Vanuatu Citizenship & Residency: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is the Vanuatu Government’s official pathway to obtaining a second passport in exchange for an investment in the country. It offers a fast-track route to citizenship without the need for residence in Vanuatu, language tests, or examinations on national history.

Vanuatu currently offers two CBI options: the Development Support Program (DSP) and the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP). Both programs provide expedited processing but differ by investment type.

1. Development Support Program (DSP) — a non‑refundable contribution to a government development fund. This is the most popular option; funds are allocated to national economic and infrastructure projects.

Costs:

• $130,000 — main applicant.
• $20,000 — spouse.
• $15,000 — child.

2. Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) — a partially refundable investment program. Under CIIP funds are invested in approved projects (e.g., agriculture, infrastructure, tourism), and a portion of the capital is repayable to the investor.

Costs:
$165,000 — family of four (2 adults + 2 children). Refundable portion is approximately $50,000.

Important: All applications must be submitted through a licensed, government‑accredited agent. The agent must hold accreditation issued by the Government of Vanuatu.

The cost of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship depends on the chosen investment program and the family composition.

Minimum cost: from $130,000 for a single applicant under the Development Support Program (DSP). DSP requires a non‑refundable contribution to the government development fund. Adding a spouse costs $20,000; a child costs $15,000.

For families: the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) is available. The CIIP fee is $165,000 for a family of four (2 adults + 2 children). Part of the CIIP investment is refundable — approximately $50,000.

On average, obtaining Vanuatu citizenship via the investment programs takes about 2 months. The process includes pre‑screening, document preparation and submission, due diligence, Citizenship Commission review, biometrics, and passport issuance.

Yes. Vanuatu’s program allows adding family members to a single application. You can include:

• a lawful spouse;
• financially dependent children under 25 years old;
• parents over 50 years old.

Yes. The procedure for obtaining Vanuatu citizenship is carried out remotely and does not require residence in the country.

The application process includes preliminary checks, document preparation and submission, which are done remotely. Personal presence is required only once — to provide biometric data.

Biometrics can be provided in Vanuatu, the UAE or Hong Kong. It is also possible for an officer to travel to another country to collect biometrics — this service is charged separately.

A licensed (government) agent in Vanuatu is an official representative accredited by the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu. The agent has the exclusive lawful right to submit investor applications for citizenship.

Under Vanuatu law, a foreign national cannot submit a citizenship‑by‑investment application directly to the government or immigration service; applications must be submitted through a licensed agent.

What does the agent do?

• Conducts a preliminary screening of the investor before submitting the citizenship application.
• Assists in compiling a correct and complete package of documents.
• Submits the documents to the Citizenship Commission and oversees the government Due Diligence process.
• Represents the investor’s interests at all stages up to passport issuance.

Holding a government licence guarantees that the company operates legally, has been vetted by the Government of Vanuatu, and bears full responsibility for the security of the process.

Due Diligence is the government background check carried out on an applicant for citizenship by investment.

At this stage, the authorized authorities review the applicant’s personal data, business reputation, sources of income, and financial history.

The purpose of Due Diligence is to ensure the applicant meets the program’s requirements and does not pose legal or reputational risks to the state.

Yes, the Republic of Vanuatu officially permits dual citizenship. You are not required to renounce your current passport when acquiring Vanuatu citizenship.

Second citizenship: A person holds a passport from another country, but the states do not have a mutual agreement. Each country legally views the person exclusively as its own citizen.

Dual citizenship: There is a formal bilateral agreement between the countries, meaning both nations officially recognize the individual’s status as a citizen of both.

Vanuatu Citizenship Program Benefits

The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is one of the fastest and most straightforward routes to a second passport globally. Key benefits for investors and their families include:

• A straightforward application procedure governed by a state-approved investment program.
• Fully transparent stages of obtaining citizenship that are strictly regulated by national law.
• Fast-track processing where citizenship is typically granted within just 2 months.
• No physical presence or residency requirements before, during, or after the process.
• The ability to include your spouse, dependent children under 25, and parents in a single application.
• Strict confidentiality regarding your new citizenship status with no reporting to your home country.

Vanuatu Passport Benefits

A Vanuatu passport unlocks worldwide opportunities for travel, business, and securing your future:

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 100 countries including Hong Kong and Singapore.
• Simplified application processes for Schengen visas, UK visas, and 5-year B1/B2 multiple-entry visas to the US.
• Access to European residency-by-investment and Golden Visa programs.
• Favorable conditions for international business featuring minimal reporting and a 0% corporate tax rate for 20 years.
• Seamless access to international banking with the right to easily open multi-currency accounts.
• A crypto-friendly environment offering legal certainty and robust asset protection.
• A reliable Plan B safety net in a politically neutral and peaceful oceanfront jurisdiction.

The tax system in Vanuatu is widely recognized as one of the most favorable in the world for both individuals and international businesses. The jurisdiction offers a zero rate on almost all direct taxes.

• Taxes Completely Absent (0% Rate) in Vanuatu
• Personal income tax
• Capital gains tax
• Inheritance tax
• Wealth tax
• Gift tax
• Taxes on the repatriation of profits
• Corporate tax for international companies registered in Vanuatu
• Annual property tax

The primary tax is a 12.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) applied to most domestic goods and services. Certain government administrative fees and customs duties may also apply. Thanks to this highly favorable environment, Vanuatu is widely regarded as an optimal jurisdiction for conducting international business and protecting personal assets.

Permanent Residency grants you the right to reside, conduct business, and access government services in Vanuatu. This status is not inheritable but serves as an excellent option for a quick and cost-effective start.

Citizenship provides you with a full second passport. It unlocks true global mobility for visa-free travel and is a lifelong status that can easily be passed down to future generations.

Key Differences Between Permanent Residency and Citizenship


Which Option Should You Choose?

Choose Permanent Residency if you need the fastest and most budget-friendly access to international business services and a reliable second ID. It is currently the most accessible way to establish a legal foothold abroad.

Choose Citizenship if you are ready to make a financial investment in exchange for maximum privileges. This includes a powerful second passport, extensive visa-free travel opportunities, and a secure status that protects your family for generations.

To secure Vanuatu Permanent Residency, you simply need to compile a basic document package and pay a set fee.

The process is entirely remote and remarkably fast. It takes only 10 days, requires minimal paperwork, and involves absolutely no obligation to visit the country in person.

Unlike many other programs, obtaining Vanuatu Permanent Residency does not require buying real estate or investing in government funds. You only pay a fixed administrative fee of $3,900 for a single applicant or $8,900 for an entire family.

Once approved, your Vanuatu Permanent Residency card is valid for 10 years.