Vanuatu has one of the interesting citizenship by investment schemes attractive for investors seeking a commonwealth passport. It is also only country in the pacific that offers fast track citizenship and passport at an affordable price.
The Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP) offers honorary citizenship to foreign investors against one time contribution of USD 130,000 to a fund. Investors in the scheme will qualify for citizenship and passport in Vanuatu.
Vanuatu is the only country that has the fastest passport processing times among all CBI schemes, under Development support program and Contribution program (DSP/VCP). Applications are processed within 1 month.
Currently Vanuatu has two types of citizenship program with the same contribution amount
- Development Support program (DSP) – USD 130,000 (Active)
- Vanuatu contribution program (VCP) – USD 130,000 (Active only for china market)
- Real Estate Option Program (REI) – USD 200,000 (approved projects 2021)
The DSP program is the most popular program widely promoted and marketed by agents. The Key difference between the two schemes is DSP scheme (all countries except china) and VCP scheme (reserved for china market). Both DSP and VCP programs do not offer right to vote, holding public office or engage in politics..
Economic Citizenship
The History of Economic Citizenship Program (ECP) in Vanuatu goes back to 1990’s when passport for sale schemes from pacific islands became very popular. Pacific island tax havens were among the first countries to enter the passport selling business in the 1980s and 1990s.
Vanuatu ran a passport for sale scheme between 1996-1997. The passports were known as passports for convenience offered several benefits including tax benefits, overcoming visa restrictions, alternative second passport, and avoiding military service.
Vanuatu government revived the idea of opening new economic citizenship programs (ECP) to boost revenue after being hit by Cyclone PAM. The Cyclone Pam crippled Vanuatu’s infrastructure: an estimated 90 percent of the nation’s buildings were impacted by the storm’s effects bringing damages VT63.2 billion (US$600 million)
Timeline
- 1997-1998: Vanuatu ran a passport scheme along with Pacific offshore tax havens between 1996-1997 selling 300 passport making $3.3 million, equivalent of 1.5% of GDP at that time. This was closed after 9/11.
- 2014 – The Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) which was originally introduced in 2014, The objective of the plan is to create local jobs, stimulate the economy and keep the national budget balanced. The citizenship is for life, and does not require visiting Vanuatu.
- 2015 – Vanuatu Economic Rehabilitation Program (VERP), a fast track citizenship by investment scheme was introduced after Cyclone Pam (March 2015) to raise additional fund for recovery activities.
- 2016 – CIIP was replaced by Vanuatu Real Estate Option Program (REO Program) in November 2016. The REO Program required applicants to invest USD 230,000 in real estate related investments to obtain Vanuatu citizenship.
- 2017 – VERP was later replaced by Vanuatu Development Support Program (VDSP) and Vanuatu Contribution Program (VCP) in March 2017. The DSP offers citizenship to foreign investors against one-time contribution, ranging from USD 200,000 for a single person application to USD 280,000 for a family with elderly parents.
- 2018 – Vanuatu made legislative amendments cutting the prices of DSP/VCP schemes to USD 150,000 (from USD 200,000) as the minimum selling price. This was to ensure the scheme remains competitive with Caribbean passport programs.
- 2019 – Amendments were further made to DSP regulation to reduce the prices to USD 130,000 for single applicant (cut by USD 20,000)
- 2020 – No price changes were made during Covid but the government has tightened the DSP with strict regulations
New Amendments
On 24th April 2019, the Citizenship (Development Support Program) Regulations Order NO.33 of 2019 came into effect with new changes to the citizenship schemes
- Real estate option introduced in Aug 2021.
- New threshold USD 130,000 established for DSP/VCP schemes
- Passport validity increased to 10 years from five years and new design of passports issued from June 2019 with more security features. This means investors dont have to go through hassle of renewing passports every five years. New design of passports also announced
- More agents appointed for DSP (more than 90 agents ) and VCP (1 agent)
- Contracts of agents have been extended to 8 years.
- “Honorary” terminology is canceled and removed from citizenship certificates allowing either the Chairman of the Commission or the Prime Minister himself to sign the required documents canceling out the “honorary” terminology as both passport schemes are the same.
