Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and welcoming atmosphere. Comprising 83 islands, Vanuatu offers a unique blend of Melanesian traditions and modern living. With a rich tapestry of languages and traditions, this tropical paradise is a sought-after destination for travelers and those seeking opportunities for investment and residency through its Citizenship by Investment program
Program Overview
The Vanuatu citizenship-by-investment program stands as the world’s swiftest, with the issuance of a passport taking a mere minimum of one month, and the entire process can be conducted remotely. Applicants are exempt from language proficiency tests, history exams, residency requirements in Vanuatu, or the necessity of visiting the country.
Launched in 2017, the Vanuatu citizenship-by-investment program operates under the governance of Chapter 112 of the Citizenship Law and Vanuatu Government Order No. 215, which outlines the program’s stipulations.
Program Benefits
- Vanuatu citizens enjoy visa-free access to 95 countries, including Hong Kong and Singapore.
- Vanuatu citizens are eligible for B-1/B-2 tourist visas for the United States, valid for five years. These visas permit up to 180 days of stay in the USA and allow for activities such as business meetings, tourism, medical treatment, and enrollment in non-degree courses.
- Investors in Vanuatu can establish International Business Companies (IBCs) with the advantage of tax incentives.
- IBCs and their shareholders are exempt from corporate profits, personal income, capital gains, inheritance, and donation taxes. Instead, they are subject to a flat annual fee of $300.
- The beneficial tax regime for IBCs remains valid for 20 years, providing a favorable tax environment for businesses and investors..
- A second passport provides investors with visa-free travel to multiple countries and unrestricted access to Vanuatu, offering security in times of homeland risks.
- The acquisition process does not involve language exams, interviews, or mandatory visits to Vanuatu.
- Investors are permitted to retain their existing passports alongside their new Vanuatu citizenship.
Program Qualifications
The requirements for the citizenship by investment in Vanuatu are as follows:
- Minimum investment: US$130,000 for a single applicant, US$180,000 for a family of four, plus additional fees.
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Health: Applicants must be in good health and free from any contagious diseases.
- Criminal record: Applicants must have a clean criminal record.
- Proof of income and assets: Applicants must provide proof of income and assets sufficient to support themselves and their dependents in Vanuatu.
In addition to the above requirements, applicants must also complete a due diligence process. This process will assess the applicant’s financial status, criminal history, and any other relevant factors.
The citizenship by investment process in Vanuatu typically takes 1-2 months to complete. Once the application is approved, the applicant will be granted Vanuatu citizenship and will be issued a Vanuatu passport.
Types of Investments and Fees
Granting of Citizenship to an investor under the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (Form D)
The Capital Investment Immigration Plan (Form D) is a program that allows foreign investors to obtain Vanuatu citizenship by making a significant investment in the country. The minimum investment is US$130,000 for a single applicant, or US$150,000 for a family of four. Applicants also need to pay a government processing fee of US$2,000.
The Capital Investment Immigration Plan is the most popular citizenship by investment program in Vanuatu. It is a relatively fast and straightforward process, and applicants can obtain citizenship within a few months.
Granting of Citizenship to an individual under Vanuatu Contribution Program
The Vanuatu Contribution Program is a program that allows foreign individuals to obtain Vanuatu citizenship by making a non-refundable donation to the Vanuatu government. The minimum donation is US$150,000 for a single applicant, or US$180,000 for a family of four.
The Vanuatu Contribution Program is a faster and more straightforward process than the Capital Investment Immigration Plan. Applicants can obtain citizenship within a few weeks. However, it is more expensive, and the donation is non-refundable.
Granting of Citizenship under Real Estate Option Program
The Real Estate Option Program is a program that allows foreign individuals to obtain Vanuatu citizenship by purchasing a property in Vanuatu. The minimum property value is US$200,000. Applicants also need to pay a government processing fee of US$2,000.
