Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

The Vanuatu citizenship by investment program grants direct citizenship and a passport in a matter of weeks. There is no residency requirement, no interview, and no language test. Below are answers to the most common questions we receive.

What is the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program?

Vanuatu's citizenship by investment program is a government-run pathway that grants full citizenship and a Vanuatu passport to foreign nationals who make a qualifying financial contribution to the country. The program has been active since 2017 and is administered by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission, operating under the Citizenship Act (Cap 112).

There are currently two main routes: the Development Support Program (DSP) and the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP). Both result in full Vanuatu citizenship and a passport. The difference is in how much you pay upfront and whether part of your contribution is refundable.

Vanuatu is the only country in the Asia-Pacific region with a citizenship by investment program. Most applicants receive their citizenship certificate and passport within 30 to 60 days of submitting a complete application.

The official government website for the program is https://vancitizenship.gov.vu/.

How much does Vanuatu citizenship by investment cost?

The cost depends on which program route you choose and how many family members are included in your application.

Under the DSP (Development Support Program):

The contribution is a non-refundable donation to the Vanuatu government's national development fund. For a single applicant, this is USD 130,000. For a family of up to four (a principal applicant, a spouse, and two dependent children), the total is USD 180,000. There is also a non-refundable due diligence fee of USD 5,000, paid at the time of application.

Under the CIIP (Capital Investment Immigration Plan):

The CIIP requires a total contribution of USD 165,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four. USD 50,000 is directed into the Cocoa Sustainable Fund (CSF), a government-approved agricultural investment vehicle. After four years, you can redeem that USD 50,000, bringing the net cost to USD 115,000 if you can wait for the refund. The due diligence fee for CIIP applications is USD 8,000.

In addition to the program contribution, applicants should budget for biometric enrollment fees (covered in a separate question below), legal and agent fees, and passport application costs.

What is the difference between the DSP and the CIIP?

Both programs lead to the same result: full Vanuatu citizenship and a passport. The differences come down to cost structure.

The DSP is straightforward: a one-time, non-refundable donation that covers your entire financial commitment. It has been running since 2017.

The CIIP, launched in 2023, is different. Part of your contribution (USD 50,000) goes into the Cocoa Sustainable Fund to support Vanuatu's agricultural sector. You receive that money back after four years, so your long-term cost is lower even though the upfront cost is higher.

For a single applicant, the DSP costs USD 130,000 while the CIIP costs USD 115,000 after the refund. For families of up to four, the CIIP costs USD 165,000 with USD 50,000 refundable, compared to USD 180,000 fully non-refundable under the DSP.

Choose DSP if you prefer simplicity and a lower upfront cost. Choose CIIP if you want to minimize total cost and can wait four years for the refund.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Applicants must meet these requirements:

• Be between 18 and 65 years old
• Have a clean criminal record, supported by a current police clearance certificate
• Not have been denied a visa by any country with which Vanuatu has a visa-free agreement
• Demonstrate a personal or combined net worth of at least USD 250,000

Nationals of Syria, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and Yemen are restricted from applying unless they qualify for specific exceptions outlined by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission.

Your application undergoes an FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit) probity check, a criminal record and background investigation that is standard for all applicants.

How long does it take to get Vanuatu citizenship?

From submission of a complete application, most applicants receive their citizenship certificate within 30 to 60 days. The full timeline from document preparation to passport in hand typically takes two to three months, depending on how quickly you gather documents and complete biometric enrollment.

The process includes these stages:

Stage 1: You submit your application and pay the initial due diligence fee (USD 5,000 for DSP or USD 8,000 for CIIP). Your application undergoes an FIU pre-approval review.

Stage 2: After pre-approval, you attend a meeting and receive approval in principle. You then pay the full program contribution. The FIU conducts a probity check (criminal record and background verification).

Citizenship oath ceremony: Once approved, you sign the Oath of Allegiance, swearing faithfulness to the President and the Republic of Vanuatu under the Citizenship Act (Cap 112). This is done remotely: you sign the oath form, scan it, and present it during a virtual meeting.

Passport issuance: After your citizenship certificate is issued, your civil status registration is completed (including a Vanuatu birth registration certificate and national ID card). Your biometric data is then collected, and your passport is printed in Vanuatu and shipped to you by secure courier.

What is the biometric passport process?

As of 2025, Vanuatu issues biometric passports that comply with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) international border regulations. The e-passport includes an RFID chip containing your fingerprints, photograph, and facial recognition data.

Manual passport applications are no longer accepted. Every applicant, regardless of age, must attend an in-person biometric enrollment appointment.

The biometric passport process works as follows:

After your citizenship certificate is issued, your civil status registration is completed and you receive a Vanuatu birth registration certificate and national ID card. Your authorized agent then completes the biometrics registration form and submits it to the Vanuatu Passport Office with your citizenship certificate, birth registration certificate, national ID card, FIU probity clearance, police clearance certificate, and a copy of your original passport.

An appointment is then scheduled for your biometric data collection. You must attend in person at one of the designated enrollment centers. Once your biometrics are captured and verified, your passport is printed in Vanuatu and collected by your agent for secure courier delivery to your address.

