Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment: Ultimate Guide 2026

The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program grants eligible foreign nationals dual citizenship and an alternative passport in exchange for a financial contribution to the nation.

It gives investors and their families the opportunity to enhance their personal protection and increase their mobility options through a passport that offers access to over 100 countries without a visa.

Eligibility requires applicants to make a significant economic investment, starting with a non-refundable contribution of $130,000 to the Development Support Program (DSP), which supports national development initiatives.

This guide from Global Citizen Solutions will walk you through Vanuatu’s CBI program, including its benefits, who is eligible, and the step-by-step process for applying.

Key Details

The estimated total cost for a single applicant, including government fees, is $133,660.

The estimated total cost for a family application, including government fees, is $175,020.

There are two ways to participate in the program: by making a one-time non-refundable contribution or choosing the partially refundable investment option.

A Vanuatu passport makes international travel easier, allowing access to over 100 countries without a visa, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, and Latin American countries.

From the first review to approval in principle, the process usually takes just two to three months.

The main applicant’s spouse, children, and dependent parents are eligible to apply.

Vanuatu is a bona fide tax haven, with no tax imposed on income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance. There are also zero corporate taxes.

Applicants are required to complete biometric enrolment, which can take place in Vanuatu, Dubai, or via a mobile service at a location convenient to them.

Vanuatu allows dual citizenship, enabling investors to apply while maintaining multiple citizenships.

Since 2019, Vanuatu passports for adults have had a ten-year validity instead of five years. Passports for children under 18 are valid for five years.

The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program awards investors second citizenship and a passport in exchange for an investment in the country’s economy.

Applicants can qualify by making a donation, either a one-time donation to the Development Support Program (DSP) or a partially refundable donation through the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), which requires a higher initial investment.

This program offers investors a passport granting visa free travel to numerous countries, and the main applicant can include their family members in the application.

Affordability investment

A Vanuatu passport is one of the most affordable available through investment, with a qualifying investment of $130,000. The country’s Capital Investment Immigration Plan allows a family to apply with a $165,000 donation.

Improved global mobility

For investors with weaker passports, Vanuatu can offer easier travel opportunities, facilitating international business and personal travel to 100 countries, according to the Global Passport Index.

With modern visa-free entry, such as a visa on arrival or an eVisa, Vanuatu passport holders can enter destinations including Hong Kong, Malaysia, Russia, and countries in Central and South America. Vanuatu citizens can apply for visas to Commonwealth countries such as Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Citizenship for family members

The main applicant can add their family members to their application with an additional investment, including their spouse, children, and parents. Families acquire the right to citizenship for life, which can then be passed down to future generations.

Straightforward process

The program allows applicants to complete the citizenship process remotely, with the option to submit biometrics through a mobile unit. There are also no interviews or language requirements. A simple process and short two-to-three-month timeline led to Vanuatu’s number one ranking in the 2026 Global Citizenship Programs Report.

Tax-free environment

Vanuatu is well known for its tax-free environment, with no personal income tax on local or foreign earnings, as well as no capital gains, inheritance, or wealth taxes. This makes it an effective option for long-term wealth preservation.

Setting up a company can offer significant tax advantages, with eligible businesses paying an annual fee of $300 and no corporate income tax on profits through a 20-year tax exemption for International Business Companies.

Return on investment

The Cocoa Sustainable Fund (CSF), attached to the Capital Investment Immigration Plan, allows investors to partially recoup the initial investment, reducing the total cost from $165,000 to $115,000 after the minimum holding period.

Pathway to a second citizenship

Vanuatu recognizes dual citizenship, meaning new citizens are generally free to keep their existing nationality or hold multiple citizenships, provided their home country also permits dual citizenship.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, be in good health, and have the means to invest at least $130,000. Additionally, they must have a bank balance equivalent to at least $250,000. The funds used must be verified as originating from a legal source.

