Citizenship By Investment
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
Government-Licensed Advisory by NTL
Programme Highlights
- Minimum Investment: USD 130,000 (single applicant via DSP) or USD 165,000 (CIIP with USD 50,000 refundable)
- Fastest Processing: 1 to 2 months - fastest citizenship programme globally
- Family Inclusion: Spouse, children under 25, and parents 50+ eligible
- No Residency Requirement: 100% remote process - no visit or stay required
- Dual Citizenship: Permitted - no requirement to renounce existing citizenship
- Tax-Free: No personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax
- Asia-Pacific Region: Only citizenship by investment programme in the Asia-Pacific
About Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a sovereign island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, comprising approximately 80 islands of volcanic origin. A member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations, and the World Trade Organization, Vanuatu maintains strong international relationships and is recognized for its business-friendly regulatory environment and territorial tax system.
Location
South Pacific Ocean, 1,750 km east of Australia
Area
12,190 square kilometers across 80 islands
Population
Approximately 300,000
Capital
Port Vila
Official Languages
English, French, Bislama
Currency
Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)
Government
Parliamentary republic
Economy
Tourism, agriculture, offshore financial services
Legal Framework
Governing Legislation
Citizenship Act [CAP 112]
The Citizenship Act provides the foundational legal framework for Vanuatu citizenship, including provisions for naturalization, honorary citizenship, and dual citizenship recognition. The Act was originally enacted in 1980 and has been amended multiple times to strengthen due diligence and programme integrity.
Citizenship (Development Support Program) Regulations Order No. 215 of 2016
These regulations, effective January 1, 2017, established the Development Support Program (DSP) as the legal mechanism for granting honorary citizenship to qualifying investors who make economic contributions to Vanuatu.
Citizenship Amendment Acts (2013-2023)
Multiple amendments have strengthened screening procedures, introduced the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), enhanced due diligence requirements, and formalized dual citizenship recognition for programme participants.
Vanuatu Citizenship Office and Commission
The Citizenship Office and Commission operates under the Office of the Prime Minister and serves as the government authority responsible for receiving, processing, and determining citizenship applications under investment programmes.
Programme History
The Vanuatu citizenship by investment programme was formally launched in 2017 through the Development Support Program, replacing the previous Vanuatu Economic Rehabilitation Program (VERP) which operated from 2015-2016. The programme is recognized as the only citizenship by investment programme in the Asia-Pacific region.
Investment Options
Vanuatu offers three qualifying investment routes for citizenship:
Additional Government Fees
All programme routes require payment of due diligence and processing fees:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Due Diligence Fee | USD 5,000 | Per application (covers main applicant and family) |
| Application Fee | USD 500 | Per application |
| Passport Fee | USD 250 | Per person (biometric passport) |
| Document Processing | USD 1,000+ | Notarization, legalization, apostille, translations |
Total programme cost includes: (1) Investment amount (DSP, CIIP, or Real Estate), (2) Due diligence fee (USD 5,000), (3) Application fee (USD 500), (4) Passport fees (USD 250 per person), (5) Document processing costs (notarization, apostille). Professional advisory fees, legal fees, translation, and attestation costs are not included in government fees and vary based on case complexity.
Eligibility Requirements
Main Applicant Criteria
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Age | Minimum 18 years old |
| Health | Good health with no communicable diseases (medical certificate required) |
| Character | Good character with no serious criminal record |
| Financial Standing | Sufficient lawful funds to complete qualifying investment |
| Source of Funds | Legal and verifiable source of investment funds |
| Residence | No residency requirement - process is 100% remote |
Eligible Dependents
Legally married spouse of main applicant (marriage certificate required)
Biological or legally adopted children under 25 years of age, including unmarried adult children receiving full-time education
Parents or grandparents of main applicant or spouse, aged 50 years or older, who are financially dependent
Ineligible Applicants
- Applicants whose names match entries in Interpol databases will be automatically refused
- Citizens from countries on UN sanctions lists are excluded
- Applicants with serious criminal convictions will be refused
- Applicants who pose security risks or have been involved in activities contrary to public policy will be refused
- Certain nationalities may require enhanced due diligence or proof of 5+ years overseas residency
Programme Benefits
Citizenship Advantages
1 to 2 months processing - fastest citizenship programme in the world.
No requirement to visit or reside in Vanuatu at any stage.
Permitted - no requirement to renounce existing citizenship.
Spouse, children under 25, and parents 50+ eligible in single application.
Territorial tax system - no personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax.
Vanuatu is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
No language tests, education requirements, or interviews.
Only citizenship by investment programme in Asia-Pacific.
Global Mobility
Vanuatu passport holders have visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or electronic visa access to over 100 destinations worldwide, including:
- Europe (Schengen Area): 90 days within 180-day period visa-free access to 27 European countries
- United Kingdom: 6 months visa-free access
- Singapore: 30 days visa-free access
- Hong Kong: 90 days visa-free access
- Russia: 90 days visa-free access
- Malaysia: 30 days visa-free access
Vanuatu passport holders can apply for renewable visitor visas for Australia and New Zealand.
