Vanuatu is the ultimate paradise for expats looking to upgrade their lifestyles. Earning Vanuatu citizenship by investment requires contributing a minimum of $130,000 to the Development Support Program (DSP) and providing proof of an available bank account balance of at least $250,000. Alternatively, investors can purchase approved real estate for at least $200,000 through the Real Estate Option Program (REO).
The Vanuatu government approved a third investment option dubbed the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), enabling a family of up to four to attain citizenship through a $150,000 donation. The option has the added perk of reimbursement for a portion of the investment contributed to the Cocoa Sustainable Fund (CSF). The entire process takes just three months, and the minimum investment amount depends on the number of dependents.
This guide will provide all the information you need to obtain citizenship in Vanuatu and a valuable second passport, from the cost of investment and application process to the documents needed and eligibility requirements.
What is Vanuatu citizenship by investment?
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) is an immigration program overseen by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission (VCC), awarding qualifying investors with a second citizenship and passport in exchange for an investment in the country’s economy. Launched in 2017, this is the only program of its kind in the South Pacific. Also referred to as the Vanuatu Citizenship Development Support Program (VDSP) or the Vanuatu Contribution Program (VCP), it’s one of the fastest and most straightforward ways to acquire a second passport.
The Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), initiated in 2012 and officially launched in 2014, marked the inception of the Vanuatu citizenship program. The CIIP was a form of honorary citizenship excluding full citizenship rights, including the right to vote and hold public office.
Since 2014, several amendments have been made to Vanuatu’s citizenship program. Successful applications now gain full citizenship rights. Investment options have been expanded to include investment in government-approved real estate projects through the property through the Real Estate Option Program (REO) introduced under Section 13F of the Citizenship Act [Cap 112] and an alternative donation Cocoa Sustainable Fund (CSF), with the option of partially recovering the initial investment.
Vanuatu’s citizenship program is the cheapest option and one of the easiest ways to get citizenship, with relatively few investor requirements. For example, you are not required to visit Vanuatu to obtain your second citizenship. Additionally, as mentioned above, the program offers an extremely fast processing period, allowing applicants to acquire citizenship in just three months. Owning a Vanuatu passport is particularly rewarding for private individuals looking for some peace and quiet and a good quality of life.
Vanuatu CBI Program Benefits
There are plenty of benefits to consider for obtaining Vanuatu citizenship. From the added security of having a plan B in case of a crisis like a pandemic to diversifying your assets and living in an English-speaking nation that resembles paradise, having a Vanuatu passport broadens your horizons.
Receive a passport in three months
Great tax benefits
Visa free travel to 112 countries
Passports for the whole family
No residency requirements
No tests or interviews
Vanuatu citizenship benefits include:
- Visa free access to 112 Vanuatu passport visa free countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Russia
- Minimum investment from $130,000
- Receive your passport within three months
- No personal taxation; no wealth tax, inheritance tax, gift tax, capital gains tax, or income tax
- No residence or interview requirements
- The entire family is eligible for Vanuatu passports
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Requirements
According to the Vanuatu citizenship by investment official website, vancitizenship.gov.vu, you must make a non-refundable contribution to Vanuatu’s local development fund to obtain citizenship by investment in Vanuatu. The purpose of this donation through the Vanuatu Citizenship Development Support Program (VDSP) is to support the country’s infrastructure, development, and economic growth in the region. The invested sum depends on how many applicants there are.
The qualifying investment for one person is $130,000 or $180,000 for a family of four. Additional dependents can be added for an extra fee of $15,000 each. To prove that this requirement can be met, you must show proof of having no less than $250,000 in your bank account.
CIIP (Capital Investment Immigration Plan) Investment
The Vanuatu government unveiled a fresh investment avenue in its Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) in April 2024, inviting donations to the Vanuatu government fund of $150,000. Notably, $50,000 from the donation is allocated to the country’s Cocoa Sustainable Fund (CFS), which is redeemable after four years.
Real Estate Option Program (REO)
As per Section 13F of the Vanuatu Citizenship Act [Cap 112], 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
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Eligibility Criteria
There are a couple of Vanuatu citizenship requirements to consider before applying.
Main applicant
As the main applicant, you must:
- Be over 18 at the time of submitting the citizenship application
- Make a minimum non-refundable investment of $130,000
- Provide a police clearance certificate proving a clean criminal record
- Have equivalent to or exceeding $250,000 in your bank account
- The program is not open to nationals from Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea, or Yemen unless the individual has a permanent residence outside such countries and has lived outside of the country for more than five consecutive years.