Family requirements

The main applicant’s family can be included in the citizenship application, which includes the following dependents:

• Spouse
• Dependent children (under 18 or under 25 and in full-time education)
• Dependent parents over 50 and living with the main applicant

Due diligence requirements

All applicants undergo a character assessment by the Vanuatu government, which includes checks to verify a clean criminal history, no unresolved visa rejections, and financial stability. Visiting or maintaining a physical presence in the country is not required.

The process of Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment for Russians may include additional due diligence due to international or financial restrictions.

Biometric enrollment

A mandatory biometrics submission requirement has been introduced into the procedure. Applications can submit biometric information in person in Port Vila, Vanuatu, or at a consular post in Dubai. To make the process more accessible, a mobile biometric unit can travel to the applicant’s chosen location to complete the enrollment requirement.

The program offers a non-refundable contribution or a real estate purchase as qualifying investments, each designed to support the nation’s economic and sustainable development.

1. Donate to the Development Support Program ($130,000)

The Development Support Program (DSP)is a government-operated fund established to support socio-economic initiatives, including infrastructure projects and economic development.

Investors make a one-time contribution of $130,000 to apply as a single applicant, with an additional $50,000 required to include up to three dependents.

2. Donate to the Capital Investment Immigration Plan ($165,000)

The Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) is a government-operated fund established to support funds, including the Cocoa Sustainable Fund and Coffee Impact Fund.

Investors contribute $165,000 to apply as a single applicant or as a family of up to four, with two minor children. Notably, $50,000 from the donation is allocated to the Cocoa Sustainable Fund, which can be recouped after four years.

The following documents listed on the program’s official website are required for applications:

• Completed citizenship application form
• Certified copy of your passport (must be valid)
• Birth certificate
• National identity card
• Police clearance certificate
• Pass the Vanuatu due diligence check (FIU)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Birth certificates of children (if applicable)
• Medical certificate proving you’re in good health
• A comprehensive personal profile outlining your employment history (curriculum vitae)
• Colored passport photograph
• Proof of having sufficient funds, at a minimum of $250,000

The requirements to apply for Vanuatu citizenship include a sworn translation of documents into English, French, or Bislama.

1. Initial compliance review

Timeline: 1–2 days

As an Authorized Agent licensed by the Vanuatu Citizenship Office (VCO), Global Citizen Solutions will carry out a confidential preliminary compliance assessment to identify potential risks that may disqualify your application.

Only a valid passport is required at this stage, keeping the procedure simple and discreet.

2. Complete application forms

Timeline: 2+ weeks

Once eligibility is verified, a dedicated legal advisor from Global Citizen Solutions prepares a tailored checklist of required documents. This stage involves gathering and verifying the required documents, such as:

• Passports
• Criminal record certificates
• Professional references
• Marriage and birth certificates

The advisor also assists with completing application forms and sourcing supporting documentation. After a careful review, the complete application file is submitted to the VCO.

3. Due diligence checks

Timeline: 1–2 months

After the application is submitted, the VCO conducts a detailed analysis of the main applicant’s profile and dependents included in the application.

Background verification and financial history checks by the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (VFIU) are involved. Authorities may request supporting documents to ensure full compliance.

4. Approval in principle and making the investment

Timeline: Up to 1 month

After due diligence, Global Citizen Solutions is issued approval confirmation from the VCO. At this point, the applicant is asked to complete the investment.

5. Citizenship approval and biometric enrollment

Timeline: 1–2+ weeks (complete timeline averages 2–3 months)

Once you receive your citizenship certificate, you must take the Oath and complete biometric enrollment to obtain a passport. You can submit your information in Port Vila or at the consular unit or mobile unit in your location for an additional fee.

The Vanuatu passport is relatively strong for a developing country and compares favorably with other passports issued by South Pacific countries, ranking 110th in the Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index.

The ability to travel to over 100 countries visa-free makes Vanuatu citizenship for Russian citizens and anyone else with weaker passports a practical choice. The passport facilitates entry to these countries without a visa, with an eVisa, an eTA, or a visa on arrival. Destinations include Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Russia, and countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

After suspending a visa waiver agreement in 2022, the European Union permanently withdrew Vanuatu’s Schengen visa exemption on 12 December 2024.