Vanuatu: What Citizenship Choices Are Available in 2025

Vanuatu is a small island nation in Oceania, known for its picturesque nature, favorable climate, and friendly atmosphere. However, in recent years it has also attracted the attention of investors due to its economic citizenship program.

Vanuatu citizenship allows you to obtain a second passport in a short period of time, offers tax advantages, and facilitates international travel. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all available options, their features, and current changes and compare Vanuatu's program with alternative offerings from other countries.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program remains one of the fastest and most affordable in the world. It allows foreign investors to obtain a second passport without the need for long-term residency. The program continues to operate in 2025, but with a number of possible changes.

Vanuatu citizenship can be obtained by following three scenarios.

Non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF)

The minimum contribution to the National Development Fund is US$130,000 for a single applicant. For family applications, the contribution is higher:

• $150,000 for a family of two.
• 165,000 dollars for a family of three.
• $180,000 for a family of four (there is an additional fee for each additional family member).

In addition to the non-refundable fee, applicants also pay state and security clearance fees, which can range from $5,000 to $7,000, depending on the number of participants in the application.

Investing in the Vanuatu Cocoa Sustainable Fund (CSF)

The Cocoa Sustainable Fund (CSF) is an initiative to support and develop the cocoa industry in Vanuatu.

According to information available as of April 2025, investment in this fund was previously considered as an option for Vanuatu citizenship. 

However, as of March 12, 2025, the acceptance of new applications for the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) program, which includes investments in such funds, has been suspended due to new rules pending approval!

Investment in the Coconut Oil Production Fund (CNO Future Fund)

Vanuatu citizenship by investment is a unique opportunity to not only obtain a second passport but also to contribute to the sustainable development of the country. One of the most relevant options in 2025 is to invest in the CNO Future Fund, which supports the local economy and promotes the development of environmentally friendly industries.

A contribution of $165,000 is required to participate in the program. This amount covers the investment for a family of four. If additional family members are included in the application, there is a $25,000 surcharge for each:

• $115,000 is an irrevocable contribution to the fund.
• $50,000 is invested in CNO Future Fund shares with an option to return in five years.

In addition to the principal investment amount, there is an $8,000 fee for applicant due diligence.

Real estate investments

In 2025, a new investment avenue is being considered - the purchase of government-approved real estate. Previously, Vanuatu citizenship did not involve direct investment in real estate, but changes to the law may expand this possibility.

The potential minimum threshold for real estate investment is between $200,000 and $250,000.

Processing times:

• Vanuatu offers one of the fastest citizenship processes.
• The entire process, including vetting of the applicant, takes between 1 and 2 months.
• Documents can be submitted remotely without having to visit the country.

Changes to the Vanuatu Citizenship Program in 2025

In 2025, Vanuatu's citizenship program may undergo important changes due to international regulation and domestic reforms.

Tougher security checks

Due to the requirements of international organizations (FATF, EU), more stringent financial and background checks on applicants are expected to be introduced. Additional stages of verification of the source of income are possible.

Controls on politically exposed persons (PEPs) and citizens of high-risk countries may be tightened.

Impact of international requirements

In 2022, the EU suspended visa-free travel for Vanuatu citizens due to a lack of transparency in the program. In 2025, the country is negotiating to regain access to the Schengen area.

In response, Vanuatu may strengthen requirements for applicants to meet international security standards.

Expansion of investment opportunities

Possible addition of new investment categories such as financing sustainable projects, tourism development, or investing in government bonds.

Discussions are planned to introduce a “citizenship through startup investment” option for entrepreneurs.

Benefits of the program

Despite possible changes, Vanuatu citizenship remains attractive to investors due to a number of advantages:

• Fast processing. One of the shortest citizenship processing times in the world (1 to 2 months).
• Visa-free or simplified entry to over 90 countries, including the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
• No residency requirements. Investor is not required to visit or live in Vanuatu.
• Confidentiality. Vanuatu does not oblige applicants to disclose the fact that they have obtained a second citizenship.
• Tax advantages. No taxes on income, inheritance, or capital gains.

Today, Vanuatu's citizenship program remains one of the fastest and most convenient for obtaining a second passport, especially for those who value speed and tax advantages. 

Naturalization through residence

In addition to the investment program, Vanuatu citizenship can be obtained through naturalization by living in the country for a certain period. This option requires more time and several conditions to be met but may be the preferred option for those who plan to tie their lives to Vanuatu for the long term.

Who can apply?

Citizenship through naturalization is available to foreigners who have been legally residing in Vanuatu for a certain period of time. The main categories of applicants include:

• Residence Permit Holders. These are foreigners who have been authorized to reside in Vanuatu for work, study, business, or other reasons. They can apply for citizenship after 10 years of permanent residence.
• Persons who have lived in the country for at least 10 years - those who have been able to prove continuous residence in Vanuatu, integrated into the society, and complied with local laws.
• Foreign entrepreneurs and businessmen invest in the country's economy, creating jobs and contributing to the development of key industries. Preferential conditions of citizenship may be provided for them.

Important! Citizenship by naturalization can also be obtained by the applicant's family members (spouses, children), if the main applicant meets all the conditions. Citizens of other Oceania countries with strong ties to Vanuatu are also eligible for naturalization.

What are the requirements?

In order to qualify for Vanuatu citizenship through naturalization, the following criteria must be met:

• Proof of integration into Vanuatu society

The applicant must demonstrate active participation in the country - running a business, working, or otherwise contributing to the local community.

Importantly, knowledge of Vanuatu's culture, traditions and laws is essential.

• Local Language Proficiency

Knowledge of one of Vanuatu's official languages is required:

• Bislama (the main spoken language of the local population).
• English (used in office work and business).
• French (common in some regions).

Applicants may be required to take a language test or be interviewed by the authorities.

