VIEN

Vanuatu citizenship by investment

Introduction

The Prosperous Living Investment (PLI) Vanuatu citizenship by investment programme offers a path to a Pacific passport from US$130,000, making it the fastest CBI programme in the Asia-Pacific region.
Vanuatu is a Pacific island nation and a tax haven with no personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax. The Vanuatu passport provides visa-free access to over 90 countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Russia, allows dual citizenship, and features a processing time of 1 to 2 months with a fully remote application process.
Introduction to the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Programme

Programme Overview

Investment level

From US$130,000 contribution to the Development Support Program for an individual, US$180,000 for a family of 4. Real estate from US$200,000 in government-approved projects.

Processing time

1 to 2 months from the submission of a complete application; some cases are completed in 6 weeks.

Passport

Visa-free access to over 90 countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, and many Asia-Pacific nations.

Residence requirement

No requirement to reside in the country before, during, or after receiving citizenship; no need to visit Vanuatu except for the oath-taking ceremony.

Family

Includes spouse, dependent children under 25, and dependent parents and grandparents aged 50 or older.

Generational citizenship

Permanent citizenship, inheritable by future generations by descent. The passport is valid for 10 years and is renewable.

Benefits of Vanuatu citizenship

Fastest processing in the region
Vanuatu is the fastest citizenship by investment programme in the Asia-Pacific region, with processing times of 1 to 2 months; some cases are completed in 6 weeks.
Tax haven
Vanuatu does not levy personal income tax, corporate income tax, dividend tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax. International Business Companies (IBCs) pay an annual fee of only US$300 for 20 years.
Dual citizenship
Vanuatu allows dual citizenship. Investors do not need to renounce their Vietnamese citizenship when obtaining Vanuatu citizenship.
Benefits of Vanuatu citizenship
United States B-1/B-2 visa
Vanuatu citizens are eligible to apply for a US B-1/B-2 tourist visa with a stay of up to 180 days per year. This is a convenient entry channel to the United States for new Vanuatu citizens.
Extended Family
The programme allows the inclusion of a spouse, dependent children under 25, and dependent parents and grandparents aged 50 or older in the same application.
Cryptocurrency accepted
Vanuatu is one of the few CBI programmes that accepts payments in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, USDT, and Ethereum for the DSP and CIIP routes, making it suitable for crypto investors.

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Citizenship by investment pathway through exceptional contribution

Development Support Program (DSP) Vanuatu

Development Support Program (DSP)

Non-refundable contribution from US$130,000 to the National Development Support Fund (DSP) for an individual, US$150,000 for a couple, and US$180,000 for a family of 4. Each additional dependent adds US$25,000. This is the most popular route with the lowest cost and a simple, non-refundable process.
Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) Vanuatu

Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP)

Contribution of US$155,000 to US$170,500 for a family of up to 4, which includes a US$50,000 investment that can be recovered after 5 years through the Sustainable Cocoa, Kava, or Coconut Fund. Each additional dependent adds US$25,000. Suitable for investors looking to recover a portion of their capital.
Real Estate Option (REO) Vanuatu

Real Estate Option (REO)

Minimum investment of US$200,000 in Vanuatu Government Approved Projects. Own project shares from US$100,000, which can be resold after 5 years. The only route that allows investors to own physical assets in Vanuatu. Programme conditions as announced by theVanuatu Citizenship Office.

Programme requirements

Net worth

Requirement to prove a minimum net worth of US$250,000 for the DSP and CIIP routes. The REO route does not require separate net worth proof.

Age

Main applicant aged 18 to 65. Parents and grandparents aged 50 or older are eligible to be included if financially dependent.

Investment

Minimum investment of US$130,000 for DSP, US$155,000 for CIIP, or US$200,000 for REO. Each route has a distinct cost structure.

Education and language

No minimum education requirement. No requirement to prove proficiency in English, French, or Bislama (the 3 official languages of Vanuatu).

