Vanuatu
Vanuatu offers a citizenship route for qualifying applicants who make a contribution under its Development Support Program.
Explore the programVanuatu - CitizenshipProgram overview
Vanuatu offers a citizenship route for qualifying applicants who make a contribution under its Development Support Program.
- Minimum investment
- USD 130,000
- Investment routes
- Development Support Program
The detailed guide below is adapted from the previous site. Check the official source for current fees, timelines and requirements.
Check the official program detailsVanuatu - CitizenshipLegal framework
The Vanuatu Citizenship Law is governed by the Vanuatu Citizenship Act [Cap 112], a statutory framework established by the Parliament of the Republic of Vanuatu in 1980. This Act has undergone amendments in 2013 and twice in 2014 to adapt to evolving legal and economic needs. Under this legislation, the Vanuatu Citizenship Office and Commission (COC) is responsible for granting citizenship, including Honorary Citizenship, to eligible individuals through the Development Support Program (DSP). This program allows foreign nationals to obtain Vanuatu citizenship in exchange for a financial contribution to the nation’s development, offering various benefits, including increased global mobility and access to a peaceful and stable environment.
Vanuatu - CitizenshipProgram benefits
Family applications
Eligible family members may be included in the same application.
Travel access
Passport holders may qualify for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry depending on the destination.
Investment options
The Development Support Program uses a contribution route.
Travel access by region
- Visa-free
- Visa on arrival
- E-visa
- Electronic travel authorization
- Visa required
- Passport country
- No data
These regional lists come from the previous site. Confirm entry rules before travel.
Americas
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Bolivia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Peru
- Suriname
Europe
- Andorra
- Belarus
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Faroe Islands
- Gibraltar
- Greenland
- Ireland
- Kosovo
- Liechtenstein
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Russian Federation
- San Marino
Asia
- Bangladesh Cambodia
- Hong Kong (SAR China)
- Indonesia Laos
- Macao (SAR China)
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka
- Taiwan Timor-Leste
- Uzbekistan
Africa
- Botswana
- Burundi
- Cape Verde Islands
- Comoro Islands
- Egypt
- Eswatini (Swaziland)
- Gambia
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- St. Helena
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- .
Oceania
- Armenia
- Iran
- Israel
- Jordan
- Palestinian Territory
Middle East
- Armenia
- Iran
- Israel
- Jordan
- Palestinian Territory
Caribbean
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Grenada
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
E-Visa
- Djibouti
- Ethiopia
- Lesotho
- Mexico
- Myanmar
- Oman
- Sri Lanka
Vanuatu - CitizenshipApplication process
Pre-screening and document preparation
The process begins with a pre-screening of your passport, and an initial down payment of I Visa Services’ Professional Fees is required to initiate your application. Our dedicated Document Collection Team assists in gathering the required documents for initial approval by the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). At this stage, Government Processing Fees, Due Diligence, and submission fees are payable once your file is ready. Following review, the FIU issues an Approval in Principle, at which point 25% of the Government contribution is paid.
Approval and documents issuance
The Government receives a Due Diligence report and, based on its findings, makes a decision on your application. Upon approval, you are invited to finalize the financial contribution, with the remaining 75% of the Government contribution paid at this stage. Once completed, your Vanuatu passport and citizenship certificates are issued. The final installment of I Visa Services’ professional fee is due. The timeline for citizenship approval may vary based on the due diligence process and case specifics.
Vanuatu - CitizenshipEligibility requirements
Health
The applicant must be in good health and provide a medical certificate to prove it.
Trustworthiness
The applicant must provide evidence of the source of funds used for the investment, have no previous visa rejection from a country with which vanuatu has a visa-free agreement, and have no travel restrictions or sanctions imposed by international organisations.
Age
The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Good Character
The applicant must have a clean criminal record and a good reputation.
Required documents
Stage 1 - pre-approval
- Nomination form.
- Certified copy of all passports held.
- Certified copy of Photo Identity Card.
- An original police record from the applicant’s country of birth, country of citizenship, country of residence (if different), and any country where the applicant has resided for at least one (1) year in the previous ten (10) years, for each applicant sixteen (16) years and older.
- Personal CV with Education and Employment History (Main App + Spouse).
Stage 2 - full document submission
- Nomination Form- Full Documentation.
- An original excerpt of the complete birth record or a certified copy of the full birth certificate with MOFA attestation (i.e., a birth document that includes your parent’s information or a household register, family book, or similar).
- Original Medical Certificate.
- Eight (8) Original passport-size photos.
Additional forms and documents required only from the main applicant
- One original bank reference letter from an internationally recognised bank that is not older than six months.
- An original professional reference that is no more than six months old (e.g., from an attorney, notary public, chartered accountant, or other professional of similar standing).
- One original Employment letter.
- Certified copy of university/college diplomas
- Proof of residence (original utility bill/copy of valid tenancy contract)
Documents required only when married couples apply
- Original excerpt of marriage record or certified copy of marriage certificates with MOFA attestation (if applicable).
- Certified copy of divorce documents with MOFA attestation (if applicable)
Vanuatu - CitizenshipFrequently asked questions
What is the process for obtaining Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment?
To become a citizen of Vanuatu through investment, select a government-authorized firm such as I Visa Services and invest a minimum of $130,000 for economic development and disaster relief. After passing the due diligence check and providing proof of investment, you will receive a naturalization certificate and a request for a passport. Take the oath of allegiance in Vanuatu or invite officials to a suitable location. There are no language or history exams, and the entire process is conducted remotely. Citizenship can be acquired in 1-2 months.
What are the benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment?
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program offers several benefits to investors. One of the most significant benefits is visa-free travel to 98 countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Russia. The program is also the only citizenship program in the Asia-Pacific region. The entire procedure takes place remotely, and investors can obtain Vanuatu citizenship in 1-2 months. Vanuatu citizenship also offers no personal taxation, including no wealth tax, inheritance tax, gift tax, capital gains tax, or income tax. Additionally, the program provides added security in case of a crisis like a pandemic and diversifies assets. The investment amount goes to developing Vanuatu’s economy and fighting against natural disasters.
How can I ensure my investment for Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment is secure?
Vanuatu has reinforced its Due Diligence regulations to mitigate money laundering risks and tax evasion. Therefore, it is essential to collaborate with a reputable and licensed agent for Vanuatu citizenship, such as I Visa Services, a government-approved organization offering this program.