Vanuatu citizenship by investment program (CIIP)
The Vanuatu Investment Citizenship Program (CIIP) offers a quick and affordable way to gain visa-free access to over 100 countries. Vanuatu’s tax system is highly favorable, with no personal income, corporate, withholding, capital gains, estate, wealth, or gift tax. To qualify, the individual invest and pay government fees of USD 157,000 for a family of up to 4, and USD 25,000 for each additional dependent, to eligible CIIP projects.
Vanuatu citizenship by investment program Benefits
Residency and Family Inclusion
- South Pacific Island nation of 80+ islands.
- Can include parents, spouse and dependent children up to age 25.
- Has both English and French as official languages.
- The only Citizenship-by-investment program in the Asia
Pacific region. - CIIP is done through a limited liability company fully owned
by the applicant. - Invest in sustainable energy projects and
targeted returns for the CIIP are 5% annually with exit
strategy after 5 years.
Travel and Quality of Life
Visa-free access/visa on arrival, to over 100 countries throughout Asia, Americas, Africa, Middle-east, Oceania and the Caribbean.
Ease of Access
- Possibility to apply for an online visa or 1-year multiple entry visa for Australia.
- No language requirements for residency or citizenship.
Tax haven, with extensive tax benefits:
- No personal income or corporate tax.
- No withholding tax and capital gains tax.
- No estate, wealth and gift tax.
Vanuatu Investment Citizenship Requirements
- Applicants must make a payment into a CIIP approved project.
- Be over 18 years old.
- Have no criminal record.
- Provide all required documents in English.
- Provide medical certificate confirming good health.
Vanuatu Citizenship Investment Options
The Investment Option
Due Diligence Clearance
- The applicant must make an initial non-refundable payment of USD 8,000 for due diligence checks by the Government Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to obtain Due Diligence Clearance.
- Once Due Diligence Clearance is granted the applicant can contribute and submit the full application for citizenship.
Investment and Fees
The Applicant must make an investment, pay the Master Agent’s fees and Government Fees to an eligible CIIP project as follows:
- USD 157,000 for a family of up to 4.
- USD 25,000 for each additional dependent.
Approval
After you have invested and submitted your application, the Citizenship Commission will grant final approval. After submitting their application and completing the necessary due diligence checks, the Applicant can then attend an online ceremony to take their Oath as a Vanuatu citizen.
Vanuatu citizenship by investment program Citizenship Process
Processing time 2-3 Months
Due Diligence And Application
Due Diligence Clearance by the Government Financial Intelligence Unit in 14 days with Passport, Police & Medical Certificates, CV and initial fees.
Approval And Investment
- Payment of investment and Master Agent’s Fees.
- Full application submission.
- Approval granted within 1-2 months.
Citizenship
- Oath of Allegiance in Vanuatu or overseas by the main applicant to obtain the Vanuatu passport.
- Local company set-up.
Contact us
With over 30 years of immigration experience, each of Harvey Law Group’s lawyers carefully studies each client’s needs, resources and determines the immigration solution that best aligns with our client’s vision and values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program?
The Vanuatu citizenship by investment program is an official government pathway for foreign nationals to obtain Vanuatu citizenship by making a qualifying financial contribution or investment under one of the government-approved investment schemes, such as the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) or Development Support Program (DSP). It is authorized under the Vanuatu Citizenship Act and administered by the Vanuatu Citizenship Office and Commission.
How does the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program work?
Applicants first submit required personal documents and undergo due diligence checks by the Government Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Once cleared, the applicant makes the required financial contribution or investment into an approved program, submits the full application, and upon final approval from the Citizenship Commission takes an Oath of Allegiance to become a Vanuatu citizen.
Is the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program legal and government-approved?
Yes. Citizenship by investment is established under the Vanuatu Citizenship Act and regulations, and the Citizenship Office and Commission of Vanuatu administers the process for granting citizenship to investors. The program is recognized and listed by the government’s official citizenship authorities.
What is the difference between CIIP and DSP under the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program?
CIIP (Capital Investment Immigration Plan) requires a specified investment into eligible government-approved projects, whereas DSP (Development Support Program) is a non-refundable financial contribution to the Vanuatu National Development Fund. Both routes lead to citizenship once due diligence and approval requirements are met.
How long does the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program take?
Processing for the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program typically takes approximately 2-3 months from due diligence clearance to final approval, although actual timelines can vary with case complexity.
How much does the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program cost?
Under the DSP route, costs begin at a minimum financial contribution of USD 130,000 for a single applicant and increase for spouses and dependents. Under the CIIP route, government fees and investment requirements start at approximately USD 157,000 for a family of up to four, with additional charges for dependents. Applicants also pay due diligence and administrative fees.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program?
To qualify for citizenship by investment in Vanuatu, an applicant must: Be at least 18 years old. Have no criminal record. Provide required personal documentation (in English). Pass a due diligence check and make the required contribution or investment.
Can my family be included in the Vanuatu citizenship by investment application?
Yes. The program allows inclusion of qualifying dependents, including an applicant’s spouse, dependent children up to age 25, and in some cases parents, provided they meet eligibility criteria.
Do I have to live in Vanuatu to obtain citizenship by investment?
No. There is no residency or physical presence requirement during the application process. Successful applicants are required to take an Oath of Allegiance either in Vanuatu or via an authorized online ceremony.
Is dual citizenship allowed under the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program?
Yes. Vanuatu allows dual citizenship, meaning individuals can retain their existing nationality while holding Vanuatu citizenship obtained through investment.
Does Harvey Law Group help with the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program?
Harvey Law Group assists clients with understanding and navigating the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program by providing guidance on eligibility, documentation, due diligence preparation, investment options, and submission strategy. Our legal professionals advise on compliance with government requirements throughout the process.
Why should I work with Harvey Law Group for Vanuatu citizenship by investment?
Harvey Law Group is an international law firm with extensive experience in global citizenship and residency programs, including Vanuatu. We provide structured legal support, help manage complex documentation, and facilitate communications with government authorities to maximize compliance and to support efficient processing.
Does the Vanuatu government authorize agents for the citizenship by investment program?
Yes. The Government of Vanuatu designates official agents who are authorized to process citizenship by investment applications on behalf of applicants. These agents are listed on the government’s official citizenship website and must meet regulatory standards.
What tax benefits accompany Vanuatu citizenship obtained through investment?
Vanuatu has a favorable tax regime with no personal income tax, corporate tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax, estate tax, wealth tax, or gift tax for citizens, which is a key benefit promoted by informational resources.
What travel benefits does Vanuatu citizenship by investment provide?
Vanuatu citizens can typically enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to a broad list of countries globally, making the passport valuable for international mobility. Government sources emphasize visa-free access as a key benefit of citizenship.
Where should I submit biometric data when applying for a Vanuatu passport?
All passport applicants are required to appear in person at a biometric data collection center, which are located at the Vanuatu Immigration Service in Port Vila and at Vanuatu consulates in Hong Kong, Dubai, and New Caledonia.