Vanuatu passport by investment: detailed walkthrough for 2026

There are two available ways to obtain citizenship by investment in Vanuatu:

1. Non-refundable contribution — $130,000. 
2. Cocoa Sustainable Development Fund — $165,000.

The contribution offers the cheapest way to obtain citizenship in exchange for a non-refundable donation of at least $130,000 to the local government fund. The amount of the contribution depends on the number of family members included in the application for citizenship by investment.

Under the Cocoa Sustainable Development Fund, investors may return money if certain conditions are met.

The Vanuatu government had also introduced an Investment-Government Bond Option[3] aiming to add a returnable investment path to the country’s existing citizenship framework. It was legally approved by Order No. 44 of 2023 under the Citizenship Act, CAP 112, but is not operating.

Vanuatu continues to refine and modernise its citizenship by investment program. Over the past year, the government has introduced several regulatory and procedural changes aimed at strengthening Due Diligence, improving program transparency and offering investors more flexible participation options. 

The updates below highlight the most recent adjustments, helping applicants stay up to date and understand how the program is evolving.

November 2025: Vanuatu introduced Digital Application Process 

Vanuatu launched an online application portal[2] that allows applicants and their authorised agents to upload documents, track application status in real time and communicate with officials through a secure interface. 

Documentation requirements were simplified and several bureaucratic steps were removed, which reduces paperwork and typical processing times and makes the program more transparent and convenient for investors.

July 2025: mandatory requirement for citizenship application

From July 18th, 2025, all passport applications for Vanuatu citizenship program clients must include a Vanuatu National Identity Card and a Vanuatu Birth Certificate, otherwise the application will not be accepted. 

This requirement applies to every applicant, and the documents cost $1,000 per person, payable either together with the citizenship fee or as a separate payment.

May 2025: submission of biometrics became mandatory 

From July 1st, 2025, biometrics become mandatory for all applicants with fees of $1,000 per person in Vanuatu, $3,000 in Dubai, or $3,000 plus actual travel expenses for a consular visit to the client.

The rules for adding family members after approval are also updated:

• $20,000 for a child under 18, no FIU fee;
• $45,500 for a spouse, FIU fee included;
• $25,500 for other eligible relatives, FIU fee included;
• $5,000 IMA fee for each family member added after approval.

Vanuatu citizenship by investment offers many advantages, including tax optimisation and potential investment return.

1. Quick processing time. A Vanuatu passport may be granted in as little as 2 months. In comparison, obtaining Caribbean citizenship by investment takes at least 6 months.

2. Visa-free travel. The Vanuatu passport allows the holder to travel visa-free to over 100 countries, including, for instance, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Maldives.

The Vanuatu passport also provides access to long-term B‑1/B‑2 Visitor Visas for the United States.

3. Attractive tax terms. Vanuatu has no taxes on worldwide income, dividends, wealth, or inheritance. Vanuatu citizenship also allows an investor to easily open accounts at European banks.

4. No residency requirements. Investors do not need to live in Vanuatu to maintain their citizenship. Their physical presence is only required for biometrics submission, but this can be done in Hong Kong, Dubai, and New Caledonia instead of Vanuatu.

5. Opportunity to return on investment. Under the Cocoa Sustainable Development Fund investment option the applicant can recoup $50,000 after 5 years.

6. Dual citizenship permitted. Vanuatu allows dual citizenship, enabling investors to retain their existing nationality while benefiting from the advantages of a second passport.

7. Citizenship for the whole family. The program enables applicants to include close family members such as a spouse, dependent children under 25, and dependent parents under 50, offering long-term security for the entire household.

8. Simple and transparent application process. The Vanuatu citizenship procedure requires no interviews, language tests, or proof of business experience. Applicants only need to provide standard documents and pass the due diligence checks.

9. Access to long-term US visas. In addition to visa-free access to over 100 countries, a Vanuatu passport opens the way to obtaining multi-year B‑1/B‑2 Visitor Visas for the US.

