terms →
Related terms
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