Vanuatu citizenship-by-investment revenue grows to record level in 2026

How much Vanuatu earned from citizenship by investment

Vanuatu’s Ministry of Finance released preliminary data for January—June 2026. Government revenue excluding international aid reached about VT29 billion, or around $243 million ^[1] Source: Daily Post Vanuatu reports on government revenue for the first half of 2026 .

Citizenship by investment generated VT11.4 billion, or about $95.5 million. The result was higher than revenue from any single tax line. Revenue for the first half of 2026 almost reached the figure for the first nine months of 2025, when Vanuatu received VT11.73 billion from citizenship by investment.

The ministry did not disclose the number of applications, approved investors, or passports issued. The published figures show only the amount transferred to the state budget.

Trends in Vanuatu citizenship by investment revenue

Vanuatu recorded its highest annual citizenship by investment revenue in 2020. The route generated VT14.31 billion, or about $132.6 million. Revenue then started to decline. In 2022, the government received VT8.48 billion, or about $71.3 million, from citizenship by investment, followed by VT8.12 billion, or about $68.2 million, in 2023.

Growth returned in 2024, when revenue increased to VT9.39 billion. In 2025, it rose again to VT14.73 billion.

Demand remained strong even after the UK introduced visa requirements for Vanuatu citizens in 2023 and the EU ended visa-free access in 2024. Investors continue to choose Vanuatu because it offers one of the fastest routes to second citizenship.

In the first half of 2026, Vanuatu had already received VT11.4 billion from citizenship by investment. If the same pace continues, annual revenue could reach VT22.8 billion, or about $191 million. This would put 2026 above the 2020 record and make it the strongest year for Vanuatu citizenship by investment revenue in the available data.

How to obtain Vanuatu citizenship by investment

Vanuatu citizenship by investment is available through a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund or investment in a private fund. Investors usually receive a second passport in about 3 months.

Contribution to the National Development Fund. A single applicant makes a non-refundable contribution of $130,000. The amount increases by $20,000 for a spouse and by $15,000 for each child aged 18 or older or parent.

Investment in a private fund. Applicants can choose from 2 options:

• purchase of CNO Future Fund shares for coconut oil production — from $157,000;
• contribution to the Sustainable Development Fund for cocoa production — from $159,500.

The money is directed to funds that support sustainable development. An additional contribution is paid for each family member starting from the fifth applicant: $25,000 under the cocoa option and $26,500 under the coconut oil option.

The government plans to return part of the investment under the private fund option. The refundable amount starts from $50,000 and is expected to be paid back in five years after citizenship is granted.

Applicants do not need to pass a language or culture test. They must submit biometrics for the passport. This can be done at the immigration office in Vanuatu or at Vanuatu’s representative offices in Dubai, Hong Kong, or Noumea.

Passportivity helps investors obtain residence permits and second citizenship by investment. Book a free consultation with our experts.