Investing in Vanuatu for Your Expat Senior Retirement

Published on October 4, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Choosing the Right Place to Invest

Choosing the right place to invest can transform retirement into a rewarding adventure, especially for senior expatriates considering relocating to Vanuatu. This picturesque South Pacific archipelago offers not only an idyllic and peaceful setting but also attractive investment opportunities for those wishing to establish their retirement in an exotic haven.

With an evolving economy, favorable investment policies, and a relatively low cost of living, Vanuatu presents itself as an appealing option for expatriates seeking the perfect balance between serenity and profitability.

Discover how local infrastructure, the growing real estate sector, and services tailored to seniors can turn this dream into reality.

The Best Cities for European Retirees in Vanuatu

The most attractive cities for European retirees in Vanuatu stand out based on several essential criteria: cost of living, medical infrastructure, safety, cultural activities, and quality of life.

Key Attractiveness Criteria for Retirees:

• Affordable cost of living
• Access to reliable medical care
• Safety and political stability
• Varied cultural offerings and leisure activities
• Dynamic expatriate community

Criterion	Port Vila	Luganville
Cost of Living	Moderate (excluding high-end real estate)	More affordable than Port Vila
Medical Infrastructure	Country’s best hospitals	Regional hospital center
Safety	Good, caution advised in some neighborhoods	Excellent, friendly atmosphere
Cultural Activities	Central market, museums, local events	Kanak cultural centers & natural sites
Real Estate	Seafront villas and luxury properties	Renovated traditional houses or villas

Port Vila

Port Vila is the administrative and economic heart of Vanuatu. It attracts with its modern infrastructure: international supermarkets, private clinics renowned for their medical quality, and a real estate offering ranging from downtown apartments to luxurious ocean-view villas. The central market offers fresh local products while various restaurants provide international cuisine. The presence of a close-knit expat community facilitates integration through French or English-speaking social clubs.

“Living in Port Vila has allowed me to easily meet other Europeans while enjoying a relaxing island pace. The medical services are reassuring at my age,” shares Jean-Pierre (age 69), a French retiree settled since 2021.

Luganville

As the country’s second-largest city on Espiritu Santo island, Luganville appeals to lovers of authenticity. The cost of living is generally lower than in Port Vila; you’ll find a lively market offering fresh fish and tropical products. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate wild beaches like Champagne Beach or the nearby Blue Hole. The town also has a well-equipped regional hospital to meet seniors’ essential needs.

“We chose Luganville because everything is accessible on foot or by bike – perfect when you want to live simply without stress or traffic jams! We feel integrated among the locals,” reports Monique (age 72), a Belgian expatriate.

Real Estate Opportunities & Investment

The real estate sector in Vanuatu presents interesting potential:

• In Port Vila: strong seasonal rental demand linked to international tourism; regular appreciation in the high-end segment.
• In Luganville: more accessible prices with purchase opportunities in quiet residential neighborhoods or near the coastline; growing tourism project favoring future appreciation.

In both cities as well as in sought-after areas such as Havannah Harbour (immediately near Port Vila), there are also programs allowing custom construction according to Western standards—ideal for adapting housing to advanced age.

Community Life & Integration

Both cities host a significant European expat community with active French-speaking associations offering administrative support or friendly gatherings around water sports or local culture.
At Havannah Harbour particularly, many expatriates choose absolute tranquility facing the ocean while remaining close to urban amenities thanks to recent road infrastructure quickly connecting this preserved natural haven to downtown Port Vila.

To choose between these ideal Vanuatu destinations for a peaceful retirement in the tropics:

• Prioritize Port Vila if regular need for advanced urban services;
• Prefer Luganville if seeking authentic simplicity without sacrificing essential comfort;
• Consider Havannah Harbour if priority is given to high-end residential privacy surrounded by pristine nature.

Each profile will thus find its place in an environment where Oceanic gentleness rhymes with daily serenity.

