Vanuatu Citizenship and Permanent Residency

What is the Citizenship by Investment Program of Vanuatu

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to obtain a second passport. It enables foreign investors to gain Vanuatu citizenship through a financial contribution to the country’s National Development Fund. With its simplified procedures and minimal eligibility requirements, the program has become a popular choice for entrepreneurs, investors, and individuals seeking international mobility.

Launched in 2017 as the Development Support Program (DSP), the initiative aims to attract foreign investment to support sustainable development, create jobs, and fund government social programs. Prior programs existed but were less successful and less widely used. Since 2017, the process has been streamlined, transparent, and more appealing to international applicants.

The program operates on a non-refundable investment principle. Unlike many other citizenship schemes, Vanuatu does not require purchasing real estate, establishing a business, or fulfilling residency obligations. Applicants first undergo a preliminary due diligence check to ensure no criminal record or financial violations.

The minimum investment starts at $130,000 for a single applicant. Families are also eligible to apply, including spouses, unmarried children under 26, and parents above 50 years old.

Applicants complete a simple application process and provide basic supporting documents for verification. Once approved, citizenship certificates and Vanuatu passports are issued within 30–60 days, offering a fast and reliable path to international mobility.

Vanuatu, located in the heart of the South Pacific near Australia and New Zealand, is recognized as one of the region’s politically and economically stable island nations. As a member of the Commonwealth, Vanuatu maintains strong diplomatic and trade connections with multiple countries and actively participates in international organizations, including the United Nations and the Francophonie, enjoying wide global recognition.

With its strategic location and neutral international stance, Vanuatu offers residents both a peaceful, high-quality lifestyle and convenient international mobility. The country is known for its pristine natural environment, clean air, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed, community-focused way of life, making it highly attractive for families and professionals alike.

Vanuatu also provides an exceptionally favorable economic and tax environment. It maintains zero personal income tax, zero capital gains tax, and zero inheritance tax, without imposing a worldwide taxation system. This allows individuals with international assets to efficiently plan and manage their finances, making Vanuatu an ideal base for global asset allocation and wealth management.

The government actively encourages international investment and has established a transparent and legally compliant citizenship program. Through this program, applicants can obtain Vanuatu citizenship and a passport quickly and safely, benefiting from the country’s stable political system, recognized international status, and flexible financial environment.

Discover Vanuatu Between Australia and New Zealand

Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP) Requirements

The Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP) allows investors to obtain citizenship through a financial contribution to the National Development Fund. To participate, the primary applicant must be over 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, and have no ongoing criminal cases. A police clearance certificate is required, and applicants must not appear on international databases such as Interpol. Individuals on international sanctions lists are ineligible.

Applicants must provide proof of legal income, such as bank statements, tax returns, or company financial reports. A medical certificate confirming the absence of severe infectious diseases, including tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, is also mandatory.

Family inclusion under the DSP is limited to spouses, unmarried children under 26, and parents above 50 years old. Brothers, sisters, and other relatives cannot be included. Citizens of North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Somalia, and Afghanistan are not eligible to apply.

A Quick Look at Required Documents for DSP Program (Single Applicant)

📄 Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of application. Copies of all filled pages are required.

📄 Birth Certificate
Original or notarized copy, translated into English.

📄 Certificate of No Criminal Record
Issued within 6 months before application submission, from the country of citizenship and any country where the applicant has resided for over 12 months in the past 10 years.

📄 Proof of Assets
Evidence of assets exceeding USD 250,000, including bank deposits, real estate, stocks, or other investments.

📄 Medical Certificate
Issued within 3 months prior to application submission, confirming the absence of serious infectious diseases.

Important Notes！

All documents must be notarized and accompanied by an official English translation.

Police clearance certificates and medical certificates must be issued within six months prior to the submission of the application.

Vanuatu offers one of the world’s simplest and most transparent citizenship programs. Unlike many other investment migration projects, the application process is straightforward, requiring only essential personal documents such as passport copies, birth certificates, proof of assets, and medical certificates. This simplicity makes it one of the fastest and easiest citizenship programs globally.

All applications undergo careful due diligence by the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit, INTERPOL, and the Immigration Department, ensuring that every citizen granted enjoys full international recognition. Once the application passes these checks, the applicant receives Approval In Principle (AIP), marking the official green light to proceed.