- Applications of persons with criminal records will not be considered.
- Application Processing times significantly increased to less than a month.
The Citizenship Development Support Program was launched by the Government of Republic of Vanuatu in March 2017.
In 2018, The Government reduced the prices by 50% to $150,000 (single persons) and $200,000 for families. Further in april 2018, the government reduced to $130,000 requiring all agents not sell under this minimum investment.
Vanuatu has the best fast track citizenship by investment (CBI) scheme in the pacific. The Vanuatu CBI program has fast processing times and easy application process. No requirement to visit the country and passports collected through agent or at embassies.
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
The benefits of economic citizenship in Vanuatu are
- Second passport in a tax friendly country.
- Right to live, work and do business in Vanuatu as a citizen.
- Fastest processing times
- Visa free travel to 125 countries including Russia, United Kingdom and EU Schengen states.
- Citizenship in a commonwealth country.
- Citizenship for spouse, children and parents.
- Processing time is 1 month.
- No residence requirements for citizenship.
- No requirement to visit Vanuatu for citizenship.
- Opportunity to Invest or trade in Vanuatu business or enterprise projects
- Real estate investment in resorts and hotels.
- No income tax for individuals/ companies. (tax haven)
- No inheritance tax. No capital gains tax. No estate taxes.
- English is official language
- Dual citizenship not restricted freely allowed
- Citizenship for family and children
- Vanuatu has no foreign currency controls.
- Invest in Vanuatu real estate.
- Citizenship is hereditary
DSP/VCP Prices
Both the development support program (DSP ) and Citizenship contribution program (VCP) have the same prices and investment requirements.
Vanuatu requires one time contribution of USD 130,000 plus Due diligence fee plus Government fee as per the Development support program (DSP) rules. The total costs listed below includes due diligence and Government fees. The DSP scheme replaces the existing Vanuatu Economic Rehabilitation Program (VERP).
| Single applicant | $130,000 |
| Applicant + Spouse | $150,000 |
| Applicant + Spouse + 1 Children under 18 years | $165,000 |
| Applicant + Spouse + 2 Children under 18 years | $180,000 |
| Additional dependents | $10,000 / person |
The minimum contribution fees are non-refundable and are set by law and may change without notice.
FIU Due diligence fee – USD 5000 per application (mandatory)
No additional or hidden costs. These are package prices set by government. Lawyer, broker and agent fee already included in the contribution.
Real Estate
Vanuatu government has newly launched citizenship by real estate investment program in 2021. The Citizenship (Real Estate Option) Program was enacted under section 13F of the Citizenship Act [CAP. 112] and Citizenship (Real Estate Option Program) Regulation Order No. 93 of 2021.
The REO scheme aims to maximize economic growth, attracting retired investors or wealthy individuals in the real estate option sector with a focus on providing the necessary infrastructure to cater for growth of the tourism industry, the major investor will only be allowed to sell constructed houses, apartments and condominiums and will be prohibited from selling vacant land. It will be exclusive, unrestricted, and irrevocable right and option to purchase a property at a fixed purchase price within a specified option period.
Stateless people will also be able to apply for DSP/REO program.
An Applicant for Vanuatu Citizenship under the REO Program must purchase a property in a Vanuatu Government Approved Project (VGA Projects) and pay the relevant prescribed fees.
Prospective CIP Investors must invest atleast USD $200,000 in any of the followed approved real estate projects by the government.
- “Pacific Springs” situated at Rentabao on the island of Efate;
- “Narpow Point Coral Bay” situated at Narpow Point on the island of Efate;
- “FPF Rainbow City Project” situated at Narpow Point on the island of Efate;
- “Milai” situated on the island of Espiritu Santo.
The Benefits of RE-CBI include…
(a) it creates employment opportunities in the ongoing operation of hotels and resorts; and
(b) it creates employment and business opportunities for businesses that supply support services to projects, including food supply, retail, tourism and recreation activities; and
(c) it expands and improves infrastructure including roads, telephones, electricity and water networks; and
(d) it invests in the improvement of access to education and health facilities; and
(e) it increases revenue for the Government derived from: (i) VAT and duty on goods and services consumed in the operation of the project; and (ii) application and processing fees payable under the REO Program; and (iii) increased revenue payable directly to custom land owners from turnover derived from operation of any commercial enterprise on the land contained within the project.
