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Vanuatu citizenship by investment

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Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program offers a quick, secure way to gain a second passport for individuals and families worldwide. The program provides several options, including non-refundable donations and real estate investment, with applications processed remotely and no residency required. Benefits include visa-free travel to many countries, attractive tax conditions, and opportunities to include family members in one application. Our team guides you through each step—from eligibility and documentation to the final oath—ensuring a smooth, transparent process tailored to your needs. Explore the practical details, requirements, and advantages of the official Vanuatu citizenship programme on this site.

Key benefits you should know

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    Quick processing

    Vanuatu offers one of the fastest citizenship processes available globally. Most applicants receive their citizenship and passport in 1–2 months, sometimes as quickly as 60 days from application submission.

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    Visa-free travel

    A Vanuatu passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 90 countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, and the UK. Please note: visa-free access to Schengen countries (EU) is no longer available.

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    Full family inclusion

    Add your spouse, dependent children (up to 25), and parents (usually over 50, and financially dependent) under one application.

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    No residency requirements

    You are not required to live in or visit Vanuatu before, during, or after acquiring citizenship. The entire process can be completed remotely.

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    Favourable tax system

    Vanuatu imposes no personal income, capital gains, inheritance, wealth, or gift tax on worldwide income. Many international entrepreneurs, investors, and high-net-worth individuals value this tax-friendly status.

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    Dual citizenship is allowed

    Vanuatu does not require you to give up your current nationality.

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    No language, interview, or education requirements

    The process is straightforward — minimal bureaucracy, no language tests, and no personal interview.

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    Remote oath ceremony

    The formal citizenship oath can be completed outside Vanuatu, in a city convenient to you.

Investment options: What are your choices?

Development Support Program (DSP)
  • Donation amount: Starting at $130,000 for a single applicant
  • Families: From $150,000 (married couple), $165,000 (couple +1 child), $180,000 (couple +2 children), plus $10,000–$15,000 for each extra dependent.
  • Nature: Non-refundable contribution to Vanuatu’s national development fund.
  • Other fees: Due diligence and administrative fees apply.
Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP)
  • Donation + Investment: $105,000 donation PLUS $50,000 refundable investment in a government-approved fund.
  • Total cost for 1–4 people: $155,000 (including donation and investment).
  • Refund: The $50,000 investment can be redeemed after four years, effectively lowering your total cost.
  • Multiple funds: Choose between eligible sectors like agriculture, coconut, or coffee funds.
Real Estate Option Program (REO)
  • Minimum property investment: From $200,000 in Vanuatu government-approved projects.
  • Additional fees: Government processing and due diligence charges.
Applicant Type DSP (Donation) CIIP (Donation + Investment)
Single Applicant $130,000 $155,000 ($50,000 refundable)
Married Couple $150,000 $155,000
Family of 4 $180,000 $155,000

What is the process for applying?

Step 01

Preliminary checks

Submit your passport and basic information for a pre-approval and due diligence check (2–7 days).

Step 02

Document preparation

Gather all required documents, including proof of funds, criminal background checks, and family documents (2–4 weeks, depending on your readiness).

Step 03

Application submission

Official application is submitted to the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission, with the required due diligence fee.

Step 04

Review and approval

The Financial Intelligence Unit and Commission conduct detailed reviews (2–4 weeks).

Step 05

Donation or investment.

Pay the approved contribution or make your investment once you officially receive a pre-approval from authorities.

Step 06

Oath ceremony

Complete the required oath, held remotely or at one of Vanuatu’s global consulates.

Step 07

Passport issued

Receive your new naturalisation certificate and Vanuatu passport.

  • Step 01

    Preliminary checks

    Submit your passport and basic information for a pre-approval and due diligence check (2–7 days).

  • Step 02

    Document preparation

    Gather all required documents, including proof of funds, criminal background checks, and family documents (2–4 weeks, depending on your readiness).

  • Step 03

    Application submission

    Official application is submitted to the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission, with the required due diligence fee.

  • Step 04

    Review and approval

    The Financial Intelligence Unit and Commission conduct detailed reviews (2–4 weeks).

