Everything UAE residents need to know about Vanuatu citizenship by investment.
Vanuatu citizenship by investment is a government-approved programme that allows foreign nationals to obtain full Vanuatu citizenship and a passport by making a qualifying financial contribution to the country's development. Established under the Citizenship Act, it is one of the most straightforward citizenship programmes in the world.
The official route is the Development Support Program (DSP), starting at $145,000 for a single applicant. It grants full citizenship rights and a 10-year renewable passport, with the entire process completable from Dubai.
Yes, absolutely. Vanuatu's citizenship by investment programme is fully authorised under the Citizenship Act (CAP 112) and regulated by the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (VFIU). The programme has been operational for several years with thousands of successful applicants worldwide.
All applicants undergo rigorous international due diligence checks conducted by independent third-party agencies. The Vanuatu government maintains strict compliance standards to ensure the integrity of its programme and passport. As a Commonwealth member nation, Vanuatu adheres to international governance and transparency standards.
Headline DSP government contribution figures:
Single applicant: $145,000 | Married couple: $165,000 | Family of 4: $195,000 | Each extra dependent: $20,000.
Final cost depends on your family size, documentation and advisory scope. We provide a detailed itemised quote privately during the consultation. Visit our Cost page for an overview or contact us for a personalised quote.
The entire process typically takes 3 to 4 months from application submission to passport delivery. This timeline includes:
Biometric enrolment at the Dubai centre eliminates the need for international travel, streamlining the timeline for UAE residents.
A Vanuatu passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 100 countries and territories, including:
Important update: As of December 2024, the European Union suspended visa-free access for Vanuatu passport holders to the EU/Schengen zone. This means a Schengen visa is currently required for travel to European Union countries. The Vanuatu government is actively engaged in negotiations to restore this access. We will update clients as the situation develops.
Yes, Vanuatu fully allows dual citizenship. You can hold your Vanuatu passport alongside your existing nationality without any conflict or requirement to renounce your current citizenship.
The citizenship by investment programme is also fully confidential — Vanuatu does not notify your home country about your new citizenship. This provides an additional layer of privacy for applicants who value discretion.
No. There is absolutely no residency requirement for Vanuatu citizenship by investment. You do not need to live in, visit, or spend any time in Vanuatu — not before, during, or after the application process.
Your citizenship is permanent and unconditional. You may continue living in Dubai or anywhere else in the world while enjoying the full benefits of your Vanuatu passport.
Yes, you can include the following family members as dependants in your application:
All family members receive the same citizenship and passport benefits as the main applicant. Adding family members increases the government contribution and due diligence fees but is significantly more cost-effective than individual applications.
To qualify for Vanuatu citizenship by investment, you must meet the following criteria:
Restricted nationalities: Citizens of certain countries face restrictions or additional scrutiny. These include nationals of Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea, Yemen, and several other nations. Contact us for the most current eligibility information based on your nationality.
Vanuatu is one of the world's most tax-friendly jurisdictions. As a Vanuatu citizen, you benefit from:
This makes Vanuatu citizenship particularly attractive for UAE residents who already benefit from a low-tax environment and wish to maintain that advantage through a second citizenship.
Yes. The Vanuatu passport is valid for 10 years and is fully renewable. Your citizenship itself is permanent and for life — it does not expire and is passed down to future generations born after your naturalisation.
Passport renewal is a straightforward administrative process that can be completed through Vanuatu's consular services or authorised agents. There are no additional investment requirements for renewal.
No — and this is a major advantage for UAE residents. Vanuatu operates an authorised biometric enrolment centre right here in Dubai. This means you can complete every step of the process — from initial consultation to biometric capture to oath of allegiance — without leaving the UAE.
Your passport is delivered directly to you in Dubai upon completion. There is no requirement to visit Vanuatu at any stage of the application, approval, or post-citizenship process.
Yes. As a Vanuatu citizen, you are entitled to open bank accounts in Vanuatu with local and international banks operating in the country. Additionally, your Vanuatu passport may facilitate banking relationships in other jurisdictions where Vanuatu citizenship is viewed favourably.
Our team can provide guidance on banking options available to new Vanuatu citizens, including offshore banking structures and international account opening procedures.
Our Dubai-based advisors answer every question personally and walk you through your options — no obligation, no pressure.
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