Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment: The Complete 2026 Guide
Written by the VIMB Advisory Team · Reviewed and edited by Pedro Torres · Last updated: July 2026 · 14 min read
Vanuatu citizenship by investment grants full, lifelong citizenship of the Republic of Vanuatu in approximately 2 months in exchange for a qualifying contribution starting from USD 137,000 all-in. There is no residency requirement, no interview, and no language test. Applications are processed remotely, with biometric data collection available in Dubai, Hong Kong, or Port Vila.
~2 months
Average time to citizenship
USD 137,000
Total all-in cost, single applicant (DSP)
~100 destinations
Visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eTA access (2026)
100% Refund Guarantee
If your application is not approved
Key Facts at a Glance
| Citizenship type | Full citizenship, for life, hereditary |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | Citizenship Act [CAP 112]; DSP under Order No. 215 of 2016; CIIP under Order No. 8 of 2023 |
| Minimum total cost | USD 137,000 all-in (DSP, single applicant) |
| Family of four | USD 165,000 all-in (CIIP) or USD 187,000 all-in (DSP) |
| Processing time | Approximately 2 months |
| Residency requirement | None — before, during, or after |
| Visit required | No visit to Vanuatu required; biometrics collected in Dubai, Hong Kong, or Port Vila |
| Interview / language test | None |
| Dual citizenship | Permitted — you keep your current passport |
| Visa-free travel | ~100 destinations (visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eTA) as of 2026 |
| Family inclusion | Spouse, dependent children, dependent parents and grandparents |
| Refund policy | 100% refund guarantee if the application is not approved (terms apply) |
On this page
- 1. What Is Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment?
- 2. DSP vs CIIP Compared
- 3. DSP: Costs and Structure
- 4. CIIP: Costs and Structure
- 5. Who Is Eligible?
- 6. Documents Required
- 7. The Application Process
- 8. The VIMB Difference
- 9. Visa-Free Countries in 2026
- 10. Taxes for Vanuatu Citizens
- 11. Is It Legal and Safe?
- 12. Vanuatu vs Other CBI Programs
- 13. About Vanuatu
- 14. Why Work with VIMB
- 15. Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment?
Vanuatu citizenship by investment is a legal route to full citizenship of the Republic of Vanuatu, established under the Citizenship Act [CAP 112]. In exchange for a qualifying financial contribution to the country's development, approved applicants and their families receive lifelong Vanuatu citizenship and passports — typically within about 2 months of applying.
Vanuatu has operated investment citizenship programs since 2017 and is the only country in the Asia-Pacific region offering a direct citizenship-by-investment route. Two programs are currently open to international applicants:
- The Development Support Program (DSP) — a straightforward, non-refundable government contribution. The fastest and simplest route.
- The Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) — a hybrid route combining a government fee with a redeemable USD 50,000 investment in the Vanuatu Impact Fund, returned to you after 4 years. The most cost-efficient route for families.
A third route, the Real Estate Option (REO), exists in law (investment in government-approved property projects from USD 200,000) but is not currently active as there are no government-approved projects in place.
Applications cannot be submitted directly to the government — they must be filed through licensed agents. VIMB is a licensed agent for the Vanuatu citizenship programs.
Vanuatu Citizenship Programs Compared: DSP vs CIIP
| DSP | CIIP | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Non-refundable contribution | Government fee + redeemable investment |
| Total cost, single applicant | USD 137,000 | USD 165,000 (USD 50,000 redeemable after 4 years → net USD 115,000) |
| Total cost, family of 4 | USD 187,000 | USD 165,000 (net USD 115,000 after redemption) |
| Money back | No | Yes — USD 50,000 Vanuatu Impact Fund investment redeemable after 4 years |
| Best for | Single applicants who want the simplest structure | Couples and families of up to 4; anyone optimizing net cost |
| Processing time | ~2 months | ~2 months |
| Extra applicant beyond family of 4 | USD 25,000 per person | USD 25,000 per person |
Vanuatu DSP: Costs and Structure (2026)
The Development Support Program (DSP) is Vanuatu's original citizenship by investment route, in operation since January 2017. Applicants make a non-refundable contribution that funds national development, and receive full citizenship for themselves and included family members.