  • Step 05

    Donation or investment.

    Pay the approved contribution or make your investment once you officially receive a pre-approval from authorities.

  • Step 06

    Oath ceremony

    Complete the required oath, held remotely or at one of Vanuatu’s global consulates.

  • Step 07

    Passport issued

    Receive your new naturalisation certificate and Vanuatu passport.

Frequently asked questions

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How long is the passport valid?

Vanuatu passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children. Renewals are straightforward with minimal fees.

Is any travel or language test required?

No. There are no language tests, interviews, or residency requirements for applicants.

Can I apply for my parents or adult children?

Yes. Dependent parents (typically 50 or older and financially reliant) and unmarried children under 25 (in full-time education) may be included.

Do I have to visit Vanuatu?

No. The process is entirely remote. Biometric submissions and oath-taking can be arranged at consulates in major world cities.

Does Vanuatu allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Vanuatu allows dual nationality. You should check whether your home country has any restrictions.

Are there any restricted nationalities?

Citizens of Iran, North Korea, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Venezuela are generally not eligible unless they meet special exemption rules.

Do I need to live in Vanuatu or pay local taxes?

There are no residency requirements and no tax on overseas income. You only pay local tax if you live and earn income in Vanuatu.

Can citizenship be passed to children?

Yes. Citizenship is lifelong and can be passed to future generations with standard registration.

