Vanuatu citizenship by investment: fast second passport for the whole family

Why do investors choose Vanuatu citizenship by investment?

Vanuatu citizenship by investment is considered by internationally mobile investors who want an additional citizenship that can work as a practical Plan B for family security and long-term flexibility, without committing to relocation at the application stage. 

Processing time is 3 months at the minimum, depending on Due Diligence and document readiness.

Second citizenship as a safe haven for family

Many investors treat an additional citizenship as a contingency tool. It provides a legal status in another country that can be activated if circumstances change in a place of primary residence, while keeping family planning central to the strategy. 

In practice, families typically look for outcomes such as:

• predictable and document-driven route to citizenship;
• option to relocate to Vanuatu if needed;
• structure that can cover family members under one application plan. 

No residence or language test requirements

A key reason Vanuatu is shortlisted is the low-friction format. The process does not require applicants to live in Vanuatu to maintain citizenship, and it does not require a language or cultural knowledge test.

This simplicity matters for HNWI/UHNWI applicants who prefer to keep operating across multiple jurisdictions while meeting compliance and documentation requirements through a licensed agent workflow. 

Dual and multiple citizenship allowed

Another practical driver is the ability to keep existing nationalities, because Vanuatu recognises dual citizenship under its legal framework. Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment pathways are grounded in the country’s constitutional recognition of dual citizenship, implemented through the Citizenship Act and its related regulation orders for each route ^[40] Source: Vanuatu Constitution Amendment — Vanuatu recognises dual citizenship .

Second citizenship for mobility and compliance-led planning

Some investors seek an additional citizenship to improve long-term mobility and reduce dependency on one travel document. This can be relevant when applicants face stricter screening or limited access to certain residence-by-investment routes due to nationality-related rules. 

Eligibility for European residence programmes is always assessed under local law and compliance checks, including sanctions screening and source-of-funds review. Applicants should confirm eligibility country by country and take legal advice before relying on any “workaround” narrative.

How Passportivity helps investors obtain Vanuatu citizenship

Passportivity provides end-to-end support to investors applying for Vanuatu citizenship by investment. We begin with a confidential preliminary assessment to identify eligibility risks before the applicant incurs major programme expenses.

Our legal and compliance team helps the investor:

• select a suitable investment option and calculate the total family budget;
• assess nationality, residence, criminal-record and previous visa-refusal risks;
• prepare a personalised list of required documents;
• complete citizenship application forms;
• organise translations, certification and legalisation where required;
• prepare evidence of the source of funds and source of wealth;
• coordinate Due Diligence and respond to additional government requests;
• verify payment instructions and support the qualifying investment;
• arrange biometrics collection and the issuance of the citizenship certificate, ID card, birth certificate and passport;
• support passport renewal and other post-citizenship procedures.

The investor is assigned a dedicated specialist who coordinates the application from the initial eligibility check until the citizenship documents are issued. The final decision on every application is made exclusively by the competent authorities of Vanuatu.

A licence from the Vanuatu government is proof of the professionalism of Passportivity’s legal team and a guarantee of your application’s success.

What are the last updates, biometrics and EU Visa Waiver changes?

Vanuatu’s citizenship-by-investment process has seen practical changes in travel access and in passport issuance. The most important updates affect EU travel and biometrics collection. 

EU visa waiver changes

EU travel rules for Vanuatu passport holders have become stricter. The current position is set out by the Council of the European Union. On December 12th, 2024, the Council ended the EU visa exemption for Vanuatu ^[41] Source: Council press release — adds Vanuatu to visa-required list .

This means Vanuatu citizenship is no longer a route to visa-free Schengen travel. It works better as an additional citizenship for wider mobility outside Europe and for long-term contingency planning. 

US visitor visa changes

Vanuatu passport holders need a visa to travel to the United States. Under the current US Department of State reciprocity schedule, B-1, B-2 and combined B-1/B-2 visitor visas are issued for one entry and remain valid for up to 3 months. Therefore, multi-year multiple-entry US visitor visas are not currently available under the standard schedule for Vanuatu citizens.

Visa validity should not be confused with the permitted length of stay in the United States. The three-month period determines when the visa may be used to request entry, while the authorised stay is determined by US border authorities upon arrival.

