Vanuatu · VFSC · Regulated offshore
Vanuatu forex licence (VFSC Financial Dealers Licence)
Relatively quick with no corporate income tax, but on the EU list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions and frequently reformed. Available on request.
Updated
Vanuatu licenses forex dealers through the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission under the Financial Dealers Licensing Act, with cumulative licence classes A–D since the 2024 amendment. A local office and staff are required; Vanuatu remains on the EU list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions (February 2026).
Key facts
| Regulator | Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) |
|---|---|
| Licence | Financial Dealers Licence (Principal), classes A–D |
| Legal basis | Financial Dealers Licensing Act [CAP 70], as amended in 2021 and 2024 |
| Entity | Vanuatu local company |
| Typical timeline | Typically 3–6 months |
| Capital | Yes: a security deposit for all classes, higher requirements for higher classes |
| Tax | No corporate income tax |
| Recognition | Limited: small regulator, EU tax blacklist (Annex I) as of February 2026 |
| Client markets | International clients; no passporting; restricted markets excluded |
| EU passport | No |
| Our service | On request via partners |
Indicative information for comparison only, reviewed on the date shown. Requirements change and depend on your structure; confirm with the regulator and local counsel before deciding.
Overview
The Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) issues Financial Dealers Licences. Class A covers forex and debt instruments; higher classes are cumulative and add further products.
Vanuatu can be quick, but its EU blacklisting and limited recognition make banking and institutional partnerships harder.
Substance and people
- Physical office in Vanuatu
- Local staff and records
- Approved principal
- Local auditor
Ongoing obligations
- Annual audited accounts
- Periodic compliance and AML reporting to the VFSC and FIU
- Annual licence fees
Advantages
- Relatively quick
- No corporate income tax
- A real licence with local presence
Drawbacks
- On the EU tax blacklist
- Limited recognition
- Frequent rule changes since 2021
Recent changes
A 2024 amendment introduced cumulative licence classes A–D with higher capital and substance, with a transition deadline in 2025. Vanuatu remains on Annex I of the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes (February 2026 update).
Frequently asked questions
Is Vanuatu on the EU tax blacklist?
Yes, on Annex I as of the February 2026 update.
Do I need an office in Vanuatu?
Yes. Since the 2021 reforms a physical office and local staff are required.
Official sources
Primary sources we rely on. Rules change; always confirm current requirements with the authority.
- Vanuatu Financial Services Commission: Financial Dealers Licence vfsc.vu
- VFSC legislation vfsc.vu
- EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions (Feb 2026) taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu
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