15 benefits of the Vanuatu second passport

A foreigner gets a right to become a Vanuatu citizen if they have lived on the island for at least 10 years, married a country citizen, or rendered an essential service to the state.

However, the easiest and fastest way to get a passport is to take part in the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program.

Here are the 15 key Vanuatu passport benefits for investors:

1. Relatively low investment threshold.

2. Fast issuance of passports.

3. Citizenship for the family.

4. Citizenship with minimum in-person requirements.

5. No residency requirements.

6. Dual citizenship is allowed.

7. Tax optimisation.

8. Visa-free travel.

9. Long-term US visas.

10. Return on investment.

11. No language or history tests.

12. Scholarships at British universities.

13. Long passport validity.

14. Political stability and safety.

15. Easier international banking access.

In the following sections, we will explore each of these advantages in more detail and explain how they can benefit you as an investor seeking global mobility and opportunities.

The Vanuatu CBI program offers two investment options: contributing to a state fund and supporting coconut oil production.

The investor pays $130,000 when contributing to a state fund, whereas an applicant with a spouse donates $150,000. An additional $15,000 must be paid for each child or parent.

An investment of $157,000 for single investors and families of up to four is required when buying shares of the CNO Future Fund. An additional $25,000 is paid per family member, starting from the fifth applicant.

In addition to the investment, investors must pay a $5,500 Due Diligence fee. The Due Diligence and administrative fees for the CNO Future Fund option amount to $8,000.

Other fees depend on the number of family members included in the application.

Vanuatu has a fast-track second citizenship program. Obtaining a Vanuatu passport takes only 1—4 months.

Vanuatu’s procedures are faster than under the alternative programs in Caribbean countries, where foreigners may receive passports within at least 6 months.

Arthur, 52

Owner of an IT-company

Armenian family obtained Vanuatu citizenship in 3 months

Facing delays in acquiring St Kitts and Nevis citizenship, Arthur and his family turned to Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment program.

With the swift assistance of legal experts, they secured Vanuatu passports in just three months, ensuring their son could freely travel abroad before reaching military conscription age.

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Besides investors themselves, passports can also be obtained by family members: a spouse, children, and parents over 50.

Children aged 18 to 25 cannot be married when passports are issued. They must depend financially on or reside with the investor and be full-time university students.

Children of any age, including those with physical or mental disabilities, are eligible to participate in the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program.

Yet, filing citizenship for the whole family increases participation costs in the CBI program.

Investors do not need to visit Vanuatu to submit their application for the citizenship by investment program.

After receiving approval from the Financial Intelligence Unit, the lawyers send the completed application and scanned documents to Vanuatu. The Screening Committee and the Citizenship Commission then review the investor’s documents, a process that takes up to two weeks.

However, starting May 1st, 2025, investors and their family members are required to submit biometric data. This can be done not only in Vanuatu but also at biometric collection points in the UAE, New Caledonia, and Hong Kong.

Until May 1st, the process remains fully remote. Vanuatu processes applications within 1 to 4 months, and investors still have time before the new rules come into effect. The collected biometrics will be used for the electronic chip inserted into the passport.

One of the key advantages of the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program is that it does not impose any residency requirements. This means that after obtaining citizenship, you are not obligated to live in Vanuatu or spend any specific amount of time in the country.

This benefit is especially appealing to investors who want the advantages of a second passport without needing to physically relocate or disrupt their current lifestyle. It allows investors to maintain their primary residence and business operations in their home country or elsewhere while enjoying the benefits of Vanuatu citizenship.

Investors who obtain Vanuatu citizenship do not have to renounce their original nationality. They can hold Vanuatu citizenship alongside their current citizenship, allowing them to enjoy the benefits and opportunities offered by both countries.

For many investors, dual citizenship offers important advantages, such as enhanced mobility, access to additional markets, and the ability to enjoy the rights and privileges of two nations. Furthermore, this can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have existing commitments or legal ties to their home country and cannot afford to lose their original citizenship.

In Vanuatu, there are no taxes on wealth, capital gains, inheritance, dividends, interest, and global income.

To optimise taxation, a citizen needs to become a tax resident of the country. To obtain tax residence, citizens must spend at least 183 days per year in Vanuatu.

