Obtaining Vanuatu Citizenship

Successful Cases: A Special Source of Pride for GARANT.IN Specialists

Today, we’re sharing a success story about acquiring Vanuatu citizenship through investment.

At the beginning of the year, a family reached out to us: Ivan (45 years old), his wife Marina (42), and their son Mikhail (17). Ivan owns an IT company, where Marina also works as an accountant, handling the company’s financial matters. Mikhail is currently finishing high school.

The family’s main goal was to travel to Europe visa-free and obtain a U.S. visa to facilitate Mikhail’s education and family travels. They intended to reside in the U.S. and lease property there.

The challenge was that, since 2020, it has become increasingly difficult for Russian citizens to obtain a U.S. visa—they must apply from another country and face lengthy wait times for decisions. We suggested an alternative: obtaining citizenship in one of the Pacific states to simplify the process of obtaining a U.S. visa.

After reviewing various island citizenship programs, Ivan and Marina opted for Vanuatu citizenship as the most affordable, quickest, and guaranteed option.

Documentation for Vanuatu Citizenship

Together with the clients, we prepared a comprehensive set of documents, including:

• Copies of internal and international passports;
• Police clearance certificates;
• Health insurance policies;
• Results of medical examinations;
• Bank statements, tax history, and company balance sheets over the last 10 years;
• Investor dossier.

Within two weeks, our team compiled, translated, apostilled, and submitted all documents to Vanuatu’s citizenship program department. Ivan also contributed 25% of the investment fee and paid the Due Diligence fee, after which the department initiated processing.

Next came the approval of the applicants and payment of the remaining investment amount. It took two weeks for the department to approve the application, after which the final payment was made. The last step was the oath-taking ceremony, scheduled on February 15 in Moscow, where Ivan and Marina took the oath and received their Vanuatu passports.

Costs for Vanuatu Citizenship

The total expenses for obtaining Vanuatu citizenship were:

• $165,000 — non-refundable investment to the National Fund for a family of three (two adults and one child);
• $5,000 — Due Diligence check;
• $244 — oath administration fee;
• $43 — other associated fees.

Total: $170,287.

Upon receiving their passports, the family promptly applied for a five-year U.S. B-1/B-2 non-immigrant visa. Vanuatu citizens obtain U.S. visas at the consulate in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The interview was scheduled remotely, and the family’s head flew to the consulate for the final appointment. The visa was granted the following day, allowing Vanuatu citizens to stay in the U.S. for three months every six months.

In April, Ivan and Marina traveled to the U.S. to select and lease an apartment. We are now assisting Mikhail in assembling his application package, resume, and other documents for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Upon admission, we will assist with his student visa application and obtaining a U.S. driver’s license.

Advantages of Vanuatu Citizenship

With Vanuatu citizenship, the family can also travel visa-free to approximately 100 countries and apply for a one-year Australian visa. Additionally, Ivan can register a business in Vanuatu, apply for tax residency, and pay only $300 annually for up to 20 years.

Vanuatu citizenship may also facilitate future residency or permanent residency in European countries through simplified procedures and faster processing.

If you’re considering relocating, expanding your business, or securing a high-quality education for your children, turn to GARANT.IN’s migration specialists. We’ll help you select the best program, consult on any questions, assist in gathering and filing documents, guide you in selecting property, and address many other essential needs efficiently.