Vanuatu, a South Pacific island nation, has been actively seeking to boost its economy through immigration investment. In 2012, the country amended its constitution to permit dual citizenship, attracting investors and passport applicants from all around the world.
In 2017, Vanuatu introduced the Development Support Program (DSP), which offers “honorary citizenship” to investors who contribute $80,000 (for individual applicants) or $130,000 (for a family of four) to the government. Additional fees apply, but successful applicants can receive their passports in as little as two months, gaining citizenship in a tropical nation with no residency requirements and a favorable tax regime.
In April 2021, Vanuatu further expanded its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program by allowing investors to participate in government-approved real estate projects. Under this Real Estate Option Program, applications must be processed within three months by law.
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Programs
Vanuatu offers two main routes to citizenship: a government donation or the Real Estate Option Program. For the donation route, the required amount is $130,000 for an individual or $180,000 for a family of four. There is no minimum physical presence requirement to maintain citizenship.
The Real Estate Option allows investors to purchase houses, apartments, and condominiums, but excludes vacant land. Properties are held under a 75-year lease, as there is no freehold property in Vanuatu.
Application Process for Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
One of Vanuatu’s key advantages is the speed of its application process, with approvals often granted within a few weeks. Applicants begin by submitting basic documents—such as a police report, birth certificate, and notarized passport copies—along with a due diligence fee. After passing the due diligence check, the applicant pays 25% of the required donation to the Citizenship Commission. The commission convenes biweekly, and upon approval, the remaining 75% of the donation is due. Finally, applicants must take an oath either in Vanuatu or at a Vanuatuan consulate to officially gain citizenship.
While the Vanuatu CBI program has yet to receive widespread promotion, investors are advised to seek assistance from authorized agents. Be cautious of individuals claiming to represent the program without proof; official agents should be able to provide documentation from the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission or authorized master agents.
Applications should be obtained directly from the Vanuatuan Citizenship Office, and contrary to previous reports, the country does not currently accept payments in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.
Mobility
The Vanuatuan passport offers visa-free travel to 130 countries, including Russia, Singapore, and the Schengen Area, making it a valuable travel document.
Country Overview
Once known as a tax haven, Vanuatu continues to offer a tax-friendly regime with no income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes. Its economy still benefits from financial services, but the nation is best known for its tropical beauty, which includes golden beaches, stunning scuba diving sites, and active volcanoes. Despite its allure, Vanuatu remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, making its remoteness one of its greatest attractions.