Family requirements
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
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
- Pass the Vanuatu due diligence check (FIU)
- If married, a marriage certificate
- 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
Enhanced due diligence requirements
Applicants must demonstrate that they are of good character and undergo the Vanuatu government’s full due diligence checks. As you will see from the list above, applicants must provide a selection of documents to prove they satisfy the due diligence checks, such as a police clearance certificate showing evidence of a clean criminal record.
Mandatory in-person citizenship interview
On 7 August 2024, the Vanuatu Citizenship Office & Commission announced the pending introduction of an in-person interview requirement for applicants of the citizenship program, aligning with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for travel documents.
After 30 November 2024, CBI applicants will be required to undergo a mandatory in-person interview in Vanuatu or one of the designated embassies in Brussels, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Noumea, as part of the enhanced due diligence process before issuing Vanuatu passports.
This new requirement aims to ensure a higher level of scrutiny and authenticity in the application process, helping to maintain the integrity of Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment program.
Minimum stay requirements
Like the Vanuatu Investor Visa, Vanuatu’s CBI program does not require applicants to spend a certain amount of time in the country to qualify for and maintain citizenship. Once approved, Vanuatu nationals will have the right to live, work, and study in the country if desired, but this is not a requirement to visit Vanuatu during or after the process. Furthermore, there is no interview or language test required.
Vanuatu Citizenship Cost
The following table outlines the minimum donation and additional fees required for the Vanuatu Development Support Program:
Single Applicant | Married Couple | Family of Three | Family of Four | Family of Five | |
Minimum donation | $130,000 | $150,000 | $165,000 | $180,000 | +$25,000 per additional applicant |
Due diligence fee | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
Passport processing fee | $160 | $160 per person | $160 per person | $160 per person | $160 per person |
Citizenship certificate | $120 | $120 per person | $120 per person | $120 per person | $120 per person |
Application fee | $100 | $100 per person | $100 per person | $100 per person | $100 per person |
Citizenship by Investment Application Process
The citizenship application processing time usually takes 45 days. You can expect to receive your passport within three months of submitting your citizenship application.
Citizenship by Investment Timeline
3-4 days
Preparation
Consult with a specialist firm about the program requirements and prepare your required documents for submission.
3-4 days
Application Submission
Submit your application and wait while the Vanuatu government performs due diligence checks and goes through your application. If successful, you’ll receive a pre-approved letter.
5 days
Investment
Make the required investment and provide proof to the citizenship commission.
30 days
Passport Received
Take the Oath Swearing Ceremony. Congratulations, you’re now a citizen of Vanuatu!
How to Apply for Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
Obtaining citizenship in Vanuatu is a straightforward, quick process.
1. Initial consultation with Global Citizen Solutions
2. Complete all application forms
3. Due diligence checks
4. Pre-approval confirmation
5. Invest & provide proof of investment
6. Oath Swearing Ceremony & passport
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 Vanuatuan passports. The passports are valid for ten years and are renewable for the same period.
As you can see, the Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP) is a very straightforward way of obtaining citizenship in a welcoming, politically and economically stable country. Not only do you get citizenship, but your financial investment is used to develop and benefit the nation and its people, creating a mutually beneficial system that investors can feel confident in pursuing.
Add to that the fact that your family members can be included as dependents and benefit from the advantages of being Vanuatu citizens, in addition to the affordable investment threshold (particularly compared to the investment threshold of other CBI programs), and there’s no reason not to kickstart your journey and apply to the program.
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. To naturalize in Vanuatu and obtain a citizenship certification from the Immigration and Passport Services, applicants must be has continuously resided 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 for 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.
Vanuatu real estate also offers excellent investment opportunities for those interested in obtaining a second home or vacation home on this beautiful island.
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 is a huge bonus for Vanuatu passport holders since you can travel visa free to 112 destinations, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia. With citizenship, you can enjoy zero tax on your worldwide and personal income, plus you gain the right to live and work on the island and easily set up an international business company.
In the event of a calamity or pandemic, a second passport is extremely invaluable in giving you more freedom of options as well as enhanced personal and financial safety. Vanuatu citizens can also bank at any of Vanuatu’s banks, while foreigners are limited to certain banks.
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. Benefits include visa free access to 112 countries and no personal taxation.
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 the country of your 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. The Vanuatu CBI program offers a relatively affordable investment amount of $130,000 for a single applicant and $180,000 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 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 cost-effective investment route, the Cocoa Sustainable Fund option requires a $150,000 contribution, with investors able to reclaim $50,000 from the investment after four years.
