Roadmap to Obtaining Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment: A Comprehensive Guide by GARANT.in Experts

In a rapidly changing world, a second passport is becoming not only a “Plan B” but also a tool for mobility, tax optimization, asset protection, and personal security. An increasing number of international entrepreneurs, investors, and wealthy families are seeking to diversify their risks by obtaining alternative citizenship. One of the most efficient and fastest routes is acquiring Vanuatu citizenship through investment.

Vanuatu is a sovereign island nation in the South Pacific, located between Fiji and Australia. Despite its modest size and remote location, the republic offers one of the world’s fastest, most flexible, and confidential citizenship-by-investment programs. Its main advantage is the processing time of just 4–8 weeks, without requiring physical presence in the country or language proficiency tests.

Legal Framework and Status of Vanuatu’s Citizenship-by-Investment Program

The Vanuatu Citizenship-by-Investment Program is implemented under the Development Support Program (DSP), officially approved by the government in 2017. The program aims to attract capital for the sustainable development of the island nation, including support for infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

The program is directly regulated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and conducted through a limited list of accredited agents, ensuring transparency and reliability. Since 2023, Vanuatu has begun implementing reforms to enhance compliance with EU and FATF standards, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) procedures.

Important: Unlike some offshore jurisdictions, Vanuatu retains full sovereign control over its program while actively engaging in dialogue with international bodies to increase trust in its passport.

Who Can Apply for Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

Vanuatu’s economic citizenship program under the Development Support Program (DSP) is open to the vast majority of foreign nationals. The program does not discriminate based on race, religion, nationality, education, or work experience — the main requirements are the applicant’s integrity and the transparency of their income sources.

Here are the main eligibility criteria:

Age

The main applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of application. There is no official upper age limit, but older applicants may be required to provide additional documentation regarding health or income sources.

Clean Criminal Record

The applicant and all family members included in the application must have no criminal convictions or history. This is verified through official police clearance certificates from all countries where the applicant has resided for more than six months within the last ten years.

Note: Even conditional sentences, recent charges, or administrative violations can be grounds for denial.

Legal Source of Funds

The funds used for the investment must have a legal and verifiable origin. These may include:

• Business income
• Sale of assets
• Salaries or dividends
• Inheritance
• Rental or investment income

Documents verifying the source of funds may include tax returns, bank statements, employment letters, sales contracts, etc.

Not on Sanctions Lists

Applicants undergo international background checks as part of Enhanced Due Diligence. This includes screening through databases such as:

• OFAC (U.S.)
• Interpol
• EU Sanctions List
• UN Sanctions List
• AML and CFT databases

If the applicant or their close relatives are connected to public investigations, sanctions, offshore schemes, or political activities, the risk of rejection increases.

Financial Eligibility

The applicant must demonstrate financial stability. Typically, the following is required:

• A minimum of $250,000 in a bank account (to cover contributions, fees, and confirm financial independence);
• An annual income of over $100,000 (for families);
• Ownership of assets, either movable or immovable.

Important: Specific amounts are not outlined in law, but practical thresholds have been established, below which applications are unlikely to be considered.

Who Can Be Included in the Application?

A single application can cover multiple family members, making the program especially attractive for families:

• The spouse of the main applicant;
• Children under 25, if unmarried and financially dependent (including students);
• Parents over 50, provided they are fully financially dependent on the applicant.

In exceptional cases, applications may include siblings or other relatives, but only with strong justification and the approval of the Citizenship Commission.

Who Is Not Eligible for the Program?

The following categories are excluded from participating:

• Citizens of countries under international sanctions or embargoes (based on geopolitical circumstances — e.g., Iran, North Korea, Syria, and previously Russia and Belarus);
• Individuals engaged in political or legal activities that could compromise the reputation of Vanuatu;
• Applicants previously rejected by other CBI (Citizenship by Investment) programs due to integrity concerns;
• Persons whose income sources cannot be verified.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment: Financial Options

1. Development Support Program (DSP) – Non-Refundable Contribution

The DSP remains the primary and most reliable route to acquiring Vanuatu citizenship through investment. It requires a non-refundable donation to the government:

• $130,000 for a single applicant;
• $150,000–$180,000 for families (depending on the number of dependents — two, three, or four people).

Each additional dependent requires an extra payment of approximately $25,000.

A mandatory due diligence check is also required, costing between $5,000 and $7,000, depending on the application.

The citizenship process via the DSP is known for its speed and efficiency, typically taking 6 to 8 weeks. It remains a fully operational and vetted route to obtaining a second passport from Vanuatu.

