Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program

Vanuatu Citizenship - Passport by Investment

overview

What is Vanuatu’s CBI program?

The Vanuatu Development Support Program was launched by the Vanuatu Government in 2017. This CBI program is unique as it is the only current citizenship by investment program in the Asia-Pacific. It is also one of the quickest and least expensive programs by comparison, being granted in as little as two months and starting at an investment requirement of US$130,000. This makes it one of the most efficient (and most popular!) programs, globally.

Historically, the program only had one option available for investors: donation. However, the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Commission announced that it would accept approved real estate projects as investment for citizenship, in 2021. This means that the investment is not a sunk cost, as the property can be resold after seven years.

The advantages of Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program

Citizenship by investment in Vanuatu offers full Vanuatuan rights, with no restrictions on dual citizenship. Some of the main advantages to this program include no taxation, and no physical presence requirements, as the Oath of Allegiance can take place in any convenient location around the world. A Vanuatu passport also provides visa-free travel to a surprisingly high number of countries.

Vanuatu Citizenship Benefits

Cheap: Minimum investment of only US$130,000, comparable to Caribbean citizenship programs;
Streamlined Process: Relatively quick processing time;
Risk free: Investment only required upon approval;

Marlin Law has helped many high net worth investors do second passport programs and do citizenship planning.

Interested in a Vanuatu citizenship? J.H. Marlin can help you!

The routes to Vanuatu Citizenship

There are different routes to becoming a Vanuatuan citizen under the citizenship by investment program. Qualified investors can choose one of the following options to do passport by investment:

Option 1: Government Development Fund

The single applicant must invest at least US$130,000 in a Vanuatu Government National Fund. This donation is non-refundable one-time payment to the local government fund meant to invest in the local economy.

If you are applying with other family members, the investment price is:

Main applicant + spouse: US$150,000
Main applicant + spouse + one child: US$165,000
Main applicant + spouse + two children: US$180,000
For each additional child: US$25,000

Additional application fees apply. Processing fees, including the government fee and diligence fee total US$5,400.

Option 2: Real Estate Investment

The applicant must purchase a Vanuatu government-approved property with a minimum value of US$200,000 for a full unit, or US$100,000 for half ownership. The property can be resold after a seven year holding period.

Advantages of holding a Vanuatuan passport

VISA FREE TRAVEL

BUSINESS ADVANTAGES

FAMILY ADVANTAGES

PERSONAL FREEDOM

There is no minimum stay requirement
Successful applicants for citizenship by investment are exempt from Vanuatu’s restrictions on dual citizenship (although these citizens do not have the right to vote or hold public office)
No language requirements
Minimal restrictions on nationality
Remote location allows for privacy
Application process does not require travel to Vanuatu. The Oath of Allegiance can be done anywhere in the world, as a government official can travel to a location that is convenient to you

Vanuatuan Citizenship Requirements for Application

Must be 18 years or older
Must have a clean criminal record with no sanctions worldwide
Must have proof of funds for investment (proof of net assets of at least US$500,000, of which US$250,000 must be banking assets)
Must be in good health (proved with medical certificate)
Children from the age of 18 to 25 must be financially dependent on the applicant and full-time students at a university. Parents of the applicant must be aged 50 or over.
The Vanuatu citizenship program is not open to citizens of Iran, Syria, North Korea, or Yemen (unless they have permanent residence and have lived outside of these countries for a minimum of five years)

Procedure for Citizenship by Investment Application in Vanuatu

One can expect that the application process for citizenship by investment in Vanuatu to include the following:

Clients contact JH Marlin
Initial due diligence check and criminal background check are performed to determine eligibility
Client agreement is signed, and retainer is paid
Files are prepared and required documents are collected
Initial documents submitted to the Finance Intelligence Unit
Application submission to the Finance Intelligence Unit, along with remaining documents
The Finance Intelligence Unit will perform the due diligence process
Pending the due diligence process, the application is approved in principle and the applicant transfers 25% of the investment to the government
Screening Committee and the Citizenship Commission reviews the application
The Citizenship Commission will notify of the application approval
The applicant will fulfill their requirement by making the remaining 75% of their investment within 90 days of approval
Once investment is received, the Citizenship Commission issues a Letter of Approval and Naturalization Certificate (citizenship certificate) and submits a passport application
The applicant takes an Oath of Allegiance in front of a passport officer either in Vanuatu or a preferred location that is convenient for the applicant
Official passport issuance

Documents Required for Vanuatuan Citizenship Application

Certified copy of birth certificate
Certified copy of original passport
Certified copy of national ID
Six photographs
Citizenship application form
Copy of spouse’s and child’s passport (if applicable)
Certified copy of marriage certificate (if applicable)
Police certificate from your home country
Resume (including education and employment history)
Medical certificate
Proof of investment
Proof of paid application fees

A detailed list of documents will be provided depending on your unique case including sample documents and further instructions.

Why work with JH Marlin to become a Vanuatu citizen by investing?

