Let’s Discuss the Details
Astons is an official partner of the Vanuatu citizenship program
And supports applicants throughout the process, from preliminary assessment and document preparation to investment, government submission and biometric registration
Key Facts about Vanuatu Citizenship
Applications can be processed from approximately three months, with no requirement to reside in Vanuatu before or after obtaining citizenship. The main applicant can include a spouse, eligible children and parents in the application.
From 3 months
None
Spouse, children under 28 and parents above 50
90+ destinations
Irrevocable donation
Allowed
About the Program
Processing Time
Residency Requirement
Eligible Family Members
Visa-Free Countries
Investment Options
Dual Citizenship
Investment Options
Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP)
About option
Development Support Program (DSP)
About option
Under this option, investments are directed towards the implementation of government projects and support for the socio-economic development of Vanuatu.
The Capital Investment Immigration Plan is an alternative citizenship route linked to the Cocoa Development Fund. Contributions are used to support the development of Vanuatu’s cocoa industry, including local production, processing and related economic activity.
To get Vanuatu citizenship, applicants must make a one-time, non-refundable contribution. The program offers two investment options: from $130,000 under the Development Support Program (DSP) and from $165,000 under the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP).
Total timeline: from approximately 3 months from application to citizenship and passport issuance.
Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program follows a structured application process that can generally be completed within a few months. There is no residence requirement, although applicants must complete an in-person biometric procedure.
An Astons specialist reviews the applicant’s circumstances, family composition and objectives, explains the available investment options and provides a personalised list of documents required for the application.
Astons conducts an initial assessment of the applicant and participating family members to identify potential eligibility or compliance issues before proceeding with the government application.
Due Diligence Check
The Vanuatu authorities conduct background checks on the main applicant and relevant adult dependants. Under the DSP, the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit due diligence check costs $5,500.
Application Preparation and Submission
Following preliminary clearance, Astons prepares the citizenship application and supporting documentation for submission to the relevant Vanuatu authorities.
Initial Investment Payment
The investor completes the first stage of the financial requirement by paying 25% of the applicable contribution. The total contribution depends on the chosen investment route and family composition.
Government Review and Final Approval
The application is considered by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission. Following final approval, the investor pays the remaining 75% of the required contribution and completes the applicable citizenship formalities.
Biometric Data Submission
Complete your biometrics in Dubai with support from Astons’ local team. Fingerprints and a photo must be submitted in person; other locations include Vanuatu, Hong Kong and New Caledonia.
Passport Issuance
Once the investment, biometric and other program requirements have been completed, citizenship documents and Vanuatu passports are issued to successful applicants and eligible family members.
Benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship
Benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship
Fast Processing
Citizenship can be obtained from approximately 3 months, subject to due diligence, government approval and completion of all program requirements.
No Residency Requirement
Applicants do not need to establish residence in Vanuatu before or after obtaining citizenship. One in-person biometric submission is required.
Citizenship for the Whole Family
The main applicant can include a spouse, eligible children and financially dependent parents in the same application.
Low Threshold
The Development Support Program starts with a non-refundable contribution of $130,000 for a single applicant.
Visa-Free Travel
A Vanuatu passport provides visa-free, visa-on-arrival or simplified access to more than 90 destinations, including Singapore and Hong Kong.
Dual Citizenship
Vanuatu permits dual and multiple citizenship, allowing applicants to retain another nationality where permitted under the laws of their country of origin.
Family Inclusion
The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program allows investors to include a spouse, children and parents in the same application.
Spouse
The legally married spouse of the main applicant can be included in the same citizenship application.
Marriage certificate, valid passport and other standard identification and due diligence documents.
Children
Children under the age of 28 can qualify for inclusion under the program. Adult children with disabilities may also be eligible.
Parents
Financially dependent parents aged 50 or above may be included in the application.
Birth certificate, valid passport and, where applicable, documents confirming dependency or other eligibility requirements.
Proof of relationship, identification documents and evidence of financial dependency where applicable.
Business & Tax Benefits
Vanuatu has a tax framework that does not impose several forms of direct taxation commonly applied in other jurisdictions.