Where can I complete biometric enrollment?

There are currently four locations where you can complete biometric enrollment for your Vanuatu passport:

Port Vila, Vanuatu, at the Vanuatu Immigration Service and Passport Office. This is the main enrollment center.

Hong Kong, at the Vanuatu Consulate Office.

Dubai, UAE, at the Vanuatu Consulate Office.

New Caledonia, at the Vanuatu Consulate Office.

You do not need to travel to Vanuatu itself. Most of our clients complete their biometric enrollment at the Hong Kong or Dubai consulate, whichever is more convenient for their location.

The Vanuatu government is considering additional enrollment locations and may offer a mobile biometric unit option at an additional cost.

How much does biometric enrollment cost?

Biometric enrollment fees are separate from the main citizenship program contribution.

The passport application fee is VUV 100,000 per person, which is paid by your agent at the Vanuatu government cashier on your behalf.

The biometric enrollment fee is paid directly by you at the consulate or enrollment office where you attend your appointment. This is USD 1,000 for the principal applicant and USD 800 per dependent.

These fees are not included in the standard citizenship application costs, so factor them into your overall budget when planning your application.

Can I include my family in the application?

Yes. The Vanuatu citizenship by investment program allows you to include your spouse and dependent children in a single application. Children must be financially dependent on the principal applicant and under 25 years of age.

Under the DSP, a family of up to four is covered by the USD 180,000 contribution. Under the CIIP, a family of up to four is covered by the USD 165,000 contribution (with USD 50,000 refundable after four years). Additional dependents beyond four family members may incur extra fees.

Every family member included in the application, including children of any age, must complete biometric enrollment in person at one of the designated centers.

Can citizenship be passed down to my future generations?

Yes. Vanuatu citizenship obtained through the investment program is full citizenship with no restrictions on inheritance. Your children and their children can hold Vanuatu citizenship and pass it on.

Does Vanuatu allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Vanuatu permits dual citizenship. You do not need to renounce your current nationality, and Vanuatu does not notify your home country of your new citizenship. This allows you to maintain your existing citizenship while holding a Vanuatu passport.

Do I need to visit Vanuatu?

No. The application, review, approval, and oath ceremony are all done remotely.

You do need to attend an in-person biometric enrollment appointment at one of four locations: Port Vila (Vanuatu), Hong Kong, Dubai, or New Caledonia. Most applicants choose Hong Kong or Dubai.

There is no residency requirement. You do not need to live in Vanuatu or maintain any physical presence in the country. Your citizenship remains valid regardless of where you live.

What is the Oath of Allegiance?

The Oath of Allegiance is a formal requirement under the Vanuatu Citizenship Act (Cap 112). Every new citizen must swear (or solemnly affirm) faithfulness and true allegiance to the President and the Republic of Vanuatu.

In practice, this is handled simply. Your agent provides you with the official oath form issued by the Citizenship Office and Commission. You sign the form, scan it, and present it during your citizenship ceremony meeting. You do not need to travel to Vanuatu for this step.

Which countries can I travel to with a Vanuatu passport?

A Vanuatu passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 100 countries and territories. The exact number varies depending on the source and how they count visa-on-arrival, electronic travel authorization (eTA), and e-visa destinations.

Key visa-free destinations include Singapore (30 days), Hong Kong (30 days), the United Kingdom (6 months), and Russia. Access is also available to most countries in Africa, Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean without a pre-arranged visa.

An important note on European access: In December 2024, the European Council revoked visa-free access to the Schengen Area for Vanuatu passport holders. This means you now need a visa to visit EU Schengen countries. This was a policy change affecting all Vanuatu citizens, not specific to CBI passport holders. The Vanuatu government has stated it is working to address this, but as of early 2026, the restriction remains in place.

We keep an updated list of visa-free countries on our website. Travel agreements change regularly, so we recommend checking the latest information before planning any trip.

What are the tax benefits of Vanuatu citizenship?

Vanuatu has no personal income tax on locally earned or foreign-sourced income. There is also no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, or wealth tax.

Companies incorporated in Vanuatu are similarly free from income taxes, dividend distribution taxes, capital gains taxes, and withholding taxes.

Vanuatu does levy indirect taxes: a standard VAT rate of 12.5% on goods and services, and taxes on certain property transactions. For individuals and businesses earning income, there is no direct tax burden.

Obtaining Vanuatu citizenship does not change your tax residency automatically. Tax residency depends on where you live and your home country's tax laws. Some countries, including the United States, tax their citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. Seek assistance from an international tax advisor to understand how this affects your specific situation.

Which countries' nationals are restricted from applying?

Vanuatu has restricted nationals of Syria, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and Yemen from applying for citizenship by investment. There are limited exceptions available for nationals of these countries, but eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission.

If you hold citizenship from one of these countries but also hold citizenship or permanent residency from another (non-restricted) country, you may still be eligible. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

Can I change my name as part of the application?

No. It is no longer possible to request a name change within the Vanuatu citizenship by investment process. Your Vanuatu passport and citizenship documents will be issued in the same name that appears on your current passport and supporting documents.

