Vanuatu citizenship is the best way to obtain a second passport and travel visa-free to 94 countries worldwide.
Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment programme began in 2017. The program’s parameters are governed by Chapter 112 of the Citizenship Law and Vanuatu government directive no. 215.
Applicants for citizenship by investment make a non-refundable payment to a government fund. The first investment is $130,000.
In addition to the investor, their spouse, children, and parents may also apply for citizenship. Applicants seeking Vanuatu citizenship by investment are not needed to take language or history examinations, live in Vanuatu or even visit the country.
Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment scheme is the world’s quickest. A passport takes at least one month to get, and the entire process is done remotely.
What advantages can a Vanuatu passport provide?
1 Visa-free travel to the United Kingdom
Vanuatu passport holders can travel to 94 countries without a visa. It entitles the possessor to spend up to 180 days per year in the United Kingdom. They can also go to Hong Kong and Singapore without a visa.
2 Long-term United States visa
Vanuatu nationals are entitled to apply for B-1 / B-2 tourist visas in the United States immediately for a period of five years. It permits them to visit the United States for up to 180 days each year. They can have business meetings, travel throughout the nation, obtain medical treatment, and enrol in courses that do not lead to a diploma or degree during this period.
3 Business Tax Optimization
The visa permits you to set up an international business in Vanuatu. Although such businesses cannot produce money in Vanuatu, they can benefit from tax breaks. The corporation and its stockholders are exempt from paying taxes on profit, income, capital gains, inheritance, or contributions for the next 20 years. Instead, there is a one-time cost of $300.
How much is Vanuatu citizenship or Investor expenses
1- donation that is non-refundable
$130,000+
Applicants seeking Vanuatu citizenship by investment must contribute to the National Development Fund. The funds from the fund are used to help Vanuatu’s economy and battle natural catastrophes like Tropical Cyclone Harold.
The gift is non-refundable and does not generate revenue.
Eligibility:
- The primary applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- Proof of ownership of assets worth at least USD 450,000, such as established enterprises, real estate, shares, and bank accounts.
- The main applicant and dependents are free of communicable diseases and/or major health issues.
- No felony convictions.
- To avoid being the subject of a criminal inquiry.
- It should not be regarded as a possible national security danger.
- Not to engage in any conduct that might bring Vanuatu into disgrace.
- Not having been denied a visa to a nation that Vanuatu enjoys visa-free entry to.
Application Process for Citizenship in Vanuatu
STEP 1: Check your eligibility.
Before receiving a citizenship application form, you will be informed of your eligibility to become a Vanuatu citizen. Depending on the nature of your eligibility, you will be notified and given the appropriate application form.
STEP 2: Gather all needed papers according to the checklist provided with each application form.
Each application form includes a checklist that specifies which documents must be provided along with your completed form. You will be able to complete your application more quickly if you provide all of the relevant papers.
If the relevant documents are not included with your application, they may be returned to you.
STEP 3: Finish and submit your application
Complete and submit your application, together with any legally needed documentation (as per checklist). Prior to continuing the processing of your application, you must pay the Application Fee.
STEP 4: Your application will be reviewed by responsible personnel.
Your application will then be reviewed by the appropriate officials and sent to the compliance officer for a second review to verify that you
- are entitled to become a citizen;
- have accurately completed your application form;
- and have provided all needed acceptable papers as per the checklist
STEP 5: The Citizenship Internal Screening Committee will evaluate your application.
Your completed application form, along with any relevant evidence, will be given to the Citizenship Internal Screening Committee for additional examination to confirm that you fulfil all requirements before proceeding with the application process.
STEP 6: The Citizenship Commission will review and approve your application.
If the Internal Screening Committee approves your application, it will be forwarded to the Citizenship Commission, which is in charge of granting citizenship petitions. As a result, the Commission must approve your application.
If you fail to provide a needed and valid document or information, or if you fail to meet certain criteria, the Commission may delay or reject your application.
STEP 7: Issuance of a letter informing you of the Commission’s decision on your application.
You will get a letter from the Secretary-General of the Citizenship Office one week following the Commission’s meeting informing you of the Commission’s decision on your application.
You will be informed of the final requirements prior to the issue of your citizenship certificate once the Commission has approved your application.
STEP 8: Take an oath of office
Your oath may only be completed if your application has been authorised. This requires you to get an oath form from the Citizenship Office as well as an authorisation letter to the Commissioner of Oath and complete it in the presence of a Commissioner of Oath.
It should be noted that the oath may only be completed in Vanuatu’s court. This implies that a petitioner from Santo, for example, can take his oath at the Luganville court. Applicants who live in another nation, on the other hand, must come to Vanuatu to finish their oath.
STEP 9: Pay the citizenship cost.
Following the fulfilment of your oath, you must pay your citizenship fee (please see Citizenship Fees and Charges under Citizenship) in order for your Vanuatu Citizenship Certificate to be printed.