The Real Estate Option Program is a relatively new program, and it is not as popular as the Capital Investment Immigration Plan or the Vanuatu Contribution Program. However, it is a good option for individuals who want to invest in Vanuatu real estate and obtain citizenship at the same time.
Fees:
| Visa Type | Fees |
| Granting of Citizenship to an investor under the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (Form D) | US$130,000 (single applicant), US$150,000 (family of four) + US$2,000 government processing fee |
| Granting of Citizenship to an individual under Vanuatu Contribution Program | US$150,000 (single applicant), US$180,000 (family of four) |
| Granting of Citizenship under Real Estate Option Program | US$200,000 property value + US$2,000 government processing fee |
Please note that these are the minimum fees involved in each program. There may be additional fees associated with the application process, such as legal fees and translation fees.
FAQs
How much does it cost to become a citizen of Vanuatu?
The cost of becoming a citizen of Vanuatu depends on the method you choose. If you are born in Vanuatu or you are a citizen by descent, there is no cost. If you become a citizen by naturalization, there is a government processing fee.
The cost of citizenship by investment programs in Vanuatu varies depending on the program you choose. The minimum investment is US$130,000 for the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (Form D).
Is Vanuatu citizenship worth it?
Whether or not Vanuatu citizenship is worth it depends on your individual circumstances and goals. Vanuatu citizenship offers a number of benefits, including visa-free travel to over 110 countries and territories, the right to live and work in Vanuatu without restrictions, the right to own property in Vanuatu, and the right to pass on Vanuatu citizenship to children and grandchildren.
However, Vanuatu is a small and developing country, and it may not be the best choice for everyone. It is important to do your research and carefully consider your needs before deciding whether or not to apply for Vanuatu citizenship.
What is the Vanuatu citizenship scandal?
In 2017, it was revealed that the Vanuatu government had sold citizenship to a number of individuals who were wanted for crimes in their home countries. This led to a public outcry and calls for reform of the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program.
The Vanuatu government has taken steps to address the concerns raised by the scandal. However, there are still concerns about the transparency and accountability of the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program.
Can foreigners buy land in Vanuatu?
Yes, foreigners can buy land in Vanuatu. However, there are some restrictions on foreign land ownership. Foreigners cannot own land within 50 meters of the high water mark, and they cannot own more than 40 hectares of land without government approval.
Is Vanuatu a good passport?
The Vanuatu passport is ranked 40th in the world in terms of passport power, according to the Henley Passport Index. This means that Vanuatu passport holders can travel visa-free to 113 countries and territories.
The Vanuatu passport is a good option for individuals who are looking for a passport that offers visa-free travel to a large number of countries. However, it is important to note that the Vanuatu passport is not as powerful as some other passports, such as the US passport and the Japanese passport.
Make Vanuatu your second home
Visa-Free Countries
Population:
313,046 (2023 est.)
GDP (per capita):
US$2,800 (nominal, 2023 est.)
GDP (purchasing power parity):
US$4,900 (2023 est.)
Capital city: Port Vila
Time zone: UTC+11
Total area: 12,189 km2
Languages: Bislama (official), English (official), French (official), 105 indigenous languages
Currency: Vanuatu vatu (VUV)
Main industry: Tourism, agriculture, fishing
Schengen/EU: Vanuatu is not a member of the Schengen Area or the European Union.
KEY ADVANTAGES
- Natural Beauty: Vanuatu offers stunning landscapes, from pristine beaches to lush rainforests, creating an idyllic setting for residents.
- Friendly Culture: The welcoming and diverse cultural environment of Vanuatu fosters a unique atmosphere for residents.
- Economic Opportunities: Vanuatu’s thriving economy and tax advantages attract entrepreneurs and investors.
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Disclaimer
The materials contained in this page are provided for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide legal or other professional advice. Processing times and costs will vary depending on a number of factors. CitizenMatch is not responsible for any changes to the time and cost estimates; we can provide specific information on an individual basis. All rights reserved.