VANUATU CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT
As a trusted advisor in global mobility solutions, Global Investments provides impartial counsel to high-net-worth individuals and families exploring second citizenship options. The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, encompassing the Development Support Program (DSP) and Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), established in 2017, represents one of the fastest and most affordable pathways to acquiring full citizenship through economic contribution. This initiative not only facilitates enhanced international travel and tax planning but also supports the nation's priorities in infrastructure, education, and sustainable tourism. For those evaluating Pacific-based programs, Vanuatu stands out for its remote processing, zero residency requirement, and tax-neutral environment, offering a serene escape with practical global utility.
As of November 3, 2025, the program remains a frontrunner for speed, with over 10,000 successful applications processed historically. Recent enhancements ensure compliance with international standards, maintaining its appeal amid regional competition. We encourage prospective clients to assess this option within the context of their broader financial and lifestyle objectives, potentially securing approval within 1-2 months.
WHY CHOOSE VANUATU CBI?
In an increasingly interconnected world, second citizenship serves as a strategic tool for risk diversification, business expansion, and family security. Vanuatu, a sovereign archipelago of 83 islands in the South Pacific, offers a compelling case for such planning. As a member of the Commonwealth, Melanesian Spearhead Group, and WTO, it provides a stable political environment, Bislama and English as official languages, and a resilient economy driven by tourism, agriculture, and offshore finance. The CBI Programme aligns with these strengths, enabling investors to contribute meaningfully while gaining a passport ranked 57th globally for mobility—visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 90 destinations, including the Schengen Area (via eTA), the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia.
From a consultative perspective, this program appeals to entrepreneurs seeking a quick tax haven, retirees prioritizing a tropical idyll with volcanic beaches, and families valuing educational opportunities in a peaceful, English-speaking nation. The absence of worldwide income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes further enhances its attractiveness for wealth preservation. Moreover, the program's emphasis on development contributions—directing funds toward national resilience—resonates with clients committed to ethical investment.
Enhanced Global Mobility: Streamlined travel without the uncertainties of visa applications, fostering opportunities in business and leisure, with Schengen eTA access.
Tax Optimization: A jurisdiction with no personal income tax on foreign earnings, ideal for international portfolios and asset protection.
Family-Centric Design: Comprehensive inclusion provisions that extend to extended relatives, promoting intergenerational security.
Minimal Residency Obligation: No mandatory stay required to obtain or maintain citizenship, allowing full remote flexibility.
Economic Alignment: Contributions that bolster local growth, offering indirect benefits through a thriving eco-tourism ecosystem.
Clients often inquire about comparative advantages; relative to other CBI programs, Vanuatu's 1-2 month processing and $130,000 entry provide unmatched speed and affordability, making it a prudent starting point for due diligence.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT SETS VANUATU APART FROM OTHER CBI PROGRAMS?
Vanuatu's CBI excels in speed (1-2 months) and affordability ($130,000), with remote biometrics and visa-free to 90+ including Schengen eTA—perfect for urgent, low-commitment mobility.
KEY BENEFITS
The value of Vanuatu citizenship extends beyond immediate acquisition, offering enduring advantages in mobility, fiscal strategy, and quality of life. From our experience advising clients, these benefits often manifest in tangible ways: smoother international relocations, diversified asset protection, and access to exclusive networks.
Superior Travel Privileges: Visa-free entry to 90 countries, encompassing Schengen eTA (90 days/180), the UK (6 months), Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, and Fiji—enhancing both personal and professional horizons.
Fiscal Neutrality: Exemption from taxes on global income, capital gains, inheritance, and wealth, providing a neutral base for international holdings without domicile obligations.
Lifestyle Integration: Freedom to reside, work, and study in Vanuatu or leverage Pacific synergies, complemented by coral reefs, volcanic hikes, and international schools.
Hereditary Security: Citizenship transferable to descendants, ensuring long-term family stability.