DSP fees in 2026
| Applicants | Citizenship fee | Due diligence | Total all-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single applicant | USD 132,000 | USD 5,000 | USD 137,000 |
| Married couple | USD 152,000 | USD 5,000 | USD 157,000 |
| Family of three | USD 172,000 | USD 5,000 | USD 177,000 |
| Family of four | USD 182,000 | USD 5,000 | USD 187,000 |
| Each additional applicant | USD 25,000 | included | +USD 25,000 |
Vanuatu CIIP: Costs and Structure (2026)
The Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) was established under Order No. 8 of 2023. It differs from the DSP in one crucial way: part of your money comes back.
CIIP fees in 2026
| Component | Amount | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship fee | USD 110,000 | No |
| Vanuatu Impact Fund investment | USD 50,000 | Yes — redeemable after 4 years |
| Due diligence fee | USD 5,000 | No |
| Total (single applicant up to family of four) | USD 165,000 | USD 50,000 returns after 4 years |
| Each additional applicant beyond four | USD 25,000 | No |
The CIIP price is flat for any application from a single applicant up to a family of four — making it exceptionally cost-efficient for families. After the 4-year holding period, the USD 50,000 Impact Fund investment is redeemed, bringing your net long-term cost to USD 115,000 for a family of four.
Unlike some agents, VIMB charges no company formation fees, no annual maintenance fees, and no additional service surcharges on CIIP applications, and our fees include biometric data collection.
See the full CIIP process and applyWho Is Eligible for Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment?
To qualify, the main applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold a clean criminal record, evidenced by police clearance from your country of Origin and Residence (if different from Origin).
- Demonstrate net assets of at least USD 250,000.
- Prove a legitimate source of funds for the contribution.
- Not be subject to international sanctions or ongoing criminal investigation.
- Pass Vanuatu's due diligence screening, conducted through the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
Who this program is for: investors, entrepreneurs, and families with at least USD 137,000 available and verifiable assets of USD 250,000 or more, seeking a second citizenship for mobility, security, or planning purposes.
Who it is not for: Vanuatu's programs are citizenship programs, not employment or study routes. If you are looking for a work visa, job sponsorship, or student visa, this program will not help you and we do not offer those services.
Which family members can be included?
Your application can include your spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents or grandparents. Children born after you obtain citizenship acquire Vanuatu citizenship by descent.
Documents Required
- Valid passport copies for all applicants
- Police clearance certificates
- Proof of net assets (bank statements, asset valuations)
- Proof of source of funds
- Medical certificate of good health
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Professional references
- Passport-size photographs
- Completed government forms (VIMB prepares these)
The Application Process: Citizenship in About 2 Months
- 1
Free consultation and eligibility pre-check (Days 1–3)
We assess your profile, recommend DSP or CIIP, and run an internal compliance pre-screen so you know your realistic approval prospects before committing money.
- 2
FIU pre-approval (Week 1–2)
We submit your passport and police clearance to Vanuatu's Financial Intelligence Unit for preliminary due diligence. You only proceed — and only pay the substantive fees — after this pre-approval stage. Combined with our 100% refund guarantee, this means your financial risk is structurally minimized.
- 3
Full application preparation and submission (Weeks 2–4)
VIMB compiles, verifies, and files your complete application with the Citizenship Commission.
- 4
Government due diligence and Commission review (Weeks 4–7)
The Citizenship Commission reviews your file and issues its decision. On approval in principle, the remaining contribution is paid.
- 5
Biometrics, oath, and passport issuance (Weeks 7–9)
Biometric data collection is completed at your convenience in Dubai, Hong Kong, or Port Vila — and the collection fee is already included in VIMB’s quoted prices. The citizenship oath is taken remotely by video or before a Commissioner of Oaths, after which your citizenship certificate and Vanuatu passport are issued and couriered to you.
