Vanuatu offers one of the fastest and most cost-effective citizenship by investment programs in the world. Whether you're looking to expand your business internationally, access visa-free travel to over 107 countries, or secure a favorable tax environment, Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program, it’s the perfect opportunity for any investor.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the benefits, investment options, and application process for obtaining Vanuatu citizenship in 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Vanuatu offers one of the fastest citizenship by investment programs, with processing times ranging from 45 days to four months.
- Investors can choose between four investment routes: non-refundable contribution, CNO Future Fund, government bonds, and real estate.
- The minimum investment starts at $130,000 for a non-refundable contribution and gets up to $180,000 for government bonds.
- Vanuatu provides a tax-friendly environment with no personal income, inheritance, or capital gains taxes.
- What is a citizenship by investment program and how does it work in Vanuatu?
What is a Citizenship by Investment Program And How Does It Work in Vanuatu?
A citizenship by investment program is a government initiative that allows individuals to obtain citizenship in a country in exchange for a financial investment. These programs are designed to attract foreign capital and boost the country's economy. The investments can take various forms, such as a donation to a government development fund, purchasing real estate, investing in government bonds, or contributing to other approved economic activities.
In return for their investment, applicants and their families can gain the rights and privileges of citizenship, which typically include a passport, the ability to live and work in the country, and access to its legal and social systems.
Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program is overseen by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission (VCC). It is one of the cheapest options and easiest ways to get citizenship, with low investment requirements and many benefits.
Companies like Mirabello Consultancy, who have helped investors through the process for years, can help you understand and navigate the process to Vanuatu citizenship by investment.
11 Benefits of Getting Citizenship in Vanuatu as an Investor
The Vanuatu citizenship by investment program stands out for its efficiency, flexibility, and favorable terms, making it a compelling choice if you’re looking to expand your international horizons. Below are ten key benefits of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship as an investor:
- Dual citizenship
Vanuatu does not restrict its citizens from holding multiple nationalities. This flexibility is particularly valuable for investors with business and personal interests spread across multiple countries. Dual citizenship enables investors to manage their assets and opportunities in different legal and tax jurisdictions.
- No residency
You don’t have to live in Vanuatu to become a citizen or maintain your citizenship. This is an ideal feature for busy investors or businesspeople who want to secure a second passport without the commitment of relocating. The only requirement is a brief visit to submit your biometric data, after which you can manage your citizenship remotely.
- Visa-free access
Vanuatu citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 107 countries, including Singapore, Russia, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.
- Commonwealth benefits
Vanuatu is a Commonwealth country, which means its citizens enjoy various Commonwealth benefits, such as long-term visitor visas to countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Citizens can also study in other Commonwealth countries with top universities.
- Tax-friendly
In Vanuatu, there are no taxes on personal income, inheritance, capital gains, or capital exports for individuals. There are also some tax benefits for legal entities, for example: companies can be exempt from corporate and other taxes for 20 years, and the VAT rate in Vanuatu is 12,5%.
- Long-term security
A Vanuatu passport is valid for ten years and can be easily renewed upon expiration. You would, however, have to take a test on Bislama, the national language of Vanuatu.
- Peace and safety
Ranked as the second happiest place in the world by the Happy Planet Index, Vanuatu is known for its political stability, close community, and nature.
- Business hub
Vanuatu is an international offshore finance center, which means it's easy to start a business or open a bank account in Vanuatu. The country also allows cross-border banking and business, so you can leverage international business opportunities and in-country benefits.
- Transparent pricing
Investors know exactly what they are paying for because of Vanuatu’s Development Support Program and Capital Investment Immigration Plan pricing structure, which is clear and transparent.
- Better lending rates
Vanuatu provides good deposit and lending rates because of the taxation policy and liberal exchange controls, as well as few requirements and ease of opening bank accounts.
- Includes family
Your family (including children under 25, parents, grandparents, and parents-in-law) is included in Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program and its benefits. Children of investors can apply for Commonwealth scholarships too.
4 Investment Opportunities: How Can You Become an Investor in Vanuatu?
There are four avenues to obtaining Vanuatu citizenship by investment, including investment in the national state fund, CNO Future Fund, government bonds, and the Real Estate Option Program.
- Non-refundable contribution
Investors can make a $130,000 contribution to the Vanuatu Development Support Program. The contribution is non-refundable and doesn’t generate any financial returns. It also increases depending on the number of citizens on the program. Married couples pay $150,000, families of three pay $165,000, families of four pay $180,000 and any additional family members are $10,000 on top of that.
