Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
Guide to Vanuatu's citizenship by investment program. The fastest and most affordable CBI program available.
Vanuatu offers the fastest and most affordable citizenship by investment program in the world. In as little as 30-60 days, you can become a citizen of this Pacific island nation.
Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Citizenship by Investment |
| Timeline | 30-60 days |
| Investment | $130,000+ (contribution) |
| Physical presence | None required |
| Dual citizenship | Allowed |
| Passport strength | 95+ visa-free countries |
| Taxation | No income tax |
The Program
Vanuatu's Development Support Program (DSP) grants citizenship in exchange for a non-refundable contribution to the government.
Investment Amounts
| Applicant | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Single applicant | $130,000 |
| Couple | $150,000 |
| Family (4) | $180,000 |
| Each additional dependent | $25,000 |
Plus due diligence fees, processing fees, and agent fees (total: approximately $150,000-200,000 for a single applicant).
Process
- Engage an authorized agent — Vanuatu CBI requires working with licensed agents
- Submit application — Documents, background check, due diligence
- Due diligence — Background checks (2-4 weeks)
- Approval — Government approval issued
- Payment — Submit contribution
- Citizenship — Certificate issued
- Passport — Apply for passport
Total time: 30-60 days (one of the fastest in the world)
Requirements
- Clean criminal record
- No visa refusals to certain countries
- Source of funds documentation
- Health check
- No physical presence required
Benefits
Tax-Free Jurisdiction
Vanuatu has:
- No income tax
- No corporate tax
- No capital gains tax
- No inheritance tax
Travel Freedom
Vanuatu passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 95+ countries including:
- UK (6 months)
- Schengen Area (90 days)
- Hong Kong, Singapore
- Russia
Does NOT include visa-free access to:
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
No Physical Presence
You never need to visit Vanuatu—not for application, not for citizenship, not for renewal.
Fast Processing
30-60 days is significantly faster than Caribbean programs (3-6 months) or European options (years).
Considerations
Due Diligence
Vanuatu conducts thorough background checks. Applicants with criminal records, political exposure, or from certain high-risk countries may face additional scrutiny or rejection.
Reputation
CBI programs face scrutiny globally. Some countries and banks view CBI passports with suspicion. Vanuatu is generally well-regarded among CBI programs, but it's not the same as a "traditional" citizenship.
Remote Location
Vanuatu is a remote Pacific island nation. While you don't need to live there, the location may be relevant for business or personal reasons.
Who Is Vanuatu CBI For?
- Those needing a second passport quickly
- People seeking a tax-free jurisdiction for residence
- Entrepreneurs wanting travel flexibility
- Anyone wanting a "Plan B" citizenship without relocating
Vanuatu + US LLC
A common setup:
- US LLC for business credibility, banking, and payment processing
- Vanuatu citizenship for personal tax residence (no income tax)
This provides business infrastructure (US) with personal tax optimization (Vanuatu).
Getting Started
Vanuatu CBI must be done through authorized agents. Research carefully and work with reputable professionals. Avoid agents promising unrealistic timelines or prices.
Need a US LLC for your business? Learn about our formation services →