The VIMB Difference
100% Refund Guarantee
If your application is not approved, you receive a full refund. No other outcome in this industry offers comparable downside protection.
All-inclusive fees
Our prices include the biometric data collection fee, which most agents charge separately. No company formation fees, no maintenance fees, no surprise line items at signing.
Pre-approval before you pay
FIU screening happens before the substantive contribution is due, so you never pay the main fees on an application that won't succeed.
Vanuatu Passport Visa-Free Countries in 2026
As of 2026, the Vanuatu passport provides visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eTA access to approximately 100 destinations, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Russia, and much of the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East.
See the full, verified Vanuatu visa-free country list (updated — July, 2026)What changed with the UK and the EU — an honest note
Transparency matters more in this industry than in almost any other, so here is the part many agents leave out: Vanuatu passport holders previously enjoyed visa-free access to the United Kingdom and the EU/Schengen Area. The UK withdrew visa-free access in 2023, and the EU subsequently removed Vanuatu from its visa-waiver list. In response, Vanuatu has strengthened its due diligence framework and modernized its passport infrastructure. If visa-free access to the UK or Schengen is your primary goal, a Vanuatu passport alone will not deliver it — and we will tell you so in your consultation, and may recommend a different program from our portfolio instead. What Vanuatu remains unmatched at: speed (~2 months), price-to-value, Asia-Pacific access, and simplicity.
Taxes for Vanuatu Citizens
Vanuatu levies no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no wealth tax on non-resident citizens. Obtaining Vanuatu citizenship does not by itself change your tax residency — your tax obligations remain governed by where you actually live. We recommend independent tax advice for your specific situation.
Is Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Legal and Safe?
Yes. Vanuatu's programs are established in national law — the Citizenship Act [CAP 112], with the DSP created under Order No. 215 of 2016 and the CIIP under Order No. 8 of 2023. Citizenship is granted by the Government of Vanuatu following FIU and Citizenship Commission due diligence; agents like VIMB prepare and submit applications but the government alone decides. Citizenship granted is full, lawful, for life, and hereditary. Beware of any operator offering the program below the legislated minimum prices — undercutting the legal minimums is unlawful and jeopardizes the application.
Vanuatu vs Other Citizenship by Investment Programs
| Program | Minimum all-in cost (single) | Time | Visa-free destinations | Standout trait |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanuatu (DSP/CIIP) | USD 137,000 (DSP) / USD 165,000 with USD 50,000 back (CIIP) | ~2 months | ~100 | Fastest; Asia-Pacific's only CBI |
| São Tomé & Príncipe | From USD 95,000 | ~2 months | ~75 | Lowest entry price; CPLP ties |
| Dominica | From ~USD 200,000 + fees | ~6–9 months | 140+ | Schengen access |
| St. Kitts & Nevis | From ~USD 250,000 + fees | ~6–12 months | 150+ | Most established program |
Choosing between programs depends on your budget, travel priorities, and timeline. VIMB is licensed for both the Vanuatu and São Tomé & Príncipe programs — read our full São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship guide or book a consultation to compare options for your situation.
About Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a South Pacific archipelago of 83 islands, situated between Australia and Fiji in the Coral Sea. It has been an independent republic since 1980 and remains a member of the Commonwealth, with English and French recognized as official languages. The country is politically stable and consistently ranks among the world's happiest nations in global wellbeing surveys. Holding Vanuatu citizenship carries no obligation to ever visit or live there — citizens are free to do both, whenever it suits them, but the passport itself functions entirely independently of any residency or physical-presence requirement.
Why Work with VIMB
Licensed agent
VIMB is a licensed agent for Vanuatu's citizenship by investment programs, and is licensed for the São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship program as well.
Track record
More than 1,000 cases successfully handled for clients of 55+ nationalities — experience covering nearly every documentation and compliance scenario.
Success rate
100% approval rate for clients who pass our internal pre-checks. We only take on applications we are confident will succeed — if your profile doesn't clear our pre-screen, we tell you before you commit a single dollar.
