Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Programme

Citizenship in Vanuatu within 60 days

Dr. Antoine Saliba Haig | 18 May 2020

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Programme

About Vanuatu

The Republic of Vanuatu is a country located in the Pacific and is made up of over 80 islands in an archipelago which stretches over 1,300 kilometres. It had been colonised by the French and British for over 74 years before obtaining its independence in 1980. Vanuatu is now a member of the Commonwealth and the United Nations. Given its rich history, English and French are the official languages for government correspondence, although Bislama is also spoken by the majority of the local population.  

Vanuatu's economy is primarily based on tourism and agriculture. Most of its tourists hail from nearby Australia and New Zealand, however the government has significantly invested in efforts to boost tourism through better air connections, cruise ship facilities and resort developments. 

The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Programme or as it is legally known as the Vanuatu Development Support Programme was launched in 2017 and is regulated by the Vanuatu Citizenship Act, Chapter 112. The Citizenship Act provides for the acquisition of Vanuatu Citizenship under different categories, including the granting of citizenship by investment.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment - Requirements

The main requirement to obtain citizenship in Vanuatu is to make a non refundable contribution to a local development fund. The funds will be used by the Vanuatu government to support economic growth and to improve infrastructure. 

The minimum investment required is of USD$130,000 for a single applicant and the amount increases according to the number of family members included in an application. The initial stage involves the payment of due diligence fees by Vanuatu's FIU. Once pre-approval is obtained, the citizenship application is submitted and the donation is payable upon approval. 

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment - Eligibility

In order to be eligible to apply for the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Programme the main applicant must be at least 18 years of age, possess a clean criminal record and provide evidence of at least USD$250,000 in assets. 

The Main Applicant may also include in his application:

  • His or Her Spouse
  • Economically dependent children under the age of 25
  • Economically dependent parents over the age of 65

Nationals of Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea or Yemen,  are not eligible to apply for Citizenship in Vanuatu unless they have obtained permanent residence outside their country of origin and have lived outside for more than 5 years.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment - Benefits

The main benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship include:

  • Visa free travel to over 129 countries including EU's Schengen Area, UK & Russia
  • Citizenship granted within 60 days
  • Pre-approval issued prior to paying the full investment
  • No physical stay required
  • No language test
  • Favourable tax regime
  • Ability to include family members
  • Citizenship of a country with a stable political environment

How can we Assist?

Our Residency & Citizenship team will guide prospective applicants on the requirements, eligibility and benefits of the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment programme and indicate expected time frames and costs based on the specific circumstances and nature of your application.


Request More Information
Please send me legal and other updates