Licensed agent

Applications must be submitted through an official agent licensed by the Vanuatu government. It is not possible to apply directly to the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission.

Health and background

Meet the background check requirements conducted by the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU); no criminal record, not on the Interpol list, and no visa refusals from countries with visa-free agreements with Vanuatu.
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Implementation process

Obtain Vanuatu citizenship and passport in 1 to 2 months with the team of experts at Prosperous Living Investment.

Consultation and profile assessment

PLI consultants assess personal, financial, and family circumstances. We recommend the appropriate route: DSP for low costs, CIIP for recoverable investments, or REO for real estate ownership.Duration: 1 week.

Preparation and FIU background check

PLI coordinates with a Vanuatu-licensed agent to prepare a complete application, including proof of assets, criminal records, and apostilled documents. Pay the initial background check fee of US$5,500. The Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) conducts the background check.Duration: 2 weeks.

Receive Approval in Principle

After passing the FIU background check, the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission (VCC) issues a Letter of Approval in Principle. This is the green light for the investor to proceed with the contribution/investment.Duration: 2 weeks.

Making the investment

After receiving the Approval in Principle, the investor transfers the DSP, CIIP contribution, or REO investment according to the chosen route. Vanuatu accepts cryptocurrency payments for DSP and CIIP. PLI monitors the entire process.Duration: 1 week.

Oath taking and passport issuance

The VCC issues a Letter of Approval to the investor and their entire family. The oath of allegiance is taken via video call, at an overseas embassy/consulate, or directly in Vanuatu. Passports are delivered to your doorstep via diplomatic courier in 3 to 4 weeks.Timeframe: 3–4 weeks.

Why choose PLI?
transparenteffectiveprofessional

Effectiveness

There is no one-size-fits-all here. Prosperous Living builds a personal strategy for each file based on financial capacity, business experience and family goals. That strategic approach makes the best use of time and resources and improves the chance of success.

Transparency

Prosperous Living advises within the law, works to a clear process and keeps up with the latest policy from each host government. Every pathway, cost and risk is explained in detail from the outset, so clients can make their investment decision with complete peace of mind.

Professionalism

The Prosperous Living advisory team works to a standard process, coordinating closely between immigration specialists, legal experts and partners worldwide. From assessment and documentation to post-arrival support, every step is methodical and joined up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are common client queries regarding the Vanuatu citizenship by investment programme. If you require more detailed advice, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A Vanuatu passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 90 countries and territories, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, the Maldives, and most Caribbean nations. For the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom, Vanuatu citizens must apply for a visa in advance.

The investment level depends on the chosen route. The DSP requires a non-refundable contribution from $130,000 USD. The CIIP starts from $155,000 USD, of which $50,000 USD is refundable after 5 years. The REO route requires a real estate investment from $200,000 USD. PLI provides advice on the optimal route tailored to individual needs.

The entire process from application submission to passport issuance takes approximately 1 to 2 months. This is one of the fastest CBI programmes on the market, particularly for the Asia-Pacific region.

Yes. Vanuatu allows the main applicant to include a spouse, dependent children under 25, and financially dependent parents and grandparents aged 50 and above in the same application.

It is not required. The entire process can be completed remotely, including the oath of allegiance via video call. However, investors may choose to attend the oath ceremony in Vanuatu in person if preferred.

No. Vanuatu permits dual citizenship. Investors retain their Vietnamese citizenship upon acquiring Vanuatu citizenship, with no requirement to notify Vietnamese authorities.

Vanuatu is one of the world’s most favourable tax havens. There is no personal income tax, corporate income tax, dividend tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax. International Business Companies (IBCs) pay only an annual fee of $300 USD for the first 20 years.

Yes. Vanuatu is one of the few CBI programmes that accepts cryptocurrency payments, such as Bitcoin, USDT, USDC, Ethereum, and Solana, for the DSP and CIIP routes. The REO route accepts fiat currency payments only.