Note: Visa-free access policies are subject to change by destination countries. Applicants should verify current visa requirements before travel.
Tax Advantages
Territorial Tax System: Vanuatu operates a territorial tax system with extensive tax benefits:
No taxation on worldwide income for individuals.
No tax on capital gains from investments or asset sales.
No estate duty, inheritance tax, or succession tax.
No taxation on net worth or asset holdings.
No withholding tax on dividends, interest, or royalties.
Companies incorporated under International Companies Act may receive full tax exemption for 20 years.
Application Process
Applications to Vanuatu citizenship programmes must be submitted through government-authorized agents. Direct applications to the government are not accepted. All applications are processed in accordance with government regulations and official procedures.
Process Timeline
Initial Consultation and Eligibility Assessment
Comprehensive eligibility review, programme route selection (DSP, CIIP, or REO), family composition analysis, and cost estimation.
Document Preparation and Collection
Gather identity documents, police certificates, source of funds documentation, medical certificates, and supporting documents for all applicants and dependents.
Preliminary Due Diligence
Authorized agent conducts preliminary due diligence verification to ensure application readiness and compliance.
Payment of Due Diligence Fee
Due diligence fee (USD 5,000) paid to government. Application submitted to Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) for screening.
FIU Background Verification
Financial Intelligence Unit conducts comprehensive background checks including Interpol database screening. FIU approval typically takes 3 to 7 days.
Partial Investment Payment
Following FIU approval, 25% of investment amount paid to escrow account. Complete application submitted to Citizenship Commission.
Citizenship Commission Review
Citizenship Commission and Internal Screening Committee review application. Vanuatu Police Force, Financial Intelligence Unit, and Immigration Services conduct detailed screening.
In-Principle Approval
Citizenship Commission issues in-principle approval letter. Approval indicates application has passed government review subject to full investment payment.
Full Investment Payment
Complete remaining 75% investment payment. Payment of all government fees and passport fees.
Final Citizenship Grant
Citizenship Commission issues Certificate of Honorary Citizenship. Soft copies provided electronically.
Oath of Allegiance
Take Oath of Allegiance remotely via video conferencing, at Vanuatu diplomatic mission, or in Vanuatu. Oath can be conducted in applicant's country of residence with Commissioner of Oath.
Passport Issuance
Vanuatu biometric passports issued and delivered. Original citizenship certificates and passports provided. Entire process completed in 1 to 2 months.
The Vanuatu citizenship by investment programme offers the fastest processing in the world. Applications are typically completed within 1 to 2 months from submission, making it significantly faster than any other citizenship programme globally.
Required Documents
Identity Documents
- Valid passport (certified copy of all pages)
- Birth certificate for all applicants
- National identity card (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs (recent, white background)
Civil Status Documents
- Marriage certificate (for spouse inclusion)
- Divorce decree or death certificate (if previously married)
- Birth certificates for all dependent children
- Adoption certificates (if applicable)
- Proof of dependency for adult children or parents
Police Certificates
- Police certificate from country of citizenship
- Police certificate from country of residence (if different from citizenship)
- Police certificates from any country where applicant has lived for 12+ months since age 16
- All certificates must be issued within 6 months of application submission
- Certificates must be apostilled or legalized
Financial Documents
- Bank statements (6 months) demonstrating source of investment funds
- Source of wealth documentation (employment records, business ownership, inheritance, asset sales, etc.)
- Bank reference letters
- Professional reference letters
- Proof of net worth
- Tax returns or tax clearance certificates (if applicable)
- Business registration documents (if business owner)
Medical Certificates
- Medical examination report from licensed physician
- HIV/AIDS test results (applicants 12 years and older)
- Confirmation of no communicable diseases
Investment Documentation
- DSP Route: Bank transfer confirmation and payment receipt
- CIIP Route: Investment fund selection confirmation, payment receipts for both non-refundable contribution and refundable investment
- Real Estate Route: Sales and purchase agreement for VGAP property, proof of payment, property valuation, title documents
Additional Requirements
- Curriculum vitae (CV) for main applicant
- Proof of residential address
- Declaration of any visa refusals
- Affidavit of support for dependent family members
- Official transcripts for dependent children over 18 in education
Document Authentication: All documents must be apostilled or legalized by the issuing country's competent authority. Documents in languages other than English, French, or Bislama must be officially translated by certified translators.
Post-Approval Considerations
Citizenship Type
Applicants receive "Honorary Citizenship" with full Ni-Vanuatu rights except voting rights and eligibility for political office. This status provides all other citizenship benefits including passport issuance, residency rights, and dual citizenship recognition.
Dual Citizenship Registration
Vanuatu permits dual citizenship. Citizens holding multiple nationalities must register their dual citizenship status with the Citizenship Commission. This registration is mandatory for citizenship by investment programme participants.
