Vanuatu, a beautiful island nation in the South Pacific, offers two primary routes to citizenship: naturalization and citizenship by investment. Naturalization is a lengthy process, requiring a minimum of 10 years of residency. In contrast, the citizenship-by-investment program provides a fast-track route, enabling applicants to obtain a Vanuatu passport in as little as one month.
This program has made Vanuatu an attractive option for individuals seeking a second citizenship due to its relatively low investment requirements, ease of application, and the ability to obtain citizenship remotely. This article will explore the various aspects of Vanuatu citizenship, including the costs involved, requirements, and the process for obtaining citizenship through investment.
Key Points
- Cost of Vanuatu Citizenship for individuals and families and the option of a self-funded Visa.
- Vanuatu citizenship requirements for naturalized citizenship and when applying for an investment citizenship.
- Citizenship by Investment Program in Vanuatu allows qualifying investors to acquire Vanuatu citizenship by making a financial contribution to the country’s economy.
- Dual citizenship policies in Vanuatu, allowing individuals to retain their original nationality while acquiring Vanuatu citizenship.
Cost of Vanuatu Citizenship
Obtaining Vanuatuan citizenship offers numerous benefits, including enhanced global mobility, as citizens can travel visa-free to over 100 countries. Additionally, you qualify for long-term US visas, such as the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa, which allows stays of up to 180 days per year for five years. Vanuatuan citizens also enjoy various tax incentives.
The cost of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship varies depending on the chosen pathway and the applicant's specific circumstances. For those pursuing citizenship through investment, the primary cost is the investment itself, along with some administrative fees. The main citizenship fee for the Citizenship by investment program is $130,000.
Should an applicant include an extra child less than 18 years, the applicant shall commit an extra payment of $19, 250 (per person). Also, an applicant may include a dependent aged 18 to 21 with a condition that he or she shall pay an extra fee of $44, 250 (per person).
Applicants only pay the main citizenship fee after their application has been approved, which provides a level of financial security for those considering this pathway. In addition to the primary investment costs, applicants may also need to budget for a family application fee of $250. The program is designed to be inclusive, allowing for the addition of various family members, though this will naturally increase the total cost.
For individuals planning to reside in Vanuatu, there is also the option of applying for a Self-Funded Visa. This visa requires the applicant to demonstrate a sufficient monthly income to support themselves and their family. This visa provides a pathway to residency, though not directly to citizenship, and may be suitable for those who wish to spend extended periods in Vanuatu without committing to the full citizenship process.
Vanuatu Citizenship Requirements
Regardless of the pathway chosen, there are specific requirements that applicants must meet to be eligible for Vanuatu citizenship. For naturalization, the process is more rigorous, requiring the applicant to reside in Vanuatu for a minimum of 10 years. During this period, the applicant must demonstrate a commitment to the country, including abiding by local laws and contributing to the community. The requirements for naturalization include:
- Police clearance: Applicants over the age of 18 must provide an original police clearance certificate. This certificate must confirm that the applicant has a clean criminal record, reflecting their good character and standing in the community.
- Financial security: Applicants need to submit a letter from a local bank confirming a deposit sufficient to cover a one-way return ticket for each individual applying for residence. This serves as proof that the applicant has the means to leave the country if necessary.
- Statutory declaration: Applicants over the age of 18 must submit a statutory declaration listing all criminal offenses committed in the past 10 years. This requirement ensures transparency and allows the Vanuatu authorities to assess the applicant's character.
- Proof of income: Applicants must provide evidence of their income, such as bank statements or employment contracts, to demonstrate their ability to support themselves and their dependents while residing in Vanuatu.
- Personal appearance: The applicant and all family members included in the application must visit Vanuatu in person to submit their application and provide biometric data. This step is crucial for the authorities to verify the identity and intentions of the applicant.
The passport granted to successful applicants is valid for ten years and must be renewed every decade. Renewal typically requires a straightforward application process, ensuring that Vanuatu citizens can maintain their status with relative ease. Mirabello Consultancy, which helps investors obtain international citizenship every day, can help you ensure you meet all the requirements.
Citizenship by Investment Program in Vanuatu
Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program, introduced in 2017, offers one of the fastest routes to second citizenship in the world. Managed by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission, the program allows qualifying investors to acquire Vanuatu citizenship by making a financial contribution to the country’s economy.
