Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Programme in 2026

There are several ways to acquire a Vanuatu passport, but the most popular route is through investment.

The Vanuatu programme for citizenship by investment enables large families to secure Vanuatu citizenship while contributing to key sectors of the local economy.

In this article, we explore all available paths to obtaining citizenship and the benefits it offers.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Requirements and Options

Tranio’s experts will guide you through all aspects of the programme and assist with securing a passport through investment.

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What Offers Citizenship by Investment in Vanuatu

Individuals who obtain Vanuatu citizenship enjoy significant benefits, including:

• The most cost-effective second citizenship by investment.
• Fast-track processing within three months.
• No requirement to visit or reside in the country, nor to take exams or attend interviews.
• Citizenship can be obtained remotely.
• Entire families qualify, including children, spouses, and parents of the main applicant.
• Access to international banking and the ability to open foreign accounts.
• Vanuatu citizenship is lifelong and hereditary.

Ideal Place for Holidays and Living

Vanuatu, a tropical paradise in the South Pacific, is renowned for its pleasant climate, natural beauty, peaceful lifestyle, safety, and tax advantages. It is consistently ranked among the world’s happiest nations on the Happy Planet Index, making it an ideal retreat for families and tourists. The country also offers convenient travel connections to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.

Visa-free Travel and Long-term Tourist Visas

Vanuatu citizens have visa-free, visa-on-arrival and ETA access to 90 countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Israel, and Hong Kong.

Additionally, Vanuatu passport holders can apply for long-term visitor visas to the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, facilitating both tourism and business travel. Investors are eligible for five-year B-1/B-2 tourist visas to these destinations.

Tax Exemptions

Vanuatu does not impose income tax on individuals. Additionally, legal entities are exempt from paying taxes on profits, income, capital gains, inheritance, and gifts for a period of 20 years.

Citizenship for Family Members

An applicant over the age of 18 can include their immediate family members in a citizenship application under the investment programme. Eligible family members include:

• a legally married spouse;
• children under the age of 18;
• children aged 18 to 25, provided they are financially dependent or full-time students;
• parents of either spouse, provided they are over the age of 50.

Retention of First Citizenship

While Vanuatu formally does not permit dual citizenship in some countries, investors can retain their original passport when acquiring a Vanuatu one.

Opening International Bank Accounts

Holding Vanuatu citizenship simplifies the process of opening accounts with international banks, facilitating global financial transactions and asset management. One of the notable financial institutions in Vanuatu is Pacific Private Bank.

Stages of Obtaining Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

The process of acquiring Vanuatu citizenship involves several key steps.

Due Diligence

Before applying, a preliminary risk assessment is carried out. The applicant’s documents are then submitted to Vanuatu’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) for due diligence, where authorities review the applicant’s financial background and plans.

Key documents required for this stage include:

• a valid passport;
• a CV or résumé;
• a police clearance certificate;
• proof of payment for the due diligence fee.

Upon successful review, the applicant receives an official authorisation letter from the Immigration Department. The due diligence fee is only payable once this stage has been successfully completed.

The due diligence process typically takes 7–10 days.

Submission of the Full Application

Once due diligence is cleared and approvals are granted by the FIU, the Immigration Department, and Interpol, the applicant proceeds with submitting the full application.

At this stage, the applicant must provide:

• a completed application form;
• proof of family relationships (if applicable);
• a medical certificate;
• a bank statement;
• an employment reference letter;
• payment of the relevant citizenship fees; 
• a Vanuatu birth certificate and national ID card.

The government determines both the citizenship fees and the minimum required investment.

The Citizenship Committee meets twice a month, and applications are typically processed within a single day.

Granting of Citizenship

Once the application is approved, the new citizen must take a short oath of allegiance before receiving their certificate of citizenship and passport. If the applicant is unable to travel to Vanuatu, the ceremony can be conducted remotely via Zoom or Skype.

Following the issuance of citizenship and a passport, the investment process begins. The investor will receive all necessary documentation confirming their participation in the programme, which will be sent by post.

Our experts provide full guidance throughout the process.

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Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment: Cost and Timeline

The process of acquiring a Vanuatu passport through investment is relatively quick, typically taking between one and three months.

In addition to the minimum investment, applicants must cover processing fees and pay administrative and due diligence fees, which start from 5,500 US dollars.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Naturalisation

This route is more complex and less commonly pursued. To qualify for citizenship by naturalisation, an individual must first obtain legal residency in Vanuatu, typically via a temporary resident visa, such as one linked to a work permit or business registration. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of the local language and culture as part of the naturalisation process.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Birth

Citizenship of Vanuatu is automatically granted to individuals born within the country or to Vanuatu citizens residing abroad. Additionally, adopted children of Vanuatu citizens are entitled to citizenship by birth.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Marriage

Foreign nationals married to a Vanuatu citizen can apply for citizenship, if they can demonstrate the legitimacy of the marriage. Alternatively, if an applicant opts for the citizenship-by-investment programme, they may include their spouse in the application.

Dual Citizenship in Vanuatu

The country permits its citizens to hold a second passport. This allows applicants to retain the rights and privileges of two nations.

Denial of Citizenship

In certain circumstances, an application for Vanuatu citizenship may be refused.

Common reasons for denial include:

• a criminal record;
• submission of false or misleading information;
• failure to meet the citizenship requirements;
• actions that threaten national security;
• breaching immigration regulations.

To avoid complications, applicants should ensure all documents are carefully prepared and that they provide complete and accurate personal information.