Vanuatu Citizenship By Investment: Ultimate Guide 2025

What is the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program?

The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program offers one of the fastest and most straightforward paths to second citizenship anywhere in the world. Launched in its current form in 2017, the program grants full legal citizenship to foreign nationals who make a government-approved financial contribution — with processing times as short as 30 to 60 days.

This is not a residence permit or temporary status. It is full lifetime citizenship, granted under Vanuatu’s national law, with a biometric passport and the ability to pass citizenship to future generations.

Vanuatu is a peaceful, tax-friendly island nation in the South Pacific, made up of 80+ islands and governed as a parliamentary democracy. Its citizenship program is built on speed, simplicity, and international recognition — with no requirement to relocate, renounce your current nationality, or pass any language test.

Whether you’re looking for global mobility, a tax-free base, or a reliable Plan B, the Vanuatu CBI program is an efficient and discreet way to secure second citizenship — with one of the world’s shortest approval timelines.

Why Choose Vanuatu?

Vanuatu offers one of the fastest and most discreet citizenship programs available today — with approvals in as little as 30 days and full passports typically issued within 6 to 8 weeks. For investors seeking speed, simplicity, and global access, Vanuatu stands out.

As a Commonwealth country, Vanuatu grants its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 90 countries, including the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, and many in the Caribbean and Pacific regions. While it does not currently include the Schengen Zone, it remains one of the most accessible and cost-effective options for a second citizenship with global utility.

The application process is remote, confidential, and legally guaranteed by Vanuatu’s Constitution. There are no interviews, no language exams, no residency obligations, and no requirement to travel. All documents are processed through the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission, and decisions are typically delivered within a month.

Vanuatu is also a tax-friendly jurisdiction, with no personal income tax, wealth tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax. For entrepreneurs, global nomads, and privacy-focused individuals, it offers a compelling offshore lifestyle option.

Whether you’re planning for mobility, legacy, or personal freedom, Vanuatu delivers a high-speed, low-friction pathway to legitimate second citizenship — backed by a sovereign government in a peaceful and independent Pacific nation.

What You Get with Vanuatu Citizenship

Vanuatu citizenship offers more than just a second passport — it provides legal status, international mobility, and long-term peace of mind. Once approved, you receive full citizenship under the Vanuatu Citizenship Act, with the same rights as any native-born citizen, except for voting or running for public office.

You are issued a biometric Vanuatu passport, valid for 5 years and renewable, along with a Certificate of Naturalization confirming your legal status. Citizenship is granted for life and can typically be passed down to your children.

The passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 90 countries, including:

• The United Kingdom

• Hong Kong

• Singapore

• Malaysia

• Caribbean and Pacific nations

There is no requirement to relocate, reside, or even visit Vanuatu. The entire process can be completed remotely, with no interview, language test, or military service required.

Citizenship also comes with access to Vanuatu’s tax-neutral environment, where there are:

• No income taxes

• No inheritance or estate taxes

• No capital gains taxes

Whether you are securing a strategic Plan B, enhancing your global travel access, or planning for asset protection, Vanuatu offers a fast and legitimate path to citizenship — recognized, respected, and ready to use.

Investment Options and Costs

Vanuatu offers a single, straightforward route to citizenship: a non-refundable financial contribution to the country’s national development fund, known as the Development Support Program (DSP).

There are no real estate, bond, or business investment options. This simplicity is part of what makes Vanuatu’s program one of the fastest and easiest in the world.

Development Support Program (DSP)

Applicants obtain citizenship by making a one-time donation to the government fund. The required amount depends on the number of people included in the application:

• $130,000 USD — Single applicant

• $150,000 USD — Married couple

• $165,000 USD — Couple with one child

• $180,000 USD — Family of four

• +$25,000 USD — For each additional dependent

This contribution goes directly to Vanuatu’s treasury to support national development projects, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Additional Costs

Applicants should also budget for:

• Due diligence checks: approx. $5,000 USD per adult

• Government application and processing fees

• Passport issuance and delivery fees

• Legal and facilitation fees, depending on the service provider

There is no requirement to purchase property, open a local business, or maintain assets in the country. The entire process is designed to be fast, clean, and remote-friendly.

Vanuatu remains one of the most cost-effective, legally sound, and speed-oriented options for securing second citizenship through direct financial contribution.

Who Is Eligible for Vanuatu Citizenship

Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment Program is open to most nationalities and offers a streamlined, no-residency path to second citizenship. The requirements are clear, and the process is designed for speed, discretion, and legal certainty.

You do not need to speak the local language, relocate, or renounce your current citizenship. The government allows dual nationality, and there are no nationality-based restrictions for most applicants.

Basic Criteria

To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Hold a valid passport from a recognized country

• Have no criminal record and pass international due diligence

• Be in good health

• Make the required non-refundable contribution

• Show proof of funds of at least $250,000 USD in net assets

You must also be deemed of good character and not be listed on any international sanctions or watchlists. Politically exposed persons (PEPs) may be subject to additional scrutiny.

Family Members You Can Include

The Vanuatu program allows a wide range of dependents to be included under a single application:

• Spouse

• Children under 18

• Dependent children under 25 if enrolled full-time in education

• Dependent parents aged 50 or older

Each dependent included receives full citizenship and a passport, with no additional residency or language requirements.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment process is known for its speed, simplicity, and remote accessibility. With no travel or residency required, the entire application can be completed from abroad — typically in 4 to 8 weeks.

At Havenbach, we guide you through each step, ensuring your application is fully compliant and professionally submitted.

Step 1: Pre-Approval and Initial Screening

You submit a copy of your passport and basic background information. A pre-screening is done to confirm eligibility, and a non-refundable due diligence fee is paid.

Step 2: Document Preparation

We help you gather the required documents, including police clearance, medical forms, proof of funds, and certified identity documents for all applicants. All forms are submitted to the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission through licensed channels.

Step 3: Donation Payment

Once your application is conditionally approved, you transfer the full donation amount to the government’s designated account. This must be completed before the citizenship certificate and passport are issued.

Step 4: Approval and Citizenship Issuance

After funds are received, the Citizenship Commission issues your Certificate of Naturalization and processes your Vanuatu passports. These are typically delivered by secure international courier.

The entire process is handled confidentially, with no travel required, no residency obligations, and no interviews. From start to finish, your application can be completed in under two months with the right support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the process take?

Most applicants receive full citizenship and a passport within 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how quickly documents are submitted and payments are made.

Do I need to visit or live in Vanuatu?

No. The entire process is fully remote. You are not required to visit, relocate, or establish residence in Vanuatu at any point.

Can I include my family?

Yes. You can include your spouse, children under 25, and dependent parents in a single application. Each receives full citizenship and a Vanuatu passport.

Is this full legal citizenship?

Yes. You receive lifetime citizenship, a Certificate of Naturalization, and a biometric passport issued by the Vanuatu government. It is not honorary or symbolic.

Does Vanuatu allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Vanuatu permits dual nationality, and you are not required to give up your existing citizenship.

Are there any taxes in Vanuatu?

Vanuatu is a tax-friendly jurisdiction. There is no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no wealth tax for individuals.

Will my citizenship be published?

No. Vanuatu does not publicly disclose the names of new citizens. The process is handled confidentially by licensed agents and the Citizenship Commission.