From January 21st, 2026, Vanuatu nationals who are otherwise eligible for a B-1/B-2 visa must also post a visa bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 ^[42] Source: Countries Subject to Visa Bonds, US Government . The amount is determined during the consular interview, and the bond should be paid only after receiving instructions from a consular officer. Posting a bond does not guarantee visa approval.

Biometrics collection

From November 2025, Vanuatu started issuing biometric passports ^[43] Source: Vanuatu COC press release — outlines biometric capturing systems . Biometrics are mandatory for all applicants, regardless of age. Applicants can submit biometrics either in Vanuatu or at an approved enrollment location abroad, including Dubai, Hong Kong, and Nouméa. 

Biometric passport replacement requires:

• valid Vanuatu passport; 
• naturalisation certificate;
• Vanuatu birth certificate;
• Vanuatu ID card. 

Government fees for a passport exchange start at $2,000 in Dubai, depending on family composition. Biometrics collection takes one day, and the new passport is usually issued within 1—3 days. The overall timeline depends on appointment availability at the biometric centre.

The birth certificate and ID card are newer requirements and became mandatory from July 2025. If the applicant does not yet have the birth certificate and ID card, obtaining these documents can take 2 weeks or more, with fees starting at $1,500, depending on the number of applicants.

Passport-process updates

Process updates have mainly focused on passport issuance mechanics and supporting documents. Vanuatu announced it would stop the overseas passport enrolment system and move issuance towards electronic passports and a new enrolment model ^[44] Source: Passport Amendment Act 2025 — electronic passport system . 

Separately, Vanuatu’s Immigration and Passport Services has been building broader digital services, such as online lodgement for permits and visas and online appointments for passport lodgement. This supports the general direction towards more digital workflows.

Who can obtain Vanuatu citizenship by investment?

Vanuatu’s investment route is built around one principal applicant. It can also cover close family members in the same case or be extended later in some situations ^[45] Source: DSP Regulations Order No. 33 (2019) — family inclusion . 

Main applicant

The main applicant is the investor who files the case through a licensed agent. Basic eligibility is set through standard personal and compliance criteria, such as being over 18 and meeting financial and background checks.

In addition to making the investment, the main applicant must submit an asset report showing assets of at least $250,000, together with a recent bank reference letter or bank statement ^[46] Source: Citizenship checklist, Vanuatu Citizenship Office and Commission .

Spouse, children and parents

The programme can include immediate family members as part of the application, using eligibility rules such as age and dependency status: 

1. Spouse: legally married to the main applicant. 
2. Children: up to and including 25, with additional conditions for adult dependents. 
3. Parents: over 50 and financially dependent on the main applicant or the spouse. 

For dependent children aged 18—25, the nomination paperwork specifies that eligibility depends on education status and full financial support by the principal candidate. 

Relatives after approval

After citizenship is granted, close family members can still be added. There is no deadline for adding relatives. Fees depend on the relationship to the main applicant: 

• $20,000 for a child under 18;
• $25,500 for children over 18 or other relatives;
• $45,500 for a spouse.

Investment options: contribution, coconut fund and cocoa fund

Costs go beyond the programme contribution. Applicants also pay for due diligence checks, a government fee for biometric data submission, fees for issuing an ID card and a birth certificate, and bank charges.

Non-refundable contribution

Under this route, the investor makes a non-refundable contribution to a state fund. The stated purpose is to support economic development and recovery from natural disasters. 

This focus on recovery is consistent with national policy work on disaster recovery coordination. Vanuatu has a National Disaster Recovery Framework, with an NRC supported by DSPPAC’s Disaster Recovery Unit ^[47] Source: DSPPAC technical support via its Disaster Recovery Unit . 

For larger families, the pricing increases from the fifth applicant onwards. Each additional family member from the fifth adds $15,000 to the contribution tier.

Costs for non-refundable contribution

Cost item	Investor	Married couple	Family of 3	Family of 4+
Contribution	$130,000	$150,000	$165,000	$180,000 + $15,000  From the 5th family member
Due Diligence	$5,500	$5,500	$5,500	$5,500
State fee for biometric data submission	$1,000+	$2,000+	$3,000+	$4,000+
ID card and birth certificate	$1,000	$2,000	$3,000	$4,000+
Bank commission (5%)	$6,875	$7,975	$8,825	$9,675+
Total	$144,375+	$167,475+	$185,325+	$203,175+

Investment in coconut oil production

This option is linked to renewable energy plans, including coconut oil as an energy source, and it has already brought over $1 million into the country. 