Remote Efficiency: Fully digital process with mobile biometrics, ideal for globetrotters.
Commercial Leverage: Entry to Pacific markets, bolstered by an English-speaking, business-friendly locale with offshore banking perks.
In essence, this citizenship acts as a contingency framework, particularly valuable amid geopolitical shifts.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS
Selecting the appropriate investment route is a critical decision in any CBI application, warranting careful evaluation of liquidity, risk, and alignment with personal goals. The Vanuatu Program offers two principal pathways, each vetted for compliance and impact. All investments are executed post-approval to mitigate risks, and we advise clients to engage independent valuations for transparency. Minimum thresholds, steady at USD 130,000 since 2024, ensure accessibility while funding national priorities.
Option | Minimum Investment | Details |
Development Support Program (DSP) Donation | USD 130,000 (single); USD 150,000 (couple); USD 165,000+ (family of 3+) | A non-refundable contribution to government-approved projects in infrastructure, health, or education. This option is favored for its simplicity and speed, requiring no ongoing management and enabling fully remote applications. |
Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) Real Estate | USD 200,000+ | Acquisition of approved property in tourism developments, held for five years. This route offers potential rental yields of 4-6% annually and capital appreciation in a recovering Pacific market, with resale options post-hold. |
In practice, the DSP route suits those prioritizing expediency, while CIIP appeals to property enthusiasts. We recommend modeling scenarios based on your portfolio to optimize returns and compliance.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT SETS VANUATU APART FROM OTHER CBI PROGRAMS?
Vanuatu's CBI excels in speed (1-2 months) and affordability ($130,000), with remote biometrics and visa-free to 90+ including Schengen eTA—perfect for urgent, low-commitment mobility.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Navigating the CBI application demands precision and foresight; at Global Investments, we facilitate this through structured support, minimizing administrative burdens. The end-to-end timeline averages 1-2 months, contingent on document completeness and due diligence outcomes. We advocate for early engagement with authorized agents to align with submission windows. Direct applications are not permitted; all must proceed via licensed representatives.
Preliminary Consultation: Evaluate eligibility and select an investment option, incorporating personalized risk assessments.
Documentation Assembly: Compile passports, financial proofs, medical reports, and police clearances—translated as needed.
Submission and Due Diligence: Lodge via the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission; expect comprehensive background verification.
Biometrics Capture: Completed remotely via secure app for fingerprints and photos.
In-Principle Approval: Issued within 10-30 days; proceed with investment transfer.
Oath of Allegiance: Administered virtually or at an embassy.
Passport Issuance: Naturalization certificate and passports delivered, with biometric enrollment.
This phased approach ensures compliance while allowing iterative refinements.
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for the Vanuatu CBI is designed to attract reputable individuals, emphasizing integrity and financial prudence. As consultants, we stress the importance of thorough pre-application screening to avoid delays. The process is inclusive, accommodating diverse family structures, but mandates rigorous due diligence to uphold program standards.
Age Requirement: The principal applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Financial Solvency: Demonstrable proof of lawful wealth sources, including bank statements and asset valuations covering the investment amount.
Health Standards: A medical certificate from an approved practitioner attesting to good health, free from communicable diseases.
Character Assessment: Clean criminal records from all jurisdictions of residence, verified through international databases.
Family Provisions: Inclusion of a spouse, dependent children under 25 (including their spouses and children if applicable), and parents over 50. Additional fees apply for larger families.
Interview Protocol: No mandatory interview; biometrics can be completed remotely via mobile app.
Nationality Considerations: Applicants from high-risk jurisdictions (e.g., Iran, North Korea) face enhanced scrutiny or potential ineligibility.
Dual citizenship is unequivocally permitted, preserving your original nationality. No language proficiency or educational qualifications are required, broadening accessibility. For families, this structure facilitates comprehensive protection, though we counsel on the implications for inheritance and taxation in home countries.
