How to obtain Vanuatu citizenship fast and easy?

9 benefits of Vanuatu citizenship

1. Visa-free travel to 96 countries. The Vanuatu passport opens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 96 countries, including Ireland, Australia, Singapore, and Russia. Some countries require electronic registration in advance.

2. Long-term US visas. Vanuatu citizens can obtain a multiple-entry B-1/B-2 visa to the United States for 5 years and spend 180 days a year in the US for business meetings, travel, or medical treatment.

3. Investment pathway to a second passport. Foreigners can obtain Vanuatu citizenship in just 2 months, making it the fastest citizenship by investment program in the world. The process requires a non-refundable contribution of at least $130,000 to the National Development Fund.

4. Dual citizenship. Vanuatu allows its citizens to have more than one passport, so you don’t need to renounce your other citizenship upon obtaining Vanuatu’s one, provided that your country of origin also permits dual citizenship.

5. Tax optimisation. Entrepreneurs can be exempt from corporate tax if they register an international business company in Vanuatu. Instead, a business owner only pays an annual fee of $300.

Vanuatu also does not tax wealth, inheritance, properties, or personal income.

6. Affordable studying in the UK. Vanuatu citizens can access Commonwealth Scholarships and study at British universities for free or for a lower tuition fee than non-Commonwealth citizens.

7. English and French as official languages. Navigating services, legal matters, and daily life is easier in Vanuatu, as English and French are official languages. Travel and work in Anglophone or Francophone regions become more accessible, and educational options are broader, with many programs available in either language.

8. Low crime rate. Vanuatu is considered a safe country for families, making it a reassuring place to move with children. Most residents report feeling reasonably secure, particularly during daytime hours. The intentional-homicide rate is 0.32 per 100,000 people, among the lowest in the world.

9. Holidays in paradise. Vanuatu is an archipelago known for its beautiful landscapes, pleasant climate, and many water activities. It is a great destination for quiet family holidays. Vanuatu citizens can enter the country anytime and spend as much time there as they want. 

The locals are renowned for their warm hospitality and welcoming spirit. Visitors consistently praise how Vanuatu nationals openly share their culture, welcome guests into community meeting houses, and go out of their way to help newcomers feel at home.

5 primary ways to obtain Vanuatu citizenship

By birth or descent. A person obtains citizenship by birth or descent if:

• they have at least one parent or grandparent of Vanuatuan ancestry;
• born in Vanuatu to two foreigners.

When applying for citizenship under the first option, the applicant must provide a document proving ancestry, such as a parent’s birth certificate.

A child whose parent obtained Vanuatu’s citizenship by naturalisation is also eligible for a Vanuatu passport, provided the parent held the citizenship when the child was born.

Adopted children automatically acquire Vanuatu citizenship once the adoption process is complete.

By investment. A Vanuatu passport can be obtained within 2 months by wealthy foreigners who invest at least $130,000 in the country’s economy. It is the fastest and easiest way to become a Vanuatu citizen.

By naturalisation. To be eligible for citizenship by naturalisation, a foreigner must reside in Vanuatu for at least 10 years before applying. Other requirements are that the applicant:

• plans to continue to reside in Vanuatu;
• renounces their other citizenship;
• is of good character;
• can speak English, French, Bislama, or any Vanuatu dialect on the level to be able to communicate;
• has passed the Citizenship test in Bislama, which includes questions on Vanuatu’s history, politics, and legislation;
• is not or is unlikely to become a charge on public funds;
• has a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the rights, privileges, responsibilities and duties of citizens;
• has taken and subscribed to an oath of allegiance.

Spouses and children have the right to obtain Vanuatu citizenship when the applicant gets one.

If a foreigner wants to keep their other citizenship, they must file a formal application to the Citizenship Commission before their dual citizenship is recognised. In case of approval, foreigners with Vanuatu passports are not required to renounce their other passports.

By marriage. A foreign person married to a Vanuatu citizen can obtain citizenship if the couple has lived together for at least 2 years. The non-Vanuatu spouse must take the citizenship test in the language of Bislama.

Requirements for getting Vanuatu citizenship by investment

To be eligible to participate in the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program, CBI, the foreigner must:

• be over 18;
• have no criminal record or prosecutions;
• have no serious illnesses;
• be capable of proving the legality of their income;
• show proof of at least $250,000 in their bank account.

As part of the Citizenship by Investment program, the main applicant must pass a Due Diligence check. This involves thorough screening against international databases, such as Interpol, to ensure the applicant poses no risk to Vanuatu. A Due Diligence fee of $5,500 applies.

