Joe Rice
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.
Commonly referred to as the Vanuatu Golden Visa program, it gives investors and their families the opportunity to enhance their personal protection and increase global mobility by accessing 95 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 funds national development initiatives.
This guide will walk you through Vanuatu’s CBI program, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step application process.
Vanuatu CBI Key Program Details
- Visa free countries: 95
- 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: $135,820
- Minimum total family of four: $171,780
- 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
What is Vanuatu citizenship by investment?
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) awards investors with alternative citizenship and a second 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 95 countries and the opportunity to include their family members in the application. As Vanuatu allows dual citizenship, investors can add Vanuatu citizenship alongside their original citizenship.
There are three foreign investment options, starting from $130,000 for a solo investor and $165,000 for a 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)
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 $115,000.
- Tax friendliness: Tax advantages include zero personal income tax, inheritance, or capital gains tax.
- Short application process: Vanuatu offers the fastest way to obtain a second passport. 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.
- Vanuatuans are happy: Vanuatu is recognized as one of the world’s happiest countries, ranking sixth in the Happy Planet Index (HPI) is produced by the New Economics Foundation (NEF).
- Visa free travel: 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.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 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 $165,000 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 | $165,000 | +$25,000 each | ||
Vanuatu 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 | $5,500 | ||
Citizenship Certificate | $120 per applicant | ||
Passport Fee | $160 per 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
How to Apply for the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program
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.
Dual Citizenship in Vanuatu
The Government of Vanuatu allows Vanuatu dual citizenship, permitting foreigners to acquire Vanuatuan passports without relinquishing their original citizenship. The legislation was added to the Citizenship Act in 2013 to attract investors and accommodate the diaspora. Both natural-born and naturalized citizens can hold multiple nationalities, provided they register their citizenships with the Citizenship Commission.
Vanuatu CBI 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
Estimated Vanuatu Citizenship Cost
The minimum cost to get Vanuatu citizenship as a single applicant is $130,000. Additional fees apply for due diligence checks and to include spouses and other dependents in the application. The following table outlines estimates of the Vanuatu citizenship price, including the minimum donation and additional fees required for a single applicant:
Costs | Development Support Program | Real Estate Option Program | Capital Investment Immigration Plan |
Investment Required | $130,000 | $200,000 | $165,000 |
Due Diligence Fee | $5,500 | ||
Application Fee | $40 | ||
Citizenship Certificate | $120 | ||
Passport Fee | $160 | ||
Total | $135,820 | $205,820 | $160,820 |
Is there any difference between Vanuatu CBI and Vanuatu Economic Citizenship?
Both Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Vanuatu Economic Citizenship refer to the same initiative. Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment is the official name for the program, whereas Vanuatu Economic Citizenship refers to the type of citizenship acquired through investment.
Vanuatu Citizenship and Passport Strength
The Vanuatu passport is a relatively strong South Pacific passport that facilitates visa free travel to 95 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 use Global Citizen Solutions?
Global Citizen Solutions is a multidisciplinary firm offering bespoke residence and citizenship solutions in Europe and the Caribbean. In a world where the economy and politics are unpredictable, having a second citizenship opens up opportunities and creates flexibility for you and your family.
So, why work with Global Citizen Solutions to obtain Caribbean citizenship?
- Global approach by local experts: We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean CBI programs.
- 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 Vanuatu citizenship?
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 fastest way to acquire citizenship and a Vanuatu second passport if you don’t have historical ties to the country is to apply through the Vanuatu passport by investment program, which requires a minimum $130,000 investment in the economy.
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.
How to become a citizen of Vanuatu?
A person can become a Vanuatu citizen by birth if they’re born in Vanuatu, by descent if they’re born to at least one parent or grandparent of Ni-Vanuatu ancestry, by naturalization if they’ve lived in Vanuatu for at least ten years, or by investment if they make a qualifying economic contribution to in Vanuatu’s economy.
What are the main benefits of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship?
- Visa free, eVisa, and visa on arrival access to 95 countries.
- Significant tax benefits, including no income tax, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance taxes.
- A quick and straightforward citizenship process, taking around three months on average.
What is the cost of Vanuatu citizenship?
The Vanuatu citizenship by investment cost depends on the investment route and how many applicants apply. The main applicant must donate $130,000 to Vanuatu’s local fund. For a family of four, it costs $170,000, plus government fees and due diligence fees. The Real Estate Option Program (REO) allows investors to purchase an approved property for at least $200,00. The CSF (Cocoa Sustainable Fund) option requires a $165,000 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 a licensed Vanuatu citizenship by investment lawyer 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 approximately 95 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 $165,000 for a family of four. A Vanuatu registered international company is not required to pay taxes. Additionally, you acquire the right to live work and study in Vanuatu.
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 is $130,000 for a single applicant and $170,000 for a family of up to four. For a lower Vanuatu passport cost overall, the Cocoa Sustainable Fund option requires a $165,000 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.
What is the Vanuatu Golden Visa?
Vanuatu’s investment citizenship program is a major player among Golden Passport countries. Future-ready investors and foreign nationals looking to increase their and their families’ protection can apply for a Golden Visa and obtain a second passport. As a politically neutral and tax-free nation, Vanuatu offers personal security and a favorable financial environment for Golden Visa holders.
How much does it cost to buy citizenship in Vanuatu?
Though you can’t buy citizenship in Vanuatu, you can apply for it by making a financial contribution to the country’s Development Support Program. The minimum cost is $130,000, excluding government fees.