FEES AND ADDITIONAL COSTS
Beyond the core investment, ancillary fees are standardized and non-refundable, designed to cover administrative and security processes. Budgeting accurately is essential; we provide detailed projections to avoid surprises. Fees scale with family size and option.
Due Diligence Fees: USD 5,000-7,500 for the principal; USD 2,000-3,000 per dependent.
Processing Fees: USD 1,000-5,000 based on family size.
Application Fees: USD 300 per applicant.
Passport and Naturalization: USD 250-350 per passport; USD 500 per certificate.
Post-Approval Fees: USD 1,000 for oath and delivery.
Additional Dependent Fees: USD 15,000 spouse; USD 10,000 per child; USD 15,000 per parent.
For a standard family of four via DSP, expect USD 20,000-30,000 in extras. Legal and advisory services, while variable, typically range USD 5,000-10,000 for comprehensive handling.
Beyond the core investment, ancillary fees are standardized and non-refundable, designed to cover administrative and security processes. Budgeting accurately is essential; we provide detailed projections to avoid surprises.
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Due Diligence Fees: USD 7,500 for the principal; USD 5,000 for spouse; USD 4,000 for dependents 18+; USD 2,000 for ages 16-17.
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Processing Fees: USD 10,000-20,000, scaled by family size and investment type.
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Interview Costs: USD 1,500 per person aged 12 and over.
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Passport and Naturalization: USD 300 per passport; additional for certificates.
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Courier and Miscellaneous: Approximately USD 300 per applicant for secure delivery.
For a standard family of four, expect USD 20,000-50,000 in extras. Legal and advisory services, while variable, typically range USD 10,000-25,000 for comprehensive handling.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT IS THE TYPICAL PROCESSING TIMELINE?
From full submission to passport in hand, the process spans 1-2 months, with remote biometrics accelerating approvals for most cases.
RECENT UPDATES (2025)
The Vanuatu CBI Programme evolves in response to global standards, with key adjustments in 2025 reinforcing its credibility. In February 2025, the government streamlined biometrics to a fully mobile app-based system, reducing processing to as little as 30 days for 80% of applications and enhancing remote accessibility. This follows a 2024 temporary suspension resolved by mid-year, with no quotas imposed since. Minimum investments hold at USD 130,000 for DSP, supporting a 20% application surge year-over-year from Asian and European investors.
The passport's Henley Index ranking improved to 57th with 90 mobility points, reflecting new eTA agreements for Schengen and UK. No residency mandates apply, preserving its appeal for busy professionals. Prospective applicants should monitor Citizenship Commission announcements; we assist in navigating these transitions to ensure seamless compliance.
READY TO EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS?
Acquiring citizenship or residence through investment is a profound step, meriting deliberate consideration of its multifaceted implications. At Global Investments, our role is to offer objective, expert guidance tailored to your circumstances—whether through initial assessments or full application management. We invite you to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss how the our programs align with your aspirations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
To address common inquiries, we have curated these insights based on client consultations and program documentation:
What is the minimum investment for Vanuatu CBI? The baseline is USD 130,000 via DSP donation for singles; families start at USD 150,000 with add-ons.
How long does the full application process take? Approximately 1-2 months, influenced by due diligence and remote biometrics efficiency.
What residency requirements apply post-citizenship? None required to obtain or maintain citizenship, offering complete flexibility.
Which family members can be included? Spouses, children under 25, and parents over 50 qualify, subject to dependency proofs and fees.
What tax advantages does the program offer? No impositions on foreign-sourced income, capital gains, or inheritance, rendering it a prime tax haven.
Does it permit dual citizenship, and what travel benefits follow? Yes, without restrictions; the passport enables visa-free access to 90 destinations, including Schengen eTA and UK.
Are there eligibility restrictions based on nationality? While open to most, enhanced due diligence applies to applicants from high-risk countries like Iran.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Program details are subject to governmental changes; always verify with official sources and qualified professionals.