10. Facilitated access to international banking. Vanuatu citizenship helps investors open accounts with reputable foreign banks, including institutions in Europe and Asia. The program’s Due Diligence process strengthens the applicant’s profile, while the country’s favourable regulatory environment supports cross-border financial operations and international wealth management.

To qualify for Vanuatu citizenship by investment, applicants must meet both financial and personal criteria designed to ensure the integrity of the program. The government focuses on transparent sources of wealth, a clean criminal record, and good health

Main investors

Vanuatu accepts applications from investors over 18 with proof of funds of at least $250,000 or the equivalent in their bank accounts. 

Applications aren’t accepted from individuals with a criminal record of serious crimes or those against whom a criminal case has been opened in any country. It also excludes those included on a national or international list of wanted persons.

Investors must also provide a medical certificate. An application for citizenship may be rejected if the person is seriously ill.

Family members

The following family members can apply for citizenship together with the investor:

• spouse;
• children of the applicant and their spouse or adopted children under 18;
• the investor’s unmarried children aged 18 to 25, provided they can prove they are financially dependent on the main applicant;
• parents over 50, provided they can prove they are financially dependent on the applicant.

Foreign investors obtain Vanuatu citizenship to solve a wide range of personal and financial tasks, such as improving international mobility, optimising taxes, protecting assets, simplifying global banking, and securing long-term stability for their families.

Applicants obtain Vanuatu citizenship by contributing to the country’s development. The funds are allocated to support Vanuatu’s economy and combat natural disasters, such as the recovery efforts following Tropical Cyclone Harold.

The minimum contribution amount is $130,000 for a single investor, with the total price depending on the number of applicants. Besides, there is a Due Diligence fee and a banking fee for transferring the investment to Vanuatu.

The contribution is non-refundable and does not yield any income.

The applicant invests in the Cocoa Sustainable Development Fund which supports the development of the cocoa industry in Vanuatu. The money is used for facilitating better cocoa processing, modernising equipment and machinery, and providing support to local farmers.

The investment must be retained for a minimum of 5 years. The total investment amount remains unchanged when adding up to four additional people to the application. For each extra family member, starting with the 5th, the investor must add $25,000.

When the passport is granted, the Fund issues a $50,000 unit on the investor’s name. After 5 years, the unit can be redeemed to return this portion of the investment.

The Reserve Bank of Vanuatu will issue 500 units of government bonds with zero interest rates, denominated in Australian dollars.

The minimum investment amount depends on the bond category:

• AUD 180,000+ or $122,000+ — for bonds maturing in 24 months;
• AUD 170,000+ or $115,000+ — for bonds maturing in 30 months;
• AUD 150,000+ or $101,500+ — for bonds maturing in 36 months.

Investors who choose this option will apply through the government-nominated Master Agent. No one has yet been appointed to this position.

Investors must prepare a standard set of documents to apply for Vanuatu citizenship by investment. These documents confirm identity, family ties and personal eligibility.

As a rule, the standard package includes:

1. Birth certificates of the main applicant, spouse and children.
2. Medical examination certificates for applicants over 18.
3. Certificate of marriage or certificate of divorce.
4. Certificates confirming any change of surname, if relevant.
5. National and foreign passports.
6. Receipts from the university that confirm regular tuition payments for dependent children. These serve as proof that adult children still rely on the main applicant for financial support

All document copies must be certified with an apostille and translated into English, which might require additional expenses.

In Vanuatu, honorary citizenship referred to a limited form of citizenship granted mainly through investment programs. It recognised the holder as a citizen but did not provide full political rights, such as the ability to vote or hold public office.

In April 2019, the Vanuatu government issued an order to remove the designation of honorary citizenship from the naturalisation certificate[4].

The change was made because the distinction could be used to differentiate between those who became citizens by investment and natural-born citizens, as the honorary status does not allow holders to hold positions in government or participate in politics. This was the only feature distinguishing honorary citizenship in Vanuatu from ordinary citizenship of the country.

