Vanuatu Citizenship

​Frequently asked questions

• What are the advantages of the Vanuatu citizenship program?

  Investors usually obtain Vanuatu investment citizenship in 2+ months, which is pretty fast. They mustn’t take exams or pass interviews; however, all applicants must visit the country or an overseas representation office to submit biometrics. The investment amount is also quite low compared to some other programs: applicants contribute $130,000+ to a state fund.

  The Vanuatu passport allows one to visit 95 states visa-free, optimise taxes, and create a Plan B.

• What documents are required to obtain Vanuatu citizenship by investment?

  Applicants for Vanuatu citizenship by investment must submit a standard set of personal, financial, and compliance documents.

  The required documents include:

  • valid international passports — for all applicants;
  • internal passports or ID cards — for all applicants;
  • birth certificates — for all applicants;
  • marriage certificates — if applicable;
  • degrees, diplomas, or other higher education certificates — for all applicants;
  • CVs — for all applicants;
  • police clearance certificates and Interpol certificates — for applicants over 18;
  • proof of residential address, such as a recent utility bill — for the main applicant;
  • documents confirming the source of income, including employment certificates and salary statements — for the main applicant;
  • bank statement showing a balance of at least $250,000 — for the main applicant;
  • bank reference letter — for the main applicant;
  • professional reference letters — for the main applicant;
  • medical certificates — for applicants over 18;
  • passport-size photographs — for all applicants;
  • approval letter from the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit;
  • receipt confirming payment of 25% of the investment amount.

  Documents issued in languages other than English require certified translation. Copies of personal documents must be notarised by a Notary Public.

• Does Vanuatu recognise dual citizenship?

  Dual nationality is allowed in Vanuatu, but only for those who have registered their status with the Citizenship Commission. It applies to Vanuatu as well.

• How long is a Vanuatu passport valid?

  A Vanuatu passport is valid for 10 years; then, it must be renewed.

• How many countries will a Vanuatu passport give me visa-free access to?

  Vanuatu citizens may travel to 95 countries visa-free, including Montenegro, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

• How long does it take to get citizenship by investment in Vanuatu?

  Usually, obtaining a Vanuatu passport takes 2+ months.

• Can I apply for Vanuatu citizenship by investment myself?

  No, you can’t. Only an official representative can apply on the investor’s behalf.

  The representative sends the investor’s documents to the program’s agent in Vanuatu, who submits them for consideration to the FIU, the Selection Committee, and the Citizenship Commission.

  However, the investor and all family members must visit Vanuatu or an overseas representation office to submit documents and biometrics. Another option is to invite the consul to the country of residence.

• Can you guarantee that I will receive my passport in 2 months?

  No, we can't. The program's representative cannot guarantee that the investor will receive citizenship or complete the process in 1 month. If you are promised a passport within a month, you probably deal with scammers.

  Immigrant Invest provides a Vanuatu citizenship consultation and conducts a preliminary Due Diligence check. It takes one day and reduces the risk of the citizenship application being rejected to 1%. It also helps compile a complete list of the required documents to minimise the number of additional requests from the Citizenship Commission. Such an approach speeds up the process of obtaining citizenship.

• Is it possible to return the investment?

  Yes, if the investor chooses the Cocoa Sustainable Development Fund option. After the passport issuance, the applicant is issued a unit in the Fund for $50,000, which can be redeemed after 5 years.

• Do I need to visit Vanuatu to get a passport?

  The investor and all family members must visit Vanuatu or an overseas representation office to submit biometrics.

• Can I get a passport for my future wife or child?

  Yes, you can. However, it requires additional contributions and paying a Due Diligence fee.

• How much does it cost to buy citizenship in Vanuatu?

  To obtain a Vanuatu passport by investment, you must invest at least $130,000 in the country’s economy.

• How can I get Vanuatu citizenship?

  Citizenship by investment is the fastest way to obtain Vanuatu citizenship.

  The Development Support Programme, or DSP, allows applicants to invest in a local development fund in exchange for citizenship. The minimum donation amount for 2024 is $130,000 for a single applicant, $150,000 for a married couple, and $180,000 for a family of four, with an additional $15,000 per dependent.

  Applicants must also meet other criteria, such as being over 18, having a clean criminal record, and having assets worth at least $250,000.

  Vanuatu citizenship grants full Ni-Vanuatu rights, except for voting rights and political involvement, and does not require applicants to renounce their previous nationality.

• Can I buy citizenship in Vanuatu?

  Foreigners do not buy citizenship but obtain it in exchange for investment. The minimum amount is $130,000.

• Is Vanuatu citizenship easy to get?

  Yes, Vanuatu investment citizenship is relatively easy to obtain. Applicants only need to contribute to the country’s economy and visit Vanuatu to submit documents and biometrics. There is no need to pass language or citizenship exams or live in the country for a specific number of years.

• Is visa-free travel to the European Union still available for Vanuatu passport holders?

  No. On December 12th, 2024, the Council of the EU removed Vanuatu from the visa-exempt list, so every Vanuatu citizen must now obtain a Schengen visa before entering the EU. The exemption had already been suspended in 2022 because of concerns about the citizenship program.

• Can Vanuatu citizens obtain a long-term visitor visa to the United States?

  Yes. Vanuatu passport holders can apply for a B‑1/B‑2 Visitor Visa that is valid for 5 years and permits stays of up to 180 days per year for tourism, business meetings, short courses, or medical treatment.

• Are applicants from all nationalities accepted into Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment program?

  Citizens of Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Yemen, and Venezuela are generally not eligible to apply. However, they may qualify if they, for at least 10 years, have not lived in, held significant assets in, or conducted business with the specified countries.

• Can I include my parents in my Vanuatu citizenship application?

  Yes. The main applicant may add parents aged 50 or older, provided they are financially dependent. Parents receive full citizenship alongside the main applicant once the extra government fees are paid; they do not need to reside in Vanuatu.

• Where must I submit biometric data when applying for a Vanuatu passport?

  All passport applicants must appear in person at a biometric data collection centre. These centres are located at the Vanuatu Immigration Service in Port Vila and at Vanuatu consulates in Hong Kong, Dubai, and New Caledonia.

• What are the taxes in Vanuatu?

  Vanuatu appeals mainly to investors who look for a zero-tax jurisdiction for personal or corporate tax planning and value fast access to citizenship.

  Zero-tax categories. Vanuatu applies a zero tax rate to the following:

  • personal income, including income earned abroad;
  • capital gains on assets held anywhere in the world;
  • wealth, regardless of asset value;
  • inheritance and estate transfers;
  • dividends, whether local or foreign;
  • interest income;
  • gifts.

  For investors who relocate or establish tax residency in Vanuatu, these rules can mean no tax on global investment income, asset growth, or family wealth transfers.

  20-year corporate tax exemption. International Business Companies, or IBCs, registered in Vanuatu are exempt from corporate taxes for 20 years. Instead of paying tax, they pay a fixed annual government fee of $300.