Global offices
Dubai · Hong Kong · London · Port Vila
Ready to explore Vanuatu citizenship?
Book a free, no-obligation consultation. We will tell you plainly whether the program fits your situation — and if it doesn't, we'll say so.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Vanuatu citizenship by investment cost in 2026?
A single applicant pays USD 137,000 all-in under the DSP (USD 132,000 citizenship fee + USD 5,000 due diligence). A family of four pays USD 165,000 all-in under the CIIP — and USD 50,000 of that is a redeemable investment returned after 4 years, bringing the net cost to USD 115,000. VIMB's quoted fees include biometric data collection, with no company formation or maintenance fees.
How long does it take to get Vanuatu citizenship?
Approximately 2 months from engagement to passport in hand for a well-prepared application. This makes Vanuatu one of the fastest citizenship by investment programs in the world.
Do I need to visit Vanuatu?
No. The entire process is completed remotely. Biometric data collection can be done in Dubai, Hong Kong, or Port Vila — whichever is most convenient — and the citizenship oath can be taken by video.
What is the difference between the DSP and the CIIP?
The DSP is a straightforward non-refundable contribution (from USD 137,000 all-in for a single applicant). The CIIP costs USD 165,000 all-in for up to a family of four, but includes a USD 50,000 investment in the Vanuatu Impact Fund that is redeemable after 4 years. Families of two to four are usually better off with the CIIP.
Is the CIIP investment really refundable?
Yes — the USD 50,000 Vanuatu Impact Fund component of the CIIP is redeemable after a 4-year holding period. The USD 110,000 citizenship fee and USD 5,000 due diligence fee are non-refundable once citizenship is granted.
What happens if my application is refused?
VIMB offers a 100% refund guarantee: if your application is not approved, your fees are refunded. In practice, our FIU pre-approval stage means unsuccessful outcomes are rare — we screen before you pay the substantive fees.
How many countries can I visit visa-free with a Vanuatu passport?
As of 2026, approximately 100 destinations offer Vanuatu passport holders visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eTA access, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. See our verified, regularly updated visa-free country list for the current details.
Does a Vanuatu passport give visa-free access to the UK or the Schengen Area?
No. The UK ended visa-free access for Vanuatu passport holders in 2023, and the EU subsequently removed Vanuatu from its visa-waiver list. If UK or Schengen access is your priority, we will recommend alternative programs during your consultation.
Does Vanuatu allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Vanuatu permits dual citizenship, so you keep your existing nationality. Whether your home country permits dual citizenship depends on its own laws — we advise on this during consultation.
Who can I include in my application?
Your spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents or grandparents can be included. Additional applicants beyond a family of four cost USD 25,000 per person under both programs.
What are the eligibility requirements?
You must be over 18, hold a clean criminal record, demonstrate net assets of at least USD 250,000, prove a legitimate source of funds, and pass the Vanuatu government's due diligence screening.
Is Vanuatu citizenship by investment legitimate?
Yes. The programs are established in Vanuatu law under the Citizenship Act [CAP 112] and associated Orders, and citizenship is granted directly by the Government of Vanuatu after due diligence. Applications must be filed through licensed agents such as VIMB.
Will I have to pay taxes in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu imposes no personal income, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth taxes on non-resident citizens. Citizenship alone does not change your existing tax residency; seek independent tax advice for your circumstances.
Can I get a job or student visa through this program?
No. Vanuatu's citizenship by investment programs are not employment or study routes, and VIMB does not provide work-visa or student-visa services. These programs are designed for applicants making a qualifying investment of USD 137,000 or more.
VIMB Advisory Team
The VIMB Advisory Team comprises licensed citizenship-by-investment specialists advising on the Vanuatu and São Tomé & Príncipe programs, with hands-on program experience since 2017 and offices serving clients across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Pedro Torres — Editor
Pedro Torres is Project Manager at VIMB, where he oversees program research, pricing verification, and client documentation across the firm's citizenship programs. He is responsible for the accuracy and monthly review of this guide.