Everything You Need to Know About
Vanuatu Citizenship

The Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) is Vanuatu's alternative citizenship by investment program. Unlike the DSP, the CIIP includes a USD 50,000 redeemable investment into the Vanuatu Impact Fund, alongside USD 115,000 in citizenship and due diligence fees — for a total of USD 165,000. The USD 50,000 is returned to the applicant at the end of the investment term, making the CIIP the more capital-efficient choice for many applicants.

Both programs deliver the same Vanuatu citizenship and passport. The key difference is cost structure. The DSP is a direct, non-refundable government contribution from USD 132,000. The CIIP costs USD 115,000 + USD 50,000 redeemable investment (USD 165,000 total) — but the USD 50,000 is returned at the end of the investment term, not lost. Many applicants prefer the CIIP because of the redeemable component. VIMB advisors will help you assess which program is the better fit for your circumstances.

While prior programs existed (CCP and VERP), the current Development Support Program (DSP) was launched on 1 January 2017. VIMB has been an Authorized Agent since the program's launch, making it one of the most experienced advisors in the market.

The Government of Vanuatu uses the DSP and CIIP to attract quality high-net-worth individuals who may invest in and contribute to the country's development, while also raising funds for national infrastructure and sustainable development priorities — including Vanuatu's climate change agenda.

Applications are processed by invitation through authorized representatives such as VIMB. All applicants undergo a stringent due diligence and probity process to ensure they meet the profile Vanuatu is seeking in its new citizens — including a clean background check and verifiable source of funds. VIMB conducts a confidential pre-check before any formal commitment is made.

The process typically takes 80–90 days from document submission to passport delivery — one of the fastest citizenship by investment timelines in the world. The process has two phases: Phase 1 (pre-approval) takes approximately 10 days. Phase 2 (full application, documentation, and payment) takes 30–90 days depending on how quickly documents are prepared. VIMB guides applicants through every stage to ensure the fastest possible processing.

No. The entire Vanuatu citizenship application process is completed remotely. No travel to Vanuatu is required at any stage — before, during, or after the application. This is one of the program's most significant advantages for internationally mobile applicants.

Citizenship can only be applied for through an officially authorized representative. Contact VIMB directly — via WhatsApp, email, or the contact page — to begin a confidential eligibility assessment. VIMB will guide you through document requirements, pre-approval, and every step through to passport delivery.

No Vanuatu embassy is required. Applications are processed entirely through VIMB as an officially authorized agent. VIMB's offices in Dubai, Hong Kong, and London serve applicants globally, and the entire process is managed remotely regardless of your location.

Always verify the credentials of any party offering Vanuatu citizenship services. VIMB holds a trusted Authorized Agent status directly with the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission — you can verify this on the Government's official Citizenship Commission website. VIMB has been operating since 2017 with a 97% application success rate and over 1,000 citizenships granted. When in doubt, contact VIMB directly.

The CIIP costs USD 115,000 + USD 50,000 redeemable investment — a total of USD 165,000. The USD 115,000 comprises USD 110,000 in citizenship fees and USD 5,000 in due diligence fees. The separate USD 50,000 is invested into the Vanuatu Impact Fund and returned to the applicant at the end of the investment term — it is not a fee or a donation.

The DSP starts from USD 132,000 for a single applicant. This is a direct, non-refundable contribution to Vanuatu's national development fund. Additional fees apply for family members included in the same application. Full fee details for your specific family situation are confirmed during a consultation with VIMB.

The USD 50,000 component of the CIIP is an investment into the Vanuatu Impact Fund — not a fee. It is held for the duration of the investment term and then returned in full to the applicant. This means the effective net cost of the CIIP is USD 115,000 — lower than the DSP — once the investment is redeemed, while delivering the same citizenship outcome. This makes the CIIP the preferred choice for applicants focused on capital efficiency.

Yes. The fee structure for both programs can be verified on the Vanuatu Government's Citizenship Commission website. VIMB operates with full transparency — all fees are disclosed upfront and no hidden costs are added. Every payment goes directly to the government or the Impact Fund as specified.

