Citizenship by Investment Program

Vanuatu citizenship.

Explore Vanuatu citizenship by investment, including the DSP contribution route, family eligibility, costs, due diligence and processing steps.

Last updated: 21 October 2026

Time to Citizenship

2 Months

Commonwealth of Nations

Member

Family

Applicant, Spouse, Children, Parents

Citizenship

About Vanuatu.

It is situated in a South Pacific location which is about a 3 hours flight from Sydney or Brisbane, almost 3 hours from Auckland, 1.5 hours from Fiji, 1.5 hours from Honiara and 1 hour from New Caledonia. The country has a population of around 335,000, the most ethnically diverse on the planet. The official languages are Bislama which is a type of lingua franca spoken by all as well as English and French. The economy is dominated by tourism however, there is an agricultural industry and just as important is the country’s offshore finance center. There are no income taxes, withholding taxes, capital gains taxes, gift, death, estate, or succession duties applying to companies, trusts, or individuals.

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Benefits

Program benefits.

Complete applications may be processed in approximately 8 weeks, subject to due diligence and government approval.
A spouse, qualifying children and qualifying parents may be included in the application.
The program does not impose a minimum physical-stay requirement.
Citizenship alone does not determine tax residence; applicants should obtain advice based on their personal circumstances.
Completely confidential process.
Member of the Commonwealth of Nations, UN, IMF, World Bank, among others.

Thinking about Vanuatu's Program?

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Requirements

Eligibility & requirements.

Everything you need to qualify for Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment Program.

Eligible Family Members

Main applicant over 18 years of age
Spouse
Dependent children
Children of any age with a certified physical or mental disability
Dependent parents over 65 years

Due Diligence Requirements

Clean criminal record, no outstanding visa refusals
Valid police reports for all adult applicants
Proof of funds and source of wealth
Employment/business records and valid ID

Minimum Stay & Other Requirements

No minimum stay requirement
No routine interview or language test is published, but the authorities may request additional identity or due-diligence verification
DSP citizens are treated as dual citizens under Article 13(3) of the Constitution, so they cannot vote, hold public office or take part in Vanuatu politics

Investment

Investment options.

Development Support Program (DSP) Contribution

The Development Support Program requires a qualifying contribution. The main applicant must be at least 18 and all applicants must satisfy the program's due-diligence requirements.

The main applicants and their dependents must have clean personal backgrounds and have excellent health.

The government-published fee schedule lists USD 130,000 for a single applicant, USD 150,000 for a married couple, USD 165,000 for a married couple with one child, and USD 180,000 for a married couple with two children. The published fee for each additional applicant is USD 10,000.

FromUSD 130,000

Single-applicant minimum. Additional government, due diligence, and legal fees may apply.

Country Profile

Vanuatu at a glance.

Continent

Oceania (South Pacific)

Capital

Port Vila

Population

Over 330,000

Total Area

12,189 KM2

Geographical Nature

Islands

Official Language

English, French and Bislama

GDP

USD 1.3 Billion

Currency

Vanuatu Vatu

Vanuatu could be your path to second citizenship.

Talk to a Global Pass advisor about how this program fits your goals.

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Lifestyle

Life in Vanuatu.

Vanuatu appeals to investors who value simplicity, privacy, and a slower rhythm of life, with citizenship offering the flexibility to spend time in the South Pacific on their own terms.

Quality of Life

Vanuatu is defined by its open natural environment, coastal living, and a relaxed day-to-day pace. The island maintains a relatively low population density, giving residents a strong sense of space and tranquility. English and French are both official languages, making integration easy for international visitors.

Economy & Taxes

Vanuatu has a clear and efficient tax environment. The country does not tax personal income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance, providing long-term clarity for globally mobile families and those diversifying assets across jurisdictions.

Natural Resilience

The government of Vanuatu is deeply committed to strengthening its natural resilience against disasters. Ongoing initiatives emphasize modernized coastal protection, robust building standards, and well-coordinated national response systems, reflecting a forward-looking approach to long-term environmental readiness.

Process

Application process.

Applicant signs an appointment agreement with GLOBAL PASS and pays initial retainer.

GLOBAL PASS assists the applicant with preparing all required documentation for submission.

Local agent submits the application & documents to the Citizenship-by-Investment Unit (CIU).
Applicant pays the required processing fees (government, due diligence…etc).

CIU runs a background check and launches the application process.

CIU issues the citizenship approval letter.
Applicant makes the final payment.

Applicant attends an oath-swearing ceremony and collects the passport/s.

* The citizenship application timeline and approval are not guaranteed as they depend on the CIU’s due diligence processing time and outcome.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

The questions applicants ask most often about Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment Program.

What documents are required for Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment Program?

Required documents typically include valid passports and ID, birth and marriage certificates, police clearance reports, proof of address, proof of funds or bank statements, and employment or education records. Our advisors confirm the exact list for your specific case.

Which family members can be included in my application?

The main applicant can include their spouse, dependent children (including children of any age with a certified disability), and dependent parents over 65 years of age.

Does citizenship through this program come with the right to vote?

No. Citizens who qualify through the Development Support Program are treated as dual citizens under Article 13(3) of Vanuatu's Constitution, so they cannot vote, hold public office or take part in Vanuatu's political life. In 2026, Vanuatu's courts confirmed that this constitutional restriction continues to apply to DSP citizens even when they no longer hold their original nationality.

How much does the program cost?

The government-published fee schedule lists USD 130,000 for a single applicant, USD 150,000 for a married couple, USD 165,000 for a married couple with one child, and USD 180,000 for a married couple with two children. Each additional applicant is listed at USD 10,000. Additional government, due diligence, and legal fees may apply.

Do I have to live in Vanuatu to become a citizen?

No. The program has no minimum stay requirement. Once citizenship is granted, you may spend as much or as little time in Vanuatu as you choose.

Can I travel to Europe and the UK visa-free with a Vanuatu passport?

No. The EU ended visa-free Schengen travel for Vanuatu passport holders in stages from 2022, and the UK has required visas for Vanuatu nationals since July 2023. Visa-free access to other countries varies, so we confirm the current position for your travel plans before you apply.

Does Vanuatu allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Vanuatu permits dual citizenship. Applicants should confirm whether their country of origin also allows it, since some countries automatically revoke citizenship upon acquiring a new nationality.

How long does the process take?

The program typically takes 6 to 8 weeks from submission to passport issuance, depending on the Citizenship by Investment Unit's due diligence timeline.

Insights

Vanuatu News & insights.

Stay informed on the latest updates to Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment Program.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu Court Rules Citizenship by Investment Holders Cannot Vote

Vanuatu's Court of Appeal ruled that people who gained citizenship through the DSP investment program cannot vote, hold public office or run for election.

August 28, 2026