No Personal Income Tax
Vanuatu does not impose personal income tax, including on worldwide personal income.
No Wealth or Inheritance Tax
Vanuatu does not impose general wealth or inheritance taxes.
No Capital Gains Tax
There is no general capital gains tax in Vanuatu.
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program Cost
The cost of Vanuatu citizenship depends on the selected investment option and family size. The Development Support Program (DSP) starts from $130,000 for a single applicant, while the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) has a fixed contribution of $165,000 for up to four family members.
*Under the DSP, an additional $5,500 FIU due diligence fee applies. Under the CIIP, due diligence costs are included in the stated program cost.
*Under the DSP, an additional $5,500 FIU due diligence fee applies. Under the CIIP, due diligence costs are included in the stated program cost.
Family Size
DSP Contribution
CIIP Contribution
Single applicant
$130,000
$165,000
Married couple
$150,000
$165,000
Family of 3
$165,000
$165,000
Family of 4
$180,000
$165,000
Each additional family member
$15,000
$25,000
Path to Vanuatu Citizenship
Stage
Status
Requirements
Month 0
Preliminary Assessment
Review eligibility, family composition and supporting documents
Month 0–1
Due Diligence
Complete the required background and FIU checks
Month 1
Application Submission
Prepare and submit the citizenship application
Month 1–2+
Government Review
Citizenship Commission considers the application
Month 2+
Final Contribution
Complete the remaining investment following approval
Month 2+
Biometrics & Citizenship Formalities
Submit biometric data and complete the required formalities
Month 3+
Passport Issuance
Receive citizenship documents and passports
Lifetime
Citizenship
No ongoing residence requirement
Visa-Free Countries with Vanuatu Citizenship
Asia: Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines
Africa: Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Americas: Bahamas, Barbados, Panama, Peru
Oceania: Fiji, Kiribati, Micronesia
Africa: Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Americas: Bahamas, Barbados, Panama, Peru
Oceania: Fiji, Kiribati, Micronesia
*Visa-free arrangements and entry conditions can change. Travellers should always verify current requirements before travelling.
The Vanuatu passport provides visa-free, visa-on-arrival or simplified access to more than 90 destinations worldwide, covering countries across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Oceania and Latin America.
Comparison with Other Citizenship Programs
Feature
São Tomé & Príncipe
Vanuatu
Grenada
Dominica
Minimum Investment
$90,000 (donation)
$130,000 (donation)
$235,000 (donation) / $270,000 (real estate)
$200,000 (donation or real estate)
Processing Time
Minimum due diligence period — ~2 months, total processing — 4–6 months on average.
3+ months
6+ months
4+ months
Stay Requirement
None
None
None
None
Citizenship Eligibility
Full citizenship
Full Citizenship
Full Citizenship
Full citizenship
Family Inclusion
Spouse, children under 30, parents 55+
Spouse, children under 28, parents 50+
Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents of any age, siblings
Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents 65+
Investment Options
Donation
Donation
Donation or real estate (5-year hold)
Donation or real estate (3-year hold)
Visa-Free Countries
60+
95+
145+
140+
Dual Citizenship
Allowed
Allowed
Allowed
Allowed
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum investment for Vanuatu citizenship starts at $130,000 for a single applicant under the Development Support Program (DSP). Another option, the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), starts at $165,000. The final cost depends on the chosen route, family size and applicable government and due diligence fees.
Yes. A Vanuatu passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 90+ destinations worldwide. Combined with dual citizenship and no permanent residence requirement, it offers greater flexibility for frequent travellers, entrepreneurs and families.
A Vanuatu passport can be obtained relatively quickly and without the need to reside permanently in the country. As an accredited agent of the program, Astons supports clients throughout the citizenship process, from document preparation and due diligence to application submission and biometric enrolment. The entire procedure typically takes from three months.
Key advantages include one of the lowest investment thresholds and shortest processing times among citizenship by investment programs, no residence requirement, dual citizenship and visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 90+ destinations. The application can also include a spouse, children under 28 and parents over 50, subject to eligibility requirem
