Looking to secure a second passport fast and without the hassle of residency or language requirements? The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to obtain full citizenship and a powerful passport in just 1-2 months, starting from $130,000.
Thanks to recent program updates, Vanuatu now offers full family inclusion, no global income tax, and visa-free travel to 110+ countries, including the UK, Singapore, and EU Schengen states.
In this 2025 guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know from eligibility and investment options to cost breakdown, application steps, and the benefits of holding a Vanuatu passport.
What Will You Find in This Article?
- Key Aspects of Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
- Benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
- Eligibility Criteria
- Investment Options for Vanuatu Citizenship in 2025
- Requirements and Cost of Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment in 2025
- Step-by-Step Application for Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
- Vanuatu Citizenship and Passport Strength
- Vanuatu vs Saint Kitts vs Dominica vs Grenada: CBI Comparison Table
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Aspects of Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
- Program Origin: Launched in 2017, the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is one of the fastest and most accessible second citizenship pathways in the world.
- Investment Type: Requires a non-refundable contribution to the Vanuatu Development Support Program (VDSP). Secondary options such as real estate or sustainable funds exist but are rarely used.
- Minimum Investment Amount: $130,000 for a single applicant, $150,000 for a married couple, $165,000+ for families of three or more (An extra $10,000 applies per additional dependent.
- Eligible Family Members: Spouse, Children up to 25 years old, Parents aged 65 and above, if financially dependent.
- All approved dependents receive full citizenship and passports.
- Processing Time: One of the fastest CBI programs globally, with approval in as little as 30–60 days, and passport delivery shortly after an online oath ceremony.
- Residency/Visit Requirement: None. Applicants are not required to visit or live in Vanuatu at any stage, the process is 100% remote.
- Due Diligence & Documentation: No language, education, or interview requirements. Mandatory background checks for applicants aged 16+.
- Visa-Free Travel: Vanuatu passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, including: UK, EU Schengen Area, Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia
- Taxation Benefits: Vanuatu imposes no income tax, wealth tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax, making it attractive for global investors.
- Dual Citizenship: Fully permitted-applicants do not need to renounce their existing nationality.
Benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
One of the most effective routes to second citizenship is the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program, particularly for individuals looking for tax benefits, financial secrecy, and international mobility without having to relocate.
These are the key advantages:
- Fast-track passport in as little as 60 days: Investment programs routinely rate Vanuatu as one of the fastest citizenship countries. Within one to two months, applicants can obtain their passport and citizenship clearance thanks to expedited due diligence and a completely remote approach.
- Visa-free travel to more than 110 nations: Holders of a Vanuatu passport are granted entry to more than 110 countries, including the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, and every nation in the EU Schengen Area, without the need for a visa or upon arrival.
- No capital gains tax or personal income tax: Vanuatuans have one of the most alluring tax systems in the world. The absence of income, wealth, inheritance, and capital gains taxes makes it the perfect place for high-net-worth individuals, cryptocurrency investors, and international business owners.
- Full family inclusion under one application: The program is a very inclusive choice for family migration or legacy planning because it permits applicants to include spouses, children under 25, and parents over 65.
- No conditions for residency or visits: At no point is it necessary to reside in or visit Vanuatu. The full procedure, including the video call oath ceremony, can be finished remotely.
- Dual citizenship is allowed: Vanuatu does not require applicants to renounce their existing citizenship, making it easier to expand your global footprint while maintaining ties to your home country.
- Simple, no-nonsense application process: When compared to Caribbean or European alternatives, Vanuatu’s CBI program is frequently cited as one of the simplest to obtain citizenship because it involves no interviews, no language tests, and no paperwork.
- A stable and safe geopolitical setting: For foreign investors seeking long-term stability, Vanuatu provides a secure and independent environment as a Commonwealth and United Nations member.
Eligibility Criteria
The following qualifying requirements must be fulfilled by applicants in order to be eligible for Vanuatu citizenship by investment in 2025:
Main Applicant Requirements
Main Applicant Requirements:
- Be in the age range of 18 to 65.
- Own a spotless criminal record backed up by current police certifications.
- Not have been denied a visa from a country with which Vanuatu has visa-free agreements.
- At least $250,000 in personal or shared net assets must be demonstrated.
Family Member Qualifications
- The primary applicant’s spouse
- Children that are financially dependant and younger than 25
- All dependents 16 years of age and older are subject to due diligence screening, as are parents 65 years of age or older who are entirely supported by the primary applicant.