Investors can include family members in their Vanuatu citizenship application, such as a spouse, children under 25, and parents over 50. Children aged 18 to 25 must be financially dependent on the investor, live with them, and be full-time university students. Parents can be added if they rely on the investor for financial support.

Investment requirement. The applicant makes a non-refundable contribution of $130,000 to the National Development Fund. The contribution is used to support the country’s economic development and disaster relief efforts.

The required investment amount varies depending on the number of applicants. The main applicant contributes $130,000, with an additional $20,000 for a spouse and $15,000 for each dependent.

Vanuatu citizenship by investment cost

Expenses	Investor	Married couple	Family of 3
Contribution	$130,000+	$150,000+	$165,000+
Due Diligence	$5,500	$5,500	$5,500
Other fees and commissions	$9,775+	$10,775+	$11,525+
Total	$145,275+	$166,275+	$182,025+

The alternative route is to contribute to the Cocoa Sustainable Development Fund, which supports the growth of Vanuatu’s cocoa industry.

The minimum contribution is $165,000 for a single investor and a family of up to 4 people. The investor pays $25,000 for each additional dependant. Bank fees apply to transactions.

After the passport is issued, the applicant also receives a unit in the Cocoa Sustainable Fund worth $50,000. After 5 years, they can redeem the unit and recover part of the investment.

Documents collected for the application are:

• filled-out application form;
• valid identification document, such as a passport;
• birth certificates of children, if applicable;
• marriage certificate, if applicable;
• police clearance certificate;
• CV.

Depending on the investor’s situation, they might be required to prepare more documents.

All non-English papers must be translated by a certified translator. Personal document copies must be notarised by a licensed Notary Public.

How to obtain Vanuatu citizenship by investment: a step-by-step guide

The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program is the fastest investment program in the world. Based on the experience of Immigrant Invest, investors and their family members can get Vanuatu passports in as little as 2 months.

To obtain Vanuatu citizenship, the investor and all family members must visit Vanuatu or one of its overseas representation offices in Dubai, Hong Kong, or Nouméa to submit their documents and biometrics.

Renewal of a Vanuatu passport

The Vanuatu passport is valid for a maximum of 10 years. Its validity period starts on the date of issuance of the document.

To renew the passport, a Vanuatu citizen applies to an immigration office with the following documents:

• completed application form;
• most recent passport;
• two recent passport photos;
• receipt proving payment of an application fee.

You are also required to bring a witness: someone over 18 who has known you for at least 1 year. The witness must formally identify you on the application form and certify one of your photographs.

Fees and obtainment period for issuing a Vanuatu passport

Type of service	Required time	Fee
Normal	Up to 21 days	VT 10,000, or $85
Express	Up to 10 days	VT 20,000, or $169
Urgent	Up to 3 days	VT 25,000, or $210

Losing, renouncing, and regaining citizenship

Losing a Vanuatu passport is possible if it was obtained by fraud. 

If a foreigner does not file an application for the recognition of dual citizenship with the Citizenship Commission of Vanuatu, their Vanuatu citizenship may be revoked if they: 

• declare their allegiance to another country;
• agree to become a national or citizen of another country;
• serve in the armed forces of another country;
• vote in a national, provincial, state, or local election in another country, or accept elective office there.

People who have acquired citizenship by naturalisation will lose it if they cross Vanuatu's border with a passport of another country.

To renounce citizenship, a person of full age and capacity must fill out a form of renunciation. The citizenship can’t be renounced if a person:

• doesn’t have any other passport;
• does it for the purpose of obtaining another citizenship.

Regaining citizenship is possible after a person files an application to the Citizenship Commission.

Life as a Vanuatu citizen: what’s next?

Applying for a US B-1/B-2 visa. The first step in obtaining a US visa is to visit the Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center, CEAC, and complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160. Once submitted, print the confirmation page with the barcode, as it will be required during your visa interview.

Next, pay the visa application fee of $160. Payment instructions vary by location, so it’s essential to follow the specific guidelines provided by the US Embassy in Port Moresby.

Once the payment is made, retain the fee receipt as proof and schedule your visa interview. For Vanuatu citizens, consular services are provided through the US Embassy in Port Moresby. You can use the CEAC website or the local US visa service centre to book your appointment.

Prepare the following documents for your interview:

1. Passport valid for more than 6 months beyond your planned stay.
2. DS-160 confirmation page.
3. Fee receipt.
4. One passport-size photo.
5. Proof of ties to Vanuatu, such as employment or property.
6. Evidence of funds and travel itinerary.