2. CIIP via CNO Future Fund – Capital Investment Plan

The Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) is a government strategy aimed at attracting foreign investors and stimulating national economic growth. It offers citizenship through investment while combining an expedited process with attractive fiscal and economic benefits. The CIIP targets businesspeople, high-net-worth individuals, and entrepreneurs seeking a second passport without residency requirements.

The program is built around direct economic involvement in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, and financial services. Investments through CIIP help boost the private sector, create jobs, enhance infrastructure, and improve the standard of living.

Investment amounts vary based on family size and the chosen fund. For a single applicant, the minimum contribution starts at $130,000. For families:

• $150,000 for two,
• $180,000 for four.

An additional $25,000 per dependent applies. Administrative and legal fees, including due diligence, start from $5,500 and may increase.

One of the most secure and officially approved CIIP options for 2025 is participation via the CNO Future Fund, a government-backed entity investing in coconut oil production and sustainable energy.

For a family of four, the total investment is $165,000, of which:

• $115,000 is a non-refundable donation to the fund,
• $50,000 is an investment with the potential for a refund in five years.

Investors may also receive an average annual return of 4–5% from their fund participation.

Each additional dependent incurs a surcharge of $25,000. The processing time for CNO Future Fund applications is approximately 2 to 3 months, including compliance and background checks.

Previously, there was discussion of a Cocoa Sustainable Development Fund, aimed at developing cocoa production. However, as of July 2025, this option has not been officially confirmed by the government and is therefore considered less reliable than the CNO Future Fund.

In summary, as of 2025, the most transparent and current route to Vanuatu citizenship through investment remains the CIIP via the CNO Future Fund. The program combines efficiency, partial return on investment, and official government endorsement, making it attractive to international investors.

Additional Costs:

• Government fees: from $5,000;
• Due Diligence expenses: $5,000–$7,000;
• Licensed agent services;
• Translations and notarizations;
• Courier delivery of documents.

Important: All investment payments are made only after preliminary approval of the application, legally protecting the client from financial loss in case of rejection.

Citizenship by Naturalization

Individuals legally residing in Vanuatu for 10 years may apply for citizenship through naturalization.

Citizenship by Marriage

Applicants married to a Vanuatu citizen can apply for citizenship after two years of marriage and residency in the country.

Step-by-Step Citizenship Application Process

The process of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship involves several tightly regulated steps:

Step 1: Pre-Screening

A preliminary compliance review is conducted — our specialists at GARANT.in analyze the origin of funds, check international databases, and assess potential risks.

Step 2: Documentation Preparation

The client provides the following:

• Valid passport;
• Police clearance certificates;
• Bank references and income statements;
• Photos, forms, and government-approved documents.

We assist in preparing, translating, notarizing, and apostilling all paperwork.

Step 3: Government Review

The application file is submitted to the Citizenship Commission under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Review period: 3–5 weeks. A thorough background check is conducted across global security databases.

Step 4: Payment of Investment

After approval, the applicant pays the full investment amount along with all administrative fees.

Step 5: Oath and Passport Delivery

The oath ceremony is held remotely (via Zoom or at a consulate). The passport is then express-delivered within 7–10 business days after completion.

What Are the Benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship?

A Vanuatu passport offers many strategic advantages:

✅ Fast processing — citizenship in as little as 1–2 months;

✅ Visa-free access to 90+ countries, including the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and most of the Caribbean;

✅ Tax neutrality — no taxes on global income, dividends, capital gains, or inheritance;

✅ Full confidentiality — Vanuatu does not participate in CRS and does not share data internationally;

✅ Dual citizenship allowed — no need to renounce your current passport;

✅ No residency requirement — travel to Vanuatu is not necessary.

For high-net-worth individuals from geopolitically unstable regions, a Vanuatu passport serves as a "passport insurance" — a backup plan in case of sanctions, conflict, or travel restrictions.

Risks and Limitations

Despite the advantages, some limitations should be considered:

• As of February 2025, Schengen visa-free access was revoked for Vanuatu citizens due to concerns over prior screening transparency.
• No visa-free access to the U.S., Canada, or Australia;
• The program is under ongoing scrutiny from international regulators — applicants must pass clean background checks.
• Future policy or pricing changes are possible.

Therefore, it is crucial to work only with trusted consultants who have direct ties to accredited agents and legal experts in Vanuatu.

Who Should Consider Vanuatu Citizenship?

The program is suitable for a wide range of clients, including:

• International businesspeople seeking a second passport;
• Investors looking to diversify their tax exposure;
• Digital nomads, freelancers, and IT professionals working globally;
• Citizens of unstable regions seeking protection for their assets and families;
• Families with children who value global education and travel freedom.

Book a consultation — we’ll conduct a free preliminary assessment of your case and provide a detailed cost estimate for your family’s application.