Financial and Legal Conditions
Donate at least $130,000 to the VDSP, or Vanuatu Development Support Program.
Pass a more thorough due diligence procedure run by agents authorized by the government.
Provide accurate and comprehensive documentation, such as:
- Copies of passports and national identification
- Evidence of a residential address
- Proof of income or funding source
- Police and medical reports
The application can be finished entirely online, and there are no interview, educational, or language prerequisites.
Investment Options for Vanuatu Citizenship in 2025
Applicants can obtain Vanuatu citizenship by choosing one of the following government-approved investment routes. The most popular path remains the Vanuatu Development Support Program (VDSP) due to its speed and simplicity.
Vanuatu Development Support Program (VDSP)
Minimum donation:
- $130,000 for single applicants
- $150,000 for married couples
- From $165,000 for families of three or more
This is the fastest and most widely used route, offering full citizenship with no residency, language, or interview requirements.
The donation is non-refundable and must be paid after passing due diligence checks.
Cocoa Sustainable Fund (CSF)
- Donation amount: $150,000
- The CSF supports Vanuatu’s domestic cocoa production industry.
- $50,000 of the investment is conditionally redeemable after five years, depending on the fund’s performance.
- This option is less common but appeals to applicants seeking a semi-recoverable route.
Approved Real Estate Projects
- Under Section 13F of the Vanuatu Citizenship Act, applicants can invest in government-approved property developments.
- Minimum investment: $200,000
- Qualifying projects include:
- Milai, Espiritu Santo Island
- Pacific Springs, Efate Island
- FPF Rainbow City Project, Efate Island
- Narpow Point Coral Bay, Efate Island
- Milai, Espiritu Santo Island
- Real estate investments are less frequently used and must be pre-approved by the government to qualify for citizenship.
Requirements and Cost of Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment in 2025
To apply for Vanuatu citizenship through investment, applicants must meet a set of eligibility, documentation, and due diligence requirements defined by the government. Below is a clear breakdown of the key criteria as of 2025.
Due Diligence Requirements
All applicants aged 16 and above are subject to a government-mandated background check. The process is designed to comply with international security standards and includes:
- Criminal record screening via global databases
- Verification of source of funds and asset origin
- Cross-checks against international sanctions lists
- No history of visa denials from countries with visa-free access to Vanuatu
Due diligence is conducted by authorized agents and must be cleared before proceeding with investment.
The total cost of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship depends on your family size and chosen investment route. Below is a breakdown of the main financial components in 2025.
1. Government Donation via VDSP (Most Common Route)
|
Applicant Type |
Minimum Donation |
|
Single Applicant |
$130,000 |
|
Married Couple |
$150,000 |
|
Family of 3 |
$165,000 |
|
Family of 4 |
$180,000 |
|
Additional Dependent |
+$10,000 for each |
Donation is non-refundable and made only after due diligence approval.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documentation:
- Valid passport and formal ID
- Proof of residential address
- Recent police clearance certificates
- Business, employment, or financial records
- Medical certificate (if requested)
2. Cocoa Sustainable Fund (CSF)
|
Applicant Type |
Donation Amount |
|---|---|
|
Single Applicant or Couple |
$150,000 (flat rate) |
$50,000 is potentially redeemable after five years.
|
Applicant Type |
Donation Amount |
|---|---|
|
Single Applicant or Couple |
$150,000 (flat rate) |
2. Cocoa Sustainable Fund (CSF)
|
Applicant Type |
Donation Amount |
|---|---|
|
Single Applicant or Couple |
$150,000 (flat rate) |
$50,000 is potentially redeemable after five years.
|
Applicant Type |
Donation Amount |
|---|---|
|
Single Applicant or Couple |
$150,000 (flat rate) |
3. Approved Real Estate Investment
|
Investment Type |
Minimum Amount |
|
Approved Property Objects |
$200,000 |
Investments must be made in pre-approved developments under Section 13F of the Citizenship Act.
4. Due Diligence Fees (Non-Refundable)
|
Applicant Type |
Fee |
|
Main Applicant |
$5,000 |
|
Each Dependent (16+) |
$2,000-$3,000 (varies) |
5. Government Processing & Passport Fees
|
Applicant Type |
Processing Fees |
|
Main Applicant |
~$2,000–$3,000 |
|
Each Additional Dependent |
~$1,000–$2,000 each |
Notes:
- Fees may vary slightly depending on your official agent.
- There are no hidden legal, language, or relocation fees.
- All payments are made through a government-approved DSP agent.
