Frequently Asked Questions

Vanuatu citizenship by investment (CBI) is a government-approved programme that allows foreign nationals to obtain full Vanuatu citizenship and a passport in exchange for a qualifying investment. The programme was established under Vanuatu's Citizenship Act and has been operational since 2017. There are currently two investment pathways: the Development Support Program (DSP) and the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP). Both grant identical citizenship rights, including a 10-year renewable passport and visa-free travel to 118+ countries.

Yes, absolutely. Vanuatu's CBI programme is fully legislated, government-administered, and internationally recognised. The programme is overseen by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission and all applicants undergo thorough due diligence by the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Vanuatu is a sovereign nation and member of the Commonwealth, the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the Pacific Islands Forum. Thousands of individuals and families have successfully obtained citizenship through this programme since 2017.

The minimum investment depends on the programme and your family size:

DSP Programme: $130,000 (single), $150,000 (couple), $180,000 (family of 4), plus $15,000 per additional dependent.

CIIP Programme: $165,000 (single or family of 4), plus $25,000 per additional dependent. Includes a $50,000 fund unit redeemable after 5 years.

Additional fees include due diligence ($5,500/person), document processing (~$3,500/person), and biometric enrolment ($1,000-$3,000/person depending on location). See our complete cost breakdown for full details.

The entire process from complete application submission to passport issuance typically takes 45 to 60 days. Initial approval from the Citizenship Commission is usually received within 14 business days. This makes Vanuatu the fastest citizenship by investment programme in the world — significantly faster than Caribbean programmes (3-6 months) or European programmes (6-12 months).

A Vanuatu passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 118+ countries and territories. Key destinations include the United Kingdom (6 months), Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Russia, Philippines, Indonesia, and all Commonwealth Pacific nations. Vanuatu citizens are also eligible for 5-year US B-1/B-2 visitor visas. Important note: As of December 2024, Vanuatu was removed from the EU/Schengen visa-exempt list, so a Schengen visa is now required for European travel. See our benefits page for the full country list.

Yes, Vanuatu fully recognises and permits dual (or multiple) citizenship. You are not required to renounce your existing nationality or nationalities when obtaining Vanuatu citizenship. This means you can hold your Vanuatu passport alongside passports from any other country. Your home country's dual citizenship policies may vary, so we recommend checking your own country's rules as well.

No. There is absolutely no residency requirement for Vanuatu citizenship obtained through investment. You can continue living anywhere in the world. The only in-person requirement is a single biometric enrolment appointment, which can be completed in Vanuatu, Dubai, or at other authorised locations. You do not need to visit Vanuatu to maintain or renew your citizenship or passport.

Yes. Both the DSP and CIIP programmes allow you to include family members on a single application. Eligible dependents include: your spouse, children under 18 (automatically eligible), children aged 18-25 (if financially dependent or enrolled in full-time education), and parents aged 50+ (if financially dependent and living with the main applicant). All included family members receive full Vanuatu citizenship and their own passports.

To qualify for Vanuatu citizenship by investment, you must meet these criteria:

• Be between 18 and 65 years of age

• Have a clean criminal record

• Demonstrate a minimum net worth of $250,000 USD

• Provide legitimate source of funds documentation

• Be in good health

• Not be a citizen of Syria, Yemen, North Korea, Iran, or Iraq (exception applies for those who have resided outside these countries for 5+ years)

Stateless persons may also be eligible under certain conditions.

Vanuatu is one of the world's premier tax-neutral jurisdictions. There is no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no wealth tax, no inheritance or estate tax, and no tax on dividends or interest. International Business Companies (IBCs) enjoy zero corporate taxes for 20 years with an annual fee of just $300. Vanuatu does have a 15% VAT on goods and services consumed within the country, but this does not affect most CBI citizens who reside elsewhere.

Yes. The Vanuatu passport is issued with a 10-year validity period and can be renewed indefinitely. Your citizenship is permanent and for life — it cannot be revoked except in cases of fraud or misrepresentation. Passport renewal is a straightforward administrative process. Your citizenship can also be passed to future generations born after your naturalisation.

Both programmes grant identical citizenship rights and passports. The key differences are in the investment structure: The DSP requires a non-refundable contribution starting at $130,000 (single) and is best for single applicants or couples. The CIIP costs $165,000 for a single applicant or family of up to 4, and includes a $50,000 redeemable fund unit returned after 5 years — making the effective net cost $115,000. The CIIP is often better value for families. See our detailed programme comparison.

Since August 2024, a single in-person visit is required for biometric enrolment and the Oath of Allegiance ceremony. However, this appointment can be completed not only in Vanuatu (Port Vila) but also in Dubai or at other authorised consular locations. The appointment typically takes one day. After that, your passport can be delivered to your address anywhere in the world.

Yes. A Vanuatu passport is a legitimate, internationally recognised travel and identification document. You can use it to open bank accounts in Vanuatu and many other jurisdictions around the world. Vanuatu also offers a favourable environment for international banking, with several licensed banks serving non-resident clients. Many CBI citizens use their Vanuatu citizenship as part of a broader international banking and business strategy.