2-4 months
The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI), launched in 2017, aims to boost economic growth by attracting foreign investment to the Pacific nation. With a focus on diversifying its economy, the program allows individuals to obtain citizenship through a significant financial contribution to the Vanuatu Development Support Program (VDSP). This one-time donation, which starts at approximately $130,000 for a single applicant, helps fund various developmental projects while offering investors and their families the benefits of Vanuatu citizenship.
Business Environment
Living in Vanuatu offers a growing business environment, primarily driven by tourism, agriculture, and offshore services. The government encourages foreign investment and has established several tax incentives. While opportunities for entrepreneurship exist, navigating local regulations can be complex, and understanding the cultural context is essential for success.
Healthcare
Healthcare services in Vanuatu are provided through the public and private sectors. The public healthcare system offers basic services, but access can be limited in rural areas, where facilities may be understaffed or lack essential supplies. Ongoing efforts aim to improve healthcare infrastructure, with a focus on maternal and child health and disease prevention programs.
Education
Education is accessible in Vanuatu, with free primary education available for children. Secondary education options are also present, but access can be limited in remote areas, and many families opt for private schools to ensure quality. Higher education is available through a few institutions, and vocational training programs are offered to equip students with practical skills.
Lifestyle
The lifestyle in Vanuatu is relaxed and community-oriented. Residents enjoy warm weather, beautiful beaches, and a variety of outdoor activities such as snorkeling, diving, and hiking. The island lifestyle promotes a strong connection to nature and fosters a slower pace of life.
Community
The community is friendly and welcoming, with locals celebrating diverse cultures and traditions. Festivals and events throughout the year reflect the rich heritage of the country. This sense of community makes it easy for newcomers to integrate, participate in local activities, and form lasting friendships.
Vanuatu offers a favorable tax environment for investors and expatriates. There is no income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax, allowing individuals and businesses to keep more of their earnings. Foreign income is also not taxed, making it ideal for offshore activities.
A Value Added Tax (VAT) of 15% applies to goods and services, and some import duties may apply. Overall, Vanuatu’s tax system is designed to encourage investment and economic growth, making it an attractive option for those looking to relocate or start a business through the Citizenship by Investment Program.
The cost of living in Vanuatu can vary based on location and lifestyle choices. In urban areas like Port Vila, expenses tend to be higher, particularly for housing, groceries, and dining. Renting an apartment in the city can be relatively expensive, and utility costs can add to monthly expenses.
Groceries may be more costly than in many countries due to reliance on imports, with prices for basic items typically higher. Dining out varies as well; local eateries offer affordable options, while upscale restaurants can be more expensive.
Transportation costs are generally reasonable, with public transport options and taxis available. While some aspects of living in Vanuatu may be costly, the absence of income tax and the beautiful surroundings can make it a rewarding experience.
Vanuatu allows dual citizenship, enabling individuals to keep their original nationality while gaining Vanuatu citizenship. This provides access to benefits in both countries. It is important to check the rules of your home country, as some may have restrictions on dual citizenship.
The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program has several key regulations to ensure transparency and security. Applicants must make a non-refundable contribution to the Development Support Program (DSP). A thorough due diligence process is conducted to verify identity, source of funds, and criminal history. Authorized agents must submit applications on behalf of investors, who must also visit Vanuatu to provide biometrics.
The process typically takes 60 to 90 days, and there are no residency requirements, although eligible family members can be included in the application.
Key Facts
Capital
Languages
Currency
Population
| Quick Facts | Details |
| Visa-free countries | 110+ |
| Taxes | No tax on worldwide income |
| Processing time | 2-4 months |
| Minimum Investment | $130,000 |
| Eligible family members | Spouse, Children under 30, Parents over 50 |
| Passport validity | 10 years |
| Visit or residency requirement | None (at present) |
| Applications submitted after August 31, 2024 | Personal visit required for biometrics |
| Interview requirement | None |
Non-refundable contribution — starting from $130,000
Applicants contribute to the Development Support Program (DSP) to obtain Vanuatu citizenship through investment. The funds are used to support Vanuatu’s economic development and aid in disaster recovery efforts, such as rebuilding after the Harold tropical cyclone.
This contribution is not refundable and does not generate any income.
A banking fee applies when making the Due Diligence payment and transferring the contribution.
Individuals from the following countries cannot apply for citizenship by investment in Vanuatu unless they have lived outside their home countries for a minimum of five years and can demonstrate their permanent residency in another nation:
Documents Required (FIU Pre-Approval)
Documents required (After FIU Pre-Approval)
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The due diligence process for Vanuatu citizenship has been updated to strengthen ties with the European Council. Migrate World checks the backgrounds, sources of funds, and criminal histories of applicants. They verify documents against international databases. Applications, including passports, police clearances, and CVs, are sent to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), where the review typically takes 3 to 8 working days.
NOTE: The timeline is an estimate only, processing time depends on the complexity of each file
Applicants for Vanuatu citizenship can choose to apply online through another authorized agent or through Migrate World. However, it is important to note that you cannot apply independently. Only an official program representative can submit an application on behalf of the investor. This representative sends the investor’s documents to the program’s agent in Vanuatu, who then submits them to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the Selection Committee, and the Citizenship Commission for consideration.
The process of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship through the Citizenship by Investment program typically takes between 2 to 4 months.
In addition to the program fees, applicants for the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program should consider additional costs, including the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Due Diligence Fee and fees for any additional minor applicants.
| Applicant Type | Total Cost |
| Single applicant | $130,000 |
| Main applicant and spouse | $150,000 |
| Married couple plus one child under 18 | $165,000 |
| Married couple plus two children under 18 | $180,000 |
| Additional dependents | $15,000 per dependent |
| Due Diligence Checks (per application) | $5,000 |
The main applicant can include the following family members in their application for Vanuatu citizenship:
A Vanuatu passport is valid for ten years and must be renewed after that period.
Read more: Vanuatu Passport Renewal
Read more : Vanuatu Visa-Free Countries List
Migrate World helps clients with the Vanuatu citizenship process by offering expert guidance and support. They assist with preparing and submitting documents, manage the due diligence checks, and keep clients updated on their application status.
Migrate World also provides post-citizenship services, making the entire experience easier for clients.
Program Summary
Learn more about the country and it's citizenship by investment.
The main applicant can include a spouse, dependent children under the age of 25, and dependent parents above the age of 50 in their application for Vanuatu citizenship.
Yes. The current cost for adding a spouse is $45,000, while it is $15,000 for a child.
The passport is valid for ten years from the date it is issued. After that, it can be renewed remotely. Your citizenship, however, is permanent.
No. Vanuatu allows dual citizenship, so you can hold multiple citizenships without renouncing your previous one.
We will perform initial due diligence to confirm eligibility before advancing your application in Vanuatu. This ensures that only qualified applicants proceed.
The donation should be made only after your citizenship application has received approval.
The new biometric passport of Vanuatu contains 32 pages.
No, Vanuatu does not have any residency requirements to apply for or maintain citizenship.
The main steps include submitting the application, completing due diligence, making the donation, and receiving citizenship approval.
No, there are no language requirements for obtaining Vanuatu citizenship through investment.