Processing times
- FIU due diligence check – 4 days
- DSP Approval Letter – 20 days
- Passport time – 10 days
Eligibility conditions
Applicants must be able to provide proof of the source of funds for a Due Diligence verification of no less than $250,000. Evidence of BTC/Crypto funds also accepted.
An applicant, or anyone included in an application, must not have any criminal record, and must be a high standing member of their country and community. The main applicant must be at least 18 years old, and below 65 at the time of application submission
Restricted countries
The Vanuatu program is not open for nationals from Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea or Yemen, unless they have permanent residence outside those countries and have lived outside of those countries for more than 5 years.
How to calculate prices?
We show you some examples how to calculate a quote yourself
Single Applicant
Donation – USD 130,000 (non refundable)
Passport fee – USD 200
Due diligence check – USD 5000
Citizenship certificate – USD 100
Government application – USD 50
Total: USD 135,400
Family of 4
Donation: USD 180,000
Due diligence fee USD 5,000
Passport fee: USD 800
Citizenship certificate – USD 200
Government application – USD 50
Total: USD 186,600
All processing fees, lawyer, agent and broker fee included in above packages. There are no hidden costs.
Process
You will only pay the the investment sum after your approval letter after 2 months. To start the application process you will only pay USD 5000 due diligence fee
Steps to Apply
- Step one: Initial documents, and initial $5000 towards due diligence (non refundable). Local Agent will submit the application for approval by the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
- Step two: Once approved in principle, the remaining documents will be submitted to the Citizenship office along with 25% of the Government contribution.
- Step three: On confirmation of Approval, the remaining 75% of the Government contribution is then payable within 5 days
- Step four: Citizenship Certificate is then issued and applicants are then required to take an Oath of Allegiance.
- Step Five: Once Oath of Allegiance is completed a passport will then be applied for and issued.
Application Forms
Documents Required
Be ready with the initial set of important documents (notarized copies or apostille)
- Birth certificate
- Police certificate (if in US, FBI clearance not local police report)
- CV References
- Proof of total assets of USD 250,000 or more (eg. property, investments etc..)
FIU background check
Citizenship is only approved after initial vetting of applicants for criminal background. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of vanuatu does a background due diligence check on applicants against criminal checks, international police checks, sanctions check and interpol databases and source of origins funds. The decisions are made within 4 days. Successful applicants will be granted Vanuatu passport.
Vanuatu Citizenship Commission
In Vanuatu, the citizenship and passport are two different process. The Vanuatu citizenship commission screening committee meets twice a month to assess applications. Once the application is approved, oath is taken, passport is issued by immigration office. The Citizenship office and commission has the powers to grant or strip citizenship.
The Citizenship’s Office and Commission (COC) is a statutory entity established by the Vanuatu Citizenship Act [Cap 112]. Please refer to official website: https://vancitizenship.gov.vu/
Oaths
Oath is required before being approved passport. Applicants can visit Vanuatu in person or can be done at consulates or at registered agent offices in front of the passport office. If you cannot travel to Vanuatu, you can take oath via video link in front of commissioner of oaths. Taking the oath is short 30 minutes.
If you dont complete the oath process, you will not become a full citizen of Vanuatu. This is the last step of the citizenship process without which citizenship certificate and passport wont be released to you, as per government rules.
Bitcoin
We directly accept bitcoin for citizenship program (donation and real estate)
Vanuatu Passport
Vanuatu has the best travel passports in the world. Vanuatu passport holders can travel to EU schengen, United Kingdom, Israel, Ireland and Russia without visas. As of mid 2019, Vanuatu had visa free access to 129 countries. Please note visa required to visit US, Canada etc.
Citizens of Vanuatu can visit Australia through Online Visitor e600 visa
In 2019, Vanuatu increased the validity of passports from five years to ten years, making the citizenship scheme more attractive.
