Vanuatu became the first South Pacific country to offer citizenship by investment (CBI) in 2017. Aligning with established CBI programs in the Caribbean, hiring a Vanuatu citizenship by investment lawyer is a requirement of the country’s program and ensures a hassle-free citizenship process for foreign investors.
With a $130,000 minimum investment requirement, a stable environment, and a strategic passport, Vanuatu’s second citizenship provides value for many, but compliance with the program is paramount for a successful application.
This guide breaks down the role of a Vanuatu immigration lawyer.
Why You Need a Licensed Lawyer for Vanuatu Citizenship
Legal compliance
First and foremost, a licensed Vanuatu citizenship by investment lawyer or agent is mandatory to apply for the country’s citizenship program. Foreign nationals cannot apply directly with the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission; they must hire an authorized lawyer to submit their application.
Smooth application process
The Vanuatu Citizenship Commission processes citizenship by investment applications in about three months, provided the application is complete without additional due diligence requirements. Getting documents ready for submission can be time-consuming. Vanuatu CBI lawyers streamline paperwork and liaise with authorities to avoid delays.
Risk reduction
Unlike citizenship by descent, marriage, and naturalization, Vanuatu citizenship by investment follows a distinct process with no margin for error. A lawyer licensed by the Citizenship Commission has the experience to spot potential concerns and correct all errors to avoid complications.
Privacy
From concerns related to identity theft and blackmail to financial vulnerability, investors have various reasons to protect their privacy when applying for alternative citizenship. The legal team of a Vanuatu citizenship by investment law firm maintains personal data protection and ensures it’s treated with care and to international standards.
Investment assistance
Vanuatu’s citizenship program offers three investment options, and a lawyer oversees the transfer of investment funds to make the required qualifying investment, making certain the transfer is accurate and safeguarded from misuse.
Ongoing support
The Vanuatu citizenship by investment process is streamlined, but a lawyer’s support is valuable after the Vanuatu government approves the application. They will offer guidance on attending the Oath of Allegiance Ceremony to obtain a citizenship certificate and a Vanuatu passport, as well as assistance for obtaining citizenship for future generations.
Step-by-Step Legal Assistance Through the Vanuatu CBI Process
- Initial consultation: A licensed lawyer will discuss your goals and walk you through the investment options, requirements, and required documents.
- Complete forms: Your lawyer will prepare the necessary documents and submit them, along with the required fees, to the Vanuatu Citizenship Office and Commission on your behalf.
- Due diligence checks: Your lawyer will guide taking the mandatory citizenship interview, informing you of potential questions and what else you can expect during the interview
- Investment: After your application is approved, your lawyer will help direct your chosen investment, sending proof to the commission when it’s complete.
- Oath of Allegiance: After making the required investment, your lawyer will advise you on the Oath of Allegiance process to receive a citizenship certificate and a second passport.
Key Considerations when choosing a Vanuatu Citizenship lawyer
Why you’re obtaining citizenship: Are you seeking increased global mobility with an alternative passport, or are you purchasing Vanuatu real estate for dual citizenship and enhanced protection for your family members? Lawyers have varying experience across different sectors in Vanuatu.
Find out their expertise: A leading international law firm for Vanuatu’s citizenship program should have a comprehensive understanding of the program, including the investment requirements, application process, appeal procedures, and visa free travel benefits for Vanuatu passport holders.
Certifications: CBI lawyers offering services to obtain Vanuatu citizenship by investment must be authorized by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission.
Their communication: A lawyer who communicates thoroughly from the first consultation indicates professionalism and attention to detail.
Costs Involved in Hiring a Citizenship Lawyer for Vanuatu
The total Vanuatu citizenship cost includes the lawyer’s legal fees, the application fees, and the minimum investment requirement. The main cost is the non-refundable donation of $130,000 to the country’s development fund, a $165 non-refundable donation to the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), or a $200,000 real estate investment.
The application, passport, and due diligence fee amount to about $6,000 for a single applicant and $7,000 for a family of four. Legal fees are specific to the law firm hired.
Take a look at our Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
How the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program Works
The Vanuatu citizenship by investment program offers three investment routes to qualify for dual citizenship and a Vanuatu passport. The options include:
- Development Support Program (DSP)
- Real Estate Option Program (REO)
- CIIP (Capital Investment Immigration Plan)
An immigration lawyer oversees the transfer of investment funds to donate to the DSP or CIIP or purchase approved real estate. Applicants do not communicate directly with Vanuatu government authorities. A lawyer licensed by the Citizenship Commission engages with authorities throughout the entire process on the applicant’s behalf.
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 Citizenship by Investment Law Firms
How can a Vanuatu citizenship lawyer help?
Vanuatu citizenship program lawyers assist with facilitating applications for the program, including straightening the paperwork and financial documents, directing the investment where it needs to go, and addressing legal complications.
Can a lawyer help with family applications for Vanuatu citizenship?
Lawyers can assist family members in obtaining citizenship by determining eligibility for dependent children and parents, organizing the required documents, and ensuring compliance with Vanuatu’s due diligence process.
Can a lawyer explain how Vanuatu citizenship affects my tax obligations?
Vanuatu’s tax system is relatively straightforward as there is no personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax. Nevertheless, a lawyer may be able to offer a broad overview of Vanuatu taxes for prospective and successful applicants of the CBI program, but they usually coordinate with accountants who better understand the country’s tax system and potential tax advantages.
What happens if my Vanuatu citizenship by investment application is rejected?
If the Vanuatu government denies your CBI application, a lawyer will appeal the decision and address any corrections requested by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission so that you can resubmit the application.
What legal risks can a Vanuatu citizenship lawyer help me avoid?
Lawyers with a comprehensive understanding of the Republic of Vanuatu Citizenship Act can avoid submitting incomplete documentation or incorrect information, which can lead to denials or citizenship revocation after approval.
Do Vanuatu CBI lawyers work with other South Pacific programs?
Whether a lawyer can help you apply for citizenship by investment in other South Pacific countries depends on their credentials. A Solomon Islands or Nauru citizenship by investment lawyer may be able to handle your application if they have the necessary license from the country’s citizenship unit.
