Is the Vanuatu passport strong?

Visa-free and visa-on-arrival entry is available to holders of Vanuatu passports in 120+ nations, including Thailand, Singapore, Russia, the UK, and Malaysia. Additionally, it enables them to obtain B-1/B-2 tourist visas, which grant holders permission to stay in the US for 180 days each year.

What is the validity of the Vanuatu passport?

The validity period for a Vanuatu passport is ten years. Moreover, it is crucial to remember that passport validity might change depending on the rules of the issuing authorities' regulations and individual circumstances. To keep your Vanuatu passport valid, it is advisable to study the requirements for passport renewal and make sure you are following all applicable laws.

Is there a property tax in Vanuatu?

It's not surprising that many people ask if Vanuatu is a tax-free country given the excellent tax benefits the government offers. You'll be relieved to learn that Vanuatu does not impose taxes on income, inheritance, capital gains, or real estate.

> Citizenship by Investment > Vanuatu

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

Vanuatu Citizenship

Citizenship by Investment

Overview of Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program

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.

Why choose Vanuatu?

Vanuatu features lush rainforests and pristine beaches.
The country is home to over 80 ethnic groups.
Vanuatu enjoys warm weather year-round.
It has low crime rates and a peaceful atmosphere.
Locals are friendly and welcoming.
Vanuatu lies in the South Pacific, offering easy access to nearby countries.
Bislama, English, and French are the official languages.
The education system includes primary, secondary, and higher education.
Primary education is free.
Healthcare is provided through public and private facilities.

Living in Vanuatu

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 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.

Taxes

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.

Cost of living in Vanuatu

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.

Key Facts

Capital

Port Vila

Languages

Bislama | French | English

Currency

Vanuatu vatu (VUV)

Population

334,506 (2023)

Dual Citizenship

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.

Regulations

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.

Quick Facts

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

Starting investment for Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship is $ 100,000

Starting investment for Vanatu Citizenship is $ 130,000

“Choosing Vanuatu's citizenship by investment program was a game-changer for me. From the beginning, the process was streamlined and guided. As a citizen, I now enjoy the benefits of visa-free travel, a peaceful environment, and a strong sense of community in this stunning Pacific island nation. I extend my gratitude to the team at Migrate World.”
– Ajay P

“Obtaining citizenship through Vanuatu's investment program was a smooth and rewarding experience. The process was straightforward, simple and efficient with the professional guidance at Migrate World. Now, as a proud citizen, I have a powerful passport, access to a thriving business landscape, and the opportunity to embrace the natural beauty and cultural richness of Vanuatu.”
- Mahmoud

[testimonial_text2]

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I have a minimum of $ 200,000 USD ready to invest.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Options

Non-refundable contribution — starting from $130,000

Applicants make a contribution 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.

What are the eligibility criteria to apply for Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment?

Main applicant must be at least 18 years old
Applicants must have no criminal record
Proof of funds totaling at least $250,000 is required
Dependent children under the age of 25 can be included
Dependent parents over the age of 50 are also eligible

Program Summary

Learn more about the country and it's citizenship by investment.

Similar Citizenship by Investment Programs

Caribbean Citizenship Programs
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship By Investment
Dominica Citizenship By Investment
Grenada Citizenship By Investment
Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship By Investment
Saint Lucia Citizenship By Investment

European Citizenship Programs
Malta Citizenship By Investment

Rest of the World
Egypt Citizenship By Investment
Turkey Citizenship By Investment
Vanuatu Citizenship By Investment
Nauru Citizenship By Investment

Restricted Nationalities

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:

Iran
Iraq
North Korea
Yemen

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Required Documents

Documents Required (FIU Pre-Approval)

Passport copy with valid residence visa pages (if applicable) – for all family members
Police clearance certificate – for the principal applicant, spouse, and all children 18 years old and older. Police clearance certificates are required from the country of birth, citizenship and residence where applicants have lived 1 year or more for the last 10 years
Personal CV for the principal applicant, spouse, and children (16 years old and above) only

Documents required (After FIU Pre-Approval)

