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Business Licenses for Commercial Activity in Port Vila and Luganville

The Provincial Councils of Shefa, Sanma, Malampa, Penama, Tafea, and Torba are responsible for issuing business licenses to businesses operating in their respective provinces. The process involves several steps, which are outlined below.

Steps to Obtain a Business License

Step 1: Register with the Provincial Council

  • Businesses must register with the provincial council where they plan to operate.
  • This requires submitting a Business License Application Form, which can be downloaded from the Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue website.
  • The application fee is VUV 20,000 to VUV 1,000,000, depending on the business activity and annual turnover.

Step 2: Register with the VAT Office

  • If a company anticipates turnover of at least VUV 4 million per year, it must register with the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Office.
  • The Application for VAT Registration form is available on the Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue website.
  • There is no charge for this registration.

Step 3: Register as an Employer with the Vanuatu National Provident Fund

  • Employers must register with the Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF) and pay contributions.
  • This requires submitting a form to the VNPF, which can be found on their website.
  • There is no charge for this registration.

Step 4: Obtain a Municipal Permit

  • Businesses operating in Port Vila or Luganville require a municipal permit for activities such as:
    • Selling liquor, kava, or food
    • Restaurants and take-away outlets
    • Cinemas
    • Video operators
    • Motor vehicle repair workshops
    • Night clubs
    • Dancing halls
    • Bars

Step 5: Obtain a Public Vehicle Permit

  • Businesses providing public transportation must obtain a public vehicle permit from the Land Transport Authority.

Step 6: Obtain a Tourism Permit

  • Businesses engaging in tourism-related activities must obtain a tourism permit from the Department of Tourism.

Annual Renewal Fees

  • Many of these procedures require annual renewal fees, which vary depending on the type of business and activity.

Additional Resources

  • For businesses looking for further training and advice, the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) offers various courses, including those certified by the International Labour Organization.
  • VCCI also acts as the focal point for Business Link Pacific, which subsidizes contracted services for small businesses. Additionally, the organization has partnerships that provide:
    • Business incubation services
    • Business resilience advice

Conclusion

Obtaining a business license in Port Vila or Luganville requires several steps, including registering with the provincial council, VAT Office, and Vanuatu National Provident Fund, as well as obtaining municipal permits and public vehicle permits. Businesses must also consider annual renewal fees and additional resources available to support their operations.