Vanuatu passport cost: what investors really pay in 2025

The sum of obtaining the Vanuatu passport by investment depends on the chosen option and the investor’s family composition. At a minimum, you need to invest at least $130,000 through a non-refundable fund contribution or at least $157,000 under the sustainable CNO Future Fund option.

Non-refundable fund contribution

Vanuatu citizenship by investment might be obtained through a non-refundable contribution to a state fund that supports national development and disaster recovery. 

The minimum amount depends on the family size: 

• $130,000 for a single applicant;
• $150,000 for a married couple;
• $165,000 for a family of 3;
• $180,000 for a family of 4. 

An additional $15,000 is paid for each family member starting from the 5th one.

CNO Future Fund Option

The CNO Future Fund Option involves purchasing shares in the CNO Future Fund holding company, which finances projects in coconut oil and cocoa production.

The investment starts from $157,000, covering individuals and families of up to 4 members. Each additional dependent adds $25,000. 

The investment must be maintained for at least 5 years and may yield a projected return of about 5% per year, allowing investors to recover approximately $50,000 over the holding period.

Proof of financial solvency 

To qualify, the main applicant must also demonstrate financial solvency by showing at least $250,000 in savings or assets in a verified bank account. 

Applicants must also prove the legal origin of funds with financial documents such as income statements or employment certificates, ensuring compliance with Vanuatu’s Due Diligence and Anti Money Laundering standards.

The proof is done in order that the Vanuatu government wants to ensure that the investor has enough funds to support themselves and their family and will not spend all their savings on participating in the CBI program.

In addition to the investment, the applicant pays for legal services, government fees, and commissions. Altogether, they comprise the passport price. 

Due Diligence fee

The most significant fee is paid for a Due Diligence check — $5,500 per family under the state fund contribution option. Under the CNO Future Fund Option, it is higher — $8,000.

Due Diligence[1] is a mandatory stage of any citizenship or residence permit by investment program. The applicant's documents are checked to ascertain their reputation's purity and the money's legal origin.

This verification is conducted by the Financial Intelligence Unit, FIU, to confirm the legality of the applicant’s funds and the absence of criminal or reputational risks. The fee is charged once, regardless of the number of applicants included in the file.

Document fees

Certificate of naturalisation fee — $86 per applicant. This payment is required for the issuance of the naturalisation certificate and the final processing of citizenship documents.

Documents processing fees — at least $2,000. The amount depends on the number of documents and languages involved.

Other fees and expenses

Travel expenses for biometric submission. Biometric data can be submitted in Vanuatu, Dubai, or at another overseas consulate. Costs vary depending on the chosen location and may include consular service fees:

• $1,000 per person — in Vanuatu;
• $3,000 per person — in Dubai;
• $3,000 per person — consul visit to the applicants.

Bank fee. This fee is charged when transferring the contribution to the National Development Fund. The sums are as follows:

• $9,275 for the investor;
• $1,000 for a spouse;
• $750 for each child or parent.

Fees for adding relatives after citizenship approval 

Relatives can become Vanuatu citizens after the investor has received a passport. The cost of joining the CBI program is:

• $40,500 for a spouse;
• $15,000 for a child or parent.

When adding adult relatives over 18, the Due Diligence fee is paid. Besides, the bank commission is charged per transaction.

Vanuatu citizenship is popular with cosmopolitans, as 2,336 applications were approved in 2014—2020. Their investments brought the country 106 million dollars in 2020 alone, while the CBI Unit expected 40 million less in revenue that year.

Vanuatu citizenship benefits include but are not limited to:

1. Visa-free travel to over 100 countries.
2. 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa to the USA.
3. Tax optimisation for individuals and companies.
4. Non-residency requirements. New citizens are not obligated to live in or even visit Vanuatu before, during, or after the citizenship application process.
5. Dual citizenship[2].
6. Fast application process.
7. Scholarships at British universities.

Vanuatu’s CBI program has been undergoing reforms to strengthen Due Diligence and compliance. The government introduced new screening procedures through the Financial Intelligence Unit and proposed amendments to the Citizenship Act, CAP 112[3], to align with international standards, improving transparency and investor confidence.

Visa-free access to the European Union remains suspended following the EU Council’s 2022 decision[4]. Since 2023, the UK also requires Vanuatu nationals to obtain a visa to enter the country[5]. Despite this, the program continues under the Development Support Program framework, contributing approximately 18% of government revenue in the first half of 2024.

1. Vanuatu citizenship is obtained by contributing to the specially designated state fund or the CNO Future Fund holding company.
2. The investment amount under the state fund option depends on the number of applicants. A single investor contributes $130,000, while a married couple invests $150,000. Adding children and parents costs $15,000 per relative. 
3. Under the CNO Future Fund option, the minimum sum is $157,000.
4. Additional expenses include state fees for Due Diligence and naturalisation certificates. Besides, the investor pays for legal assistance and bank commissions.
5. The minimum expenses for Vanuatu citizenship amount to $147,861 for a single investor and $237,791 for a family of 6.
6. Obtaining Vanuatu citizenship by investment takes 2+ months.
7. The Vanuatu passport provides visa-free access to 100+ countries, opportunity to obtain long-term Visitor Visas to the USA, and tax optimisation.

1. Source: Legal notice on the Due Diligence procedures by the Vanuatu FIU
2. Source: Vanuatu Citizenship Office confirms recognition of dual citizenship in law
3. Source: Citizenship Amendment Act 2021: official amendment to Vanuatu’s Citizenship Act, CAP 112
4. Source: Council of the EU: EU ends Vanuatu’s Schengen visa exemption, after 2022 suspension
5. Source: UK Home Office: UK introduces visa requirement for Vanuatu nationals