Unlike naturalization, the citizenship by investment program does not require applicants to reside in Vanuatu, pass language tests, or take history exams. However, they are required to visit Vanuatu to submit their biometric data.
The application process for the citizenship by investment program is straightforward and efficient, typically taking between one to four months from the start of the application to the issuance of the passport. This speed, combined with the relatively low investment requirement compared to similar programs in other countries, makes Vanuatu's citizenship by investment program highly attractive.
To initiate the process, applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of $5,000 at the time of lodging the application. The minimum financial contribution required to qualify for citizenship is $130,000 for a single applicant. For a family of four, the investment requirement increases to $180,000.
Many investors have partnered with Mirabello Consultancy, which already understands the ins and outs of Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program and can guide you through it.
Dual Citizenship in Vanuatu
Vanuatu permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to retain their original nationality while acquiring Vanuatu citizenship. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for those who do not wish to renounce their existing citizenship. However, dual citizens must register their status with the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission to maintain compliance with Vanuatu’s regulations.
This registration process ensures that the government is aware of the individual's dual nationality status, which can have implications for matters such as taxation, legal jurisdiction, and diplomatic protection.
Capital Investment Immigration Plan
Vanuatu also offers the Capital Investment Immigration Plan, which provides another fast-track route to citizenship. Key features of this plan includes:
- Fast processing: Citizenship is usually granted within 30 to 60 days, making it one of the quickest citizenship-by-investment programs globally.
- No language requirements: Applicants are not required to demonstrate proficiency in any language, making the program accessible to a broad range of individuals.
- Hereditary citizenship: Once granted, citizenship is hereditary, allowing the applicant's descendants to inherit Vanuatu citizenship.
- Oath ceremony flexibility: The Oath Swearing Ceremony can be conducted in convenient locations worldwide, offering flexibility to applicants who may not be able to travel to Vanuatu.
- Extensive travel benefits: Vanuatu citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 100 countries, including the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong, enhancing their global mobility.
The Application Process
Mirabello Consultancy simplifies the citizenship by investment application process into eight easy steps:
- Documentation preparation: Applicants gather all necessary documents, including passport copies, birth certificates, and police clearance certificates.
- Initial fee payment: The applicant pays the initial $5,000 fee to commence the due diligence process.
- Application submission: The application is filed through an authorized Mirabello agent, ensuring compliance with Vanuatu’s legal requirements.
- Approval in principle: Applicants wait approximately two weeks for approval in principle from the VCC.
- Investment payment: Upon receiving approval, the applicant pays the entire investment amount to the Vanuatu government.
- Final approval: The VCC issues the final approval for citizenship within two weeks of receiving the investment.
- Oath of allegiance: The applicant takes an oath online or via video conferencing, formalizing their commitment to Vanuatu.
- Issuance of citizenship certificate and passport: The applicant receives their citizenship certificate and passport within one month.
FAQ
Is it easy to get citizenship in Vanuatu?
Yes, the easiest and fastest way to obtain Vanuatu citizenship is through the citizenship-by-investment program, requiring a minimum contribution of $130,000. Applicants can receive their passport in as little as one month.
What is the easiest citizenship in the Caribbean?
Antigua and Barbuda are known for their relatively straightforward citizenship process, low investment requirements, and quick processing time of 4-5 months.
How long does it take to get Vanuatu citizenship?
For naturalized citizenship, individuals need to reside and work in Vanuatu for at least ten years. However, the citizenship-by-investment program can provide citizenship in 1-4 months.
Do Vanuatu citizens need a visa for Europe?
Yes. The European Union has announced a suspension of visa-free access for citizens of Vanuatu. All citizens need to apply for a Schengen visa to visit Europe.
Conclusion
Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment Program offers a fast, flexible, and cost-effective route to obtaining a second passport. With its low tax regime, fast processing times, and extensive travel benefits, Vanuatu has become a top choice for individuals and families seeking to enhance their global mobility and diversify their citizenship options.
The program’s simplicity and efficiency, combined with the beautiful and welcoming nature of Vanuatu, make it an appealing option for investors worldwide. Mirabello Consultancy can help you get there.