On the day of your interview, arrive at the Embassy and be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans, the purpose and duration of your visit, and your intent to return to Vanuatu. If your visa is approved, your passport will be held for visa stamping and later returned via courier or for pick-up.

Visa processing takes 3—7 business days after approval.

Registering a company in Vanuatu. To set up an International Company, IC, in Vanuatu, start by selecting the IC structure. These entities benefit from significant tax advantages, including a 20-year exemption from corporate, income, capital gains, inheritance, stock-exchange gains, and turnover taxes. There is only a flat annual fee of $300.

Next, appoint a licensed local agent. Vanuatu law requires all offshore entities to work with a Vanuatu Financial Services Commission, VFSC, approved agent, responsible for filings and maintaining statutory records.

Once your agent is appointed, reserve your company name through the VFSC e-registry portal. Create an account, search for your preferred name, and pay the reservation fee.

Prepare and submit your incorporation documents via the same portal. These include:

• Memorandum and Articles of Association;
• details of directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners;
• registered physical and postal address in Vanuatu;
• agent appointment form.

After filing, pay the incorporation fee of $150 along with the annual licence fee of $300 to keep your IC in good standing.

Once everything is submitted, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation within a few days, followed by a separate Tax Exemption Certificate confirming your 20-year tax-free status.

To remain compliant, the company must file an annual return through the VFSC portal each year.

Exchanging a driving licence. Vanuatu does not have reciprocal licence-exchange agreements. Regardless of your original issuing country, you may drive on your foreign licence for up to 3 months after settling in Vanuatu.

To obtaining Vanuatu driving licence, you need to:

1. Obtain a Vanuatu learner’s licence, which costs VT 1,500, ≈ $12.60.
2. Pass the driving test at the Vanuatu Police Traffic Section.
3. Submit your learner’s licence and Certificate of Ability to Drive.
4. Pay VT 5,000, ≈ $40, for your full Vanuatu licence.

A Vanuatu driving licence is valid for 3 years. When it expires, there is no need to retake the driving test — simply renew the licence by providing a medical certificate and paying a fee of around $40.

Cost of living and purchasing property in Vanuatu

Understanding the cost of living in Vanuatu. Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital, is about 17% more expensive than the EU average and 5% higher than the US, with monthly costs near €4,200. High import fees and limited housing on Efate, the island where Port Vila is located, drive prices up, making everyday essentials pricier than in most EU capitals and major US cities.

Purchasing real estate. As a Vanuatu citizen, you have the same rights as locals when it comes to purchasing freehold residential property. If you’re ready to move in upon arrival, the process is straightforward.

Start by engaging a local real estate agent who can quickly arrange property viewings and advise on neighbourhoods, pricing, and rental yield. Once you've narrowed down your options, inspections can often be scheduled for the same day or the next. Citizens aren’t subject to foreign buyer restrictions, such as limitations on purchasing freehold land, so transactions can proceed quickly and smoothly.

After selecting a property, your agent or lawyer will draft the Sale Agreement. A deposit of 5—10% is typically paid upon signing. While government consent is not required, it’s still wise to instruct a local solicitor to check the property title, outstanding rates, encumbrances, and zoning and building permits.

Most buyers pay in cash or use private financing, as local mortgages are rare and interest rates are high. You’ll also pay stamp duty of around 2—3% of the sale price, plus legal fees of 1—1.5%. Purchasers of commercial real estate are also charged VAT at 12.5% on the sale.

Your solicitor will handle the transfer through the Vanuatu Land Registry, and within 1—2 weeks you’ll receive the new title. Once the balance is paid and the title is in your name, you can collect the keys and move in.

Potential drawbacks of Vanuatu citizenship

No visa-free travel to the UK, US, and EU. Vanuatu second passport holders must secure visas for the UK, US, and EU, adding extra application steps, fees, and wait times before travel.

Limited global recognition. Vanuatu’s passport isn’t as widely accepted as those of larger nations. Opening bank accounts, setting up companies, or securing professional licences in many countries can be more cumbersome without a well-recognised passport.

Fewer embassies and consulates abroad mean less on-the-ground assistance if one runs into legal or medical emergencies.

Remote geographic location. Vanuatu is over 3,000 km from major global hubs, which can make access to international flights, specialised healthcare, and business centres more limited and costly. However, it’s relatively close to Australia, with Brisbane just a 2.5-hour flight away, offering easy access to a nearby hub for healthcare, business, and global travel.

