Vanuatu – A Guide to Citizenship and Investments

Vanuatu is a small island nation in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean, located east of Australia and northeast of New Zealand, consisting of 83 islands of volcanic origin. Since gaining independence from the United Kingdom and France in 1980, Vanuatu has remained a sovereign republic with a stable political system and attractive conditions for investment and obtaining citizenship. Start your Vanuatu citizenship application today! For consultations, call +35794303939 or message us via the same number on messaging apps.

The Vanuatu passport holds significant power for the South Pacific state, granting its holders visa-free entry to 112 countries and territories worldwide. Key destinations accessible without a visa include important economic and tourist hubs such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia, as well as countries in Latin America.

The Vanuatu passport holds significant power for the South Pacific state, granting its holders visa-free entry to 112 countries and territories worldwide. Key destinations accessible without a visa include important economic and tourist hubs such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia, as well as countries in Latin America.

Relevance of data as of March 2025

In 2024, the conditions of the programme underwent changes due to updated international sanctions and stricter requirements for verifying the reliability of participants. The introduction of new regulatory norms affected the application process and the timeframes for their review, requiring increased attention to compliance with established criteria. Additionally, there were heightened requirements for financial transparency, including additional checks on applicants’ sources of income and assets. This is connected to the tightening of measures to prevent money laundering and the financing of illegal operations.

The information in this article was prepared by vanuatufastcitizenship.com and is current as of March 2025. 

Citizenship by investment programmes, including conditions, costs, and the list of visa-free countries, may be subject to changes by the government of Vanuatu. For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to contact official programme representatives or certified legal consultants to clarify the current requirements and possible adjustments.

Convenience of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship

• Lack of strict requirements.The application process does not require residing in Vanuatu or in-person interviews – everything is done remotely.
• Accessibility.The cost of the programme starts from $130,000 for a single applicant, making it one of the most affordable among similar offers.
• A simple and quick way.The Vanuatu citizenship programme is one of the fastest in the world. The process of obtaining a passport takes only 1–3 months, which is significantly quicker than in Caribbean countries. The investor is not required to take exams or attend interviews.
• Without renouncing the first citizenship.Vanuatu recognises dual citizenship, allowing the retention of the previous passport if permitted by the legislation of the country of origin.
• Passports for the whole family.Citizenship is available to the spouse, children under 25 years old, and parents over 50 years old, including grandparents as qualifying dependants, making the programme family-oriented.
• Investment security.Funds for investment are transferred only after the application is approved by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission. Only the due diligence check ($5,500) is paid in advance, and a preliminary risk assessment helps to avoid rejections and financial losses.

Advantages of Vanuatu citizenship

• Residence permit in the European Union with a Vanuatu passport.Citizens of Vanuatu can obtain a residence permit in the EU through investments. For example, in Greece, resident status is granted immediately for 5 years, even if the investor’s country of origin is not allowed in such programmes.
• Trips without visas to Asia and other regions.A Vanuatu passport provides visa-free entry to 112 countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, and a number of Latin American countries, which expands opportunities for travel and business. This list does not include Schengen Zone countries, the United Kingdom, and Australia, for which a visa is required.
• Long-term visa to the USA.Citizens of Vanuatu receive a B-1/B-2 visa to the USA for 5 years, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 180 days annually for business meetings, leisure, medical treatment, or studying in short-term courses.
• Tax optimisation for businesses.Registration of an International Business Company (IBC) in Vanuatu exempts from taxes on profits, income, capital gains, inheritance, and gifts for 20 years with an annual fee of only $300. Zero income tax and the absence of inheritance tax also attract investors.
• Creating a “backup airfield”.A Vanuatu passport provides the opportunity to enter the country or other states without a visa in case of a crisis in the country of residence, ensuring safety for family and business.
• Security of Plan B.Citizenship of Vanuatu provides financial stability and protection for the family in a politically stable environment, which is especially valuable for future generations.
• Profitability and return on investment.Investments in coconut oil production through the CNO Future Fund yield approximately 5% per annum, and up to $50,000 is returned after 5 years. The Sustainable Cocoa Development Fund (CSF) option allows reducing net costs to $100,000.

Additional benefits and privileges of Vanuatu citizenship

Vanuatu citizenship offers not only personal but also significant business advantages. Registering an International Business Company (IBC) in Vanuatu exempts from taxes on income, capital gains, inheritance, and gifts for 20 years with a minimal annual fee of $300. This makes the country an ideal jurisdiction for entrepreneurs operating in the fields of online business, cryptocurrency projects, or international trade.

