Updated on December 24, 2024
Vanuatu Citizenship
Fastest way to get a second passport and travel to 100+ countries visa-free
$130,000
Investment amount
1+ months
Obtaining period
Government‑approved
Investment program
Vanuatu’s CBI program is the fastest in the world; getting a passport takes 1—4 months.
Applicants don’t take language proficiency tests or history exams. They aren’t required to live in Vanuatu but must visit the country to submit biometrics.
The investor can include their spouse, children, and parents in the citizenship application.
Vanuatu launched their citizenship by investment program in 2017. The terms are regulated by Chapter 112 of the Citizenship Law, Government Order No. 215, and Order No. 8 of 2023 with the Capital Investment Immigration Plan.
Obtaining Vanuatu citizenship involves contributing $130,000+ for the country’s development. The minimum investment amount depends on the family composition.
7 benefits of Vanuatu citizenship
1
Increased global mobility
Vanuatu citizens can travel visa-free to 100+ countries, including popular Asian destinations like Malaysia and Singapore.
Vanuatu citizens can travel visa-free to 100+ countries, including popular Asian destinations like Malaysia and Singapore.
2
Long-term US visas
Vanuatu citizens get the B‑1/B‑2 Visitor Visas for 5 years. The visa allows the holders to spend up to 180 days a year in the USA.
With the B‑1/B‑2 visa, one can hold business meetings, travel around the country, get medical treatment, and enrol in courses that do not lead to a diploma or degree.
Vanuatu citizens get the B‑1/B‑2 Visitor Visas for 5 years. The visa allows the holders to spend up to 180 days a year in the USA.
With the B‑1/B‑2 visa, one can hold business meetings, travel around the country, get medical treatment, and enrol in courses that do not lead to a diploma or degree.
3
Tax optimisation for business
Investors can establish an international business company (IBC) in Vanuatu. Although such companies are not eligible to earn income in Vanuatu, investors can enjoy tax incentives.
The company and its shareholders don’t pay taxes on corporate profits, personal income, capital gains, inheritance, or donations. Instead, there is a flat annual fee of $300. The beneficial tax regime is valid for 20 years.
Investors can establish an international business company (IBC) in Vanuatu. Although such companies are not eligible to earn income in Vanuatu, investors can enjoy tax incentives.
The company and its shareholders don’t pay taxes on corporate profits, personal income, capital gains, inheritance, or donations. Instead, there is a flat annual fee of $300. The beneficial tax regime is valid for 20 years.
4
Creating a “Plan B”
The second passport allows an investor to visit other countries visa-free and stay in Vanuatu anytime. It may be helpful in case of danger in the home country.
The second passport allows an investor to visit other countries visa-free and stay in Vanuatu anytime. It may be helpful in case of danger in the home country.
5
Easy path to second citizenship
No language exams or interviews to Vanuatu are required. Also, investors are allowed to keep other passports after acquiring Vanuatu citizenship.
No language exams or interviews to Vanuatu are required. Also, investors are allowed to keep other passports after acquiring Vanuatu citizenship.
6
Return on investment
Investing in the CNO Future Fund brings an annual yield of about 5%, making it possible to return $50,000 in 5 years.
Investing in the CNO Future Fund brings an annual yield of about 5%, making it possible to return $50,000 in 5 years.
7
Fast processing time
The Vanuatu CBI programme is the fastest in the world. Foreigners obtain citizenship in 1 to 4 months.
The Vanuatu CBI programme is the fastest in the world. Foreigners obtain citizenship in 1 to 4 months.
Guide to obtaining Vanuatu citizenship
Step-by-step procedure
Requirements for applicants
Required documents
Answers to frequently asked questions
Who can get Vanuatu citizenship?
Expenses for obtaining Vanuatu citizenship
1 option
Non-refundable contribution — $130,000+
Applicants contribute to a state fund to get Vanuatu citizenship by investment. The fund money goes to develop Vanuatu’s economy and fight against natural disasters, such as recovering from the Harold tropical cyclone.
The contribution is not refundable and does not bring income.
A banking fee is charged when paying for Due Diligence and transferring the contribution.
2 option
CNO Future Fund Option — $157,000+
The investor buys shares of the CNO Future Fund holding company, created to promote sustainability and develop coconut oil production to be used as a clean, renewable energy source. Another variant is to support cocoa production under the option.
The investment must be held for at least 5 years through a Vanuatu-registered international company. The incorporation cost is included in the option fees.
