The Vanuatu citizenship by investment is an economic citizenship granted to investors in Vanuatu’s economy. After fulfilling the investment requirement and eligibility criteria, you gain a second passport with 112 visa free countries and citizenship in a politically stable and tax-friendly country. The required investment starts at $130,000. This guide will walk you through the essential details about the program, including:
Vanuatu CBI Program Benefits
Affordable second citizenship: Vanuatu citizenship starts at just $130,000 for a single applicant.- Partially-refundable investment: The Cocoa Sustainable Fund (CSF) option allows investors to partially recoup the initial investment, reducing the total investment outlay to $100,000.
- Tax friendliness: Tax advantages include zero personal income tax, inheritance, or capital gains tax.
- Short application process: The Vanuatu citizenship application process takes as little as two months.
- No residency requirements: There are no residency requirements to obtain or maintain a Vanuatu passport.
- Family inclusion: In addition to a spouse and children, qualifying dependents include parents and grandparents.
- No in-person interviews: Applicants complete the citizenship process remotely.
- Increased travel access: A Vanuatu passport facilitates visa free access to 112 countries, including Hong Kong, Russia, and Singapore.
- Dual citizenship allowed: Vanuatu recognizes dual citizenship, allowing successful applicants to maintain multiple citizenships when obtaining Vanuatu citizenship.
- Security of a Plan B: Secure a Plan B for yourself, your family, and future generations with a solid alternative citizenship to ensure financial stability in a safer, more politically stable environment.
Affordable second citizenship: Vanuatu citizenship starts at just $130,000 for a single applicant.What is Vanuatu citizenship by investment?
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) is awards investors with a second citizenship and passport in exchange for an investment in the country’s economy. Applicants can choose options such as donating to the Development Support Program (DSP) or investing in government-approved real estate.
Vanuatu’s economic citizenship offers foreign investors an array of attractive benefits, like visa free travel to numerous countries and the opportunity to include their family members in the application.
There are three foreign investment options, starting from $130,000 for a solo investor or family of four:
- Donation to the Development Support Program (DSP)
- Investment in the Real Estate Option Program (REO)
- Donation to the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP)
Key Program Details
- Visa free countries: 112
- Visa free to Schengen Area: No
- Tax framework: No personal income taxes
- Processing time: 2 to 3 months
- Minimum government fund contribution: $130,000
- Minimum real estate investment: $200,000
- Minimum total for one applicant: $135,320
- Minimum total family of four: $181,280
- Eligible dependents:
- Spouse
- Children under 18 or in fulltime education
- Parents and grandparents
- Passport validity:
- 5 years for all citizens
- Visit or residency requirement: None
- Citizenship interview: Yes (virtual)
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Eligibility Criteria
Main applicant
As the main applicant, you must:
- Be over 18 at the time of submitting the citizenship application
- Have the means to invest at least $130,000
- Provide a police clearance certificate proving a clean criminal record
- Have equivalent the equivalent of at least $250,000 in your bank account
Citizenship from Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and Yemen are prohibited from apply for Vanuatu citizenship by investment unless they have resided outside the country for at least five years and hold permanent residency in a non-restricted country.
Family members
The following family members qualify for Vanuatu citizenship:
- Spouse and dependent children
- Dependent children in education
- Dependent parents of the main applicant, as well as dependent grandparents
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Options
1. Development Support Program (DSP)
Investors can contribute $130,000 to Vanuatu’s local development fund through the Vanuatu Citizenship Development Support Program (VDSP) to obtain Vanuatu citizenship by investment.
Development Support Program | Single Applicant | Main Applicant and Spouse | Main Applicant, Spouse, and 2 Children | Additional Dependent |
Non-Refundable Contribution | $130,000 | $150,000 | $180,000 | +$25,000 each |
2. Real Estate Option Program (REO)
Foreign nationals can purchase Vanuatu real estate in approved real estate projects for at least $200,000. Approved real estate projects include:
- Pacific Springs on Efate island
- Narpow Point Coral Bay on Efate island
- FPF Rainbow City Project on Efate island
- Milai on Espiritu Santo island
Real Estate Option Program | Single Applicant | Main Applicant and Spouse | Main Applicant, Spouse, and 2 Children | Additional Dependent |
Minimum Investment | $200,000 | |||
3. CIIP (Capital Investment Immigration Plan)
The Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) option allows investors to donate $150,000 to acquire citizenship. Notably, $50,000 from the donation is allocated to the country’s CFS, which is redeemable after four years.