JH Marlin Law has helped clients choose the citizenship program that is right for them for years.

As an experienced licensed agent for citizenship, we can do a detailed analysis of your personal circumstances and provide further information about different citizenship by investment options and corresponding processing times. We will assist you with all the required citizenship documents for you to have a successful application and coordinate with any other parties or local agents involved in the process.

JH Marlin Law has handled hundreds of citizenship applications. We can help you throughout the entire process.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the Vanuatuan citizenship by investment program

How much is Vanuatu citizenship?

Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program costs $130,000 for single applicant, $150,000 for a couple and $165,000 for a family with one child, and $180,000 for a family of four.

How much time does it take for a Vanuatu passport?

The processing time typically takes 1-2 months,.

Is Vanuatu a tax free country?

Vanuatu has no income, wealth or inheritance tax.

What are the visa free countries using Vanuatu passport?

The Vanuatu passport has visa-free access to several countries.

What makes Vanuatu citizenship by investment unique?

Vanuatu is the only country in the Pacific that has an official citizenship by investment program, which offers unique benefits such as privacy for investors.

Can real estate qualify as my investment?

No. Currently, the only route to citizenship is through making a donation.

Do I need to visit Vanuatu to receive my passport?

No. You do not need to travel to Vanuatu at any point during the application process. You can collect your citizenship certificate and passport from your authorized agent or at Vanuatu consulates anywhere in the world.

How long does the process take?

Currently Vanuatu has the fastest average processing time among all citizenship by investment programs, at an average length of 1-2 months.

Do I make my investment before my application is approved?

Only in part. The first 10% of the investment is paid, with the remaining 90% of the donation only being paid after the letter of approval is issued by the Vanuatu citizenship commission.

Is the Oath of Allegiance required?

Yes. However, the oath can be taken either in Vanuatu, or at any Vanuatu consulate worldwide. Additionally, an immigration officer can come visit your authorized agent’s office at your convenience (for a $5,000 fee), so no travelling is required on your behalf.

Are there any restrictions on countries who can apply?

Yes. Citizens of Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea and Yemen cannot apply for Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program. However, the Vanuatu Citizenship commission may make exceptions and accept applications from restricted countries. This is given that the applicant shows that they have permanent residency abroad and have not resided in the restricted country for the last 5 years.

Are there any quotas for the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program?

There are no quotas.

How long is the Vanuatu passport valid for?

The Vanuatu passport is valid for 10 years. You can renew your passport for $60. Citizenship is issued for your entire lifetime.

Does Vanuatu offer commonwealth citizenship?

Yes, Vanuatu is a commonwealth country and all citizens are commonwealth citizens.

How do I travel to Vanuatu?

Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, has an international airport which has flights directly from Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.

Does Vanuatu publish names of successful applicants of the program?

No. Privacy is guaranteed to investors and names not published in Gazette or reported to other countries

Are there any ongoing physical presence requirements?

No. There is no requirement to visit or live in Vanuatu after receiving your passport.

What documents are required?

Certified copy of birth certificate
Certified copy of original passport
Certified copy of national ID
Six photographs
Citizenship application form
Copy of spouse’s and child’s passport (if applicable)
Certified copy of marriage certificate (if applicable)
Police certificate from your home country
Resume (including education and employment history)
Medical certificate
Proof of investment
Proof of paid application fees

Can Vanuatu revoke citizenship?

Yes, if found to be involved in fraud, concealment, or other similar illegal activity, Vanuatu can revoke the citizenship of investors.

What are my banking options?

The three most popular banks in Vanuatu include: ANZ, BSP (Bank of South Pacific) and BRED.

Is Vanuatu a tax haven?

Vanuatu has zero corporate tax, no income tax, no capital gains tax, no estate tax, no wealth tax, no withholding tax, no gift tax and no other personal income taxes.

Vanuatu: General Information

Originally inhabited by Melanesian peoples, Vanuatu is a South Pacific island nation with a rich history and influence by Spanish, French, and English expeditions. However, Vanuatu became independent in 1980 and has since become a member of the United Nations and the Commonwealth.

Vanuatu is a chain of eighty islands in the Southwestern Pacific that is near Australia. Vanuatu boasts beautiful scenery, whether standing at the rim of an active volcano, hiking in its untouched rainforests, lounging on its tropical beaches, or sailing between each Pacific island.

Espiritu Santo, its largest island, boasts modern facilities, including hospitals, schools, hotels, businesses, luxury residential properties. Vanuatu is one of the most popular citizenship by investment programs, as its remoteness provides the perfect private haven for high-net-worth individuals to spend their time. Although tempting, there is also no physical presence requirement for residency.

Fast Facts:

Location: 17° S & 168° E | Southwestern Pacific Ocean Islands

Capital: Port Vila

Size: 12,199 km²

Population: 320 k

Official Currency: Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)

Government: Parliamentary Republic

Economy: Offshore Financial Services | Agriculture | Tourism

Official Language: English | French | Bislama

Religion: Christianity | Multi-Denominational