It remains unclear whether citizens by investment will be given the right to vote, as the Vanuatu government has yet to issue an official statement on this subject.

In the Caribbean, for example, citizens by investment are allowed to vote as long as they reside in the country. Whether the same practice will be introduced in Vanuatu remains to be seen.

Vanuatu has a 0% tax rate on income, wealth, inheritance, capital gains, corporations, export of capital, and profit on the stock exchange. Tax rates on the island are the same for residents and non-residents. 

The state’s tax system was designed with foreign investors in mind, as 15% of Vanuatu’s GDP is generated by income earned by international companies. The government is committed to creating a favourable legal and business environment.

1. Vanuatu does not levy any corporate income tax

International Business Companies, IBCs, registered in Vanuatu are formally granted a 20-year tax exemption under the International Companies Act[5], while local companies are also subject to a 0% corporate tax rate. IBCs only pay an annual government fee of about $300, due by June 30th each year.

IBCs must file an annual return with the VFSC[6] but are not generally required to undergo an external audit unless they operate in a regulated sector or are specifically required to do so by law. However, company owners must maintain accurate accounting records and ensure that all financial transactions comply with Anti Money Laundering and Know Your Customer standards.

2. Zero or low rates

The main tax rates in Vanuatu are the following:

• corporate tax — 0%;
• personal income tax — 0%;
• VAT — 15%;
• capital gains tax — 0%;
• withholding tax — 0%;
• foreign exchange control — none;
• government duty or stamp duty — $300 to 1,000.

3. Real estate transactions are taxed

The buyer or renter must pay a 5% stamp duty and a 2% registration fee based on the transaction amount.

4. Financial confidentiality for businesses

Vanuatu restricts access to the financial information of companies registered in Vanuatu, as well as to business and personal information on the owners and beneficiaries. The information remains confidential under all circumstances, except when the company is involved in money laundering, fraud, or terrorism.

5. Vanuatu exchanges tax information with a few countries

Countries with which Vanuatu has tax information exchange agreements include Australia, Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Greenland, Grenada, Iceland, Ireland, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, and Sweden.

Vanuatu is in the South Pacific archipelago, to the northeast of Australia. The country consists of 83 islands, 65 of which are inhabited. The length of the territory from north to south is 1,300 km.

The country gained independence in 1980, and its name was changed from New Hebrides to the Republic of Vanuatu.

Main facts about the country:

• capital and largest city — Port Vila;
• official languages — Bislama, French, English;
• population — 341,558;
• currency — Vanuatu Vatu, VUV;
• time zone VUT — UTC +11;
• traffic — on the right hand side of the road;
• telephone code — +678;
• close relations with Australia, Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea;
• difficult relations with Burma, Egypt, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria;
• main sector of the economy — is tourism, accounts for 30—40%of the country’s GDP.

State structure

The Republic of Vanuatu is a parliamentary democracy with elections every four years. The Parliament of Vanuatu is unicameral and comprises 52 members. The leader of the main party in Parliament is selected as the prime minister and heads the Government. 

The head of state, the president, is elected every five years by the Parliament and the presidents of the six provincial governments.

Languages and ethnicities

Vanuatu has three official languages: English, French, and Bislama — an English-based creole. The latter helps citizens who have studied English or French since childhood to communicate through a common language. 

Bislama is spoken by 200,000 local citizens. The name of the local currency, vatu, means "stone" in Bislama.

The vast majority of the population, 98.5%, is made up of Melanesians, with Europeans, Asians, and Pacific Islanders making up the remaining 1.5%. Most of the locals live in the countryside.

95% of Vanuatu’s residents are Christians. The remaining 5% believe in the Cargo cult that originated on the islands during the Second World War.

Climate and ecology

Vanuatu has a tropical climate. For nine months a year, the weather is warm and humid, and for the other three to four months the weather is colder and drier. The average daily temperature is +20…32°C.

The country is part of the Australian ecozone, which also includes New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, Australia, New Guinea, and New Zealand. 