Another option that may help reduce the tax burden is for investors to register an International Business Company in Vanuatu, which is exempt from taxes for 20 years. Instead of taxes, such companies annually pay $300 to the Vanuatu budget.

Narong, 42

YouTube blogger

Freedom of movement and a new business with the Vanuatu passport

Narong found political asylum in Germany but could not get a residence permit in the country for a long time. He lived under the threat of deportation and had no right to travel or start his own business.

With the help of Immigrant Invest lawyers, the investor got Vanuatu citizenship without leaving Germany. Narong’s company is now registered in Vanuatu and entitled to preferential tax treatment.

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The Vanuatu passport allows visa-free entry to 107 countries. However, some states issue a visa on arrival, while others require an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) online before the trip.

The EU and Schengen Agreement countries have cancelled the visa-free regimes with Vanuatu. After May 4th, 2022, those who obtained Vanuatu citizenship must get a visa to enter the EU and Schengen countries.

Asia. Vanuatu citizens are also exempt from visa requirements for travel to popular business destinations in Asia, such as Singapore and Malaysia. In both states, Vanuatu passport holders may stay visa-free for up to 30 days.

Vanuatu citizens are eligible to apply for a 5-year multiple-entry B‑1/B‑2 Visitor Visa to the United States.

The B‑1/B‑2 visa is ideal for individuals who wish to engage in various activities in the US, such as attending business meetings, exploring potential business opportunities, or traveling around the country for leisure.

Also, this visa permits individuals to seek medical treatment in the US or enroll in short-term educational courses that do not culminate in a degree or diploma.

Learn the benefits, conditions and specifics of the Vanuatu investment program

The CNO Future Fund yields an annual return of approximately 5%, enabling an investor to recoup $50,000 over five years.

The investment in the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years through a Vanuatu-registered international company.

The money invested through the Vanuatu-registered international company can generate earnings each year. While this return is not guaranteed, it offers the potential for financial growth alongside the benefits of citizenship.

The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program does not require applicants to pass language or history tests. This makes the application process faster and less complicated, as there are no additional exams or assessments to complete.

The focus remains on investment and financial suitability, offering a simpler and more direct route to obtaining citizenship.

Commonwealth Scholarships are available for citizens of Vanuatu who would like to study at British universities.

Children of investors that received Vanuatu passports under the citizenship program are also eligible for certain scholarships, such as the Commonwealth Rutherford Fellowships.

The Vanuatu passport is valid for 10 years, which is significantly longer than some other countries' passports that require renewal every 5 years. This long validity period offers both convenience and security, as it reduces the frequency of passport renewals and associated administrative tasks.

For investors and their families, this means that once they have obtained Vanuatu citizenship, they will enjoy the benefits of their passport for an entire decade before needing to renew it.

Vanuatu offers political stability and a safe living environment, making it an attractive choice for investors seeking a secure second citizenship. The country has a stable democratic government and a peaceful society, which is crucial for investors who prioritise safety and long-term security.

Vanuatu’s robust governance and safety make it an ideal location for individuals and families who seek both peace of mind and a secure environment to build their future. Investors can confidently hold Vanuatu citizenship, knowing that the country is politically stable and safe for both personal and business affairs.

Holding a Vanuatu passport can significantly improve access to international banking services. Vanuatu is known for its business-friendly environment and strong financial privacy laws, making it an attractive jurisdiction for opening international bank accounts.

Investors holding Vanuatu citizenship can easily set up accounts in various global financial centers, benefiting from favorable tax conditions and efficient banking systems.

This is especially advantageous for high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs who need access to a wide range of financial services, such as international money transfers, asset management, and investment opportunities.

1. Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program is one of the fastest globally, issuing passports within 1 to 4 months and appealing to investors seeking swift second citizenship.

2. The Vanuatu citizenship program offers two options: a contribution to a state fund and an investment in the coconut oil sector. Individuals' contributions start at $130,000, with additional costs for family members. In comparison, obtaining EU residency requires at least €250,000.

3. Through the CNO Future Fund, investors can earn about 5% annually and return about $50,000 of the initial investment within 5 years.

4. Vanuatu passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to 107 countries, including major Asian hubs like Singapore and Malaysia. Besides, 5-year US visas are available for trips under 180 days a year.

5. Vanuatu’s favourable tax regime includes no taxes on wealth or global income and allows for tax-exempt business registrations for 20 years.