Citizenship Revenues
Vanuatu DSP and VCP schemes bring together approx USD 120 million revenues to the government every year. According to latest reports, the Citizenship schemes has generated a total Vt12.2 billion from sales under the citizenship program, from January until mid-December 2020. The National Citizenship Commission approves at least 70 investment applications to interested individuals each month.
The Citizenship by investment schemes in Vanuatu over the years has played an important role for government revenues and development of Vanuatu.
Legislation and Acts
The legal background to DSP and VCP programs are available for download from official website
Vanuatu Citizenship Act [Cap_112]
Citizenship ACT NO. 34 OF 2018 (Amendment)
Citizenship ACT NO. 39 OF 2013 (Amendments)
Citizenship Amendment Act Order No. 18 of 2014 (Amendments)
Citizenship Amendment Act Order No. 40 of 2014 (Amendments)
Citizenship regulations Order 91-95 of 2018
Citizenship Regulations (Order 32-33) of 2019
Citizenship Regulations (Development Support Program) Order No. 39 of 2020
Citizenship Regulations (Contribution Program) Order No. 38 of 2020
Dual Citizenship Amendment Act 2014
The Constitution of the Republic of Vanuatu
Vanuatu Residence Visa
Vanuatu offers three types of residence visas to foreigners (no citizenship)
- Self funded visa
- Land owner visa
- Investor visa
Vanuatu Permanent Residency (Green Card)
Vanuatu issues fastest permanent residency green card within one day. No investment required. Processing time is just 5 days.
The PR card is issued under the Immigration law of the republic of Vanuatu under the Visa regulation order No 180 of 2011, clause 12 (6) and schedule 4.
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You must be over 18 years of age.
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You must have a valid passport
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You must have a police clearance
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You must have asset proof of USD 350,000 or more
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No investment required,
- No personal visit required and no residence requirements
Citizenship possible for permanent residents after 10 years of living in Vanuatu under this option under the naturalisation process.
Vanuatu Real Estate
Foreigners can freely invest in Vanuatu real estate without any need for license. There is no freehold land in Vanuatu, and buying a property is actually a transfer of lease for 50 years or 75 years.
Please note real estate does not qualify under DSP/VCP program which offers only donation option.
According to Global Property Guide, Residential property prices are around US$800 – US$970 per sq. m. (VUV 92,250 to VUV 111,850). A 100 sq. m. property could be bought for VUV 11.2 million (US$97,000). Rental yields are of 8.3%.
Property transactions are done in several currencies, including the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV).
According to Island Property, the best places to buy properties in Vanuatu are:
- Residential – In Port Vila, Tassiriki, Elluk, the Harbourfront, First Lagoon, Second Lagoon, Bellevue, Malapoa and the oceanfront subdivisions near town such as Dream Cove, Angelfish Bay, Paradise Cove, Bukura, Narpow Point and Havannah Harbour
- Commercial – the CBD and main street and central harbourfront
- Agricultural – Efate & Santo islands
Typical Buyer costs:
- 2% Stamp Duty (4% through existing company)
- 5% Title Transfer Registration
- 0.5% – 1.0% Legal costs
Q&A
What’s new in 2021?
Vanuatu has made a number of changes to make the citizenship by investment very attractive – faster processing times (<1 month), oaths now taken in video link, simple application process. Now it is a great time to apply for Vanuatu passport.
Where is Vanuatu?
Vanuatu lies in the Pacific approx 1770 km to the east of Australia, northeast of New Caledonia and west of Fiji.
Do i have to visit Vanuatu for citizenship?
Due to Covid and Vanuatu borders are closed, it is not required to visit or travel to Vanuatu.
Are there any hidden or additional costs?
All inclusive total costs for single applicant costs $135,400. All the prices are part of government package, fully transparent and straightforward. There are no hidden or additional costs
FAQs
1. How passports are delivered?
You can collect at the nearest Vanuatu embassy or consulate or through your authorized agent directly.
2. How long the passport, received under the DSP program, is valid for?
Passports are valid for a period of 10 years renewable for the same period without any special fees.
3. How many countries are in the visa-free list for the citizens of Vanuatu?
Currently there are 129 visa-free or visa on arrival countries for the holders of Vanuatu citizenship, including EU Schengen area, Russia, United Kingdom and Singapore.