Passport Validity and Renewal
Vanuatu biometric passports are valid for 10 years for adults and may be renewed at Vanuatu diplomatic missions worldwide or in Vanuatu. Passport renewal requires current passport, photographs, and payment of renewal fees.
Future Generations
Vanuatu citizenship can be passed to future generations by descent. Children born after citizenship grant may be eligible for Vanuatu citizenship subject to registration requirements and applicable conditions.
Taxation
Territorial Tax System: Vanuatu operates a territorial tax system with no taxation on worldwide income for individuals.
Tax Residency: Citizenship does not automatically create tax residency. Tax residency is determined by physical presence and domicile. Citizens who are not tax residents of Vanuatu are not subject to any taxation.
No Income Tax: Vanuatu does not impose:
- Personal income tax on residents or non-residents
- Capital gains tax
- Inheritance or estate tax
- Wealth or gift tax
- Withholding tax on dividends, interest, or royalties
Programme Changes
The Vanuatu citizenship by investment programme operates under the Citizenship Act and related regulations, which are subject to amendment. Investment thresholds, fees, procedures, programme terms, and due diligence requirements may change by government decision.
NTL: Professional Advisory Services
NTL provides comprehensive advisory and application support services for Vanuatu citizenship programmes as per government regulation, offering established programme expertise and professional guidance throughout the application process.
Our Advisory Services
Eligibility and Programme Assessment
Comprehensive review of applicant eligibility, family composition, programme route suitability (DSP, CIIP, or REO), and objectives.
Programme Route Analysis
Detailed comparison of DSP, CIIP, and Real Estate options with consideration of family size, refundability preferences, and long-term objectives.
Document Preparation and Review
Complete document collection, verification, translation, apostille/legalization coordination, and application form preparation.
Source of Funds Documentation
Guidance on preparing comprehensive source of wealth and source of funds documentation to satisfy FIU due diligence requirements.
Application Coordination
Coordination of complete application submission to Financial Intelligence Unit and Citizenship Commission in accordance with government procedures.
Application Management and Liaison
Ongoing communication and liaison, response to information requests, status updates, and application monitoring throughout processing.
Investment Execution Support
Coordination of investment completion following in-principle approval, including DSP transfers, CIIP fund selection, or Real Estate transactions.
Citizenship Certificate and Passport Procurement
Coordination of Oath of Allegiance (remote or in-person), citizenship certificate issuance, and passport delivery.
Professional Standards
NTL operates in strict accordance with Vanuatu programme requirements and international best practices:
Professional guidance and support throughout the entire application process.
Thorough client verification and source of funds review prior to application submission.
All services provided in accordance with the Citizenship Act and applicable regulations.
Adherence to international best practices for citizenship and residency advisory services.
Info & Useful Links About Vanuatu
Request Your Eligibility Assessment
Contact NTL for a confidential consultation on Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment Programme. Our authorized agents will assess your eligibility, explain investment options, and outline the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum investment is USD 130,000 for a single applicant through the Development Support Program (DSP), or USD 165,000 for the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) which includes a USD 50,000 refundable component.
The Vanuatu citizenship by investment program is the fastest in the world, with processing typically completed in 1 to 2 months from application submission.
Yes. Vanuatu permits dual citizenship. Applicants are not required to renounce their existing citizenship and can hold multiple nationalities. Dual citizenship status must be registered with the Citizenship Commission.
No. The Vanuatu citizenship by investment programme is 100% remote. There is no requirement to visit or reside in Vanuatu at any stage of the application process.
Eligible dependents include spouse, dependent children under 25 years of age, and dependent parents or grandparents aged 50 years or older. All approved dependents receive full citizenship and passports.
The DSP (Development Support Program) requires a fully non-refundable contribution starting from USD 130,000. The CIIP (Capital Investment Immigration Plan) requires USD 165,000 total, consisting of USD 115,000 non-refundable contribution plus USD 50,000 refundable investment that can be recovered after 4 years.
No. Vanuatu operates a territorial tax system with no personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax. Citizens who are not tax residents of Vanuatu are not subject to any taxation.
No. Applications must be submitted through government-authorized agents. Direct applications to the Vanuatu government are not accepted. Authorized agents handle all communication with the Citizenship Office and Financial Intelligence Unit.
Vanuatu passport holders have visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or electronic visa access to over 100 destinations worldwide, including the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Russia.
Applicants receive Honorary Citizenship with full Ni-Vanuatu rights except voting rights and eligibility for political office. This includes passport issuance, residency rights, dual citizenship recognition, and the ability to pass citizenship to future generations.
This page provides general information only. The Vanuatu citizenship by investment programme operates under the Citizenship Act [CAP 112] and related regulations, all of which are subject to amendment. Programme requirements, investment thresholds, fees, procedures, and programme terms may change by government decision.
All applications must be submitted through government-authorized agents. Applications are adjudicated by the Citizenship Office and Commission under the Office of the Prime Minister. NTL provides professional advisory services in accordance with government regulations but does not guarantee approval, processing timelines, or investment outcomes.
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