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 118 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 Citizenship by Investment: Key Takeaways
The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program offers an affordable Plan B passport in a stable nation.
Make a non-refundable donation of $130,000 to qualify as a single applicant. The Vanuatu citizenship cost is $165,000 as a family of four.
Gain initial approval for citizenship within approximately 60 to 90 days.
Obtain an alternative passport ranking 111th on the Global Passport Index and offering visa free access to 118 countries.
Get citizenship for your spouse, children, and parents in your application.
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Standout feature: Vanuatu’s citizenship program is known for being fast and simple, with most applicants receiving their Vanuatu passport within roughly 60 days of applying.
What is Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment?
The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program awards investors second citizenship and a Vanuatu passport in exchange for an investment in the country’s economy. Applicants can choose to qualify through a donation or a real estate investment.
This Vanuatu investor visa program offers foreign investors a passport offering visa free travel to 118 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)
Benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
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 Vanuatu passport cost to $115,000.
Tax friendliness: Tax advantages include zero personal income tax, inheritance, or capital gains tax.
Short application process: Vanuatu dual citizenship by investment is the fastest way to obtain a second passport. The Vanuatu citizenship application process takes as little as 60 days.
No residency requirements: Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment requirements do not include residency requirements to obtain or maintain a Vanuatu second passport.
Family inclusion: In addition to a spouse and children, qualifying dependents include parents and grandparents.
No in-person interviews: Applicants complete the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment 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 118 countries, including Hong Kong, New Zealand, Russia, and Singapore.
Dual citizenship allowed: Vanuatu recognizes dual citizenship, allowing successful applicants to maintain multiple citizenships when obtaining Vanuatu CBI.
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.
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, and have the means to invest at least $130,000. Additionally, they must have a bank balance equivalent to at least $250,000.
Family requirements
The main investor’s family can be included in the Vanuatu citizenship application, provided they fit the following criteria:
Spouse
Dependent children (under 18 or under 25 and in full-time education)
Dependent parents over 50
Due diligence requirements
All applicants undergo a character assessment by the Vanuatu government, which includes due diligence checks to prove they:
Do not have a criminal record
Have no unresolved visa rejections
Possess a solid financial standing and verified work or business history
The Vanuatu Citizenship Commission does not require applicants to visit or maintain a physical presence in the country to qualify. New Ni-Vanuatu citizens gain the right to live, work, and study in Vanuatu, but the program does not include a minimum residency requirement. The program also doesn’t require taking Vanuatu history or language tests.
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Options
01/ Development Support Program (DSP)
Investors can contribute $130,000 to Vanuatu’s local development fund through the Vanuatu Development Support Program (VDSP) to obtain citizenship by investment in Vanuatu.
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
02/ Real Estate Option Program (REO)
Foreign nationals can get Vanuatu citizenship by real estate investment through purchasing Vanuatu real estate in approved 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
03/ 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
How does the Development Support Program (DSP) compare to the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP)?
The Development Support Program (DSP) and the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) are donation options under the Vanuatu citizenship that have distinct structures and investment requirements.
Investment requirement for a single applicant:
DSP: Non-refundable contribution of $130,000.
CIIP: Non-refundable contribution of $165,000, with $50,000 of the initial contribution refunded after four years.
Investment requirement for a family of up to four:
DSP: Non-refundable contribution of $180,000.
CIIP: Non-refundable contribution of $165,000, with $50,000 of the initial contribution refunded after four years.
While the CIIP requires a larger upfront contribution, its partial refund after four years lowers the total Vanuatu citizenship cost to $115,000 for up to four applicants, making it more affordable than the DSP for single investor and family applications.
Vanuatu Citizenship Document Requirements
The following documents listed on the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment official website are required for applications:
The agent gathers and checks the required documents, then submits your citizenship application to the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission.
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.
4/
Pre-approval confirmation
Following these checks, the government will pre-approve your citizenship application, provided you meet the investment program requirement.
5/
Invest and provide proof of investment
Upon receipt of a letter of approval, invest the required amount and provide proof.
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.
Note: The Vanuatu citizenship by investment process will include a requirement to submit biometric information for passports to be issued by the end of 2025.
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 Citizenship 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 Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment cost 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:
Fee
Development Support Program
Real Estate Option Program
Capital Investment Immigration Plan
Required Investment
$130,000
$200,000
$165,000
Application Fee
$40
$250 per applicant
Due Diligence Fee
$5,500
Citizenship Certificate
$120
Passport Fee
$160
Total
$135,820
$205,820
$160,820
Regarding the citizenship application, the Application Fee is USD $40 per applicant for the DSP of REO routes and USD $250 for the CIIP option. The Vanuatu passport cost (minimum investment) is at least USD $130,000 for only one applicant or USD $180,000 for a spouse and two children under 18. Should an additional applicant over 18 be included, an additional investment of USD $25,000 must be paid, in addition to the applicant fee.
