Vanuatu Citizenship Eligibility Guide.
Vanuatu citizenship by investment is open to applicants aged eighteen or over, of good character, in good health, with a verifiable lawful source of funds. Spouses, dependent children and, in qualifying cases, dependent parents may be included on a single application, subject to government due diligence.
Understand who can apply, who can be included in an application, and the situations that call for individual assessment.
Do you meet the core criteria?
- ✓18 years or older
- ✓Good character, with a clean criminal record
- ✓In good health
- ✓A verifiable, lawful source of funds
- ✓An eligible nationality
Who can be included in an application?
Family inclusion is a key decision factor for most applicants. Each family member undergoes individual due diligence alongside the principal.
Spouse
A lawful spouse or legally-recognised partner may be included under the family-tier structure, with a single coordinated due diligence process.
Dependent children
Dependent children may be included on the principal's application, subject to age and dependency criteria set by the Citizenship Commission.
Adult dependent children
Children who remain financially dependent, including through full-time education, may also qualify for inclusion subject to documentary evidence.
Parents
Dependent parents may be included where genuine financial dependency on the principal applicant can be demonstrated. Each parent undergoes the same due diligence as the principal.
Grandparents are not included as standard dependants but may apply in their own right as principal applicants where they meet the eligibility and source-of-funds requirements.
Who is this programme designed for?
This may be appropriate if you are
- ✓A founder preparing for an exit
- ✓An international entrepreneur
- ✓A family office principal
- ✓An American living overseas
- ✓A family planning international education
- ✓A frequent international traveller
Eligibility questions.
Who can apply for Vanuatu citizenship by investment?+
Any individual aged eighteen or over, of good character, with a clean criminal record and a verifiable legitimate source of funds may apply, subject to government due diligence. Spouses, dependent children and, in qualifying cases, dependent parents may be included on the principal application.
Are there any nationality restrictions?+
Yes. A limited number of nationalities are restricted or subject to enhanced scrutiny in line with international sanctions and risk frameworks. The list is periodically reviewed by the Citizenship Commission. The advisers will confirm eligibility for your specific nationality before any fees are committed.
Can I apply if I already hold another citizenship?+
Yes. Vanuatu fully permits dual and multiple citizenship. You may retain your existing nationality alongside a Vanuatu passport, subject to the laws of your country of origin. For most applicants, no disclosure to their home jurisdiction is required by Vanuatu itself.
What if I live outside my home country?+
Eligibility is based on nationality and the standard due diligence criteria, not on where you currently live. The process is completed entirely remotely, so applicants living outside their home country — including Americans, Europeans and other internationally mobile individuals abroad — apply the same way as anyone else.
Do I need a clean criminal record?+
Yes. A police clearance certificate from every jurisdiction of significant prior residence is required. Applicants must be of good character with no record of serious offences. Minor historical matters are assessed on their facts and do not automatically preclude eligibility.
What happens if I have previously been denied a visa?+
A prior visa refusal does not automatically disqualify an applicant, but it must be disclosed in full. The Citizenship Commission considers the circumstances of any refusal as part of its due diligence. Non-disclosure is a more serious concern than the refusal itself.
Some circumstances call for individual assessment.
Some applications require enhanced due diligence or additional assessment based on nationality, residency history or personal circumstances. This is a routine part of a legislated, government-run programme rather than an indication that the programme is closed to you.
A confidential eligibility review is the most reliable way to understand your options before any commitment is made.
This page is part of our complete Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Guide.
Not sure if you're eligible?
Every application is unique. A confidential eligibility assessment is the most reliable way to determine whether the programme is appropriate for your circumstances.
Request a Confidential Eligibility Assessment