The estimated return on investment is up to 5% yearly, bringing the investor $50,000 back in 5 years.
3 option
Investment-Government Bond Option — AUD 150,000+
The Reserve Bank of Vanuatu will issue 500 units of government bonds with zero interest rates, nominated in Australian dollars.
The minimum investment amount depends on the bond category:
AUD 180,000+ (≈ $121,800) — for bonds maturing in 24 months;
AUD 170,000+ (≈ $115,000) — for bonds maturing in 30 months;
AUD 150,000+ (≈ $101,500) — for bonds maturing in 36 months.
Investors who choose the option will apply through the government-nominated Master Agent. No one has been appointed to this position yet.
Individual cost calculation for Vanuatu citizenship
Get an individual calculation for your family with all associated costs and government fees
Required documents for obtaining Vanuatu second citizenship by investment
When applying for Vanuatu CBI, the investor provides the following documents:
valid international passports — for all applicants;
internal passports or ID cards — for all applicants;
birth certificates — for all applicants;
marriage certificates — for all applicants, if applicable;
all obtained degrees, diplomas, or certificates for higher education — for all applicants;
CVs — for all applicants;
police clearance certificates — for applicants over 18;
confirmation of residential address, such as a recent utility bill — for the main applicant;
documents confirming the source of income, such as a certificate of employment and salary statements — for the main applicants;
a bank statement with a balance of at least $250,000 — for the main applicant;
a recommendation from the bank — for the main applicant;
professional recommendations — for the main applicant;
medical certificates — for applicants over 18;
passport-size photos — for all applicants.
All documents that are not in English must be translated by a certificate translator. Copies of personal documents must be notarised by a Notary Public.
Step-by-step procedure for obtaining Vanuatu citizenship
1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence
A certified Compliance Anti Money Laundering Officer checks the applicant’s documents and searches for information on the applicant in international databases.
The check reduces the risk of the applicant’s citizenship application being rejected. If there are any risks, we detect them in time, and our lawyers propose a solution.
The check is confidential: only you and the lawyers assigned to your application will be informed of the results. You only need a passport to pass the check.
Pass a quick test and learn the nuances that can prevent you from obtaining a second citizenship.
2+ weeks
Preparation of documents
The applicant and Immigrant Invest’s lawyers prepare documents for Due Diligence at the country’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Applicants usually provide a passport, police clearance certificate and a CV — a brief description of the applicant’s life and career.
For the citizenship application, the investor provides their personal and financial records, and the lawyers fill out the necessary forms
Up to 1 week
Due Diligence at the FIU
Immigrant Invest’s lawyers send the documents to the citizenship program’s agent in Vanuatu, who submits them to the FIU. The unit conducts the initial Due Diligence for the investor and their family members.
The official deadline is 1 week, but the check is usually completed in
3—4 days.
Up to 2 weeks
Applying and submitting biometrics
After the FIU’s approval, the lawyers send the completed application and the scans of documents to Vanuatu.
The Screening Committee and the Citizenship Commission review the investor’s documents. Processing takes up to 2 weeks.
The investor and all family members regardless of age must visit Vanuatu to submit biometrics and pass a facial recognition procedure. The biometrics will be used for an electronic chip inserted in the passport.
Up to 90 days
Approval and fulfilment of the investment condition
According to the law, the investor transfers the money in two instalments: 25% when applying for citizenship and 75% after approval. However, investors usually receive one invoice for the total investment sum.
The payment must be made within 90 days after the Citizenship Commission approves the application.
Up to 1 month
Receiving a passport
When the agreed investment amount is received, the Citizenship Commission issues a naturalisation certificate and submits a request for a passport to the passport office.
The documents are sent to the investor’s preferred address.
Our clients’ reviews
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Case Studies
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Citizenship and Immigrant Invest stay with you
After obtaining second citizenship in Vanuatu, other questions may arise. For example, how to renew a passport, obtain a police clearance certificate from Vanuatu, register a company, or apply for residency in the European Union. We can help resolve such matters and ensure everything goes smoothly.
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Frequently asked questions
100+ visa-free countries for Vanuatu citizens
Articles about Vanuatu
9 benefits of the Vanuatu second passport
Lyle Julien
Taxes in Vanuatu for individuals and companies
Albert Ioffe
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We will develop an individual solution, select a country and status that will solve your problems, and accompany the entire process.
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