Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment: Benefits, Costs & Process in 2026

Vanuatu provides the fastest citizenship by investment route globally, with approval in as little as 45–60 days through a simple, fully remote process. Investors can choose between the DSP, a lower-cost non-refundable donation, or the CIIP, which includes a USD 50,000 redeemable investment after four years, making it especially attractive for families. The programme offers major advantages such as tax neutrality, dual citizenship, family inclusion, and visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 83 destinations.

Getting a second passport is often a lengthy process, but the Vanuatu citizenship by investment programme is the fastest available route today. Caribbean programmes typically take six to twelve months, but Vanuatu is where you can obtain approved citizenship in as little as 45 to 60 days.

Since launching in 2017, this Pacific island nation has attracted investors seeking speed without compromise, offering a fully remote process, competitive pricing, and a tax-neutral environment. If simplicity matters to you, the Vanuatu citizenship-by-investment programme is one of the most accessible globally.

Let’s explore what this route holds for you.

What Is the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Programme?

Vanuatu offers two pathways to citizenship through investment. The primary route is the Development Support Program (DSP), a non-refundable contribution to national development funds. This is the most popular choice for individual applicants due to its lower upfront cost.

There is also the newer Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), launched in 2023. Under this option, USD 50,000 of your contribution is invested in the Cocoa Sustainable Fund (CSF), supporting Vanuatu’s agricultural sector and sustainability goals. This portion is redeemable after four years, effectively reducing your net cost. For families of three or four, CIIP offers better value since pricing is fixed at USD 170,500 all-in regardless of family size.

Both routes share the same core advantages: no residency requirement before or after approval, no language tests, no interviews, and a fully remote application. Vanuatu permits dual citizenship, so you retain your existing nationality.

Key Benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship

Compared to other citizenship by investment programmes, the primary benefit of Vanuatu’s route to citizenship lies in its speed and simplicity.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Fastest processing globally: 45 to 60 days versus six to twelve months for Caribbean programmes
• Tax efficiency: No personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or property tax
• Business-friendly: Establish international companies with minimal tax obligations
• Family inclusion: Spouse, dependent children under 25, and parents over 50 can be included
• Lifetime citizenship: Hereditary status passed to future generations

Travel-wise, a Vanuatu passport grants you visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 83 destinations, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia, and Israel. However, EU Schengen access is currently suspended, but you can still apply for a five-year US B1/B2 visitor visa, which is a practical advantage if you’re travelling frequently to the United States.

As a Commonwealth nation, Vanuatu citizens also benefit from access to British consular services worldwide, providing an additional layer of support when travelling abroad.

How Much Does a Vanuatu Passport Cost?

The Vanuatu passport cost depends on which programme you choose. All figures below include the USD 5,500 due diligence fee:

DSP Route (non-refundable donation):

• Single applicant: USD 135,500 all-in
• Married couple: USD 155,500 all-in
• Family of three: USD 170,500 all-in
• Family of four: USD 185,500 all-in

CIIP Route (donation + redeemable investment):

• Single applicant through family of four: USD 170,500 all-in
• USD 50,000 redeemable after four years via the Cocoa Sustainable Fund
• Effective cost for a family of four after redemption: USD 120,500 (just USD 30,125 per person)

Compared to Malta’s much higher citizenship requirements, Vanuatu’s CIIP option offers exceptional value, particularly if you’re bringing your family on board.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must be between 18 and 65 years old with a clean criminal record supported by police clearance certificates. You must not be under criminal investigation or have prior visa denials from countries where Vanuatu has visa-free access. A medical report is also required for all applicants.

Do note that if you’re a citizen of Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, or North Korea, you will not be eligible for the programme.

Application Process: Step by Step

Being the world’s fastest citizenship by investment programme, the entire Vanuatu citizenship by investment process typically completes within two to three months:

1. Initial consultation: Eligibility assessment and programme selection (DSP vs. CIIP)
2. Document preparation: Passport copies, police clearances, medical report, CV, birth/marriage certificates
3. Due diligence payment: Pay USD 5,500 to begin background checks (non-refundable)
4. Application submission: Your authorised agent submits all documentation to the Citizenship Commission
5. Pre-approval: Receive Approval in Principle within two to three weeks
6. Capital commitment: Pay full contribution only after receiving pre-approval
7. Final approval: Letter of Approval issued within two to three weeks of payment
8. Oath of allegiance: Completed remotely via video conferencing
9. Passport issuance: Citizenship certificate and passport delivered within four weeks

That said, in-person biometric data collection is mandatory for all applicants starting from late 2026.

Important Considerations Before Applying

If you’re a prospective applicant, it’s important to understand the current travel limitations, as EU Schengen visa-free access has been suspended since 2023, and the UK introduced visa requirements in the same year. Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment programme continues to undergo reforms to strengthen due diligence and compliance with international standards.

Also, direct applications are not accepted. You must work with a government-authorised agent who submits your file to the Citizenship Commission on your behalf.

Why Choose Premier Consultancy?

Obtaining citizenship can be a tricky journey, even with a streamlined programme like Vanuatu’s. But by working with the right partner, you can ensure your application moves smoothly from start to finish.

With 20 years of industry experience, Premier Consultancy provides end-to-end support for your citizenship by investment application. We are authorised to file directly with the Citizenship Commission and handle everything from document preparation to due diligence coordination and oath ceremony arrangements.

Our integrated approach includes tax and wealth planning advice to maximise the benefits of your new citizenship. With offices in Bangkok and Dubai, we are well-positioned to support clients across Asia and the Middle East.

Secure Your Vanuatu Citizenship with Premier Consultancy Today

As the world’s fastest citizenship-by-investment programme, Vanuatu is ideal for investors seeking a genuine Plan B passport with fast processing and Asia-Pacific mobility. If you need a second passport quickly and with minimal requirements, Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment programme stands out from many other pathways.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)