Moving to Fiji: residence, company formation & investing

For tourist stays, citizens of most European countries including Austria, Germany and Switzerland receive a free visitor visa on arrival for up to 4 months (extendable to 6 months in total). Requirements: a passport valid for at least 6 months, an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds. If you want to work or stay permanently, you need a permit in advance.

The most common routes are: a Work Permit through an employer, an Investor Permit based on a registered investment, or Residence on Assured Income – popular with retirees who can prove regular income from abroad. After several years of lawful residence you can apply for permanent residence. The competent authority is the Fiji Immigration Department.

Fiji offers residence for people who can prove a regular income from abroad (e.g. pension or investment income) which is remitted to a Fijian bank account. The permit is issued for a limited period and is renewable – a proven path to retirement under palm trees.

Typically: a valid passport, police clearance certificate, medical certificate including certain tests, proof of finances or income, passport photos and – depending on the route – an employment contract, business plan or proof of investment. All documents should be in English or certified translations.

Depending on the permit type and completeness of your documents, from a few weeks to several months. Our tip: start early, prepare all documents cleanly in advance and submit with local support – this avoids queries and often saves months.

Only a small share of land (around 8 %) is freehold and freely tradable. Most land belongs to iTaukei communities and is granted via long-term leases (often 50–99 years). Foreigners also face restrictions when buying residential property in town areas. Before any property deal: have title and lease checked professionally – exactly what we help with.

Considerably less than in central Europe if you live locally: markets, local food and services are affordable. Imported goods, cars and electricity are more expensive than you may be used to. A couple living a local lifestyle needs a fraction of European costs – a Western lifestyle in prime locations costs accordingly more.

Suva, Nadi and Lautoka have hospitals and private clinics for standard care. For complex procedures many expats fly to Australia or New Zealand. International health insurance including evacuation cover is practically a must for emigrants.

Yes – especially in Suva (e.g. International School Suva) and in the Nadi area, teaching in English according to international curricula. Places are in demand, so register early.

English is the official and business language – you can get by everywhere with it. Fijian (iTaukei) and Fiji Hindi are also spoken. A few words of Fijian ("Bula!") open hearts and doors.

Tropically warm all year round (approx. 22–31 °C). November to April is the wet and cyclone season. Modern buildings are designed for cyclones – when building or buying, pay attention to cyclone-proof construction (one reason we work with SpaceDome on certified, robust systems).

Fiji is considered one of the safest countries in the South Pacific and people are exceptionally warm and welcoming. As everywhere: usual caution in towns at night and do not leave valuables in plain sight.

Yes, but plan ahead: Fiji requires an import permit from the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), vaccination and health certificates and, depending on the country of origin, quarantine. Preparation takes several months.

Incorporation runs through the Registrar of Companies (Companies Act 2015) and can be done online. As a foreign investor you additionally need to register with Investment Fiji (Foreign Investment Registration Certificate, FIRC) before doing business. Then follow the tax number (TIN) with FRCS, a bank account and industry licences where applicable.

The Foreign Investment Registration Certificate is the basic requirement for foreign investors in Fiji. You apply to Investment Fiji with a business plan, proof of capital and details of the planned activity. Important: some activities are reserved for Fijians or restricted (Reserved & Restricted Activities List) – we check this for you in advance.

In most industries, yes – Fiji allows 100 % foreign ownership as long as the activity is not on the Reserved or Restricted list. For restricted activities a local partner or minimum investment is required. This is exactly where local advice pays off.

Corporate income tax is around 20 %, VAT is 15 % (as of 2026, without guarantee). Add payroll levies and industry-specific charges. At the same time Fiji offers attractive incentives such as tax-free regions and investment allowances – proper tax planning with a local advisor pays off.

With banks such as ANZ, BSP, Westpac or HFC – you will usually need your passport, proof of address, references and the tax number (TIN). For company accounts also the incorporation documents and FIRC. With an appointment and complete documents it is straightforward.

Fiji has a young, English-speaking and service-minded population. Recruiting works via local job portals, Facebook groups and personal networks – the latter works best in Fiji. Through our local network we connect you with reliable people.

We are rooted locally in Nadi and accompany you through the entire process: honest initial assessment, dealings with authorities (Immigration, Investment Fiji, FRCS), company formation, land and property checks, building your local network and cultural integration. You benefit from real contacts instead of theory – and avoid the classic expensive beginner mistakes.