Investing in Vanuatu Real Estate for Retirement

Tax Advantages of Real Estate Investment in Vanuatu

• No taxation on income, real estate capital gains, wealth, inheritance, or gifts.
• No corporate tax or withholding tax.
• Possibility for any foreign investor to acquire property without residency requirements or minimum stay duration.

Available Property Types and Financial Accessibility

• Villas (waterfront or in secure developments)
• Modern apartments
• Buildable lots (ocean view, countryside)
• Single-family homes and farms
• Tourist properties and commercial buildings

Prices are generally affordable compared to other Pacific destinations. The absence of direct taxation allows retirees to optimize their housing budget and quality of life.

Type	Indicative Price	Main Characteristics
Waterfront Villa	From ~$200,000	Ocean view, possible pool
Apartment	From $120,000	In town or resort area
Buildable Lot	$30,000 to $150,000	Depending on location

Purchase Procedures for Expatriates

1. Property selection via local agency.
2. Signing preliminary contract with initial deposit (typically 5% to 10%).
3. Land title verification: all are renewable leasehold titles up to 75 years.
4. Appearance before approved notary for finalization.
5. Balance payment; low ancillary fees (approximately 7%).
6. No special permit required for foreigners; no major restrictions except respect for local customary practices.

Economic Stability & Impact on Real Estate Market

Vanuatu benefits from:

• A stable economy based on tourism, export agriculture, and an attractive financial center
• A relatively stable currency against international currencies

This context secures real estate investment through constant demand from both local and international markets.

Available Infrastructure for a Pleasant Environment

Seniors benefit from:

• Modern medical services in the capital Port Vila: public/private hospitals, specialized clinics
• Easy access to international pharmacies
• Developed road network around main urban centers
• Varied commerce: import/export supermarkets, local organic markets
• Sports facilities (golf, swimming), numerous cultural activities

Vanuatu combines exceptional tax security, accessible real estate diversity, and privileged natural setting—ideal for an active retirement in a peaceful environment with all essential amenities.

Comparing Cost of Living in Vanuatu’s Main Regions

Vanuatu, with its diverse regions like Port Vila, Luganville, and more rural islands, offers a variety of living costs that can influence residence choices for senior expatriates. Here’s a detailed comparison of costs in these regions:

Living Costs in Main Regions

• Housing: In Port Vila, monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment downtown ranges between 80,000 and 120,000 vatus (approximately $650 to $975), while in Luganville, prices are generally lower. In rural islands, costs are even lower, with long-term rental options available for approximately 20,000 to 50,000 vatus (about $160 to $400) per month.
• Food: Food product prices are similar in main towns, but rural islands may have higher costs due to difficult market access. Expatriates might need to buy imported products, which increases costs.
• Transportation: Transportation costs vary by region. In Port Vila, public transport options are more abundant, while in rural areas, having a personal vehicle may be necessary.
• Utilities: Utilities such as electricity and water are generally available in main towns but may be limited in rural areas.
• Leisure: Leisure activities like diving or cultural visits are more accessible in Port Vila and Luganville. In rural islands, activities are often nature-related and may be less expensive.

Seasonal Variations and Senior Service Access

Prices can vary depending on tourist season, with higher costs during peak season. Specific services for seniors, such as specialized healthcare, are more easily accessible in Port Vila.

Typical Monthly Expenses for a Senior Expatriate

Here’s an example of monthly expenses for a senior expatriate in Port Vila:

Expense	Monthly Cost
Housing (1 bedroom)	$650 to $975
Food	$300 to $500
Transportation	$50 to $100
Utilities	$100 to $150
Leisure	$100 to $200
Total	$1,200 to $2,025

Practical Tips for Finding Good Value

• Choose long-term rental to reduce housing costs.
• Opt for local products to limit food expenses.
• Use public transportation when possible to save on transport.
• Consider free leisure activities, such as visits to natural sites.
• Look for special offers for seniors, particularly in healthcare services.

Factors influencing region choice include retirement budget, access to medical services, and personal lifestyle preferences. Senior expatriates should weigh these factors to find the region offering the best balance between cost and quality of life.