Citizenship by investment
VanuatuVanuatu Citizenship by Investment · Vanuatu passport
- From
- On request
- Timeline
- On request
- Passport in
- Typically 2–3 months ↗
- Family
- Spouse, children, parents, grandparents
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed
Why Vanuatu
A Pacific citizenship, processed in months
From application to passport in two to three months, if there are no areas of concern.
Vanuatu has no restrictions on dual citizenship.
On the DSP, you pass the government's due diligence before you submit your application.
How you qualify
Routes to citizenship in Vanuatu
Development Support Program (DSP)
Net assetsUSD 250,000
A contribution to the Government of Vanuatu. You need personal net assets of at least USD 250,000.
Legal framework
The law behind the Citizenship by Investment
The figures on this page come from the law of Vanuatu and the official pages of its authorities. We check them regularly.
- Last regulatory update
- 3 February 2025. Regulation (EU) 2025/11 moved Vanuatu to the list of countries whose nationals need a Schengen visa, with effect from 3 February 2025. Source ↗
- Information checked
Last change: 2025
Since 3 February 2025, nationals of Vanuatu need a visa to enter the Schengen area (Regulation (EU) 2025/11).
See all legislation (7)
How the program has changed
-
1980
Citizenship Act in force. Citizenship Act [Cap 112], ss. 13C and 13D ↗
-
Apr 2019
Development Support Program regulated. Citizenship ↗
-
Feb 2025
Vanuatu nationals need a Schengen visa (Regulation (EU) 2025/11). Regulation ↗
Legislation in force
| Legislation | What it covers | Published |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship Act [Cap 112], ss. 13C and 13D ↗ | Citizenship by investment programs | Vanuatu Citizenship Office, legislative framework · 1980 |
| Citizenship (Amendment) Acts No. 39 of 2013 and No. 34 of 2018 ↗ | Program amendments | Vanuatu Citizenship Office, legislative framework · 2013; 2018 |
| Citizenship (Development Support Program) Regulations Order No. 33 of 2019 ↗ | Development Support Program rules and fees | Order of 24 April 2019 |
| Orders No. 38 and No. 39 of 2020 (amendments) ↗ | Program amendments | Vanuatu Citizenship Office · 2020 |
| Citizenship (Application Forms) (Amendment) Order No. 8 of 2015 (Form D, Capital Investment Immigration Plan) ↗ | Application form for the Capital Investment Immigration Plan | Vanuatu Citizenship Office · 2015 |
| Order No. 93 of 2023 (CIIP agents) ↗ | CIIP agents | Cited by the Citizenship Commission · 2023 |
| Regulation (EU) 2025/11 of 19 December 2024 (visa requirement for Vanuatu nationals) ↗ | Schengen visa requirement for Vanuatu nationals | Official Journal of the European Union L 2025/11, 14 January 2025 · 19 December 2024 |
Sources of the figures (1)
| # | Source | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vanuatu Citizenship Office, Application Process ↗ | Passport in |
FAQs · Vanuatu
What families ask about Vanuatu
Short answers, each with its legal basis. Your advisor goes through the rest with you.
All questions, by countryWho can apply?
Applicants who pass the due diligence of Vanuatu's Financial Intelligence Unit and the Citizenship Commission and pay the citizenship fee under the Development Support Program can apply, together with their family members. Applications go through an agent designated by the Citizenship Office; Orience works with its designated partner.
Legal basis: Citizenship (Development Support Program) Regulations Order No. 33 of 2019 ↗
What is the minimum contribution?
The government citizenship fee under the Development Support Program is USD 130,000 for a single applicant, USD 150,000 for a married couple, USD 165,000 for a couple with one child and USD 180,000 for a couple with two children, according to the Government’s mandated fees.
Legal basis: Vanuatu Citizenship Office, Government mandated fees ↗
Can I travel to the Schengen area without a visa?
No. Since 3 February 2025 Vanuatu nationals need a visa for the Schengen area, after the European Union moved Vanuatu to the list of countries whose nationals require a visa. The passport keeps its value for other destinations and as a second nationality, but it is not a route into Europe.
Legal basis: Regulation (EU) 2025/11 of 19 December 2024 ↗
Can I keep my current passport?
Yes. The Constitution of Vanuatu recognises dual citizenship and the Citizenship Act allows it for citizens of other states, so you keep your current passport. Dual citizens who are not indigenous or naturalised may not hold public office or vote in Vanuatu, which rarely matters to investor families.
Legal basis: Constitution of Vanuatu, art. 13; Citizenship Act [CAP 112], Part 3A ↗
How long is the passport valid?
A Vanuatu passport is valid for a maximum of five years and is renewed through the Passport Office. Citizenship itself does not expire. Orience reminds families of the renewal date and helps with the paperwork.
Legal basis: Vanuatu Citizenship Office ↗
What happens after approval?
You have three months from the decision letter to take the oath of allegiance and pay the citizenship fee, with a possible extension of two months on written request. The oath can be taken in Vanuatu or before an authorised official abroad, as the Citizenship Office indicates, and the passport is issued afterwards.
Legal basis: Citizenship (Development Support Program) Regulations Order No. 33 of 2019 ↗
What is the difference between the DSP and the CIIP?
The Development Support Program is a contribution to the Government of Vanuatu, with the fee schedule above. The Capital Investment Immigration Plan is a separate route with its own application form and an official citizenship fee from USD 260,000 for the applicant, a spouse and one child under 18, operated by three agents approved under Order No. 93 of 2023 after its suspension was lifted. Orience works mainly with the Development Support Program.
Legal basis: Order No. 93 of 2023 (CIIP agents); Citizenship Office notice ↗
Is the contribution refundable?
No. The Development Support Program is a contribution to the Government of Vanuatu, not an investment that you recover. It is paid only after the approval letter, so you commit the money once your family has been approved.
Legal basis: Citizenship (Development Support Program) Regulations Order No. 33 of 2019 ↗
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