Working Remotely

Remote Work in Vanuatu

Vanuatu is positioning itself as a digital nomad destination, combining tax-free income with tropical island living. The Remote Worker Visa makes this officially possible.

The Remote Worker Visa

Vanuatu offers a dedicated visa for digital nomads and remote workers:

Key features:

• 12-month validity
• Work legally for foreign employers
• Run your own foreign-registered business
• Zero income tax on earnings
• Renewable

Requirements:

• Proof of remote employment or foreign business
• Health insurance
• Sufficient funds
• Clean criminal record
• Valid passport

Zero Tax Advantage

The biggest draw for remote workers:

Caveat: Check your home country's tax residency rules. Some countries (US, certain others) tax citizens regardless of residence.

Internet Infrastructure

Port Vila:

• Fiber internet available in some areas
• Speeds: 10-50 Mbps typical (up to 100 in best areas)
• Cost: $150-230/month
• Providers: Telsat Vanuatu, Digicel
• Can be unreliable during storms

Outside Port Vila:

• Very limited or no fixed broadband
• Mobile data available but slow
• Satellite internet (Starlink) emerging option

Honest assessment:

Vanuatu is NOT a destination for those who need reliable, fast internet 100% of the time. It works for:

• Asynchronous work (email, writing, design)
• Flexible schedules (can work around outages)
• Those who can batch video calls

It doesn't work for:

• Real-time trading
• Constant video conferencing
• High-bandwidth needs
• Mission-critical uptime requirements

Coworking Spaces

Limited options compared to Bali or Thailand:

Port Vila:

• A few informal coworking setups
• Some cafes with wifi
• Hotel business centers

Tip: Most remote workers work from home or rented accommodation with their own internet setup.

Time Zone Considerations

Vanuatu is UTC+11:

• US West Coast: -19 hours (previous day)
• US East Coast: -16 hours (previous day)
• UK/London: -11 hours
• Australia (Sydney): -1 hour (similar)
• New Zealand: +1-2 hours

Best for working with:

• Australia/New Zealand clients (similar time)
• Asian markets (reasonable overlap)
• Challenging for US/Europe real-time collaboration

A Typical Day as a Digital Nomad

Example schedule (working with Australian clients):

• 6:00 AM - Morning swim or walk
• 8:00 AM - Start work (9 AM Sydney)
• 12:00 PM - Lunch at local market
• 1:00 PM - Afternoon work session
• 5:00 PM - End work (6 PM Sydney)
• Evening - Beach, social, explore

Example (working with US clients):

• Morning - Free time, beach, explore
• 2:00 PM - Begin work (7 PM previous day LA)
• 10:00 PM - End work (3 AM LA)
• More challenging schedule

Practical Tips

1. Backup internet - Get a mobile data SIM as backup
2. Generator - For power outages during storms
3. UPS/Battery - Protect equipment during outages
4. Cloud backup - Unreliable power means data risk
5. Flexible schedule - Be ready to shift hours during outages
6. Manage expectations - Tell clients you're on island time

Community

• Small but growing digital nomad community
• Facebook groups for Vanuatu expats
• Mix of Australians, New Zealanders, Europeans
• Very relaxed, non-competitive vibe
• Not a "hustle culture" destination

Is It Right for You?

Good fit:

• Async workers (writers, designers, developers)
• Those escaping high-tax countries
• People who prioritize lifestyle over infrastructure
• Flexible schedule tolerance
• Working with APAC time zones

Poor fit:

• Day traders or real-time finance
• Constant video calls required
• Need 99.9% uptime
• Working US/Europe hours exclusively
• Low tolerance for infrastructure challenges