The Republic of the Fiji Islands

Once known as the Cannibal Isles, Fiji was studiously avoided by travellers owing to a combination of treacherous waters and warlike, cannibalistic natives. Today however, visitors arrive in their droves to enjoy its pristine beaches, quiet islands and warm, mild climate. Located in the South Pacific Ocean between Vanatu and Tonga, the nation is made up of an archipelago of 322 islands, 106 of which are permanently inhabited, and a further 522 islets. Some 87 per cent of the country's population is concentrated around the two major islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

Property Market Overview

Only 9 per cent of all land in Fiji is available for purchase on a freehold basis. However, this still adds up to a considerable amount of real estate and lots regularly go on sale. The land that comes online freehold does so via the Torrens system and operates in a way similar to land ownership in Australia and New Zealand. It makes foreign land ownership possible for those with full-time visas, which are in turn made available to investors. The process of buying land in the islands is relatively simple, but slow. Land titles are secure because Fiji freehold or land tenure is via a Torrens title land-registration system with the title guaranteed constitutionally by the State. You will be required to fill out forms, submit a police verification that you have no criminal record, and do various other tasks such as paying duties. It usually takes from three to six months to have a sale finalised.

There are however, a number of other property restrictions. Purchases of over one acre must be approved by the Minister of Lands.

Foreigners are not permitted to freely rent out property. By law, real estate management activities such as renting out an apartment are designated as a restricted economic activity. Under Fijian law foreign participation is only permitted in such restricted activities if 51 per cent of the responsible company's equity is held by Fiji citizens. In addition, owners must first seek the permission of the Fiji Trade and Investment Board (FTIB).

Non-residents are subject to special tax rates, from 20 to 31 per cent depending on their taxable income. Non-residents are entitled to some allowances. Capital gains are generally not taxed in Fiji but capital gains realised from properties disposed within three years of acquisition are treated as ordinary income and taxed at the standard income tax rates. There are also no inheritance taxes in Fiji.

Essential information

Location
The Fiji island group is in Oceania in the South Pacific Ocean, approximately two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand.

Area
Total: 18,270 sq km
Land: 18,270 sq km
Water: 0 sq km

Population
931,741 (July 2008 est.)

Language
English and Fijian are the country's two official languages and are both widely spoken. Hindustani is prevalent among the country's large minority.

Religion
Fijians are 53 per cent Christian, 34 per cent Hindu and 7 per cent Muslim. The remainder, according to a 1996 census, are either unspecified or are of no religion.

Currency/Money
Fijian dollar (FJD)

Climate
The climate in Fiji is tropical and warm most of the year round.

International dialling code
679

Capital
Suva

Electricity
240 volt 50 Hz AC

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History

The Fiji islands of today may be drawing tourists and ex-pat residents from across the globe, but were the nightmare of European mariners until well into the 19th century. As a result Fijians have retained their land and often much of the non-commercial, sharing attitude of people who live in vast extended families with direct access to natural resources. When it came, European involvement and cession to Britain was marked by the conversion to Christianity, the cessation of brutal tribal warfare and cannibalism, and the immigration of a large number of indentured Indian labourers, who now represent nearly half of the population, as well as smaller numbers of Europeans and Asians.

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Government

Fiji became independent in 1970, after nearly a century as a British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987, caused by concern over a government perceived as dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract labourers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). The coups and a 1990 constitution that cemented native Melanesian control of Fiji, led to heavy Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority. A new constitution enacted in 1997 was more equitable. Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led by an Indo-Fijian, but a civilian-led coup in May 2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government led by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. A further military coup in 2006, led by Commodore Josaia Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama, has again thrown the political situation into turmoil.

Economy

Fiji, has plentiful woodland, fish resources and various mineral deposits and is now one of the more developed of the Pacific island economies, though still with a large subsistence sector. Once it gained its independence Fiji enjoyed a prolonged period of rapid economic growth that continued up until the 1980s when development slowed. The situation was worsened by the 1987 coup, although a programme economic liberalisation in the years afterwards created a boom in the garment industry and a steady growth rate. Sugar production, once a staple of the Fijian economy, has been in decline since the country set its course towards industrialisation.

In more recent years tourism has being playing an increasingly important role in the Fijian economy, although internal political events over the past decade have resulted in a cooling in interest. The Fiji government has responded by lowering prices and increasing promotion of the main resort areas that are far removed from the politics in and around the capital, Suva.

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Visas

Holders of Passports from certain countries are granted visitors visas valid for 4 months on arrival into the Fiji Islands. Extensions to these visas up to 6 months on condition that they hold a outward ticket and sufficient funds to facilitate duration of stay, and also valid passport (valid for 3 months) beyond the intended period of stay in Fiji. List of countries that have an exemption for visas include most European and developed Asian nations.

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Healthcare

Fiji is relatively free of disease compared to most of the tropics. Avoid mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue fever and even elephantitis by covering up thoroughly or using repellents while outdoors at dawn or dusk. Local water is generally safe, though filtering or boiling is advisable when unsure. Urban tap water is treated and nearly always safe. When exceptions occasionally arise, there are public warnings or radio and print media warnings. Contaminated food is uncommon, though on occasion, mature reef fish can contain mild neurotoxins they accumulate in their bodies from freshwater algaes that wash into the ocean. The effects of such "fish-poisoning" are usually intense for only a day or two, but tingling lips and unusual sensitivities to hot and cold can linger for a long time.

Travel

Nadi International Airport is Fiji's main international airport. Suva airport also has some international flights. Air New Zealand, and Air Pacific (Fiji majority owned) fly to Fiji directly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the USA, and from Incheon Internation Airport in South Korea, as well as many other locations. You can enter Fiji by boat from Australia through the Astrala shore connection.

Top tips for Fiji property
Guide to buying condos in Fiji
Guide to buying houses and land in Fiji

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