Step-by-Step Application for Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
Before securing your Vanuatu passport, you will need to follow a series of important steps as part of the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program. Applying for Vanuatu citizenship through investment involves a simple, fully remote process. Below is the step-by-step breakdown based on procedures:
1. Prepare Required Documents
Gather the following documents to initiate your application:
- Passport copy and national ID
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Medical certificate
- Police clearance certificates from all countries where you have resided in the past 12 months
- Proof of address and financial records
2. Initiate Due Diligence
- Pay the $5,000 due diligence fee to begin background checks.
- The government-approved agency will screen your criminal record, financial history, and visa history.
- All dependents aged 16+ are also subject to background checks.
3. Submit Your Application
- Work with a licensed DSP agent officially recognized by the government.
- Your application and documents will be submitted to the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission (VCC).
4. Wait for Initial Approval (2 weeks)
- If you pass due diligence, you’ll receive initial approval within approximately 14 business days.
- At this point, you’ll be invited to proceed with the investment.
5. Make the Investment Payment
- Transfer the full donation or investment amount based on your selected route and family size.
- Payment is made only after pre-approval.
6. Receive Official Citizenship Approval
- Once the payment is confirmed, you’ll receive a citizenship approval letter from the VCC.
7. Take the Oath of Allegiance (Remotely)
- The final step is to take a remote oath of allegiance, typically via video call.
- Within 3–4 weeks, your Vanuatu passport will be issued and delivered via the nearest consulate or embassy.
Vanuatu Citizenship and Passport Strength
The Vanuatu passport offers solid travel flexibility and is supported by a simple and fast-track citizenship process.
As of 2025, Vanuatu citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 93 countries, including:
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Russia
- United Kingdom
Note: As of December 2024, visa-free access to EU Schengen countries has been suspended due to EU policy changes.
Beyond mobility, Vanuatu citizenship brings long-term financial benefits:
- No income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax
- No taxes on worldwide profits, wealth, or donations
- Ideal for entrepreneurs, investors, and crypto holders seeking tax efficiency
Citizenship is granted without interviews, language tests, or relocation requirements, and the process is 100% remote.
With a processing time of just 1–2 months, Vanuatu remains one of the most efficient second citizenship programs available globally-particularly for those prioritizing speed, simplicity, and financial privacy.
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Vanuatu vs Saint Kitts vs Dominica vs Grenada: CBI Comparison Table
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of three leading citizenship by investment (CBI) programs in 2025:
|
Feature |
Vanuatu |
St. Kitts & Nevis |
Dominica |
Grenada |
|
Minimum Investment |
$130,000 (Donation) |
$250,000 (Donation) |
$200,000 (Donation) |
$150,000 (Donation) |
|
Processing Time |
1-2 months |
3-4 months |
3-4 months |
6-9 months |
|
Family Inclusion |
Spouse, kids <25, parents 65+ |
Spouse, kids <25, parents 55+ |
Spouse, kids <30, parents 65+ |
Spouse, kids <30, parents 55+ |
|
Visa-Free Countries |
93 (no longer Schengen) |
150+ |
140+ |
145+ |
|
EU Visa-Free Access |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
China Visa-Free Access |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
USA E-2 Treaty Eligibility |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Tax on Global Income |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
Remote Application |
Fully Remote |
Partial |
Fully Remote |
Fully Remote |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to buy citizenship in Vanuatu?
The minimum cost to obtain Vanuatu citizenship is $130,000 for a single applicant. Additional fees apply for spouses, dependents, and due diligence checks.
How much investment is required for Vanuatu citizenship?
To qualify, single applicants must contribute at least $130,000 to the Vanuatu Development Support Program. For a family of four, the investment typically rises to $180,000 or more.
Is Vanuatu citizenship worth it?
Yes. Vanuatu citizenship offers visa-free travel to 92 countries, no income or wealth taxes, fast processing, and dual citizenship recognition, making it a valuable option for global mobility and tax optimization.
How long does it take to get citizenship by investment in Vanuatu?
The application process is one of the fastest in the world — most applicants receive their citizenship within 4 to 8 weeks after submitting all required documents and completing due diligence.
What are the main benefits of Vanuatu citizenship?
Key benefits include:
- Visa-free access to countries like the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong
- No personal income, capital gains, or inheritance tax
- Full citizenship rights for family members
- Political stability and privacy
Who is eligible for the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program?
Applicants must be between 18 and 65 years old, have no criminal record, and show proof of at least $250,000 in assets. Citizens of North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen are restricted unless they have resided outside these countries for over five consecutive years.
