In one sentence
Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment starts from a USD 130,000 donation, with fast processing and no personal income tax — but its passport has not been visa-free to the Schengen Area since December 2024.
Who it suits
- Applicants who value speed
- Those who value the tax environment
- People not relying on visa-free travel to Europe
Who it may not suit
- Anyone whose main goal is visa-free travel to Europe
- Those needing visa-free access to the UK or Ireland
Main requirements
- A donation to the Development Support Program from USD 130,000 (single applicant)
- Application through an authorised agent
- Due diligence passed and biometrics registered
- No criminal record
Timeline
| Step | Timing | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment and documents | 2–4 weeks | We assess your eligibility and prepare the documents. |
| Application and due diligence | 1–2 months | Apply through an authorised agent. |
| Payment and oath | After approval | Complete payment and the oath of allegiance. |
| Passport | After approval | Receive your certificate of citizenship and passport. |
Common myths
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| It’s still visa-free to Schengen | A visa has been required since December 2024. |
| The donation is the whole cost | Due diligence and government fees are extra. |
| Processing is slow | It’s among the fastest programmes. |
Checklist before you apply
- Confirm your travel needs, especially Europe
- Prepare identity, source-of-funds and background documents
- File through a government-authorised agent
- Prepare for the interview and due diligence
Our advice
Speed is Vanuatu’s strength, but understand before applying that its visa-free access has changed.
Every family’s background and timeline is different — book a free consultation and a consultant will assess your situation.
Learn more: Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment