Vanuatu, a string of 80 islands in the South Pacific Ocean, offers a paradise for expats seeking to enhance their lifestyles. With its breathtaking mountains, tropical rainforests, and turquoise waters, Vanuatu provides an idyllic setting. The country's citizenship by investment program allows international investors to acquire passports in a swift two-month process. Discover more about obtaining citizenship in Vanuatu in this guide.

Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment Program: An Overview

The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program offers an opportunity for eligible investors to obtain citizenship and passports by contributing to the economic development of the country. Established in 2017, this program is unique in the South Pacific region and is commonly known as the Vanuatu Citizenship Development Support Program (DSP). It stands out as one of the most efficient and expedient methods to acquire a second passport.

While the Vanuatu citizenship program may not be the most cost-effective option available, it presents a straightforward path to attaining citizenship with relatively minimal investor requirements. Possessing a Vanuatu passport holds significant advantages, particularly for individuals seeking tranquility and seclusion.

Benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

Discover the abundant advantages of Vanuatu citizenship that await you. Whether you seek enhanced security amidst crises, asset diversification, or the allure of an English-speaking paradise, obtaining a Vanuatu passport expands your horizons and presents numerous benefits.

Benefits of Vanuatu citizenship encompass:

• Visa-Free Access: Enjoy unrestricted travel to 96 countries, including renowned destinations like the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Russia.
• Affordable Investment: Begin your journey towards citizenship with a minimum investment starting from $130,000, making it an accessible and cost-effective option.
• Expedited Processing: Experience a streamlined application process, with the advantage of receiving your passport within a mere two months, granting you swift access to a world of opportunities.
• Tax Advantages: Embrace the freedom from personal taxation, including exemptions from wealth tax, inheritance tax, gift tax, capital gains tax, and income tax, allowing you to optimize your financial endeavors.
• Flexibility and Convenience: Relish the absence of residence or interview requirements, offering you the flexibility to reside wherever you desire while eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
• Comprehensive Family Inclusion: Extend the benefits of Vanuatu citizenship to your entire family, ensuring they can partake in the advantages and opportunities that come with a Vanuatu passport.

Experience the countless advantages that Vanuatu citizenship offers, from unrestricted global travel to financial freedom. Embrace a future filled with possibilities, all within the enchanting embrace of this English-speaking tropical paradise.

Vanuatu Citizenship

The citizenship program offered by Vanuatu provides numerous advantages, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking enhanced travel opportunities and efficient processing. With a Vanuatu passport, you gain access to 96 countries without the need for a visa. Notable destinations include the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Russia.

Moreover, Vanuatu citizens enjoy expedited processing when visiting Commonwealth countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. This streamlined process facilitates smoother entry and allows for efficient travel arrangements. Additionally, holders of Vanuatu passports can spend up to six months per year in the United Kingdom without requiring a visa, providing a considerable degree of flexibility for extended stays.

For individuals engaged in international business ventures that necessitate frequent travel, the acquisition of a Vanuatu passport presents a highly beneficial investment. With the convenience of visa-free access to numerous countries and expedited processing in key destinations, managing your business affairs abroad becomes significantly easier and more efficient.

Citizenship Requirements

Before applying for citizenship in Vanuatu, it is important to familiarize yourself with the necessary requirements. Here are the revised and improved eligibility criteria:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old and not exceed the age of 65 at the time of submitting your application.
• Investment: A minimum non-refundable investment of $130,000 is required to qualify for citizenship.
• Criminal Record: Applicants must possess a clean criminal record, free from any convictions or criminal activities.
• Financial Requirement: You should have a minimum balance of $250,000 in your bank account or possess assets exceeding this amount.
• Nationality Restriction: Individuals who are citizens of Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea, or Yemen are generally not eligible for the program. However, if such individuals have established permanent residence outside of these countries and have resided outside for more than five consecutive years, they may be considered for citizenship.

Now, let's move on to the eligible family members who can obtain Vanuatu citizenship:

• Spouse and Dependent Children: The spouse of the main applicant, as well as their dependent children, are eligible for Vanuatu citizenship through the program.
• Dependent Children in Education: Additionally, dependent children who are pursuing their education can also qualify for Vanuatu citizenship.
• Dependent Parents and Grandparents: The dependent parents of the main applicant, as well as dependent grandparents, can be included under the program and become Vanuatu citizens.

Please note that this revised content is provided for informational purposes only and it is advisable to consult the official sources and relevant authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding Vanuatu citizenship requirements.

Key Requirements for Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

To acquire citizenship in Vanuatu, individuals are required to make a non-refundable contribution to the local development fund of the country. This contribution serves the purpose of supporting the infrastructure, development, and economic growth of Vanuatu and its surrounding region. The specific amount to be invested varies based on the number of applicants involved.

For an individual applicant, the minimum investment requirement is $130,000. However, for a family of four, the requirement increases to $180,000. Additional dependents can be included in the application for an additional fee of $15,000 per person. To demonstrate eligibility, applicants must provide evidence of possessing at least $250,000 in their bank account.

Tax Considerations for Vanuatu Citizenship

The Vanuatu citizenship program offers numerous advantages, making it an enticing choice for individuals considering relocation, especially for digital entrepreneurs seeking tax-friendly second passports. One notable benefit is the exemption from taxation on worldwide income for those who choose to become full-time residents in Vanuatu. Additionally, individuals can enjoy the absence of taxes on personal income, inheritance, and gifts, further enhancing the appeal of living in this tropical paradise.

Application Process for Citizenship by Investment

The processing time for citizenship applications typically spans 45 days on average. Once your application is approved, you can anticipate receiving your passport within approximately two months.

Timeline for Obtaining Vanuatu Citizenship

Preparation (3-4 Days)

Engage the services of a specialized firm to guide you through the program requirements. Gather and organize all the necessary documents required for submission.

Application Submission (3-4 Days)

Submit your meticulously prepared application and patiently await the Vanuatu government's due diligence checks and review process. Upon successful completion, you will be issued a pre-approved letter.

Investment (5 Days)

Fulfill the required investment and provide verifiable evidence of the financial transaction to the citizenship commission.

Passport Received (30 Days)

Participate in the Oath Swearing Ceremony, an important milestone on your journey. Congratulations, as you are now officially a citizen of Vanuatu! Your Vanuatu passport will be issued to you shortly after, signifying your new citizenship status.

Step-by-Step Guide to Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

Acquiring citizenship in Vanuatu is a hassle-free and efficient procedure. Follow these simple steps to obtain your Vanuatu citizenship through the Citizenship by Investment Program:

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Our team of expert advisors will guide you through the requirements of the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program. We offer comprehensive support and assistance with all aspects of the program.

Step 2: Application Form Completion

Compile and review the necessary documents, ensuring all application forms are properly filled out. Subsequently, submit your application to initiate the process.

Step 3: Thorough Due Diligence Checks

The Vanuatu government conducts rigorous due diligence checks to verify your eligibility for the program. These checks are an integral part of maintaining the program's integrity.

Step 4: Pre-Approval Confirmation

Upon meeting the investment requirement, the government will grant pre-approval for your application. This confirmation paves the way for the next step in the process.

Step 5: Investment and Documentation

After receiving a letter of approval, proceed with making the required investment and provide verifiable evidence of the investment transaction.

Step 6: Oath-Swearing Ceremony and Passport Issuance

Upon receiving your citizenship certificate, you will participate in an Oath-Swearing Ceremony. To accommodate your preferences, the ceremony can be arranged at a location of your choice for an additional fee. On this momentous occasion, you will be granted your Vanuatuan passport, which remains valid for ten years and can be renewed for subsequent ten-year periods.

By following these steps, you can successfully navigate the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program and obtain your citizenship with ease.

Required Documents for Vanuatu Citizenship Application

To complete your application, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Citizenship Application Form: Please ensure that you have filled out the citizenship application form completely and accurately.
• Valid Passport Copy: Submit a certified copy of your current and valid passport.
• National Identity Card Copy: Include a certified copy of your national identity card.
• Police Clearance: Provide a document certifying your clean criminal record through a police clearance.
• Vanuatu Due Diligence Check: Successfully pass the due diligence check conducted by the Vanuatu authorities.
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable): If you are married, include a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
• Medical Certificate: Obtain a medical certificate from a qualified healthcare professional, confirming that you are in good health.
• Comprehensive Personal Profile: Prepare a detailed personal profile that highlights your employment history and includes your curriculum vitae (CV).
• Colored Passport Photograph: Attach a recent colored passport-sized photograph of yourself.
• Proof of Sufficient Funds: Provide evidence of your financial capability by demonstrating a minimum of $250,000 in funds.

Please ensure that all documents are authentic, certified, and in the required format for a successful application.

Cost of Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

Vanuatu Development Support Program Donation Requirements:

• Single Applicant:
  • Minimum donation: $130,000
• Main Applicant + Spouse:
  • Minimum donation: $150,000
• Main Applicant + Spouse + 1 Child (or other dependent):
  • Minimum donation: $165,000
• Main Applicant + Spouse + 2 Children (or other dependents):
  • Minimum donation: $180,000
• Families of 5 or more:
  • Minimum donation: Base amount + $15,000 for each additional person

Additional Fees:

• Due diligence: $5,000 (applicable to all applicants)
• Passport processing: $160 per person
• Citizenship certificate: $120 per person
• Application fee: $100 per person

FAQ

How can one obtain citizenship in Vanuatu?

Citizenship in Vanuatu can be acquired through marriage, birth, or residence. However, the quickest and most straightforward method is to apply for Vanuatu citizenship through the investment program. This program is the only one of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region and requires a minimum investment of $130,000 for an individual applicant. Once the necessary due diligence checks are completed and proof of investment is provided, it typically takes between 1 to 2 months to become a Vanuatu citizen.

Where is the country Vanuatu located?

Vanuatu is situated in the South Pacific Ocean. It is approximately 1,750 kilometers (1,090 miles) east of northern Australia, 540 kilometers (340 miles) northeast of New Caledonia, east of New Guinea, southeast of the Solomon Islands, and west of Fiji.

What are the benefits of Vanuatu citizenship?

Vanuatu citizenship offers several advantages. One significant benefit is visa-free travel to 96 destinations worldwide, including countries such as the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia. Additionally, citizens enjoy zero tax on their personal and worldwide income, as well as the right to live and work in the beautiful island nation of Vanuatu. In times of calamities or pandemics, having a second passport provides increased personal and financial security, offering more freedom and options.

How much does Vanuatu citizenship cost?

The cost of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship depends on the number of applicants included in the application. For the primary applicant, a donation of $130,000 must be made to Vanuatu's local fund. In the case of a family of four, the cost is $180,000, which includes application fees, government fees, and due diligence fees.

How does Vanuatu bitcoin citizenship work?

Although Vanuatu is friendly towards cryptocurrencies, it currently does not accept bitcoin as a form of payment for citizenship. Instead, individuals can make their payment through an Authorized Agent who will trade the bitcoin into USD on behalf of the applicant before transacting with the Vanuatu government.

Does Vanuatu allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Vanuatu recognizes dual citizenship. This means that individuals do not need to renounce their previous nationality in order to obtain a Vanuatu passport.

What is the Vanuatu Citizenship Act?

The Vanuatu Citizenship Act is a legislation enacted by the government of Vanuatu in 1980. It enables individuals to acquire citizenship through naturalization or by renouncing their previous citizenship. The Act also established the Citizenship Commission, responsible for overseeing matters related to citizenship in Vanuatu.