Content show
Requirements for the applicant
Vanuatu accepts applications from applicants over 18 years of age with proof of funds of at least $250,000 (or the equivalent) in their bank accounts.
Vanuatu does not accept applications from persons with a criminal record of serious crimes or those against whom a criminal case has been opened in any country. It also rules out those included on a national or international list of wanted persons.
The applicant also needs to provide a medical certificate. An application for citizenship may be rejected if a person is seriously ill.
Time required: 1 month
Investment: $130,000
The following family members can apply for citizenship together with the investor:
- spouse;
- children under 18 years of age (children of the applicant and their spouse or adopted children);
- the investor's unmarried children aged 18 to 25 years, as long as they can prove that they are financially dependent on the applicant. This can be done, for example, by a certificate showing that they are students and bank account statements (proof of funds) showing that the applicant has been paying for their studies. The contribution for each child is $15,000;
- parents over 50 years old, as long as they can prove that they are financially dependent on the applicant. The contribution for each parent is $15,000.
Obtaining a passport
Applicants for a Vanuatu passport go through six stages in order to obtain a second citizenship.
Signing an agreement
Preliminary check by Immigrant Invest
Time required: 1 day
We specialize in citizenship by investment programs and know how to help a client avoid risks when submitting documents. In order to do this, we conduct preliminary due diligence checks on prospective applicants. We give a legal opinion and assess their chances of successfully participating in the program. If we see potential difficulties arising in their application, we propose ways of addressing them and reducing the chances of our clients being refused Vanuatu citizenship.
We specialize in citizenship by investment programs and know how to help a client avoid risks when submitting documents. In order to do this, we conduct preliminary due diligence checks on prospective applicants. We give a legal opinion and assess their chances of successfully participating in the program. If we see potential difficulties arising in their application, we propose ways of addressing them and reducing the chances of our clients being refused Vanuatu citizenship.
Signing an agreement
Time required: 1 day
The applicant can conclude an agreement with our company in our office or remotely. We will, however, need to receive passport copies of any family members participating in the program.
Costs. No costs are incurred at this stage.
The applicant can conclude an agreement with our company in our office or remotely. We will, however, need to receive passport copies of any family members participating in the program.
Costs. No costs are incurred at this stage.
Preliminary check by the Financial Intelligence Unit of Vanuatu
Time required: up to 7 days (in practice 2–3 days)
The FIU of Vanuatu checks the reliability of the investor and determines whether the application can proceed or not. The check costs $2,000. In the event that the application is rejected, this amount will not be returned. All payments go through an authorized agent, i.e., through our company, Immigrant Invest. The FIU issues an opinion based on the results of the check.
Documents that are required at this stage:
The FIU of Vanuatu checks the reliability of the investor and determines whether the application can proceed or not. The check costs $2,000. In the event that the application is rejected, this amount will not be returned. All payments go through an authorized agent, i.e., through our company, Immigrant Invest. The FIU issues an opinion based on the results of the check.
Documents that are required at this stage:
- passport: notarized color scan of passport
- certificate of no criminal record from the applicant's country of citizenship and from those countries where they have lived for more than one year in the past 10 years
Preparation and submission of documents
Time required: 1 week
Our company helps the applicant collect and correctly prepare the complete package of documents. The exact list of documents varies in each case. As a rule, the standard package includes the following documents:
Our lawyers prepare a package of documents according to the requirements of the program. We know the points that the Government of Vanuatu monitors closely and we deal with any ambiguities or complications that arise. Based on the applicant’s documents, our lawyers then fill out the government forms and send them to the applicant for signature. This can be done in our office or remotely.
By law, only accredited agents can apply to the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit. Our company complies with all laws applicable in Vanuatu and has the required permits.
Costs. At this stage, the applicant contributes 25% of the total amount of payments stipulated in the program.
Our company helps the applicant collect and correctly prepare the complete package of documents. The exact list of documents varies in each case. As a rule, the standard package includes the following documents:
- birth certificates of the applicant, spouse and children
- medical examination certificates for applicants over 18 years of age
- driver's license
- certificate of marriage or divorce,
- certificates of change of surname
- national and foreign passports
- receipts (proof of funds) from the university showing regular payments for the education of dependent children; they serve as evidence of the dependence of adult children on their parents
- documents confirming the legality of the applicant’s income. For example, a certificate from the place of work or an employment contract for employees. A license, company registration documents, or a financial report are also acceptable.
- bank statement for the past 6 months showing $250,000 in assets
- 6 photographs (40 mm × 50 mm) for each family member included in the application.
Our lawyers prepare a package of documents according to the requirements of the program. We know the points that the Government of Vanuatu monitors closely and we deal with any ambiguities or complications that arise. Based on the applicant’s documents, our lawyers then fill out the government forms and send them to the applicant for signature. This can be done in our office or remotely.
By law, only accredited agents can apply to the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit. Our company complies with all laws applicable in Vanuatu and has the required permits.
Costs. At this stage, the applicant contributes 25% of the total amount of payments stipulated in the program.
Processing of documents at the Vanuatu Citizenship Agency and approval
Time required: 2–3 weeks
The Citizenship Commission examines the investor's package of documents. Meetings are held twice a month. The Commission makes a decision on granting citizenship based on the following points:
Immigrant Invest has helped and guided dozens of clients obtain citizenship under the Vanuatu program. The knowledge of our lawyers helps clients prepare documents correctly and accelerate the process of receiving citizenship by investment.
If the applicant does not transfer funds within 90 days, the Government of Vanuatu will revoke their approval of granting citizenship and will not refund the funds received earlier.
The Citizenship Commission examines the investor's package of documents. Meetings are held twice a month. The Commission makes a decision on granting citizenship based on the following points:
- result of the due diligence
- submitted package of documents
- confirmation of the money transfer to the government's account
Immigrant Invest has helped and guided dozens of clients obtain citizenship under the Vanuatu program. The knowledge of our lawyers helps clients prepare documents correctly and accelerate the process of receiving citizenship by investment.
If the applicant does not transfer funds within 90 days, the Government of Vanuatu will revoke their approval of granting citizenship and will not refund the funds received earlier.
Taking the oath of allegiance and obtaining a passport
Time required: 1 day
According to the rules of the program, the applicant does not receive Vanuatu citizenship until they take the oath of allegiance.
The applicant can choose the country in which they want to take the oath:
After the oath, the Commissioner issues a certificate of naturalization and a Vanuatu passport to the applicant.
In Russia, for example, the Vanuatu office is located in the Australian Consulate. However, the swearing-in can take place in any convenient building: for example in the applicant’s office or in a hotel lobby.
According to the rules of the program, the applicant does not receive Vanuatu citizenship until they take the oath of allegiance.
The applicant can choose the country in which they want to take the oath:
- in Vanuatu before the Commissioner for Oaths
- in any country of the applicant’s choice
After the oath, the Commissioner issues a certificate of naturalization and a Vanuatu passport to the applicant.
In Russia, for example, the Vanuatu office is located in the Australian Consulate. However, the swearing-in can take place in any convenient building: for example in the applicant’s office or in a hotel lobby.
