The Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu stands out for many interesting things. In 2024, Vanuatu was ranked number one out of over 150 countries worldwide on the Happy Planet Index, which ranks destinations based on sustainable well-being. With a reputation for superior dive sites, Vanuatu is also famous for President Coolidge, a 650ft shipwrecked luxury liner off Espiritu Santo. The nation was also noted as the inventor of bungee jumping, with the traditional sport of Nanggol, considered the precursor to the modern-day adrenaline inducing activity.
More recently, Vanuatu has gained global attention for emerging as one of the most cost-effective and fast-track citizenship by investment (CBI) program in the world. With citizenship obtainable starting from a contribution of $130,000, the program is also among the quickest, issuing passports in just 2-3 months. Vanuatu proves that achieving global mobility doesn’t require a hefty price tag.
The pathways to your Vanuatu Citizenship
At the heart of Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment (CBI) program lies two critical pathways. One way is the Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP) launched by the government in January 2017 to fund infrastructure and foster economic growth, DSP provides a donation-based route, starting at $130,000. Through this program, applicants contribute directly to key national development projects in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. While this option does not provide returns like real estate or business investments, DSP appeals to those seeking a swift route to citizenship while making a meaningful impact on Vanuatu’s growth.
In 2023, Vanuatu launched the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) – Coconut Oil (CNO) Future Fund, the first citizenship program in the world to be directly linked to sustainable development goals. This initiative reflects Vanuatu’s commitment to 100% renewable energy in electricity generation by 2030, reinforcing the nation’s proactive stance on climate adaptation. Under this scheme, there is a $115,000 mandatory contribution, plus a fully redeemable $50,000 investment with a targeted ROI of 4-5%. This helps in funding the development of Vanuatu’s coconut oil sector and advancing renewable energy production. Unlike traditional CBI programs, the CIIP-CNO Future Fund ensures your investment actively supports green growth and contributes to sustainable development. This innovative dual-purpose investment approach offers more than just a route to citizenship—it empowers investors to be part of Vanuatu’s efforts to build a resilient, eco-friendly future.
Why Choose Vanuatu?
In addition to its affordable price tag, which makes it accessible to a broader range of investors, Vanuatu is also sought after for several other reasons, as outlined below:
Speed of Processing: The application process is remarkably swift, taking an average of 2-3 months. This efficiency is a significant advantage for those seeking quick results.
Visa-Free Travel: A Vanuatu passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 97 countries, including Bosnia, Singapore and Hong Kong. This opens up a world of possibilities for travel and business.
No Residency Requirement: Vanuatu does not require you to visit or reside in the country before or after obtaining citizenship, allowing for greater flexibility. This is one of the program’s many advantages, as many countries have minimum stay requirements as a prerequisite to granting naturalization.
Strategic Destination: Vanuatu’s strategic location in the Pacific Ocean makes it accessible to international investors. The country is a three-hour flight from major cities in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea and just an hour and a half from Fiji. Vanuatu’s two international airports, located on the main islands of Efate and Santo, have undergone improvements to meet global aviation standards and receive flights from key markets in the region.
Attractive tax advantages: Obtaining the Vanuatu citizenship by investment also means reaping considerable fiscal benefits. Recognized as a natural tax haven due to its historical absence of direct taxation, Vanuatu imposes no tax on worldwide income, capital gains, or inheritance. Additionally, international businesses established in Vanuatu are exempt from income and profit taxes. Establishing a tax presence in Vanuatu also provides a 20-year benefit, underscoring its appeal for those seeking tax-efficient global citizenship.
Due Diligence in 2024
While the process for citizenship by investment in Vanuatu is among the most straightforward, it continues to uphold its standards through its due diligence process. Investors looking to partake in the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program must undergo background checks and other forms of scrutiny as part of this process, which is initiated to protect the programme against money laundering and other risky liabilities to Vanuatu.
Recently, the process has evolved as part of a more significant effort to improve Vanuatu’s relationship with the European Council. Now, agents approved by the European Council conduct thorough background checks, review the source of each applicant’s capital, and look into any potential criminal histories. Any document submitted as a Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment applicant will subsequently be run through various international databases, such as the Financial Intelligence Unit Network (FIU.NET). Due diligence, to this extent, is a tried-and-true deterrent against terrorism.
Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment program offers tailored pathways to suit diverse investment strategies and personal goals, each providing a unique route to citizenship while supporting the island nation’s growth. Explore these possibilities and find the pathway that aligns with your aspirations for a second citizenship. Contact our experts at Citizenship Invest today.