  • Feature Detail
    Program Name Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
    Launched 2017
    Processing Time 1–3 months
    Minimum Investment (Donation) $130,000 (single) / $180,000 (family of 4, DSP)
    CIIP Option $105,000 (donation) + $50,000 (redeemable investment)
    Real Estate Option $200,000 (min investment)
    Due Diligence Fee $5,500 (per application)
    Additional Family Cost $10,000–$25,000 per extra dependent
    Investment Holding Period 4 years (for investment route)
    Total Cost for 1 Applicant $135,500
    Total Cost for Family of 4 $185,500
    Eligible Family Members Spouse, children under 25, parents/grandparents over 50
    Residency Requirement None
    Interview Requirement None for DSP/CIIP; sometimes required for REO
    Passport Validity 10 years (adults); 5 years (children)
    Citizenship Validity Lifetime
    Application Submission Only via licensed agent; remote process possible
  • Option Required Amount (Single) Required Amount (Family of 4) Redeemable Portion Comments
    DSP (Donation) $130,000 $180,000 None Non-refundable government donation
    CIIP (Combo) $155,000 ($105k+$50k) $155,000 ($105k+$50k) $50,000 after 4 yrs More cost-efficient for families; partial refund
    REO (Real Estate) $200,000 $200,000 Property resale Must buy government-approved property
  • Requirement Detail
    Age 18–65 for main applicant
    Net Assets Minimum $250,000 in assets
    Criminal Record Clean record, no serious offenses
    Health Full medical check, generally no disqualifiers
    Source of Funds Proven and legal income
    Banned Nationalities North Korea, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Venezuela (case-by-case for long-term expats)
    Eligible Dependents Spouse, children <25 (in education), parents/grandparents >50 (dependent)
    Police Certificates Required for all adults (16+)
  • Benefit Explanation
    Fast Processing Citizenship and passport typically in 1–2 months
    Global Mobility Visa-free or visa-on-arrival to 96–110 countries
    No Residency Needed Entire process can be done remotely; no minimum stay required
    Family Inclusion Spouse, children (to 25), parents/grandparents can be included
    Dual Citizenship Allowed without restriction
    Tax Advantages No personal income, wealth, inheritance, gift, or capital gains tax
    No Language Test No requirement to speak English or Bislama
    Lifetime Citizenship Citizenship, once granted, is for life
    Passport Renewal Simple renewal every 10 years for adults, 5 for children
    Full Civil Rights With some exceptions (e.g., voting, political office)
    Plan B Solution Alternative citizenship for security, family stability, and travel flexibility
  • Tax Type Vanuatu Rule
    Personal Income Tax None
    Inheritance/Wealth Tax None
    Capital Gains Tax None
    Corporate Tax None (on foreign-sourced income)
    Withholding Tax None
    Gift/Estate Tax None
    Tax on Foreign Income None
    Requirement to Declare None
  • Family Member Age/Status Criteria Additional Cost
    Spouse Legally married/recognized Included in family bundle or additional fee
    Children <18, or <25 (enrolled FT) Included in family bundle or additional fee
    Parents/Grandparents >50 (financially dependent) Additional fee varies ($10,000–$25,000)
    Other Dependents On case-by-case basis Additional fee
  • Region Sample Countries Notes
    Europe UK, Russia, Ireland Schengen visa required since Dec 2024
    Asia Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia
    Oceania Australia (transit), New Zealand
    Africa Botswana, Kenya, South Africa
    Caribbean Bahamas, Barbados, St. Lucia
    Middle East Palestine, Iran (not eligible to apply)
    Americas Ecuador, Peru, Guyana
    Airports Visa on arrival often possible
  • Stage Description Estimated Duration
    1. Preliminary Check Pre-qualification with agent; KYC, asset verification 1–7 days
    2. Due Diligence Submission of initial docs, payment of due diligence fee, background checks 2–4 weeks
    3. Approval in Principle Application reviewed by Citizenship Commission, receive approval letter 2–4 weeks
    4. Investment/Donation Pay full investment/donation, submit proof to authorities 1 week
    5. Oath Ceremony Oath-taking by video or at consulate/embassy/dedicated office 1 day
    6. Passport Issuance Naturalisation certificate and passport delivered (by courier or in person) 1–2 weeks
    Total 1–3 months
  • Feature DSP CIIP
    Structure Non-refundable donation Partial refund via redeemable investment
    Amount (single) $130,000 $155,000 ($105k donation + $50k investment)
    Amount (family of 4) $180,000 $155,000 ($105k donation + $50k investment)
    Refund Element None $50,000 after 4 years
    Preferred For Quickest, simplest process Families, cost-conscious investors
    Other Fees Due diligence, legal, government Due diligence, legal, government
  • Requirement Detail
    Minimum Investment Amount $200,000
    Property Type Must be in government-approved real estate project
    Holding Period Usually 5 years
    Additional Fees Processing, due diligence, legal
    Eligible for Family Members Yes, with extra cost per dependent
    Interview Sometimes required
  • Question Short Answer
    How fast is the program? 1–3 months from complete document package
    Do I need to travel to Vanuatu? No, unless opt for in-person oath/biometrics; can use embassy/consulate
    Can I include my family? Yes, spouse, children <25, dependent parents/grandparents
    Is dual citizenship allowed? Yes, no renunciation required
    Is EU visa-free travel possible? No, since Dec 2024, Schengen visa needed
    Is tax residency automatic? No, you are not tax resident unless you live in Vanuatu
    What are the main reasons for denial? Criminal record, security concerns, false info, banned nationality
    Are there language or medical tests? No language test; medical check generally required
    Who cannot apply? Nationals of NK, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Venezuela (unless lived elsewhere 10yrs)
    Who submits my application? Only government-authorized agent
    How long is the passport valid? 10 years for adults, 5 years for children
    Can I later add new family members? Yes, via additional application and fee
    Can I apply from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah? Yes, agents active in UAE and across GCC
  • Category Fact
    Population Approx. 312,000
    Official Languages Bislama, English, French
    Currency Vanuatu vatu (VUV); USD widely accepted in CBI
    Timezone UTC +11
    Main Industries Tourism, agriculture, financial services
    Legal System Mix of English/French common law
    International Memberships United Nations, Commonwealth, WTO, Pacific Islands Forum
    Business Company Types International Company, Local Company, Foundation
  • Service Description
    Pre-screening Checks eligibility, risk of refusal
    Document Preparation Gathers, reviews, and submits all necessary paperwork
    Communication Handles all contact with Vanuatu authorities
    Payment Facilitation Guides on secure transfer of funds and official payments
    Regular Updates Keeps you informed during each step of process
    Representation Attends meetings, oaths, or interviews as required
    Post-Approval Guidance Advice on passport renewals, adding dependents, etc.

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