Vanuatu International Bank License.
An international banking licence regulated by the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu under the International Banking Act [CAP 280]. Vanuatu is an established Pacific offshore finance centre with extensive tax exemptions for international banking business.
Licence overview
Important: JY Global does not act as broker, market maker, principal, counterparty or product issuer. Our role is coordination only.
The licensing process may involve company incorporation, document preparation and regulator review. JY Global's role is limited to project coordination and preliminary compliance input.
Comprehensive guide to licensing
International banking is regulated by the International Banking Act [CAP 280]. The Reserve Bank of Vanuatu receives and evaluates applications and supporting documents and assesses whether a person or body corporate is “fit and proper”.
Company structure
- At least 1 shareholder (can also be a legal person; no nationality or residency restrictions)
- At least 2 individual directors (at least 1 must be a resident of Vanuatu)
- At least 1 employee with day-to-day knowledge of, and sufficient authority over, the international banking business
Taxation
- 0% income tax (or any other direct or indirect tax) on income, profits, gains, interest or dividends from the licensee’s international banking business
- 0% estate, inheritance, succession or gift tax on any shares, debt obligations or securities of a licensee
Stamp duty exemptions
- Bills of exchange, promissory notes and other documents executed for the international banking business of a licensee
- Instruments transferring property (other than Vanuatu real property) to or by a licensee
- Instruments relating to transactions and declarations in respect of a licensee’s shares, debt obligations or securities
- Instruments relating to any other transaction of the international banking business of a licensee
Accounting and audit
- An auditor must be appointed each financial year to report on all financial statements
- Appointment of an auditor requires prior written approval of the Reserve Bank
- Financial statements and the auditor’s report must be provided to the Reserve Bank within 4 months after the close of the financial year
Local presence
- Secretary – required
- Registered Agent – required
- Registered office – required
- Local office – required
Steps to obtain licence
- 1Preparation of application forms
- 2Reviewing and amending documents and information specified by the Reserve Bank
- 3Incorporation of the company
- 4Bank account setup
- 5License application with the Reserve Bank
- 6Local office setup within 30 days after issue of the licence
Standard documents
- A notarized copy of valid passport
- CV, dated and signed
- Second ID for shareholder / director
- Criminal record of no conviction for the shareholder / director
- A copy of proof of residential address (e.g. utility bill not older than 3 months)
- 2 professional reference letters
- Bank reference letter
- Copies of diplomas of higher education
* Subject to legal review, eligibility assessment, regulatory approval and local professional advice. No approval or timeline is guaranteed.
Tell us about your structure. We'll tell you what's realistic.
A senior advisor reviews eligibility, beneficial-ownership and substance requirements before any application begins. Initial conversations carry no engagement fee.
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