How to Apply

Are you seeking a second passport for greater global mobility, financial freedom, or just a secure ‘Plan B’ in a shaky world? The process often seems impossibly complex. It doesn't have to be. Vanuatu citizenship by investment offers a direct and remarkably fast solution, securing a second nationality in a stable, tax-friendly country. The legal framework, established under the Vanuatu Citizenship Act [Cap. 112] through its Development Support Programme (DSP), provides one of the quickest citizenship timelines anywhere.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment - A legal process whereby an individual makes a significant economic contribution to Vanuatu, typically a non-refundable donation to the Development Support Programme (DSP), in exchange for full citizenship and a passport. The process is governed by the Citizenship Act [Cap. 112] and its related regulations, and managed by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission.

Our independent legal team specialises in navigating Vanuatu’s citizenship programmes. We have guided countless clients through the entire process, from the first eligibility check to the moment their new passport is in hand. This article breaks down the legal routes, the exact costs, the application steps, and the real-world strategic value of holding a Vanuatu passport.

Understanding the Legal Pathways to Vanuatu Citizenship

There are a few legal routes to Vanuatu citizenship. Most are governed by the Vanuatu Citizenship Act [Cap. 112]. You can make a qualifying investment, or you can pursue conventional methods like naturalisation, marriage, or descent.

The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes are by far the most direct path. Two main options exist: the Vanuatu Development Support Programme (DSP) and the Vanuatu Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP). The DSP is a straightforward, donation-based programme and the most common choice for a reason—it's streamlined. The CIIP, on the other hand, involves a more complex mix of a contribution plus a redeemable investment.

Conventional routes are also on the table, but they take much longer. Citizenship can be earned through naturalisation after at least 10 years of continuous residence in Vanuatu, a strict requirement under Article 11 of the Constitution. For context, "continuous" means living in Vanuatu as your primary home; short holidays won't count towards this decade-long period. Other paths include citizenship by marriage to a ni-Vanuatu citizen (requiring a minimum of two years of cohabitation in Vanuatu) or by descent. These traditional routes come with significantly longer timelines and entirely different legal hurdles compared to investment.

How to get Vanuatu citizenship by investment

The Development Support Programme (DSP) is the most popular method. Simply put, it involves making a one-time, non-refundable donation to a government development fund. This contribution directly finances national projects like infrastructure and disaster recovery. In return, you and your family are granted full citizenship.

An alternative, the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), combines a non-refundable contribution with a larger, redeemable investment in a government-approved fund. This structure demands a different financial strategy than the DSP's direct donation. For both programmes, one rule is absolute: applications must be submitted through an officially designated agent. You cannot apply directly to the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission.

Vanuatu Citizenship by marriage

Getting citizenship through marriage to a Vanuatu citizen is governed by section 10 of the Citizenship Act. This path requires you to have lived with your citizen spouse in Vanuatu for at least two years. The application itself is handled using the official Form B from the Citizenship Office.

You'll need a stack of key documents: your birth certificate and passport, a valid civil marriage certificate, police clearance certificates from your home country and Vanuatu, a letter of consent from your ni-Vanuatu spouse, and official certification from the Immigration Director. While the application fee is much lower (around 50,000 VT), the mandatory two-year residency and longer processing make it a fundamentally different commitment from investment-based citizenship.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment: Programme Costs and Requirements

The total cost for Vanuatu citizenship depends on the programme you choose and how many family members are on the application. For the main Development Support Programme (DSP), the primary cost is a single, non-refundable donation to the state. All contributions are specified and processed in US dollars, per the Regulations under the Citizenship Act.

Vanuatu citizenship cost

The minimum donation amounts for the Development Support Programme (DSP) are set by the government:

• Single Applicant: US$130,000
• Main Applicant and Spouse: US$150,000
• Family of 3 (Applicant, Spouse, 1 Child): US$165,000
• Family of 4 (Applicant, Spouse, 2 Children): US$180,000
• Each Additional Dependant: US$25,000

Beyond the donation, other mandatory fees apply. A non-refundable US$5,000 due diligence fee is paid right at the start. This covers the critical background checks conducted by Vanuatu's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). You'll also encounter smaller administrative costs, such as the application fee for Form D (US$250 or 25,000 VT) and passport issuance fees.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, every applicant must meet several strict requirements. There are no shortcuts.

• Main Applicant: Must be over 18 years old.
• Criminal Record: Every applicant needs to prove they have a clean criminal record. No exceptions.
• Health: Applicants must be in good health.
• Who can be a dependant? Qualifying dependants include a spouse, children under a certain age, and sometimes dependent parents over a certain age.
• Source of Funds: This is the big one. The main applicant must provide detailed, verifiable proof that the investment funds come from a legitimate source. Failing to satisfy the government on this point is a guaranteed rejection.

The process is meticulous. It demands careful document preparation. Our team ensures your file is complete and fully compliant before it's even submitted, which is key to a smooth approval.

This article is published by an independent law firm for informational purposes only and does not represent or claim affiliation with any government body, international organization, or official authority.