The option is described as including a partial refund mechanism. A portion of the amount is planned to be returned, starting at $50,000, in five years after citizenship is granted. 

Costs for contribution in coconut oil production include the contribution itself, Due Diligence, and various additional fees. From the fifth family member onwards, the contribution increases by +$26,500 per additional applicant.

Costs for contribution in coconut oil production

Cost item	Solitary investor	Married couple	Family of 3	Family of 4+
Contribution	$157,000	$157,000	$157,000	$157,000+ + $25,000  From the 5th family member
Due Diligence and administrative fees	$8,000	$8,000	$8,000	$8,000+
State fee for biometric data submission	$1,000+	$2,000+	$3,000+	$4,000+
ID card and birth certificate	$1,500	$3,000	$4,500	$6,000+
Total	$167,500+	$170,000+	$172,500+	$175,000+

Investment in cocoa production

Cocoa is a key Vanuatu export, produced by 25% of rural households, with around 1,500 tonnes exported annually. This option also includes a partial refund starting at $50,000 in five years after citizenship is granted. 

Costs for contribution in cocoa production include the contribution itself, Due Diligence, and various additional fees. From the fifth family member onwards, the contribution increases by +$25,000 per family member.

Costs for contribution in cocoa production

Cost item	Investor	Married couple	Family of 3	Family of 4+
Contribution	$159,500	$159,500	$159,500	$159,500+ + $25,000  From the 5th family member
Due Diligence fee	$5,500	$5,500	$5,500	$5,500+
State fee for biometric data submission	$1,000+	$2,000+	$3,000+	$4,000+
ID card and birth certificate	$1,000	$2,000	$3,000	$4,000+
Bank commission (5%)	$8,350+	$8,350+	$8,350+	$8,350+
Total	$175,350+	$178,350+	$180,350+	$182,350+

The most cost-effective option depends on the number of applicants. The non-refundable contribution has the lowest estimated total for a single investor and remains broadly comparable for a married couple. 

For families of 3 or 4, however, the coconut oil option has a lower estimated upfront cost than the standard contribution route. The cocoa option also becomes more competitive for larger families, although its estimated total remains higher than the coconut oil option.

The potential refund should not be treated as an immediate reduction in the programme cost. Under the coconut oil and cocoa options, the refundable portion is expected only after 5 years and may be subject to project-specific terms and conditions. 

Before choosing either option, investors should verify the refund amount, payment schedule, eligibility conditions and contractual protections, while comparing the full upfront cost rather than only the headline contribution.

Comparison of Vanuatu citizenship investment options

Investment option	Minimum investment	Fee for additional family members	Return of investment	Key conditions
Non-refundable contribution	$130,000	$15,000 for each family member starting with the 5th applicant	No	The contribution is transferred to a state fund supporting economic development and recovery from natural disasters
Investment in coconut oil production	$157,000	$25,000 for each family member starting with the 5th applicant	Partial return starting from $50,000 after 5 years	The investment supports coconut-oil production and renewable-energy projects
Investment in cocoa production	$159,500	$25,000 for each family member starting with the 5th applicant	Partial return starting from $50,000 after 5 years	The investment supports Vanuatu’s cocoa-production and export sector

7 benefits of Vanuatu passport by investment

For most investors, the benefits are practical. They relate to speed, family coverage, and clear procedures. The main advantages include the following:

1. Second citizenship in 3 months

The programme is often described as taking 3+ months in straightforward cases. Timing depends on due diligence and document readiness.

2. Several participation options

The minimum contribution is $130,000 for a single applicant. Besides the standard contribution route, there are fund-based options starting at $157,000. This adds flexibility for applicants who compare payment structures. 

3. Family members can apply together

A spouse, children, and parents are all eligible to apply along with the main investor. This is useful for family-focused planning. Children can be included up to and including 25, and parents can be included if they are over 50 and financially dependent. These rules reduce uncertainty at the scoping stage. 

One of Passportivity’s clients was a Chinese entrepreneur living in Dubai with his wife and child. The family were looking for an additional citizenship for long-term contingency planning, greater international flexibility and a more diversified personal structure. They also wanted to complete most of the process remotely without relocating or interrupting the client’s business activities.

