Starting a new life in Vanuatu can be an exciting and strategic opportunity — whether you intend on traveling, working, or gaining citizenship there. Vanuatu immigration agency services include assistance from an experienced lawyer who works closely with Vanuatu immigration authorities to help foreign investors get citizenship by investment in Vanuatu.
This guide was produced to outline the role of a Vanuatu immigration agency and why you need one to apply for Vanuatu citizenship.
Vanuatu Immigration Agencies: Key Takeaways
Licensed Immigration Advisers for Vanuatu
A highly rated Vanuatu immigration agency licensed by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission will manage your entire Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment application process. They employ specialized immigration advisers with the skills to provide comprehensive support, including guidance on the requirements to obtain Vanuatu citizenship.
The best immigration consultants for Vanuatu support foreign investors in their application for citizenship, as consulting a Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment lawyer or Authorized Agent is a requirement of the country’s citizenship program. Other services can include assistance in applying for alternative visas.
Vanuatu Visa Options
Along with citizenship by investment, Vanuatu immigration offers a range of visas, for which licensed specialists provide information and services.
Permanent Residency
The Vanuatu Permanent Residency Visa is a ten-year visa that allows descendants of Vanuatu citizens and foreign investors to apply for a renewable permanent resident permit. Two subclasses, including Part A: Subclass 131 and Part B: Subclass 132-135, grant permanent residency to the children of Ni-Vanuatu citizens and foreign investors, and their dependents.
Provisional Investor
The Provisional Investor Visa offered by the Vanuatu government allows non-nationals who intend to invest in a business in Vanuatu to obtain a one-year residence permit.
Business Investor
The Business Investor Visa is a three-year visa that comes after the Provisional Investor Visa. It is available to investors who have been granted approval for the following:
- Foreign Investment Approval Certificate (FIAC) by VFIPA
- Certificate of Registration from VFSC
- Business license from the Vanuatu government
Permanent Investor Visa
Business Investor Visa holders can apply for a Permanent Investor Visa after residing in Vanuatu continuously for at least ten years. They must maintain ownership and management of their business.
Director Investor Visa
The Director Visa is an eight-year residency permit available to foreign investors who hold funds in a Vanuatu bank account for at least eight years.
Retirement Visa
Foreigners over 50 years old can apply for a Vanuatu Retirement Visa, provided they have a passive income of at least $2,000 per month to support themselves as self-funded residents.
Citizenship by Investment
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment is a solution beyond a visa or residence permit. It allows foreign investors to obtain Vanuatu citizenship through a donation or real estate investment, irrespective of their visa status. The options to invest include:
- Contribution of $130,000 to the Development Support Program (DSP)
- Investment of at least $200,000 in the Real Estate Option Program (REO)
- Contribution of $165,000 to the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP)
Extended Services of Vanuatu Immigration Agencies
Family reunification
A Vanuatu immigration agency can assist investors with securing citizenship for their family members. This is especially relevant for Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment for Russian citizens and nationals living in geopolitically sensitive areas, as obtaining birth certificates and other family records can be more challenging.
Company incorporation
Accredited Vanuatu immigration consultants support investors with establishing Vanuatu-based business operations, including company incorporation, obtaining the necessary business licenses, and tax registration. They assist with local employment objectives and with obtaining work permits through employer sponsorship.
Post-citizenship support
After completing the Vanuatu citizenship journey, new citizens use support from Vanuatu immigration advisors for practical matters such as securing a Vanuatu passport, setting up bank accounts, and managing renewal deadlines for ID documents and other administrative obligations associated with their new nationality.
Vanuatu Immigration Agency Fees
The agency fees of a Vanuatu immigration law firm differ between agencies. Most licensed agencies charge between $5,000 and $15,000 for a citizenship by investment application. Of course, the fee can increase when family members are included, or additional immigration and passport services are requested.
Though Vanuatu immigration agencies handle the entire process, including sourcing and preparing the required documents, the applicant pays the fees to ensure documents can be used by the Vanuatu Immigration Department, including apostilles and translations.
Applicants should also consider that the Vanuatu citizenship process involves a thorough vetting procedure; therefore, providing inaccurate details or withholding information from a Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment agency can increase legal fees, as sections of the application may need to be repeated or face substantial delays.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
