Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment: Complete 2026 Guide
Vanuatu citizenship by investment is a legislated pathway to citizenship through a qualifying economic contribution, offered under two routes: the Development Support Program (DSP) and the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP). Applications are typically completed in 45 to 60 days, entirely remotely, with no residency requirement. Vanuatu Advance has acted as a government-designated agent since 2018.
This is the single reference page for the programme. Each section answers one question in full, then points to the deeper page for anyone who wants the detail.
What is Vanuatu citizenship by investment?
Citizenship by investment is a legislated pathway to citizenship acquired through a qualifying economic contribution, rather than through residency, marriage or descent. Vanuatu's programme is established in law and administered directly by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission.
There are two routes. The Development Support Program (DSP) is a non-refundable contribution to Vanuatu's National Development Fund and has been in operation since 2017. The Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) is a qualifying investment allocation, part of which is redeemable after a holding period.
Both routes lead to the same outcome — full Vanuatu citizenship and a biometric passport — and both are processed through the same government due diligence framework.
How much does Vanuatu citizenship cost?
Under the DSP, the qualifying contribution starts at US$130,000 for a single applicant and US$180,000 for a family of four, with additional dependants at US$20,000 each. Under the CIIP, pricing is a flat US$165,000 covering a single applicant through to a family of four, of which US$50,000 is redeemable after a five-year holding period.
A due diligence fee of US$5,500 per adult applies separately and is non-refundable, as it funds independent background checks regardless of outcome. Programme fees are payable only after Approval-in-Principle has been issued.
Who qualifies for Vanuatu citizenship by investment?
Any individual aged eighteen or over, of good character, with a clean criminal record and a verifiable, lawful source of funds may apply, subject to government due diligence.
Spouses, dependent children and, in defined circumstances, dependent parents may be included on the principal application. Each family member undergoes individual due diligence alongside the principal applicant.
How long does the process take?
Most applications are completed within 45 to 60 days from a complete, well-prepared file, with due diligence usually clearing in around 20 days. Timelines depend on the responsiveness of document gathering and the depth of due diligence required.
Vanuatu remains one of the fastest legislated citizenship-by-investment programmes in the world.
Can families apply together?
Yes. Spouses, dependent children and, in qualifying circumstances, dependent parents are included within a single application under a single processing fee structure, at the family-of-four levels set out under the DSP and CIIP pricing above.
Family inclusion is a key decision factor for most applicants, and it is often the point at which the CIIP's flat pricing becomes the more efficient route.
Does Vanuatu allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Vanuatu fully permits dual and multiple citizenship. Applicants retain their existing nationality alongside a Vanuatu passport, subject to the laws of their own country of origin.
Vanuatu itself does not require disclosure to an applicant's home jurisdiction. Where a home country restricts dual nationality, that restriction is a matter for that jurisdiction and should be reviewed with local counsel.
Tax considerations
Vanuatu levies no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax and no wealth tax, for residents and non-resident citizens alike. That tax-neutral framework is one of the programme's defining structural features.
Citizenship and tax residency are legally distinct. Acquiring Vanuatu citizenship does not itself change an applicant's existing tax residency or obligations in their home country. This should always be considered with qualified tax counsel in that jurisdiction.
This is general information, not tax advice.
Vanuatu vs Caribbean citizenship by investment
Vanuatu is the fastest (45–60 days) and most cost-efficient (from US$130,000) programme, with a tax-neutral framework and discreet record-keeping.
Caribbean programmes — St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada and St Lucia — cost more and take four to six months, but retain visa-free Schengen access.
Families prioritising speed, cost and privacy typically choose Vanuatu; those prioritising regular European travel typically choose a Caribbean programme.
Risks and considerations
This programme is not the right fit for everyone, and we would rather say so plainly. It is not suited to those primarily seeking current EU/Schengen visa-free access, as European travel arrangements evolve periodically, nor to those expecting the contribution to be capital-appreciating or financially returned — the DSP is a non-refundable donation and the CIIP is only partially redeemable after five years.
It is also not a residency-based programme. This is a citizenship-only pathway, with no residency component and no obligation to reside. And it will not, on its own, change an applicant's tax residency, which is determined by the rules of the country in which they live.
All applicants must pass government due diligence and a source-of-funds review. That scrutiny is a feature of a legislated programme, not an obstacle to it.
The application process
The process runs in five stages and is completed entirely remotely. It begins with an initial consultation — a confidential call to confirm eligibility and select the appropriate programme — followed by due diligence, comprising background checks conducted through the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit, typically clearing in around 20 days.
On approval, an Approval-in-Principle is issued and the contribution is made securely. The Oath of Allegiance is then sworn virtually, with no travel to Vanuatu required at any stage.
Finally, the certificate is signed by the Citizenship Commission and the biometric passport is couriered to the address of your choosing.
Frequently asked questions.
Is the Vanuatu citizenship programme legitimate?+
Yes. The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program is officially established and regulated by the Government of Vanuatu and includes strict due diligence procedures for every applicant. The advisors are official government-designated agents for the program. They process applications directly with the Vanuatu Government, operating out of offices in Port Vila and Sydney.
Do I need to travel to Vanuatu?+
No. The entire process is completed remotely. Documents are couriered or transmitted securely, identity verification is conducted via certified channels, and the Vanuatu passport is delivered to your chosen address worldwide. No travel to Vanuatu is required at any stage.
Is Vanuatu citizenship permanent?+
Yes. Once granted, Vanuatu citizenship is for life. There is no renewal process, no recurring fee to maintain status, and no obligation to visit or reside in Vanuatu. It becomes a permanent asset that can be passed to future generations.
Can Vanuatu citizenship be revoked?+
Vanuatu citizenship may only be revoked in narrow circumstances, principally where it was obtained through fraud, material misrepresentation, or concealed criminal history. Applicants who disclose accurately and pass due diligence retain their citizenship for life without risk of revocation.
Are due diligence fees payable separately?+
Yes. Government due diligence fees are payable per applicant and per dependant, and are settled at the outset of the formal application so that screening can commence. These fees are non-refundable as they fund independent background checks regardless of outcome.
How do I take the next step?+
The most reliable way to determine fit is a confidential consultation with a principal advisor, who will assess your circumstances against the programme's requirements before any commitment is made.
For the full question library, see the frequently asked questions.
Begin with a confidential assessment.
A confidential conversation with a principal advisor will establish whether this programme suits your circumstances — before any commitment is made.