Government application forms
A report/ certificate- for all family members must be signed/ stamped by a Registered Medical Practitioner/Doctor
8 Colored photographs – for all family members (40×50 in size)
Twelve (12) months personal bank statement – with sufficient investment amount in the account
Employment letter (if self-employed). Copy of valid company trade license and memorandum of association (if company owner)
Birth certificate – for all family members
Marriage certificate
National ID or any government-issued ID – for all family members (if applicable)
Driving license (if applicable)
Proof of residential address (recent electricity bill, phone bill, or tenancy contract)

Comparing Citizenship by Investment Countries

Similar Residence by Investment Programs

European Residency Programs
Bulgaria Residency By Investment
Cyprus Residency By Investment
Greece Residency By Investment
Germany Residency By Investment
Malta Residency By Investment
Portugal Residency By Investment
Spain Residency By Investment
UK Residency By Investment

North American Residency Programs
Canada Residency By Investment
USA Residency By Investment

Middle East Residency Programs
Saudi Arabia Golden Visa
UAE Golden Visa
Oman Golden Visa
Bahrain Golden Visa

Due Diligence and Background Check

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.

How to obtain Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment?

How to Apply: Step-by-step procedure

Initial Consultation: Our experienced team will provide you with a complimentary consultation, guiding you through the various options available and helping you make an informed decision.
Preliminary checks: Before moving forward, we conduct a preliminary check to ensure your record meets the requirements set by the Citizenship by Investment Unit. This step ensures a smoother application process.
Agreement and Fees: Our transparent fee structure covers legal, due diligence, government, and application processing fees. We will discuss and finalize these details, ensuring a clear understanding of the financial investment involved.
Government Pre-Approval: To proceed with your application, we collect preliminary documents for a Vanuatu Government background check. This essential step takes approximately 7 to 10 business days.
Document Collection and Submission: Once you receive pre-approval, our team will assist you in obtaining, translating, and authenticating all necessary documents. We will also guide you in completing the remaining investment. Within 10 business days, we will prepare and submit a complete file to the Citizenship Commission.
Approval Process: Patience is key during this stage, as the approval process typically takes around 2 to 3 months. Once the Citizenship Commission approves your application, you will be issued an Agreement in Principle (AIP).
Oath and Passport Ceremony: Upon approval, you will be required to participate in the Oath of Allegiance ceremony. By attending a Vanuatu Consulate or Government Office, you’ll officially become a citizen and receive your Vanuatu passport. If attending in person is not feasible, an alternative ceremony option is available for an additional fee.

NOTE: The timeline is an estimate only, processing time depends on the complexity of each file

Application Options: Online or Through Migrate World

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.

Application Timeline

The process of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship through the Citizenship by Investment program typically takes between 2 to 4 months.

Application Fee

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.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Price

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

Family Members Eligible for Vanuatu Citizenship

The main applicant can include the following family members in their application for Vanuatu citizenship:

Spouse
Dependent children under the age of 25
Dependent parents above the age of 50

Validity and Renewal for Vanuatu Passport

A Vanuatu passport is valid for ten years and must be renewed after that period.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Benefits

A Straightforward, simple investment plan
Processing time 2-4 months
There is no language requirement
Visa Free access to 90+ countries
There is no personal or worldwide income tax
Dual citizenship permitted
Inclusion of dependent children 25 years and under and dependent parents 65 years and above
Limited number of documents to be submitted
No interview process is required for applicants.

How can the Migrate World Help You?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Many Dependents Can Be Included in a Single Application?

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.

2. Can I add my future spouse or child after receiving citizenship?

Yes. The current cost for adding a spouse is $45,000, while it is $15,000 for a child.

3. How long is the Vanuatu passport valid?

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.

4: Must I renounce my existing citizenship to become a citizen of Vanuatu?

No. Vanuatu allows dual citizenship, so you can hold multiple citizenships without renouncing your previous one.

5. How strict is the due diligence process?

We will perform initial due diligence to confirm eligibility before advancing your application in Vanuatu. This ensures that only qualified applicants proceed.

6. When is the donation required?

The donation should be made only after your citizenship application has received approval.

7. How many pages does the Vanuatu passport have?

The new biometric passport of Vanuatu contains 32 pages.

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