Climate risks. The country’s acute vulnerability to climate change is a notable drawback of living in Vanuatu. Rising sea levels threaten to submerge low-lying land, contaminate freshwater sources, and displace coastal villages. More intense cyclones and coastal erosion may damage homes, ecosystems, and vital industries such as tourism and fishing.

Best second citizenship countries in Oceania and the Caribbean

Investors can choose from several CBI programs in the Caribbean, including those offered by Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda.

One of the key benefits of Caribbean CBI programs is the fully remote application process. The region also offers a highly favourable tax environment, with no wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes. 

Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis have no personal income tax, while the other countries tax only locally earned income.

While Vanuatu offers the fastest program, Caribbean passports are well known for their visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries, including Singapore and the Schengen Area. Grenada and Dominica have visa-free agreements with China.

Caribbean citizens can apply for a 10-year US B-1/B-2 visa, allowing multiple entries of up to six months for tourism, business, or family visits. Grenada stands out by offering access to the US E-2 Investor Visa, enabling investors to move, start a business, and live in the US without needing a job offer or minimum net worth.

Dominica offers the lowest investment threshold among Caribbean CBI programs, starting at $200,000. Applicants can choose between a non-refundable contribution or purchasing approved real estate, which can be resold after 3 years. The program allows investors to include their spouse, children under 30, as well as parents and grandparents over 65.

Grenada allows investors to choose between a non-refundable contribution and buying real estate. The minimum threshold is $235,000 for a donation and $270,000 for a property purchase, which can be resold after 5 years.

Spouses, children under 30, parents, grandparents, and siblings over 18 can acquire citizenship alongside investors.

Antigua and Barbuda offers three investment options:

• non-refundable contribution of $230,000;
• real estate purchase of $300,000 — property can be sold in 5 years;
• donation to a higher education institution of $260,000 — designed for families of at least six people.

Investors can include their spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 55, as well as unmarried siblings in the application.

St Lucia provides four investment options, starting with a non-refundable contribution of at least $240,000. Alternatively, investors can choose to purchase government bonds or real estate for $300,000, both of which can be sold after 5 years. A fourth option is a business investment, requiring a minimum of $250,000. 

Spouses, children under 30, parents over 55, and siblings under 18 of the main investor may be included in the citizenship application.

St Kitts and Nevis offers three options:

• non-refundable contribution of $250,000;
• real estate purchase of $325,000 — property can be resold in 7 years;
• investment in Approved Public Benefit Projects of $250,000.

Spouses, children under 25, and parents over 55 can obtain citizenship with the main applicant.

How Vanuatu compares to other citizenship by investment options

Vanuatu and Caribbean countries attract global investors with fast processing times and flexible eligibility, positioning their passports as gateways to new markets and greater personal freedom.

Choosing the right program involves balancing costs with visa-free access, approval speed, and family coverage. Many investors also consider additional benefits, such as access to major markets or residency options that align with their long-term goals.

Below is a comparison of the world’s top citizenship by investment programs, each offering unique advantages.

Best CBI programs comparison

Сharacteristic	Vanuatu	Dominica	Antigua and Barbuda	Grenada	St Lucia	St Kitts and Nevis
Minimum investment	$130,000	$200,000	$230,000	$235,000	$240,000	$250,000
Visa-free countries	96	135	143	138	139	146
Obtainment time	2+ months	6+ months	6+ months	8+ months	6+ months	6+ months
Family members	Spouse, children under 25, parents over 50	Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 65	Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 55, siblings	Spouse, children under 30, parents, grandparents, siblings over 18	Spouse, children under 30, parents over 55, siblings under 18	Spouse, children under 25, parents over 55
Main benefit	Fast processing	Visa-free China	Option for big families	US E-2 Investor Visa	Business investment option	Highest number of visa-free countries

Key points on obtaining Vanuatu citizenship

1. Vanuatu citizenship can be obtained by birth, descent, marriage, naturalisation, or investment.
2. Benefits of Vanuatu citizenship include visa-free access to 96 countries, the possibility of securing a US B-1/B-2 visa for five years, tax optimisation, and the option to obtain a passport by investment.
3. To become a naturalised citizen, a foreigner must reside in Vanuatu for at least 10 years.
4. The fastest and easiest path to a Vanuatu passport is contributing to the National Development Fund. The minimum sum is $130,000. The passport can be obtained in 2+ months.
5. An alternative to a Vanuatu passport is Caribbean CBI programs, such as those offered by Dominica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, or St Kitts and Nevis. Minimum investment sum is $200,000.

Frequently asked questions