If you need a name change, you would need to complete that process in your home country first and then apply for Vanuatu citizenship using your updated documents.

Is there a real estate investment option?

No. There is currently no real estate investment option that qualifies for the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program. The only qualifying investment routes are the DSP (a non-refundable government contribution) and the CIIP (a contribution with a partially refundable investment component through the Cocoa Sustainable Fund).

Some other citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean offer real estate pathways, but Vanuatu does not. If a real estate option is introduced in the future, we will update this page.

What documents do I need to apply?

Requirements vary by circumstance, but a standard application includes:

• A valid passport
• A police clearance certificate from your country of residence, issued within the last six months
• Proof of net worth of at least USD 250,000 (bank statements, property valuations, investment statements, etc.)
• A completed application form
• Passport-sized photographs meeting ICAO standards
• A marriage certificate (if applying with a spouse)
• Birth certificates for dependent children

After your citizenship is granted and you enter the passport issuance stage, additional documents are generated as part of the civil status registration process, including a Vanuatu birth registration certificate and a national ID card. These are handled by your agent on your behalf.

Your agent will guide you through the full documentation checklist and help ensure everything is in order before submission.

What happens after I receive citizenship?

Once your citizenship is approved, several things happen in sequence.

First, your citizenship certificate is issued and your civil status registration is completed. This results in the issuance of a Vanuatu birth registration certificate and a national ID card.

Second, your agent submits the biometrics registration form and supporting documents to the Passport Office on your behalf. The required fees are paid (VUV 100,000 application fee per person, plus the biometric enrollment fee of USD 1,000 for the principal applicant or USD 800 per dependent).

Third, an appointment for biometric data collection is scheduled at one of the four enrollment centers (Port Vila, Hong Kong, Dubai, or New Caledonia). You attend in person for fingerprint scanning, photographs, and facial recognition capture.

Fourth, once your biometrics are verified, your passport is printed in Vanuatu. Your agent collects it and arranges secure courier delivery to your nominated address.

From citizenship approval to passport in hand, this final stage typically takes a few additional weeks depending on appointment availability and courier timelines.

How long is the Vanuatu passport valid?

The Vanuatu biometric passport is valid for five years from the date of issue. Renewal requires an in-person appointment at one of the designated enrollment centers for biometric data recapture.

Your citizenship itself does not expire. Only the passport document needs periodic renewal.

Do I need to renounce my current citizenship?

No. Vanuatu does not require you to renounce any existing citizenship. You can hold your Vanuatu passport alongside any other passports you currently possess.

Whether your home country allows dual citizenship is a separate matter that depends on their laws. Most countries do, but some (like China and certain Gulf states) have restrictions on dual nationality. Check the rules in your country of origin before applying if this is a concern.

Is the Vanuatu CBI program legitimate?

Yes. The Vanuatu citizenship by investment program is an official government program authorized under the Citizenship Act (Cap 112) and administered by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission. It has been running since 2017 and has granted citizenship to thousands of applicants from around the world.

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) conducts criminal background verification and probity assessments for all applicants.

Vanuatu transitioned to biometric passports that comply with ICAO regulations to strengthen border security and maintain its visa-free travel agreements.

When applying, make sure you work with an authorized agent licensed by the Vanuatu government. Unauthorized agents cannot submit applications and may not have access to the latest program requirements.

What is the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission?

The Vanuatu Citizenship Commission is the government body responsible for overseeing all citizenship by investment applications. It operates under the authority of the Citizenship Act (Cap 112) and works in coordination with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the Vanuatu Immigration and Passport Services, and authorized citizenship agents.

The Commission reviews every application, conducts (or coordinates) due diligence checks, approves or denies applications, and issues citizenship certificates. The Vanuatu Investment Migration Bureau (VIMB) handles certain operational aspects of the process, including civil status registration and passport application logistics.

Can I open a bank account with Vanuatu citizenship?

Yes. As a Vanuatu citizen, you can open personal and business bank accounts in Vanuatu and in other jurisdictions that accept Vanuatu identification documents. Having a second citizenship and passport gives you access to banking systems that may not be available to holders of your original passport alone.

In practice, many of our clients use their Vanuatu citizenship to open accounts in jurisdictions with favorable banking environments. International banks typically require standard KYC (Know Your Customer) documentation: your Vanuatu passport, proof of address, source of funds declaration, and possibly your citizenship certificate.

Keep in mind that banking regulations differ country by country, and some banks may have their own policies regarding CBI passport holders. Your CitizenX advisor can point you toward banks and jurisdictions that are straightforward for Vanuatu citizens.

What happens if my application is denied?

Denials are uncommon but they do occur, typically because of issues uncovered during the FIU probity check or because the applicant does not meet one of the eligibility criteria. Common reasons include a criminal record, a prior visa denial from a Vanuatu visa-free country, or incomplete documentation.

If your application is denied, the program contribution (the main investment amount) is refundable since it is only collected after approval in principle. However, the due diligence fee (USD 5,000 for DSP or USD 8,000 for CIIP) is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

We conduct a preliminary assessment of every client's eligibility before moving forward with a formal application, which helps avoid surprises during the government review stage.