Zero income tax and the absence of obligations for financial reporting ensure confidentiality and cost reduction. For example, freelancers and startup owners can use Vanuatu to protect assets and optimise taxes by channelling income through local structures. Additionally, a Vanuatu passport simplifies business travel to key Asian markets such as Hong Kong and Singapore, enhancing its value for businessmen with global ambitions.

Citizenship of Vanuatu provides investors with a range of unique advantages:

• Privacy – data of new citizens is not published or transferred to third countries.
• The possibility of obtaining Estonian e-residency simplifies the management of international business.
• Visa-free entry to popular countries, including Singapore and Hong Kong.
• Simplified procedure for opening accounts in international banks thanks to the reliability of the programme.
• The absence of double taxation – Vanuatu does not levy tax on worldwide income, inheritance, or capital gains.
• Access to the financial markets of Asia and Oceania – facilitates doing business in the region.

If you are interested in obtaining Vanuatu citizenship, contact our certified consultants for assistance with the application process at +35794303939. We are also available on Viber, WhatsApp, and Skype.

Comparison with similar programmes

The Vanuatu citizenship-by-investment programme stands out among similar offerings from other countries due to its speed and affordability. For instance, compared to Caribbean programmes such as Saint Kitts and Nevis (minimum contribution from $150,000–$250,000), Vanuatu offers a lower entry threshold ($130,000) and an expedited processing time — 1–4 months versus 3–6 months. However, the Saint Kitts and Nevis passport provides visa-free access to Schengen Area countries and the United Kingdom, which Vanuatu lacks following the termination of its agreement with the EU in 2024. Compared to Malta, where citizenship through investment costs from €690,000 and requires a one-year residency, Vanuatu is more advantageous in terms of cost and the absence of residency requirements.

Below is a comparative table examining the key characteristics of citizenship-by-investment programmes in Vanuatu, Caribbean countries, Malta, and Turkey:

Risks and limitations of the programme

Despite the numerous advantages of Vanuatu’s citizenship-by-investment programme, potential applicants should consider certain risks and limitations. Vanuatu’s economy heavily relies on tourism and agriculture, making it vulnerable to natural disasters such as tropical cyclones, which regularly affect the region. This can impact the stability of investments and the country’s infrastructure. Furthermore, the international reputation of Vanuatu’s “golden passports” programme has faced criticism, leading, for instance, to the cancellation of visa-free access to the Schengen Zone in 2024.

Secure your Vanuatu citizenship without risks or mistakes at every stage of the process by reaching out to our specialists at +35794303939, also available via Viber, WhatsApp, and Skype.

Who can obtain Vanuatu citizenship?

The Vanuatu citizenship programme provides the opportunity for the whole family to obtain a second passport, ensuring flexibility and support for close relatives.

Principal applicant

Citizenship of Vanuatu through the investment programme is available to main applicants who meet the requirements.

• At the time of submitting the application, the investor must be at least 18 years old.
• The applicant must have a legal income and a minimum of $250,000 in a bank account, of which $130,000 will go directly towards investments.
• The applicant is required to provide a certificate of no criminal record, confirming the absence of a criminal history, and must not have serious illnesses.
• Citizens of Iran, Iraq, DPRK, and Yemen cannot participate in the programme unless they have lived outside these countries for more than five years and do not have permanent residency in a state without such restrictions.

Family members of the applicant

Together with the main applicant, citizenship can also be obtained by their family members, including a spouse, children, and parents, under certain conditions.

• Children under 18 are automatically included in the application.
• Children aged 18 to 25 — if they are fully financially dependent on the investor, live with them, or study at a university.
• Parents over 50 years old, as well as grandparents, can apply for citizenship if they are dependents of the main applicant and live with them.

Options for investments in Vanuatu citizenship

Development Support programme

The Development Support programme (DSP or VDSP) is a key element of Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) initiative, providing foreign investors with the opportunity to obtain a second passport in exchange for a non-refundable donation to the country’s local development fund. This option remains the most popular among the available investment routes due to its simplicity and transparency.

The minimum amount for an individual applicant starts at $130,000, making the programme one of the most affordable in the world for obtaining citizenship through investment. Funds contributed under the DSP are directed towards supporting the economy and social development of Vanuatu, highlighting the mutually beneficial nature of the programme.

The cost of participation in the Development Support programme varies depending on the applicant’s family composition.

• For a married couple, the minimum contribution is $150,000.
• For a couple with one child — $165,000.
• For a family of four (spouses and two children) — $180,000.
• Each additional family member, starting from the fifth, increases the amount by $15,000–$25,000 depending on the conditions.