- CNO Future Fund
Investors can buy shares in the CNO Future Fund, a holding company focused on promoting coconut oil production for use as a renewable energy source. These shares must be held for at least five years through a Vanuatu-registered international company.
The estimated return on investment is up to 5% per year, potentially yielding $50,000 over five years.
- Government bond
You can invest in government bonds issued by the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu. These bonds come with zero interest rates and are denominated in Australian dollars. For bonds maturing in 24 months, the investment amount is AUD 180,000 (about $121,800), for bonds maturing in 30 months it is AUD 170,000 (about $115,000), and for bonds maturing in 36 months, it’s AUD 150,000 (about $101,500).
- Real Estate Option
Investors can buy Vanuatu real estate in approved real estate projects, such as Pacific Springs, Narpow Point Coral Bay, and FPF Rainbow City Project on Efate island, as well as Milai on Espiritu Santo island.
Eligibility criteria
Not only do you have to meet the investment criteria of the program, you also have to meet the Vanuatu citizenship requirements, such as:
- Be over the age of 18 and under the age of 65 when submitting your application to the citizenship by investment program.
- Have no criminal record from the jurisdiction in which they have resided during the last 12 months and (if different) the jurisdiction of their principal nationality.
- Have at least $250,000 net asset value when submitting your application. (Evidence can be shown through bank statements or personal financial statements drawn up by an accountant.)
- Provide evidence that you are financially solvent and able to maintain yourself and your dependents without depending on income from any employment or business arranged in Vanuatu.
Investors from Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea, or Yemen can not apply unless they have a permanent residence outside these countries and have lived outside of them for more than five consecutive years.
How to get Vanuatu citizenship by investment?
The application process for Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program takes between 45 days and four months, making it one of the fastest citizenship processes in the world. It’s also one of the easiest, with no language proficiency or history tests and no entry interviews.
Start the application process
You will, however, need the following documents:
- Passport copies,
- Birth certificates,
- Marriage certificates (if applicable),
- Medical checkup results.
You have to pay an initiation fee of $5,000 to cover due diligence checks. The Vanuatu government uses this to do background checks on you and your family members, contributing to the safety of the country.
Submit your application
Your application must be submitted through an authorized Vanuatu Development Support Program agent, who ensures all the necessary documents are in order and submits the complete application to the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission. The approval process usually takes two weeks, after which you’ll receive an “Approval in Principle” letter.
Make your investment
The next step is to make your investment into one of the four options. The total investment is only due after final approval.
Receive your citizenship and passport
To finalize the process, you have to take Vanuatu’s oath of allegiance, either online or via video conferencing. Upon completion of your Oath, you are required to pay the outstanding amount of your investment and fees to receive your Vanuatu Citizenship Certificate and Vanuatu passport..
Professionals like Mirabello Consultancy can guide you through the process, helping ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements, have the correct documents, and you follow the correct steps.
FAQ
How long does it take to get Vanuatu citizenship?
Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program is one of the fastest in the world, with the process typically taking between one to four months.
Is Vanuatu cheap to live?
The cost of living in Vanuatu is relatively low compared to many other countries around the world. For example:
- Renting a furnished one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from around $670 to $1010. Purchasing property is also generally cheaper than in other Pacific Island countries.
- Utilities can range between $126 and $210 per month.
- The cost of healthcare is relatively low, with basic medical consultation costing between $25 and $42, and common prescriptions costing between $8 and $25.
- Education in Vanuatu is free and compulsory for children between the ages of six and 12.
How much is citizenship in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu citizenship starts at a minimum cost of $130,000 through citizenship by investment programs.
Can Vanuatu citizens travel to Europe?
As a Vanuatu citizen, you can enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 107 countries and territories, including prominent destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. Countries that offer this convenience include the United Kingdom, Singapore, Russia, and Hong Kong.
As a Commonwealth country, Vanuatu citizens have access to various Commonwealth benefits, including long-term visitor visas to Commonwealth countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This provides an easier pathway for extended visits, whether for leisure, business, or academic purposes.
Conclusion
Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment program is an attractive option for those seeking a second passport with minimal residency requirements and significant financial benefits. With its fast processing times, flexible investment options, and wide-ranging perks such as visa-free travel and a favorable tax environment, Vanuatu offers a compelling solution for global investors. Mirabello Consultancy can be your partners in realizing your international investment goals.