4. The advertised 1 month time period for the whole process is real?
Yes, the process from the start of the application till the day when actual passports are issued normally takes up to 4 weeks, but we prefer to reserve a time period of up to 6 weeks to be sure. This only if all the files in correct order, or it will cause delays.
5. Does Vanuatu has income tax?
There are no taxes if you dont live in Vanuatu.
6. Are there any reports of the Vanuatu citizenship holders having problems with visa-free entry to EU or any other countries from the list?
There are no reports of Vanuatu citizenship holders having any problems with entry and stay in EU, U.K., Singapore, UAE and other visa-free countries.
7. Does Vanuatu allow dual citizenship?
Yes Vanuatu has legalized dual citizenship legislation. You will not be required to give up current nationality. The citizenship is provide and confidential not reported.
8. What happens upon expiry of passport?
Just contact the consulate and they will do it for you. You will not be required to remake the investment
9. Is it possible to register an offshore company with Vanuatu citizenship under DSP?
Offshore company is not part of the standard package, but our company can register one for its clients for additional fee
10. Are there options to get Vanuatu citizenship by real estate investments?
There are no such options under the official government’s programs, but our company offers such packages for those clients interested in both Vanuatu citizenship and our real estate project Rainbow City.
11. Is it still possible to pay for Vanuatu citizenship with Bitcoins?
Yes, some agents do accept bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The Vanuatu government or citizenship commission do not accept bitcoin or cryptocurrencies. The legal accepted currency is US dollars.
12. Do you provide any guarantees that the client will not lose his money if his application is not approved?
Yes, we can guarantee that the only amount the client can potentially loose is an initial non-refundable deposit of $5,000. The full investment must be made to government ONLY after approval letter.
13. What are the taxes applicable in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu has zero corporate tax, no income tax, no capital gains tax, no estate tax, no wealth tax, no withholding tax, no gift tax and no other personal income taxes.
14. Can i vote or hold positions in Government offices as a investment citizen?
No
15. Has Vanuatu revoked citizenship or passports of foreign nationals?
Vanuatu has revoked more than 35 persons for involving in financial fraud and wanted by interpol. Vanuatu can also revoke citizenship for concealment of information or bringing disrepute to the country.
15. Has Vanuatu revoked citizenship in past?
Yes there have been over 30 persons revoked of citizenship, and recently 6 chinese were stripped of citizenship and deported for crypto currency fraud. The most common reasons for losing citizenship is fraud, concealment of information, wanted persons etc.
16. Does Vanuatu have visa waiver with China?
No, but it will come soon, in the pipeline.
17. Can stateless persons apply for vanuatu citizenship by investments?
Yes
18. Is name change allowed?
Yes, name change is allowed after you acquire citizenship through deed poll. It would cost $5000
19. Can i open bank account?
Yes, we provide additional services opening bank account, ID cards in Vanuatu.
20. What has changed during Covid?
Applications accepted electronically. Processing times are very fast (approvals within 2 weeks). Oaths can be taken via zoom or video call.
21. Where can i find list of embassies and consulates abroad?
Please refer to official website
About Vanuatu
Vanuatu, an archipelago of approximately 83 islands, situated in the South-western Pacific Ocean East of Australia and North of New Zealand and a part of Commonwealth. Vanuatu is known as the ‘Isles of Contrast’ and ‘Paradise Islands’. Vanuatu is also popular for offshore financial center and a famous tropical holiday destination for travelers . Vanuatu also voted as fourth happiest country in the world. Major economic activities in Vanuatu are agriculture, tourism, offshore financial services, fishing and cattle farming.
- Capital and largest city: Port Vila
- Official languages: Bislama, French, English
- Total Area: 12,189 km2 (4,706 sq mi)
- Population: 286,429 (2016 estimate)
- GDP (PPP) 2017 estimate Total $723 million
- GDP (nominal) 2017 estimate Total $773 million
- Currency Vanuatu vatu (VUV)
- Time zone VUT (Vanuatu Time) (UTC+11)
- Drives on the right
- Calling code +678
- ISO 3166 code VU
- Internet TLD .vu