Vanuatu Passport Strength
The Vanuatu passport is a relatively strong South Pacific passport that facilitates visa free travel to 118 countries and territories worldwide. The passport ranks 111th in the 2025 Global Passport Index, and destinations Vanuatu second passport holders can visit without a visa include Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, and Latin American countries. Vanuatu citizens also qualify to apply for a US visitor visa.
Take a look at how Vanuatu’s passport performs against other nations in the 2025 Global Passport Index
Comparison of Vanuatu Citizenship Investment with Other CBI Programs
Vanuatu
Strengths:
Fastest CBI process at 60 to 90 days
More affordable than Caribbean citizenship programs
No income taxes, including corporate income taxes
Weaknesses:
Reputation issues leading to revoked visa free access
Limited real estate options
São Tomé and Príncipe
Strengths:
Most affordable CBI program
Potential EU access through membership in the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries
Weakness:
No visa free access to the UK or Schengen
Only a donation option
Nauru
Strengths:
No age limit for eligible dependents
Only passport offering visa free access to the UAE
Weaknesses:
Remote location with limited access
No investment route providing ROI
Advanced Background Checks
The Vanuatu citizenship program has faced scrutiny in recent years, losing free access to the UK, Ireland, and the EU’s Schengen Area. As a result, the Vanuatu Citizenship Office & Commission announced changes to the due diligence process in August 2024 to align with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements.
Key updates include the launch of new electronic passports in December 2024. In addition, enhanced requirements for Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment for Russians and other nationalities include a mandatory requirement to submit biometrics in person in Port Vila, Vanuatu, or at consular posts in the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, or the French territory of New Caledonia.
The Vanuatu government plans to announce additional locations designated for biometric submissions alongside the option for applicants to opt for a mobile biometric unit at an additional cost to avoid travel.
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.
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.
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What is the Vanuatu citizenship application success rate?
While the exact numbers may differ from one source to another, Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment Program is almost universally regarded as having among the CBI industry’s highest approval rates. Official figures and reputable agents often speak of 92 percent of applications received getting approved, while some agents claim 100 percent approval for their clients.
Can I become a Vanuatu citizen?
According to the Vanuatu Citizenship Act [CAP 112], you can become a Vanuatu citizen by birth, descent, marriage, naturalization, or investment.
What is Vanuatu citizenship by donation?
Vanuatu citizenship by donation refers to the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program, which allows foreign nationals to make a donation to the Vanuatu state fund in exchange for citizenship.
What is the cost of Vanuatu citizenship?
The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment cost depends on the investment route and the number of applicants. Though you can’t buy a Vanuatu passport, the minimum cost to obtain citizenship by investment in Vanuatu for a single applicant is $130,000; for a family of four, it’s $170,000, plus government and due diligence fees.
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
Do you need to speak Bislama to become a citizen of Vanuatu?
The ability to speak Bislama to become a Vanuatu citizen depends on the path to citizenship. Descendants of Ni-Vanuatu nationals automatically gain citizenship, regardless of their ability to speak Bislama. Becoming a naturalized citizen of Vanuatu requires knowledge of one of the country’s official languages: Bislama, English, or French. However, the ability to speak Bislama is advantageous for naturalization applications, as it demonstrates integration into Vanuatu society. Applicants for Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment are not required to pass any language tests to qualify.
Is Vanuatu citizenship worth it?
Obtaining Vanuatu citizenship is worth it due to the fast processing period of two months, visa free travel to 118 countries, and Vanuatu tax benefits. The program is affordable, starting at just $130,000 for a single applicant and $165,000 for a family of four.
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 development to qualify for citizenship by investment.
Can my future spouse or child get Vanuatu citizenship?
The Government of Vanuatu allows the main investor’s future spouse and child to gain citizenship with an additional donation of $45,000 for a future spouse and $15,000 for a future child.
What are the risks of Vanuatu citizenship?
While Vanuatu’s economic citizenship is advantageous, its past compliance issues may make it riskier than some other programs. Criticism of a lack of compliance weakened the program’s reputation, leading the UK and Ireland to withdraw visa free access for Vanuatu citizens, and the European Union decided to ban visa free access 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.
Is the donation made before or after citizenship approval?
The donation for citizenship by investment will only be made after the citizenship application has been approved.
What are the tax implications of Vanuatu citizenship?
Vanuatu citizenship does not affect your taxes, as the Vanuatu tax system does not impose income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes on citizens or tax residents.
What are the Vanuatu citizenship fees and charges?
The fees for Vanuatu citizenship include:
Application fee: 5,000 VATU ($40) per applicant ($250 per applicant for the CIIP option)
Due diligence fee: $5,500 per applicant
Citizenship certificate: $120 per certificate
Passport fee: $160 per passport
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