Vanuatu (Ni-Vanuatu) Expats in Colombia — 2026 Guide | CoVisas Colombia

Why Ni-Vanuatu Nationals Choose Colombia

Vanuatu — the former New Hebrides, an archipelago of 83 islands in Melanesia — has attracted international attention for its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, which offers Vanuatu citizenship in exchange for a donation of approximately USD 130,000, granting visa-free access to over 130 countries. However, for Ni-Vanuatu nationals by birth — not by investment — the passport has more limited reach, making Colombia's structured Visa M program an important pathway. Colombia offers Ni-Vanuatu nationals a stable, diverse, and affordable destination with excellent healthcare, education, and business opportunities unavailable on a Pacific island chain regularly battered by active volcanoes and cyclones.

Colombia's openness to Pacific islanders and its commitment to equitable immigration processing make it an increasingly attractive destination. The country's geographic location — connecting North and South America — combined with its growing international business community, strong university sector, and world-class cities like Bogotá and Medellín, provide Ni-Vanuatu nationals with a genuinely transformative lifestyle upgrade. Vanuatu's Hague Convention membership also simplifies the document legalization process significantly compared to most Pacific island nations.

Colombian Migrant Visa (Visa M) — Categories & Fees 2026

The Visa Migrante (Visa M) is Colombia's primary long-stay visa for non-nationals. It is valid for up to three years and is the pathway to permanent residency after five continuous years. Ni-Vanuatu nationals apply through the Colombian Embassy in Canberra, Australia.

SMMLV 2026 = COP 1,423,500/month. Study fee (USD 255) is non-refundable, paid at application. Issuance fee (USD 232) paid only upon approval.

Mandatory Health Insurance in Colombia

All Visa M holders must maintain health coverage in Colombia under Colombian law. In Vanuatu, the Vila Central Hospital in Port Vila and Northern District Hospital in Luganville are the main facilities, supplemented by the VNPF (Vanuatu National Provident Fund) for pension and disability, Australian health aid, and an active malaria elimination campaign. Medical evacuations typically go to Brisbane or Auckland. There is no bilateral social security agreement between Vanuatu and Colombia.

Upon arriving in Colombia, Ni-Vanuatu nationals must immediately obtain a qualifying private health insurance policy or join an EPS upon formal employment. Colombia's healthcare system offers a significant quality upgrade over Pacific island facilities, with modern hospitals, specialist care, and comprehensive coverage for conditions common in the Pacific region. CoVisas Colombia connects Ni-Vanuatu nationals with compliant, affordable Colombian plans from day one.

Tax Residency in Colombia: No Double-Taxation Treaty with Vanuatu

There is no Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation (CDI) between Colombia and Vanuatu. Ni-Vanuatu nationals who become Colombian tax residents — by spending more than 183 days in Colombia in any 365-day period — are subject to Colombian income tax on their worldwide income at progressive rates up to 39%, with no formal credit mechanism for taxes paid in Vanuatu.

Vanuatu is one of the world's most favorable tax environments: there is no personal income tax, no corporate income tax (for domestic entities), no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax. A VAT of 12.5% and customs duties, along with revenues from the CBI program, fund the government. This makes Vanuatu a popular offshore finance jurisdiction for non-domiciled residents. Ni-Vanuatu nationals or CBI passport holders who move to Colombia and hold Vanuatu-domiciled companies or trust structures should obtain specialist international tax advice, as Colombia's worldwide income regime may reach income that was previously untaxed in Vanuatu.

Document Legalization for Colombia — Apostille (Hague Convention Member)

Vanuatu is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention (acceded in 2012). This means Vanuatu-issued documents only need a three-step process to be recognized in Colombia — significantly simpler than the four-step process required for non-Hague countries. You do NOT need to visit the Colombian Embassy for document legalization.

1. Ensure the document is original and properly signed by the relevant Vanuatu authority — court, civil registry, Vanuatu Police Force, or government ministry. The document must carry an original official signature and seal.
2. Obtain the Apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vanuatu in Port Vila — the MoFA is the competent authority to affix the Hague Apostille stamp, certifying the document's authenticity for international use in all 124+ Hague Convention member countries, including Colombia.
3. Certified English/French-to-Spanish translation — documents issued in English or French (or Bislama) must be translated into Spanish by a translator certified by the Colombian Superior Council of the Judicature (Consejo Superior de la Judicatura) or recognized by the Colombian Consulate.

Police Clearance Certificate (Vanuatu Police Force)

For the Visa M application, Colombia requires a police clearance covering the last three years. Ni-Vanuatu nationals obtain their clearance from the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) headquarters in Port Vila. Nationals residing abroad — including those in Australia — may approach the Vanuatu High Commission in Canberra. Once obtained, the certificate must receive an Apostille from the MoFA Port Vila, then be translated from English to Spanish by a certified translator.