In addition to the main donation, investors incur additional expenses, including a due diligence fee ($5,000), as well as administrative, passport, and courier fees. As a result, the total cost for a single applicant reaches approximately $145,000, and for a family of four — around $205,000, which keeps the programme competitive compared to other economic citizenship offers.

Real Estate Options programme

The Real Estate Option programme (REO) is one of the investment pathways within the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, allowing foreign nationals to obtain a second passport through the purchase of real estate in state-approved projects.

The minimum investment amount under this programme is $200,000, which is higher than the basic contribution to the Development Support programme (DSP), but provides the opportunity to own assets in the country. This option attracts those who are seeking not only citizenship but also long-term investments in the promising real estate market of an island nation known for its picturesque landscapes and tourism potential.

Investments within the framework of REO are limited to approved projects, among which stand out such sites as Pacific Springs and Coral Bay Narpow Point on the island of Efate, FPF Rainbow City also on Efate, and Milai on the island of Espiritu Santo. These projects are carefully selected by the government of Vanuatu to ensure their compliance with quality standards and economic benefits for the country.

In addition to the minimum amount of $200,000, applicants must consider additional expenses, including the due diligence fee ($5,000), as well as administrative, passport, and other fees. The programme retains all the benefits of Vanuatu economic citizenship, such as visa-free access to numerous countries and the possibility of including family members.

Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP)

The Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) is one of the three options under the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, providing foreign investors with the opportunity to obtain a second passport through a partially refundable donation.

The minimum amount for an individual applicant is $155,000, of which $50,000 is allocated as a contribution to the National Fund, refundable after four years. This aspect makes CIIP unique compared to other options, such as the Development Support programme (DSP), offering investors the opportunity to partially recoup their investments, which enhances the financial appeal of the programme.

For participation in CIIP, each additional family member, starting with a spouse or child, increases the contribution amount by $25,000, making the programme flexible for family applicants.

As with other CBI options, investors are required to cover additional expenses, including a due diligence fee ($5,000), as well as administrative, passport, and courier fees. The total cost for a single applicant may exceed $155,000 when taking these expenses into account, but a refund of $50,000 after four years reduces the final burden. The programme retains all the benefits of Vanuatu’s economic citizenship, including visa-free access to over 100 countries and the possibility of including family members.

Additional fees and expenses for citizenship

Obtaining Vanuatu citizenship through investment (CBI) is associated not only with the main investment contributions but also with additional fees and expenses, which vary depending on the chosen programme and the number of applicants. For example, under the Development Support programme (DSP), the base amount starts at $130,000 for a single applicant and reaches $180,000 for a family of four, but the final cost increases due to mandatory payments. These include:

• Application fee (5,000 vatu or approximately $40 per applicant).
• Fee for reliability check ($5,000).
• Expenses for obtaining a citizenship certificate ($120 per person).
• Expenses for obtaining a passport ($160 per passport).

Thus, the total cost for a single investor is approximately $145,000, and for a family of four — around $205,000.

For other programmes, such as the Real Estate Options programme (REO) and the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), additional fees have their own specifics. In REO, the application fee is $250 per applicant, which is higher than in DSP, whereas in CIIP standard rates apply but with partial investment return considered.

In addition to the listed payments, applicants incur expenses for court costs, bank transfers, and courier services, which are also added to the total amount. These fees ensure transparency of the process and cover administrative costs associated with obtaining citizenship and issuing documents, making the Vanuatu programme structured and predictable in terms of expenses.

Step-by-step procedure for obtaining Vanuatu citizenship

The process of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship through investment is structured and includes several stages, which can be divided by months depending on the timelines:

• Preliminary check (1 day, Month 1). A certified specialist reviews the applicant’s documents (only a passport is required) and data in international databases. Purpose: to reduce the risk of rejection and identify issues in advance. The process is confidential — results are available only to the investor and lawyers. Additionally: consultation with lawyers or a specialised firm to clarify programme requirements and prepare for submission.
• Preparation of documents (up to 2 weeks, Month 1). The investor and lawyers gather: passport, certificate of no criminal record, brief résumé (CV), personal and financial documents for the application. Lawyers complete government forms and submit the application to the government of Vanuatu.
• Verification in FIU (3–7 days, transition from Month 1 to Month 2). Documents are transferred to the programme agent in Vanuatu, then to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). A preliminary check of the investor and family is conducted. The official timeframe is up to 1 week, but it is usually completed faster.
• Submission of the application and biometric data (up to 2 weeks, Month 2). After FIU approval: the application and document scans are sent to the Screening Committee and the Citizenship Commission. The Government of Vanuatu conducts a comprehensive check, which lasts up to 14 days. The investor and all family members (regardless of age) personally submit biometric data in Vanuatu for chip passports.
• Approval and execution of the investment condition (up to 90 days, Month 2 – Month 3). After approval by the Commission: The Investor receives a pre-approved letter from the government. Transfers the investment (e.g., $130,000 for one) to the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu and provides evidence to the Citizenship Commission. Law: 25% upon application, 75% after approval, but in practice — a single payment. The transfer period is 90 days.
• Obtaining a passport (up to 1 month, Month 3). After the investment is credited: The commission issues a certificate of naturalisation (certificate of citizenship). The investor undergoes the oath-taking ceremony. On the day of the oath, Vanuatu passports are issued, delivery — by courier to the specified address.

