Vanuatu

Citizenship by Investment

Vanuatu is an independent Commonwealth State. Formerly known as the New Hebrides, it broke with the UK and France in 1980. Vanuatu is located in the South Pacific and comprises islands, of which, 68 are populated and spread over 1,300 km. Its proximity to Australia and New Zealand ensures close ties to the countries.

Vanuatu’s natural beauty, abundance of fresh water, fish, tropical forests and breathtaking scenery as well as its small airports, marinas, yacht clubs, and hotels combine to make it an outstanding and growing tourist destination.

The four pillars of the Vanuatu economy are agriculture, tourism, offshore financial services, and the cattle industry. The three main languages are English, French, and Bislama. The local indigenous population are known as Ni-Vanuatu and mainly work in the agricultural sector.

Since 2012 the Vanuatu Government has introduced a number of various Citizenship-by-Investment programmes. The most recent being in 2017 involves making a contribution to the Development Support Programme (DSP). The Prime Minister has spearheaded this initiative.

Requirements

The Vanuatu DSP Citizenship-by-Investment Programme requires you to make a significant financial investment in the country in return for citizenship for you and your family.

To qualify for citizenship, you must be over 18 years of age, meet the due diligence requirements, and make a contribution to the Vanuatu Government.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Possess personal net assets of at least USD 250,000
  • Have a clean bill of health
  • Demonstrate clean criminal record from your country of birth and the country of current residence

Process Overview

A unique feature of the Vanuatu DSP is the fact you must first pass the government’s due diligence process before submitting your application. Assuming there are no areas of concern the typical time frame from the submission of your application to issuance of the passports is between two and three months.

Qualifying Dependants

As the main applicant, you must possess net assets of $250,000. You can add your spouse as a dependant. Like you, they must be over 18 years of age and have a clean criminal record. You can also include dependant children of any age. In addition, you can add dependant parents and grandparents to your application.

Dual Citizenship

Vanuatu has no restrictions on dual citizenship.

Taxation

Vanuatu offers numerous tax benefits. There is no personal income, capital gains, or withholding taxes. The sale of land is taxable, as are share transfers. Tax authorities charge VAT on local business transactions. They also impose import duties on local businesses.

Summary of Key Advantages

Visa-free travel to 98 countries including the Hong Kong, and Singapore

No minimum presence requirements

A simplified and efficient application process

Competitively priced programme

Application Process

Month 1

Initial due diligence.

Following the successful screening, we will provide you with a Client Agreement (CA) to review and sign.

Upon receiving the signed agreement and retainer payment, our legal team will complete all necessary government forms and supporting documents for the Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP).

The Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) will conduct its own due diligence before issuing an Approval in Principle.

Month 2

Before submitting your documents, we comprehensively review your application to ensure your file complies with the DSP’s requirements.

Our legal team will complete its final checks before submitting the relevant forms.

We will continue to work closely with the Citizenship Unit throughout the process to ensure your application is timely and efficiently processed.

Months 2-3

Upon approval, you must make all necessary contributions and pay any applicable government fees.

You will then take an oath of allegiance and receive your passport at your nearest Vanuatu mission.