4. Predictable process

A due diligence stage is built into the process flow. It starts with preliminary screening and continues through FIU review. 

5. Biometrics can be done outside Vanuatu

Applicants can submit biometrics in Dubai, Hong Kong, or Nouméa, depending on logistics. This can reduce travel friction for family cases. 

6. Dual citizenship is recognised by law

Vanuatu formally recognises dual citizenship under its constitutional framework. This matters for applicants who want to keep existing nationalities.

7. Visa-free travel to 121 countries

Mobility is best described using a recognised index. The Passport Index lists Vanuatu with a mobility score of 121 destinations ^[48] Source: Passport Index — Vanuatu . This total includes 48 visa-free, 26 visa-on-arrival, and 5 eTA destinations.

The number of accessible countries may change over time, as entry rules are regularly updated. Travellers should check the latest requirements before planning a trip.

Documents required for a Vanuatu citizenship application

The exact document list depends on the selected investment option and the applicant’s family composition. A standard application package usually includes:

• completed citizenship nomination forms;
• certified copies of valid passports and national identity cards;
• birth certificates for all applicants;
• marriage certificate, if a spouse is included;
• police clearance certificates from the country of citizenship and every country where the applicant has lived for more than one year during the previous 10 years;
• medical certificates;
• recent passport-size colour photographs;
• main applicant’s personal profile, including education and employment history;
• bank reference letter or recent bank statement;
• evidence of assets and the lawful source of investment funds;
• documents confirming payment or completion of the qualifying contribution or investment;
• proof of full-time education and financial dependency for children aged 18 to 25;
• documents proving the relationship and dependency of other eligible family members.

Police certificates generally must have been issued within six months before submission. Children aged 12 to 18 may also be required to provide police clearance documents and undergo Due Diligence checks.

The Citizenship Office may request additional documents during compliance and Due Diligence checks. An incomplete application may be returned, deferred or rejected.

Vanuatu passport validity and renewal

Vanuatu passports are issued with a 10-year validity period, after which the holder applies for a new passport ^[49] Source: Vanuatu passport FAQ — passport renewal .

The renewal process includes applying on the correct form, submitting the required documents and photos, and returning the old passport because Vanuatu travel documents are treated as property of the Republic under the Passports Act framework. In some cases, applicants may also need to submit biometrics to obtain a new-format passport.

If the holder is overseas, applications can be lodged through Heads of Mission or sent online to the department’s email with payment.

Additional services provided by Passportivity beyond obtaining the passport

Passportivity supports Vanuatu citizens after their citizenship application has been approved. Clients may request assistance even if they obtained citizenship through another representative. 

Post-citizenship services include:

• renewing a Vanuatu passport and arranging a biometrics appointment;
• replacing a lost, stolen or damaged passport;
• adding eligible family members to the citizenship programme;
• renouncing Vanuatu citizenship;
• obtaining a Vanuatu police clearance certificate and arranging an apostille;
• obtaining a Vanuatu driving licence;
• obtaining and legalising a birth certificate;
• obtaining a marriage certificate or a certificate of no marriage;
• obtaining a Vanuatu ID card;
• apostilling and legalising documents;
• registering a company or another legal entity in Vanuatu;
• opening a personal or corporate bank account;
• obtaining a tax identification number;
• preparing or concluding a lease agreement;
• handling other legal and administrative matters upon request.

Government duties, legal fees, delivery expenses, bank charges and other third-party costs are calculated and paid separately depending on the requested service.

Reasons for refusal or revocation of Vanuatu citizenship

An application may be refused or returned if the applicant does not meet the programme requirements, submits an incomplete file, provides invalid or misleading documents, or fails the mandatory Due Diligence checks. 

The Financial Intelligence Unit reviews applicants’ identity, police-clearance records and other background information, while the Citizenship Commission also conducts screening with the relevant immigration and law-enforcement authorities.

The Vanuatu Citizenship Commission may revoke citizenship if:

• it was obtained fraudulently or through false representation or concealment of important facts;
• it was granted contrary to the Citizenship Act or the Constitution of Vanuatu;
• the citizen fails to comply with restrictions or continuing obligations imposed by the Citizenship Act ^[50] Source: Revocation, Vanuatu government .

The Commission may also verify compliance with investment obligations after citizenship is granted, and non-compliance may result in revocation.

