Employment Visa and Short-Term Employment Visa
with Labour work permit
Vanuatu's Employment Visa is for people sponsored by an employer to do skilled work in Vanuatu for more than two months. A Short-Term Employment Visa covers skilled work of up to 6 months. Both need a work permit from the Department of Labour under the Labour (Work Permit) Act [CAP 187]. A spouse and children can be included in the Employment Visa application.
Life in Vanuatu
Money
3
Currency
Vanuatu Vatu
VUV
Vanuatu Vatu
Cost of living
102
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Skilled foreign workers with an acceptable sponsorship from an employer operating in Vanuatu.
Eligibility
Employer sponsorship
You must have an acceptable sponsorship from an employer to do skilled work in Vanuatu.
Work permit
- CAP 187
- Work Permit) Act [
You must have permission to start or continue work in Vanuatu under the Labour (Work Permit) Act [CAP 187], issued through the Department of Labour and Employment Services.
Short-term skilled workShort-Term Employment Visa
Either the occupation is on the skilled occupation list, or the Commissioner of Labour is satisfied that you have special skills or experience such that a Vanuatu national cannot do the work. Work must not exceed 6 months.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementOngoing employment
- Document checklistOnline visa application
- FeesEmployment Visa application charge
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 1 more requirement
- 4 documents
- 3 fees
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Vanuatu
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Vanuatu
- Visit & tourismTourist visa on arrival (exempt nationalities) and Visitor Visa applied for in advance
- Status in-countryResidence Visa (partner, child, employee, self-funded, foreign investor, leasehold holder) and Permanent Residency
- CitizenshipVanuatu investor citizenship programmes