• Absence of serious felonies and financial indebtedness

This includes a mandatory clean record - the applicant must not have a criminal record or be involved in criminal activity. Also important is the financial solvency of the applicant for Vanuatu citizenship - it is necessary to prove the presence of a stable source of income and the absence of debts to the state.

Additional nuances

• Naturalization opportunity for foreign spouses - if a foreigner is married to a Vanuatu citizen, he/she can apply for citizenship after 5 years of marriage (instead of 10 years of normal residence).
• Temporary exemptions for refugees and persons with special statuses - in rare cases, the Vanuatu government may shorten naturalization periods for refugees or persons with special contributions to the development of the country.
• Citizenship through service in the public sector - individuals who have worked for Vanuatu's public sector for an extended period of time can obtain citizenship through an accelerated procedure.

Naturalization - this is a long-term path to Vanuatu citizenship and is suitable for those who really plan to live and work in the country. This option is less popular with foreign investors due to the long timeframe (10 years), but it can be beneficial for entrepreneurs setting up businesses on the islands, as well as families wishing to integrate into the local community.

Citizenship by descent and marriage

In addition to investment citizenship and naturalization, it is possible to obtain a Vanuatu passport by right of descent or through marriage to a Vanuatu citizen. These are the traditional routes and provide simplified procedures for certain categories of applicants.

Citizenship by descent

This option is available to persons who are related to Vanuatu citizens, even if they were born outside the country. The basic requirement is that there is a parent or ancestor who is a Vanuatu citizen.

To obtain citizenship, one must prove kinship through official documents such as birth certificates, parental citizenship papers, or other records. Unlike naturalization, the process of citizenship by descent follows a simplified procedure, without the need for long residence in the country or a language test.

Citizenship is hereditary and a child born to Vanuatu citizens automatically receives this status, regardless of where they were born. However, if one of the parents is not a Vanuatu citizen, additional documentation and proof may be required.

Citizenship through marriage

Foreign nationals who are officially married to a Vanuatu citizen can apply for citizenship. However, a number of conditions must be met:

• The marriage must be officially registered in Vanuatu and recognized as legal.
• The spouses must have lived together for a set period of time before applying. This period is usually at least five years.
• The applicant must demonstrate knowledge of local culture and traditions, as well as proficiency in one of Vanuatu's official languages.
• A criminal record and financial irregularities are also checked.

If these conditions are met, citizenship is granted under a simplified procedure, without the need to meet standard naturalization requirements such as 10 years of residence.

In 2025, new measures may be introduced to combat sham marriages to prevent abuse of the program. Enhanced marriage reality checks are possible, including mandatory interviews with spouses, requiring cohabitation for a longer period of time, or additional documentation of family relationships.

Comparison with other countries' programs

Vanuatu's citizenship through investment program has a number of features that set it apart from similar offerings in other countries. Below we look at the main differences with Caribbean programs, as well as citizenship opportunities in Australia and New Zealand.

Caribbean programs (St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada)

Programs in St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and other Caribbean countries are considered among the most sought-after programs among investors worldwide. They offer extensive visa-free access and strong international exposure but have more stringent requirements.

• Visa-free access. Caribbean nationals can visit the Schengen area, the UK, and Canada without a visa, something Vanuatu does not have. However, Vanuatu wins on the speed of passport processing.
• Investment Threshold. Vanuatu requires a minimum contribution of $130,000, while Caribbean countries offer programs from $150,000-200,000 (depending on the type of investment).
• Speed of obtaining. A Vanuatu passport can be obtained in 1 to 2 months, while in the Caribbean the procedure takes 4 to 6 months.
  Tax advantages. Vanuatu, like most Caribbean countries, does not tax global income.
• Program flexibility. Caribbean programs offer a variety of investment avenues (public funds, real estate, business), while in Vanuatu the main option remains a contribution to the National Development Fund.

Thus, Caribbean programs are better suited for those who want to travel visa-free in Europe, while Vanuatu is better suited for those who value speed of processing and minimal costs.

Australia and New Zealand

For investors considering Australia and New Zealand, Vanuatu can be a quick alternative, but with certain limitations.

• Timeframe for obtaining citizenship. In Australia and New Zealand, the naturalization process takes from 5 to 10 years, while in Vanuatu a passport can be obtained in 1-2 months.
• Investment threshold. Citizenship in Australia requires an investment of 1.5 million dollars, and in New Zealand - from 3 million dollars, which is ten times higher than the minimum contribution in Vanuatu.
• Prospects for residency. Australia and New Zealand offer a high standard of living, developed economy, and infrastructure, which cannot be said about Vanuatu. However, the tax liabilities in these countries are significantly higher.

Thus, if the goal is not just a second passport, but a move to a developed country, it is better to consider Australia or New Zealand. If you need a quick and affordable passport without mandatory residency, Vanuatu remains a favorable option.

Conclusion

Vanuatu is a tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean, but its citizenship through an investment program has long attracted the attention of investors from around the world. Its quick processing, minimal requirements, and complete privacy make it a particularly attractive option for those looking for a quick and affordable second passport.

But is this passport suitable for everyone? If your goal is visa-free travel in Europe or the US, Vanuatu is not the best choice. In this case, Caribbean programs or long-term investment schemes in Australia and New Zealand will give you more opportunities. However, if the speed of processing, financial flexibility, and ease of obtaining are paramount, Vanuatu remains one of the most favorable options.

The program continues to work, but 2025 may bring changes. International regulation is tightening and Vanuatu will likely have to adapt, perhaps by revising applicant requirements or adding new investment areas. For now, however, the country remains one of the fastest and most affordable solutions for second citizenship.

So, if you are considering becoming a Vanuatu citizen, the time to act is now, while conditions remain as easy and attractive.