Tax optimisation and business opportunities in Vanuatu

Vanuatu is often chosen for its simple tax landscape ^[51] Source: Customs and Inland Revenue — Vanuatu taxes . The key point is that the “zero-tax” narrative mainly refers to the absence of direct taxes on personal income and to specific exemptions available to international companies under Vanuatu’s offshore company legislation. 

0% tax rates

Vanuatu is often used in international planning because several direct taxes are not charged. The following taxes are not charged in Vanuatu:

• personal income tax;
• capital gains tax;
• inheritance, real estate, and gift-type taxes;
• income taxes for an international company for 20 years from registration. 

Instead of income-based taxation, an international company that continues its registration must pay an annual registration fee of $300.

At the same time, Vanuatu does collect revenue through indirect taxes, including VAT at 15% on most goods and services supplied in Vanuatu by VAT-registered persons.

Tax residence in Vanuatu

Citizenship does not automatically make a person a tax resident. Tax residence depends on legal tests set by Vanuatu’s tax framework.

To be treated as a resident individual, a person must meet at least one of the statutory tests set out in the law:

• having a home in Vanuatu during the year;
• being present in Vanuatu for at least 183 days in any 12-month period that begins or ends in the calendar year;
• being a Vanuatu citizen employed as an officer or employee of the government or a public authority.

In practice, you may also need supporting paperwork for tax administration steps. For example, when applying for a Tax Identification Number, a non-citizen must provide a certified copy of a residency visa or work permit. 

Risks and limitations of Vanuatu citizenship by investment

Vanuatu citizenship by investment can be a practical Plan B. It also comes with trade-offs that applicants should factor into due diligence and budgeting:

1. Visa-free access can change. The Council of the EU removed Vanuatu from the EU visa-exempt list on 12 December 12th, 2024, so Vanuatu nationals now need a visa to enter the EU. 
2. Reputation and compliance scrutiny are part of the package. The EU linked its decision to risks connected to investor citizenship schemes. This affects how the programme is perceived by counterparties such as banks and immigration authorities. 
3. Biometrics add logistics and cost. Applicants and family members must submit biometrics in Vanuatu or at representative offices in Dubai, Hong Kong, or Nouméa. Fees vary by location, and alternatives may require a consular visit arranged separately. 
4. Policy changes can add new requirements midstream. Programme rules and procedures are updated over time. Applicants should confirm the current document set and fee schedule before submission.

IMF reporting shows that Economic Citizenship Programme revenue fell sharply after its 2020 peak and remained a source of fiscal and financial-integrity risk. However, more recent government data indicate a partial recovery. 

Combined receipts from the Vanuatu Development Support Program and Vanuatu Contribution Program reached VT 11.73 billion, approximately $99.6 million, in January—September 2025, compared with VT 6.50 billion, approximately $55.2 million, during the same period in 2024. This represents an increase of 80.4% ^[52] Source: Treasury Monthly Budget Report,  September 2025, Vanuatu Government .

The chart below illustrates the earlier decline through the first half of 2024. The later figures should be considered separately because they cover only the VDSP and VCP, are reported for a 9-month period, and were converted into US dollars using the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu exchange rate of approximately VT 117.8 per $1 in September 2025.

How and when can investors recover part of their investment?

Private fund options are described as returnable. Investors contribute to the economy and receive shares in the funds in exchange. These assets may generate income and can be sold.

The programme materials describe a planned minimum return of $50,000 after the holding period. The amount may be higher if the fund pays dividends. Some materials cite an indicative return range of 2—4%, but this is not a guarantee and depends on fund performance and terms.

To request a partial return, investors must keep their shares for five years after citizenship is granted. The buyback is described as being funded from the fund’s reserve capital.

What are the key takeaways about Vanuatu citizenship by investment?

1. Vanuatu citizenship by investment is primarily used for speed, simplicity, and family Plan B planning, not as a “Europe travel” solution.
2. Recent programme changes focus on process modernisation, including mandatory biometrics and updated passport documentation requirements.
3. Core budgeting is driven by the programme contribution of at least $130,000, plus due diligence, biometrics fees, identity documents, and bank charges.
4. Spouses, children, and parents may qualify, and some relatives can be added after approval under published fee rules.
5. Vanuatu’s tax profile is built around no personal income tax and other direct-tax absences, while relying on indirect taxes such as VAT.