Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program
What Is Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment?
The programme is administered by the Vanuatu Citizenship Office and Commission under the Citizenship Act [Cap 112]. The Immigration Department does not grant citizenship.
The official website lists several investor routes:
- Development Support Program (DSP): honorary citizenship in return for a non refundable contribution.
- Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP): the investment route applied for on Form D.
- Vanuatu Contribution Program (VCP) and Real Estate Option (REO): the REO requires a property purchase in an approved project.
Vanuatu permits dual citizenship. Your home country's rules may differ, so check them first. BFG Global Mobility can help you understand which route suits your profile.
At a Glance
- Program type
- Citizenship by Investment
- Investment starting from
- USD 130,000 (single applicant)
- Processing time
- Typically about 2–3 months
- Residence required
- No residence requirement
- Family members
- Can be included
- Dual citizenship
- Permitted by Vanuatu
- Passport validity
- Confirm with advisor at engagement
Vanuatu Citizenship Requirements
For investor applications, expect to show:
- Age: an adult principal applicant (agents commonly cite 18 to 65).
- Clean record: no convictions and no ongoing investigations.
- Source of funds: documents showing how your wealth was earned.
- Documents: passport, police certificates, medical report, marriage and birth certificates.
- Dependants: a spouse and children under 18. Dependants aged 18 to 21 may be added for an extra fee.
Applications can be refused if documents are incomplete, funds are unverifiable or due diligence raises concerns. BFG Global Mobility, a Vanuatu citizenship by investment consultant, reviews documents and source of funds early to avoid delays.
Other official routes (no investment):
- Naturalisation: 10 years' continuous residence.
- Marriage to a citizen: legal marriage plus 2 years' residence.
- Entitlement: a parent or grandparent of Ni-Vanuatu ancestry.
Not sure which route applies to you? BFG Global Mobility can help.
Get a free eligibility reviewVanuatu Citizenship Program Costs and Fees
Government fees are set by the Citizenship Office. Due diligence and advisory fees are separate. BFG Global Mobility itemises all costs clearly before you proceed.
Single Applicant
from USD 130,000
Married Couple
from USD 150,000
Couple + 1 child
from USD 165,000
Family of four
from USD 180,000
Each additional applicant is USD 10,000 per the official page, and a USD 5,000 FIU due diligence fee applies. Figures are indicative, taken from the official fees page. Biometric and passport costs may apply. Advisory fees are quoted separately: BFG quotes advisory fees separately in writing before you proceed.
Steps to Obtain Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
Step 1 – Initial consultation
We review your eligibility and route, and sign the BFG Global Mobility service agreement.
Step 2 – Document preparation
Identity, financial and background documents are gathered and forms completed.
Step 3 – Submission
Your designated agent lodges the file and pays the application and due diligence fees.
Step 4 – Due diligence and verification
Officers and the Financial Intelligence Unit review your file and source of funds.
Step 5 – Screening and Commission decision
The Commission may approve, defer or refuse.
Step 6 – Contribution, oath and certificate
After approval you pay the contribution and take the oath. The certificate is then issued.
Step 7 – Passport issuance
Your passport is issued and can be collected or couriered.
Processing Time for Vanuatu Citizenship
Estimated processing time: 2–3 months.
Step 01
Investment
Phase 01 Preparation: Pre-approval and document review
Step 02
Review
Phase 02 Review: Submission and due diligence
Step 03
Approval
Phase 03 Approval: Decision, contribution, oath, certificate
Step 04
Passport
Phase 04 Passport: Passport issuance
Note:Timing depends on file completeness and due diligence and is not guaranteed. The official page says the oath is taken in a Vanuatu court, so we confirm current arrangements with you. BFG Global Mobility keeps you informed at each stage so you know what to expect.
Vanuatu Passport Citizenship: Benefits and Limitations
What it offers:
- Around 88 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations (Henley 2026), including Singapore, Hong Kong and Russia.
- A second nationality for Plan B planning and family security.
- Broader business options, subject to each bank's own checks.
What it does not offer:
- Visa-free entry to the Schengen Area. The EU ended the exemption in December 2024.
- Visa-free entry to the UK, which requires a visa.
Tax: there may be potential tax advantages, subject to your country of residence. If you live in the UK, Ireland, France or the Netherlands, home-country tax and reporting rules still apply. Consult a qualified tax adviser.
It suits you if security, non-European travel and business access matter most. It is a poorer fit if frequent European travel is your main goal. BFG Global Mobility gives balanced advice on both the benefits and limitations so you can decide with confidence.
Why Use a Vanuatu Citizenship Agent?
Applications go through a government-authorised agent, and direct applications are not accepted. To verify an agent, check both the Designated Agents list and the Cancelled Agents list on vancitizenship.gov.vu. vancitizenship.gov.vu.
Red flags:
- Guaranteed approval.
- Prices below the government minimum.
- Payment requests to personal accounts.
- Sites that do not end in .gov.vu.
The Citizenship Office has warned about fake websites and Vanuatu diplomatic passports marketed overseas. Investor citizenship does not include one. When choosing an agent, BFG Global Mobility, a Vanuatu citizenship by investment consultant, encourages every client to verify credentials and fees in writing before paying.
Why Choose BFG Global Mobility
- A confidential eligibility assessment before any fees are paid.
- Government and advisory fees itemised separately, in writing.
- Discreet handling of your financial documents.
- Support for clients in the UK, Ireland, France and the Netherlands, including home-country tax guidance.
- Honest advice, including when another programme suits you better.
Vanuatu vs Other Citizenship Programs
Compare Programs
Explore other citizenship pathways
Compare current thresholds across Caribbean and Pacific programmes, then decide what fits your goals.
Unsure whether citizenship or residency suits you? Read our CBI vs RBI guide. BFG Global Mobility can help you compare Vanuatu with other programs based on your goals.
Read the guideFrequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum investment for Vanuatu citizenship?
The DSP contribution starts from USD 130,000 for a single applicant. A USD 5,000 due diligence fee and advisory fees are additional. Amounts rise with family size. BFG Global Mobility can provide a tailored quote for your situation.
What are the requirements?
You need a clean criminal record, verifiable source of funds, police and medical documents and a complete application. Approval is subject to due diligence and is never guaranteed.
Do I need an agent?
Yes. Applications go through a government-authorised agent. Verify any agent on the official list at vancitizenship.gov.vu before paying.
How long does it take?
Typically about 2–3 months from a complete file, depending on due diligence. We do not promise a fixed date.
Can family members be included?
Yes. A spouse and dependent children can be included, and costs rise with family size.
Is residence required in Vanuatu?
No residence requirement applies. The official page says the oath is taken in a Vanuatu court, so we confirm the current arrangement with you.
Can I travel to the Schengen Area or UK visa-free?
No. The EU ended Vanuatu's exemption in December 2024, and the UK requires a visa. Apply for a visa as normal.
Is dual citizenship allowed, and what about tax and refusal?
Vanuatu allows dual citizenship, but your home country may not. Tax benefits depend on where you live. Refusal is possible if due diligence raises concerns, and refund terms depend on the stage reached.