Capital Investment Immigration Plan | Single Applicant | Main Applicant and Spouse | Main Applicant, Spouse, and 2 Children | Additional Dependent |
Partially-Refundable Contribution | $155,000 | +$25,000 each | ||
Citizenship fees and charges
Fee | Development Support Program | Real Estate Option Program | Capital Investment Immigration Plan |
Application Fee | 5,000 VATU ($40) per applicant | $250 per applicant | |
Due Diligence Fee | $5,000 | ||
Citizenship Certificate | $120 per applicant | ||
Passport Fee | $160 per passport | ||
How to Apply for Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
Step 1: Initial consultation
Our specialist advisors will walk you through the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program requirements. We can assist you in all matters related to the program.
Step 2: Complete all application forms
Collate and check the required documents, then submit your citizenship application.
Step 3: Due diligence checks
The Vanuatu government will perform due diligence checks to confirm eligibility for the scheme. After paying the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) due diligence fee, it will conduct its own due diligence before issuing an Approval in Principle.
Step 4: Pre-approval confirmation
Following these checks, the government will pre-approve your citizenship application, provided you meet the investment program requirement.
Step 5: Invest and provide proof of investment
Upon receipt of a letter of approval, invest the required amount and provide proof.
Step 6: Oath-swearing ceremony and passport
Once you receive your citizenship certificate, you must take the Oath. You can arrange the Oath Swearing Ceremony at your preferred location for an extra fee. On the day of the ceremony, applicants receive their Vanuatu passports.
Citizenship by Investment Timeline
Month 1 (preparation)
- Consult with a specialist firm about the program requirements and prepare the required documents for submission.
- Submit your application to the Vanuatu government.
Month 2 (processing)
- The Vanuatu government performs due diligence checks and goes through your application. If successful, you’ll receive a pre-approved letter.
- Make the required investment and provide proof to the Citizenship Commission.
Month 3 (approval)
- Take the Oath Swearing Ceremony and receive your Citizenship Certificate
- Obtain a Vanuatu passport
Vanuatu Citizenship Document Requirements
The following documents are required for application:
- A completed citizenship application form
- Certified copy of your passport (must be valid)
- Certified copy of your 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
Estimated Vanuatu Citizenship Cost
The following table outlines the minimum donation and additional fees required for a single applicant and a family of four through the Vanuatu Development Support Program:
Cost | Single Applicant | Family of Four |
Investment Required | $130,000 | $180,000 |
Due Diligence Fee | $5,000 | |
Application Fee | $40 | $160 |
Citizenship Certificate | $120 | $480 |
Passport Fee | $160 | $640 |
Total | $135,320 | $181,280 |
Vanuatu Citizenship and Passport Strength
The Vanuatu passport is a relatively strong South Pacific passport that facilitates visa free travel to 112 countries and territories worldwide. The passport ranks 112th on the Global Passport Index, and destinations Vanuatu passport holders can visit without a visa include the Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, and Latin American countries. Vanuatu citizens also qualify to apply for a US visitor visa.
Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?
- Global approach by local experts. We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in Vanuatu.
- 100 percent approval rate. We have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial, free-of-charge, due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
- Independent service and full transparency. We will present to you all the investment options available, and all expenses will be discussed in advance, with no hidden fees.
- An all-encompassing solution. A multidisciplinary team of immigration lawyers, investment specialists, and tax experts will take into consideration all your and your family’s mobility, tax, and lifestyle needs.
- Confidential service and secure data management. All private data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment Program
How to get citizenship in Vanuatu?
It is possible to gain Vanuatu citizenship by marriage, birth, or naturalization. Naturalization requires continuously residing ordinarily and legally in Vanuatu at least ten years before the date of applying, in compliance with the Vanuatu Immigration Act No. 17 of 2010.