There are nine active volcanoes in Vanuatu. The active volcano Yasur on Tanna Island is the most accessible for tourists. It is located 361 metres above sea level, and its crater is 400 metres in diameter. Yasur last erupted in 2008.

Vanuatu does not have any large mammals, venomous snakes, or spiders. There are 19 species of reptiles, 11 species of bats, and 61 species of birds on the islands. The region is rich in marine life, with the coastal areas being home to 4,000 species of sea molluscs.

Vanuatu’s attractions

Vanuatu is home to the world’s only underwater post office, which is located near the capital. To send a letter, you need a special waterproof envelope. 

The location of the SS President Coolidge, which sank in 1942 with over 5,000 troops onboard, is a favourite place for divers. Only two persons were killed in the accident, as the troops managed to swim ashore thanks to the captain, who attempted to run the ship aground and immediately ordered the troops to abandon ship. Divers today are drawn to the military trucks, jeeps, and cannons that sank with the ship.

Crypto-friendly environment

Vanuatu is considered a crypto-friendly jurisdiction. Investors can legally operate cryptocurrency businesses, benefit from simple regulatory requirements and, in some cases, use digital assets to facilitate certain financial transactions. This makes the program attractive for entrepreneurs and holders of digital currencies seeking a flexible international base.

The cost of living in Vanuatu is higher than the global average. For example, a family of two spends $887 per month on food and travel, excluding housing rent[7].

Groceries

The average prices on groceries in shops are the following:

• bottle of water, 0.33 l — $1.8;
• milk, 1 l — $2.6;
• loaf of fresh white bread, 0.5 kg — $2.8;
• white rice, 1 kg — $3.6;
• local cheese, 1 kg — $20;
• eggs, a pack of 12 — $5.2;
• chicken breast fillets boneless and skinless, 1kg — $16.3;
• tomatoes, 1 kg — $4.9;
• potatoes, 1 kg — $5;
• oranges, 1 kg — $5.3;
• bananas, 1 kg — $2.7;
• apples, 1 кg — $4.6;
• beef round, 1 kg — $16.5;
• bottle of wine — $16.4;
• packet of cigarettes — $9.4.

Cafes and restaurants

Prices in cafes and restaurants vary. A lunch for one person in an inexpensive restaurant costs about $12, while a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant costs $65. Lunch at McDonald’s or another fast food chain costs approximately $10 for one person.

Property rent

Monthly rental costs in Vanuatu depend on the property size and location:

• 1-bedroom flat in the centre — $1,900;
• 1-bedroom flat outside the city centre — $1,300;
• 3-bedroom flat in the city centre — $3,000;
• 3-bedroom flat outside the city centre — $2,000.

Utilities cost around $500 per month for a couple, depending on the size of the flat.

1. The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program is renowned for its rapid processing time of around 2 months, with no requirement to visit the country. 
2. There are two main pathways to obtain citizenship: a non-refundable contribution of $130,000 and the Cocoa Sustainable Development Fund Option for $165,000.
3. The CBI program is accessible to investors over 18 with proof of sufficient funds and excludes individuals with serious criminal records. Additional family members can be included in the application for an extra fee. 
4. The step-by-step process for obtaining Vanuatu citizenship involves preliminary checks, document submission, and approval by the Citizenship Commission and takes 2+ months.
5. Vanuatu citizenship offers numerous advantages, including visa-free travel to 100+ countries, attractive tax benefits with no taxes on worldwide income, and no residency requirements.

1. Source: Vanuatu Citizenship Brochure
2. Republic of Vanuatu, Immigration online services page
3. Source: Official Gazette No. 17 of 2023 regulation establishing the Investment-Government Bond Option
4. Source: Vanuatu Citizenship Office: Order 33 of 2019 removing “honorary” term
5. Source: International Companies Act, Cap. 222, grants 20-year tax exemptions
6. Source: VFSC Annual Return Guidance: all companies must file an annual return with the VFSC
7. Source: Cost of living in Vanuatu according to the Numbeo database