How are de facto romantic relationships recognised in Vanuatu?

De facto relationships are common living or partner arrangements without a registered marriage, but Vanuatu has no single national dating or partnership institution that standardises them. Recognition and practical consequences can differ according to registration status, community practice and the matter being handled.

Which marriage forms are available to couples in romantic relationships in Vanuatu?

Vanuatu recognises civil, religious, custom and virtual marriage options. Civil registration involves the Civil Registry and Identity Management service, custom marriage can use a Kastom Marriage Certificate from Malvatumauri, and religious marriage uses a Religious Certificate.

What age and consent rules apply to marriage within romantic relationships in Vanuatu?

The Control of Marriage Act sets the minimum age at 18 for men and 16 for women. People under 21 generally need consent from a parent or guardian, and the chosen civil, custom or religious form may impose additional requirements.

Where can a person in an unsafe romantic relationship in Vanuatu obtain help?

The Vanuatu Women’s Centre offers free and confidential counselling, legal advocacy, outreach and safe-house support through its centres and community network. Its 24-hour helpline is 161; police emergency numbers are 111 or 1111, with 22222 in Port Vila and 36222 in Santo.

How is a divorce recorded after a romantic relationship in Vanuatu?

A divorce proceeds through the court under the Matrimonial Causes Act, and the Civil Registry and Identity Management service records it after receiving the court notification. Divorce registration costs 1,000 VT, a new identity document costs 500 VT, and registration is required before marrying again.

Romantic relationship in Vanuatu

Romantic relationships in Vanuatu range from informal dating and de facto partnerships to custom, religious and civil marriages. Extended family, chiefs, churches and communities often influence expectations, while practices differ between islands and groups. Health, safety, registration and separation arrangements depend on the relationship form and the available local services.

Tip

Choose the relationship arrangement that matches the protection, recognition and flexibility you actually need. An informal or custom arrangement may fit local practice, but registered marriage creates clearer records for inheritance, family benefits, pension, identity documents and remarriage. Treat safety, health access and the practical limits of your island or province as part of the decision.

bySelina&Peter

Dating and courtship in Vanuatu are mainly informal, and no single national institution manages dating or partner relationships. The 2020 Census recorded that 34% of people aged 12 to 30 were living with a partner: 14% were legally married and 20% were in a de facto relationship. A de facto relationship means that partners live together or present themselves as a couple without a registered marriage. The figures differ by sex, age, province and urban or rural location. Among people aged 15 and over, 46% of men and 48.9% of women were legally married, while 18.9% of men and 21.7% of women were in de facto relationships. The average marriage age was 25.5 years for men and 22.1 years for women. Family members, chiefs, churches and community expectations can shape partner relationships. Kastom practices differ between communities and do not follow one national procedure. Some groups use bride price, and historical research recorded harmful beliefs that could treat a woman as her husband's property; this older figure should not be read as a current national prevalence rate. Polygamy is not prohibited according to UN Women data, while the Civil Registry and Identity Management service requires marriages to be registered nationally. Vanuatu recognises civil, religious, custom and virtual marriage options. Civil registration may require identification documents, birth certificates, a Notice of Intended Marriage, a Call of Bans, a Notice of Marriage and the relevant municipal or provincial certificate. A custom marriage can receive a Kastom Marriage Certificate from Malvatumauri, and a religious marriage uses a Religious Certificate. Registration is generally expected within 30 days. The first registration for citizens is free, but other marriage charges are not fully listed on the service page. Registration can support legal recognition, inheritance, family benefits, pension rights, a name change, an updated Vanuatu identity document and an updated family tree. An unregistered marriage may cause a person to appear as single in some birth-registration records. The Control of Marriage Act sets the minimum marriage age at 18 for men and 16 for women. A person under 21 generally needs consent from a parent or guardian, and additional statutory, custom or religious requirements may apply. Sexual and reproductive health services include family planning, adolescent care, sexually transmitted infection and HIV services, and reproductive health support through health facilities, nurses, community services and outreach. The Vanuatu Family Health Association also provides clinics, supplies and education. Access can take more time and cost more on rural and outer islands. Violence in a relationship includes physical, sexual, emotional, controlling, financial and technology-facilitated abuse. The Family Protection Act 2008 protects people from domestic violence, including sexual abuse by a spouse or de facto partner. The Vanuatu Police Force Family Protection Unit responds to cases. Emergency numbers are 111 or 1111, with 22222 in Port Vila and 36222 in Santo. The Vanuatu Women’s Centre provides free and confidential counselling, legal advocacy, mobile outreach and safe-house support. Its 24-hour helpline is 161. Informal separation has no nationally standardised procedure. A divorce requires court proceedings under the Matrimonial Causes Act and registration through the Civil Registry and Identity Management service after the court sends a notification. Divorce registration costs 1,000 VT, and a new identity document costs 500 VT. Registration is required before marrying again. Custom separation may follow local practice and can differ between communities.