The Vanuatu passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 90–100 countries and territories, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, Ireland, and most Commonwealth and Pacific nations. The full and current list is available on the VIMB visa-free countries page.

Yes. Vanuatu fully permits dual citizenship. There is no requirement to renounce your existing nationality when you obtain Vanuatu citizenship by investment. You hold both passports simultaneously and use each where it serves you best.

Yes. A single application can include a spouse and up to two dependent children at no additional citizenship fee. Citizenship is also hereditary — it passes to children born after the citizenship is granted. Parents and grandparents may also be eligible to be included; this is assessed on a case-by-case basis during the eligibility review.

The Vanuatu passport is issued with a 10-year validity for adults. Passport renewal services — including for applicants living outside of Vanuatu — are available through VIMB's post-citizenship services team in Port Vila.

Australia is not currently visa-free for Vanuatu passport holders, however a three-year multiple-entry visa is readily obtainable. Given the strong bilateral relationship between Australia and Vanuatu — and Vanuatu's proximity to Australia — this is a straightforward process for Vanuatu citizens.

Yes. Vanuatu levies no income tax, no capital gains tax, no wealth tax, no inheritance tax, and no gift tax. The only taxes in Vanuatu are indirect taxes — VAT and import duty. This makes Vanuatu one of the most tax-efficient second citizenship jurisdictions available anywhere in the world.

Vanuatu is a South Pacific Ocean nation comprising 83 islands (65 populated) in a Y-shaped archipelago stretching 1,300 km north to south. The capital, Port Vila, is a modern, English and French-speaking city with a stable government and international business community. Vanuatu gained independence in 1980 and is consistently ranked 2nd on the Happy Planet Index — one of the world's most peaceful and content nations. It is approximately 2.5 hours by flight from Australia.

Vanuatu has three official languages: English, French, and Bislama (a Creole language). English and French are used in government, business, and education. The country's multilingual character reflects its unique history as a joint British-French Condominium before independence — and makes it highly accessible to internationally mobile professionals.

No residency requirement exists — before, during, or after the application. You are free to live wherever you choose. Vanuatu citizenship by investment is designed for internationally mobile individuals who want the benefits of a second citizenship without any obligation to relocate.

Yes. As a citizen of Vanuatu, you enjoy exactly the same rights and privileges as all Ni-Vanuatu citizens for investing in, owning, and operating a business in Vanuatu. This includes property ownership and business registration rights. Vanuatu actively welcomes foreign investors who want to make a long-term contribution to the country's development.

VIMB (Vanuatu Investment Marketing Bureau) is the government-authorized specialist advisor in Vanuatu citizenship by investment, operating since 2017. VIMB is the only provider with its own offices globally (Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Port Vila), an in-country processing team in Vanuatu, and a full post-citizenship service suite — all under one roof. Over 1,000 citizenships granted, 97% success rate, with no intermediaries between you and the government.

Yes. In addition to the Vanuatu CIIP and DSP programs, VIMB advises on: Malta Citizenship by Merit (full EU citizenship, ~€900K, 18–30 months), Slovakia Naturalization Program (full EU citizenship, €500K capital-protected bond, 120–160 days), São Tomé & Príncipe CBI (world's most affordable CBI, from USD 95,000, 60–90 days), and Nauru ECRCP (from USD 90,000, 3–4 months, most inclusive family policy).

VIMB's Port Vila headquarters provides a comprehensive range of services for Vanuatu citizens: company formation, bank account opening, passport renewal, National ID card, driver's licence, and access to accounting, business advisory, and trust services. This means your relationship with VIMB continues long after your passport is issued.

Yes. VIMB welcomes partnerships with wealth managers, immigration consultants, law firms, financial advisors, and family offices. Partners receive government accreditation, white-label materials, access to VIMB's application portal, and dedicated expert support. Full details are available on the Partnering with VIMB page.