Frequently Asked Questions

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 fastest and most straightforward citizenship programmes in the world.

Two programmes are currently available: the Development Support Programme (DSP) starting at $130,000, and the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) starting at $165,000. Both grant the same citizenship rights, including a Vanuatu 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.

Costs vary depending on the programme and family size:

DSP Programme: $130,000 (single), $150,000 (couple), $180,000 (family of 4), +$15,000 per additional dependant.

CIIP Programme: $165,000 (single or family of 4), +$25,000 per additional dependant. Note: $50,000 of the CIIP contribution is redeemable after 5 years.

Additional fees include due diligence ($5,500/person), processing and documents (~$3,500/person), and biometric enrolment ($3,000/person in Dubai). Visit our Cost page for a complete breakdown.

The entire process typically takes 30 to 60 days from application submission to passport delivery. This timeline includes:

• Document preparation: 1-2 weeks
• Due diligence checks: 2-4 weeks
• Government approval and processing: 1-2 weeks
• Oath of allegiance and passport issuance: 1 week

Vanuatu's CBI programme is widely recognised as one of the fastest in the world. Biometric enrolment at the Dubai centre eliminates the need for international travel, further streamlining the timeline for UAE residents.

A Vanuatu passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 100 countries and territories, including:

• United Kingdom — up to 6 months visa-free
• Singapore — 30 days visa-free
• Hong Kong — 90 days visa-free
• Russia — 90 days visa-free
• Caribbean nations, Pacific islands, and many African countries

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:

• Spouse — legally married partner
• Children — under 25 years of age (biological or legally adopted)
• Parents — aged 50 or above (of the main applicant or spouse)

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:

• Age: Between 18 and 65 years old
• Clean criminal record: No criminal convictions or pending charges
• Minimum net worth: Demonstrable net worth of at least $250,000 USD
• Good health: No communicable diseases that pose a public health risk
• Source of funds: Ability to demonstrate legitimate source of investment funds

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:

• Zero income tax — no tax on personal or business income
• Zero capital gains tax — no tax on investment profits
• Zero inheritance tax — no tax on wealth transfers to heirs
• Zero wealth tax — no tax on net assets
• Zero withholding tax — no tax on dividends or interest payments
• Zero corporate tax — no tax on business profits

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.

Both programmes grant identical citizenship and passport benefits. The key differences are:

• DSP (Development Support Programme): Lower starting cost ($130,000 for singles). The entire contribution is non-refundable and goes directly to government development funds. Faster processing. Best for single applicants and couples.
• CIIP (Capital Investment Immigration Plan): Higher starting cost ($165,000) but includes a $50,000 redeemable component that is returned after 5 years. Covers up to 4 family members at the base rate. Better value for larger families.

Visit our Programs page for a detailed comparison, or contact us for personalised advice.

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.