Vanuatu Promotion Authority : Foreign Investment Application Certificate FIAC :

Organization : Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority
Type of Facility : Foreign Investment Application Certificate FIAC
Country: Vanuatu

Website : investvanuatu [dot] vu

Foreign Investment Application Certificate (FIAC) :

Obtaining your FIAC is your first step in doing business in Vanuatu. By talking with us first, we will ensure that your business is viable and fits within Vanuatu’s investment guidelines.

Related : Vanuatu Promotion Authority Work & Residency Permits : www.statusin.org/8618.html

Processing your FIAC takes 15 working days provided that all necessary supporting documents are included with your application form.

Types of Foreign Investment Applications:
There are three types of application forms, each of which is designed for a specific purpose. The types of forms and explanations of when they should be used are outlined below:

New Investment :
To obtain a FIAC for a new investment

Variation :
To change any aspect of an existing FIAC including business name, ownership, business activity or location

Renewal :
To renew an existing FIAC.

In addition to the application form, are supporting documents required?:
Each type of application requires you to provide supporting documents. These requirements are identified in the checklist included on page two of each application form. Specific supporting document requirements are explained in the “Filling out an application” sections of this document.

What language can I use to prepare my application?:
All applications, as well as supporting documents, must be completed in either English or French. Supporting documents written in another language must be translated into English. In these instances, the original supporting document as well as the English translation must be submitted as part of the application.

At what point is an application accepted for processing?:
VIPA staff use the checklists included at the front of each application form to ensure that your application includes all the necessary information and complies with the above mentioned language requirement. Payment of the application fee will only be accepted if the application is found to be complete. Application fees must be paid in full and are non-refundable.
Applications that are deemed incomplete will be returned with an explanation of what information is required in order to address the gap.
On acceptance of the application, VIPA issues a receipt indicating the payment was made and identifies a target date for providing its response.

How long will it take to process my application?:
Much of the application processing is done by VIPA staff, but some applications must go to the VIPA Board for consideration and approval. VIPA is committed to providing a response for all types of application within 15 working days of accepting a complete application.

Is there a process I can use to dispute a decision I don’t agree with?:
Yes, in the event you are unhappy with a decision we have made with respect to your application you may launch an appeal within 14 days of receiving the decision. Your appeal should be submitted to VIPA and must be addressed to the VIPA Board. It should provide a clear explanation of the reasons why you believe the initial decision should be overturned. A fee of VT 5,000 is charged to lodge an appeal. The VIPA Board will respond to any appeal letter it receives within 14 days. If you are still unsatisfied with the decision you may lodge a further appeal with the Supreme Court.