The easiest and fastest way to acquire citizenship and a Vanuatu second passport is to apply through the Vanuatu passport by investment program. It’s the only citizenship program in the Asia-Pacific region, and the minimum investment required is $130,000 for a single applicant. Once you pass the due diligence check and provide proof of your investment, you can become a Vanuatu citizen in between two to three months.
Where is Vanuatu?
Vanuatu is an island country located in Oceania. It’s approximately 1,750 kilometers (1,090 miles) east of northern Australia, 540 kilometers (340 miles) northeast of New Caledonia, east of New Guinea, southeast of the Solomon Islands, and west of Fiji.
What are the advantages of Vanuatu citizenship?
The are numerous benefits of Vanuatu investment citizenship. Visa free travel for Vanuatu passport holders is a bonus since they can travel visa free to 112 destinations, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia. The country imposes zero income tax. A second passport is invaluable, giving you more freedom for personal safety and financial security.
What is the cost of Vanuatu citizenship?
The Vanuatu citizenship by investment cost depends on the investment option and how many applicants are included in the application. The main applicant must donate $130,000 to Vanuatu’s local fund in order to be granted citizenship. For a family of four, it costs $180,000, plus government fees, due diligence fees, and other processing fees.
Alternatively, investors can choose the Real Estate Option Program (REO) with a purchase worth $200,00 or the new CSF (Cocoa Sustainable Fund) contribution, which requires a $150,000 government donation, with $50,000 going toward the CSF; however, investors can recoup the CFS contribution after four years.
How does Vanuatu Bitcoin citizenship work?
While Vanuatu is a crypto-friendly nation, it does not yet allow investors to pay in Bitcoin for citizenship or the Vanuatu Investment Visa. Rather, you can process your payment via an Authorized Agent who, on your behalf, will trade the bitcoin in USD with Vanuatu’s government.
Does Vanuatu recognize dual citizenship?
Vanuatu recognizes dual citizenship, meaning you don’t have to renounce your previous nationality to get a Vanuatu passport. Of course, you will need to check with your country of existing citizenship whether or not it allows Vanuatu dual citizenship.
What is the Vanuatu Citizenship Act?
The Vanuatu Citizenship Act is legislation passed by the government of Vanuatu in 1980 that permits citizenship by naturalization and renunciation of citizenship. The Act also established the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission, which made several amendments to the Act in recent years, including:
- Citizenship Act [Cap 112]
- Citizenship ACT NO. 34 OF 2018
- Order No. 18 of 2014
Is Vanuatu citizenship worth it?
Obtaining Vanuatu citizenship is worth it for many reasons. It comes with several advantages, such as a fast processing period of two months, visa free travel to more than 110 countries, and an environment where you can optimize your taxes and utilize offshore financial services. Vanuatu’s CBI program offers a relatively affordable investment amount of $130,000 for a single applicant and $180,000 for a family of four. Additionally, a Vanuatu registered international company is not required to pay taxes.
Can you buy a Vanuatu passport
It isn’t possible to buy Vanuatu citizenship or a passport. However, you can invest in the country’s economic growth to qualify for citizenship and a Vanuatu passport.
What is the minimum investment in Vanuatu?
The minimum investment for the program offering a Vanuatu passport, also known as the Vanuatu Golden Visa program, is $130,000 for a single applicant. For a more Vanuatu passport cost effective option is the Cocoa Sustainable Fund option, which requires a $150,000 contribution, with investors able to reclaim $50,000 from the investment after four years.
What are the cons of Vanuatu citizenship by investment?
While Vanuatu’s economic citizenship program is advantageous for many international investors, it’s benefits are not as broad as many other citizenship programs, particularly concerning visa free travel options. The program has received criticism in recent years, leading the UK and Ireland to rescind visa free access for Vanuatu citizens and the EU government deciding to ban visa free entry for Vanuatu citizens indefinitely.
Is Vanuatu granting citizenship under the real estate option program?
Vanuatu grants citizenship by real estate investment through the Real Estate Option Program (REO), which requires investors to buy government-approved real estate valued at least $200,000.