After approval, the Civil Registry issues an official ID card and completes the birth registration, legally confirming the applicant’s citizenship. A short video oath is then submitted to finalize the process. Finally, the applicant receives a secure delivery of the complete set of official documents(passport, citizenship certificate, background check approval letter, ID card, and birth registration) known as the five-piece citizenship package, granting full rights of Vanuatu citizenship.

Latest Update!!!

According to the Vanuatu Daily on September 24, 2025, the Vanuatu Consulate in Hong Kong has officially launched a new Passport Biometric Enrolment System. Starting from the second week of November 2025, all passport applicants will need to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and facial recognition data, in person at the Hong Kong consulate or Vanuatu’s government headquarters in order to receive their passport. The consulate has dedicated passport officers to ensure professional and efficient service.

This initiative demonstrates the Vanuatu government’s strong commitment and support for its overseas consulates. Similar biometric enrolment systems have also been deployed in Dubai, Brussels, and New Caledonia to facilitate passport and consular services. The old passport system, which did not require biometric enrolment, will be fully replaced in early November 2025, and all related fees and regulations have already been implemented.

With its straightforward application process requiring minimal documentation, fast and efficient processing, thorough due diligence ensuring internationally recognized status, enhanced biometric enrolment for added security, and the convenience of receiving the full set of official citizenship documents directly, Vanuatu citizenship offers a truly unique opportunity for global mobility, access to a high-quality lifestyle and education, flexible international asset planning, and long-term personal and family security.

Vanuatu Citizenship Made Simple

Ready to become Vanuatu Citizen or Permanent Resident ?

Vanuatu offers an exceptionally favorable environment for financial and asset planning through its clear and investor-friendly tax legislation. The country applies a territorial taxation system, allowing residents and citizens to optimize their financial strategy both locally and internationally.

Residents do not pay personal income tax on salaries, dividends, rental income, or other domestic earnings. Profits from the sale of assets, including real estate, stocks, and other investments, are fully exempt from capital gains tax. Citizens enjoy no inheritance tax, making wealth transfer more efficient, and income earned abroad is not subject to declaration or taxation in Vanuatu, enabling streamlined international asset management.

Companies incorporated in Vanuatu that do not conduct commercial activities locally may benefit from full tax exemptions, while certain business activities are subject only to nominal fees. This structure makes Vanuatu an attractive jurisdiction for holding companies, investment vehicles, and international operations.

By leveraging the territorial taxation system, citizens can maximize returns while minimizing administrative burdens and exposure to unnecessary taxation, creating a strategic advantage for high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and investors seeking efficient asset planning and optimized financial management.

Vanuatu Tax Framework for Citizenship by Investment

Vanuatu offers one of the fastest legal routes to a second citizenship, with passports issued within 30–60 days. Due diligence is completed quickly, and no lengthy residency or bureaucratic delays are required, making it an ideal option for investors and globally mobile individuals.

Applicants do not need to reside in Vanuatu. Citizenship can be obtained while continuing life and business anywhere in the world, offering complete flexibility and convenience.

There are no language requirements. Applicants can obtain a Vanuatu passport without exams, interviews, or proficiency in English, French, or Bislama, ensuring a simple and accessible process for international investors and entrepreneurs.

One of the main benefits of Vanuatu citizenship is its favorable tax system. There is no personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or taxation on international income. The absence of currency control and the ability to register offshore companies provide financial freedom and global business opportunities.

Vanuatu passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 100 countries, including major hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong. This facilitates international business, travel, and family mobility, allowing quick movement between key economic and financial centers.

Recognized as an international offshore financial center since 1972, Vanuatu offers reliable banking, tax advantages, and high confidentiality for global business operations. Citizenship allows the establishment of International Business Companies (IBCs), fully exempt from corporate tax, capital gains tax, and stamp duties, providing efficiency and flexibility in managing international assets.

While a Vanuatu passport does not grant EU residency, it strengthens applications for residence permits in countries like Portugal, Spain, or Greece by demonstrating financial stability, global mobility, and international credibility.

Vanuatu also offers a low cost of living, with affordable housing, transportation, groceries, and healthcare. Its safe environment, clean air, and tropical climate make it an attractive choice for investors, entrepreneurs, and families seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Finally, Vanuatu recognizes dual citizenship, allowing applicants to retain their original nationality while enjoying all the benefits of a Vanuatu passport. Citizenship can also be passed to future generations, providing long-term value and security for families.

Why Choose Vanuatu Citizenship