CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT

Vanuatu

Vanuatu is an archipelago located in the South Pacific Ocean, consisting of 83 islands. It is known for its natural beauty, offering lush rainforests, stunning beaches, active volcanoes, and vibrant coral reefs. The capital, Port Vila, is on the island of Efate and serves as the country’s main economic and cultural hub.

The nation has a population of about 300,000 people and is known for its friendly locals, often referred to as some of the happiest people in the world. English, French, and Bislama (a form of Pidgin English) are the official languages. Vanuatu has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it a popular destination for tourists, especially those seeking adventure activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and trekking.

More About Vanuatu Citizenship By Investment

Vanuatu’s culture is deeply rooted in its Melanesian heritage, with strong connections to its history, local customs, and traditions. Despite being a small nation, the country is home to diverse ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions, ceremonies, and dialects. Traditional music, dance, and storytelling play a central role in Vanuatu’s cultural identity, and “kastom” (customary laws and beliefs) remains an important aspect of community life.

  • Population: 300,000
  • Language: Bislama, English, and French
  • Economy: Vanuatu’s economy is largely driven by three sectors: agriculture, tourism, and offshore financial services.
  • Currency: Vanuatu Vatu (VUV), US Dollars

The people of Vanuatu, known as Ni-Vanuatu, are often regarded as some of the friendliest in the world. The country’s sense of community and collective living are deeply ingrained in the social fabric. Festivals and ceremonies like weddings, funerals, and harvest festivals are celebrated with elaborate rituals, feasting, and performances.

One of the most famous cultural traditions is the annual land diving ritual on Pentecost Island, where men leap from tall wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles. This practice is believed to bring a bountiful yam harvest and is considered a precursor to modern-day bungee jumping.

Vanuatu offers a Citizenship by Investment program, providing an opportunity for individuals to acquire citizenship and a Vanuatu passport through an investment in the country’s economy. This program is designed to attract foreign investors while helping to stimulate the nation’s development.

Investment

Minimum investment of $130,000

Processing Time

2-3 MONTHS

Key Benefit

Visa free travel to 114 countries

Benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

No Residency Requirements

Vanuatu’s citizenship application process does not require any minimum physical stay or residency period for approval.

Vanuatu offers significant tax benefits, including no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no withholding tax.

Live in a serene, unspoiled environment with easy access to Australia and New Zealand.

Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment program features the lowest upfront contribution requirement when compared to other similar programs.

Vanuatu CBI Program Requirement

To be eligible for citizenship, the primary applicant must be at least 18 years old, satisfy the application criteria, and choose from one of the following four available options:
Option 1: Contribute to the Development Support Program (DSP)

The initial option for Citizenship by Investment involves a contribution of $130,000. If applying as a family of four, this amount rises to $180,000. Additionally, there is a fee of $5,000 for the Financial Intelligence Unit check, along with a $2,000 administration fee for each individual.

As an alternative, you can invest $155,000 in the CIIP. This amount remains consistent for both individual applicants and families of four. However, for each additional dependent, there is an extra fee of $25,000. Additionally, a non-refundable Due Diligence and Administration Fee of $5,000 applies to cover all individuals listed on the application.

Application Procedure and Time Frame

Onboarding Process
MONTH 1

We begin the Vanuatu citizenship program process with Form 1, allowing us to conduct the initial due diligence through the Oneworld Alliance Network, part of the Latitude Group. Once the screening is successfully completed, we will present you with a Client Agreement (CA) for your review and signature.

After we receive the signed agreement and retainer payment, our case processing team will handle all necessary government forms and supporting documents for the Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP). The Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) will also perform its own due diligence before issuing an Approval in Principle.

Review and Submission of Your Application
MONTH 2

Before submitting your documents, we conduct a thorough review of your Vanuatu citizenship program application to ensure that it meets the requirements of the Development Support Program (DSP). Our case processing team will perform final checks before submitting the necessary forms.

We will maintain close collaboration with the Citizenship Unit throughout the process to ensure that your application is processed promptly and efficiently.

Passport Issued
MONTH 3

Once your application for the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program is approved, you must make the required contributions and pay any applicable government fees. Following this, you will take an oath of allegiance and receive your passport at the nearest Vanuatu mission.

Frequently Asked Questions for Vanuatu Citizenship By Investment Program

What is the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program?

The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program allows individuals to obtain citizenship in Vanuatu through financial contributions to the country’s development projects. It offers a pathway for foreign investors and their families to gain Vanuatu citizenship without the need for long-term residency.

There are two main investment options available:

  • Development Support Program (DSP): A contribution of $130,000 for a single applicant or $180,000 for a family of four, with additional fees for background checks and administration.
  • Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP): An investment of $155,000, which remains the same for individuals and families of four, with an additional fee of $25,000 for each additional dependent.

No, there are no minimum stay requirements to apply for or obtain Vanuatu citizenship. Applicants can process their citizenship applications without needing to reside in the country.

Vanuatu citizenship offers numerous benefits, including:

  • No personal income tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax, making it a tax-friendly jurisdiction.
  • The ability to pass citizenship down to future generations

The processing time for the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program can vary but typically takes around 2 to 3 months from the submission of the application to the issuance of citizenship, provided that all documents are in order and the application meets the necessary requirements.