Requirements for documents for applying for Vanuatu citizenship

To apply for Vanuatu citizenship through the investment programme, it is necessary to provide a complete set of documents confirming the applicant’s identity, reliability, and financial solvency. The main list includes:

Mandatory documents

• Completed application form for obtaining citizenship.
• Valid passport (notarised copy).
• National identity card (notarised copy).
• Certificate of no criminal record from the country of residence (notarised copy, also known as a police clearance certificate).
• Birth certificate (notarised copy).
• Marriage certificate (if applicable, notarised copy).
• Birth certificates of children (if applicable, notarised copies).
• Medical certificate confirming good health.
• A colour passport-sized photograph (in PNG or JPEG format).

Financial and biographical data

• Proof of sufficient funds — a minimum of $250,000 (e.g., a bank statement).
• Proof of the origin of funds that will be used for investment (bank statements, certificates).
• A complete personal profile or CV with a description of employment history and biographical data.
• Certificate of employment (if necessary).
• Documents on education (upon request).

Additional requirements

• Certificate of residence (confirmation of current address).
• Successful completion of the Due Diligence check in the Financial Intelligence Unit of Vanuatu (FIU), for which all the listed documents are provided.

All copies of documents must be notarised to meet the programme standards. This set allows the authorities of Vanuatu to ensure the legality of the applicant’s income, the absence of criminal records, and compliance with the requirements of the investment programme.

To simplify your Vanuatu citizenship application, we provide a full package of documents. For assistance, call +35794303939 or contact us via Viber, WhatsApp, and Skype.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Vanuatu Citizenship programme

How long does it take to obtain Vanuatu citizenship?

The process takes from 1 to 4 months, making the programme one of the fastest in the world. For example, document preparation and preliminary verification are completed within the first month, application processing in the second, and approval and passport issuance are finalised by the third month. For comparison, in Caribbean countries, this takes from 6 months.

Is it necessary to renounce the first citizenship?

No, Vanuatu recognises dual citizenship. You can keep your previous passport if the legislation of your country of origin allows it.

Who among family members can obtain citizenship with me?

Citizenship is available to the spouse, children under 25 years old (if they are financially dependent on you, live with you or study at a university), as well as parents over 50 years old and even grandparents, if they are dependents of the main applicant.

Is it mandatory to live in Vanuatu to obtain or maintain citizenship?

No, the programme does not require residence in the country either at the application stage or after obtaining the passport. The entire process, including the submission of documents, is conducted remotely, except for the submission of biometrics.

What is the minimum cost of the programme?

The cost starts at $130,000 for a single applicant under the Development Support programme (DSP). Taking into account additional fees (e.g., $5,000 for due diligence, $120 for the certificate, and $160 for the passport), the total amount for one person is approximately $145,000.

Are investments in the programme safe?

Yes, the money is transferred only after the application is approved by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission. Only the due diligence check ($5,500) is paid in advance, and the preliminary risk assessment helps to avoid financial losses.

Is it possible to return part of the invested funds?

Yes, under the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), $50,000 out of $155,000 is returned after 4 years. Additionally, investments in the CNO Future Fund yield approximately 5% per annum with a return of up to $50,000 after 5 years.

To which countries can one travel without a visa with a Vanuatu passport?

The Vanuatu passport provides visa-free entry to 112 countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, Malaysia, and Latin American countries.

Can I get a visa to the USA with a Vanuatu passport?

Yes, citizens of Vanuatu can obtain a B-1/B-2 visa to the USA for 5 years, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 180 days per year for business, tourism, or medical treatment.

Is it necessary to take exams or attend interviews?

No, the programme does not require exams in language or history, nor personal interviews. All stages, except for submitting biometrics, are conducted remotely.

Who can be denied citizenship of Vanuatu?

Citizens of Iran, Iraq, DPRK, and Yemen may be refused if they have not resided outside these countries for more than 5 years. Refusal is also possible in the presence of criminal records, serious illnesses, or insufficient funds (less than $250,000 in the account).

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