Apply Through a Designated Agent: Free First Assessment

A Vanuatu citizenship consultation is your first real step toward a second passport through the nation's Development Support Program (DSP). What does that mean? It’s a deep dive—a full legal and financial assessment to see if you qualify for citizenship, which is granted in exchange for a non-refundable contribution to the country. This isn't a DIY project. The entire procedure is managed exclusively by government-designated agents, so your legal advisor’s job is to get your file airtight before it even gets submitted.

The program is one of the fastest of its kind, built on the foundation of the Vanuatu Citizenship Act [CAP 112]. Fast doesn't mean simple. A massive change—the European Union’s suspension of visa-free travel for Vanuatu passport holders—makes expert consultation more critical than ever. You need to understand exactly what you’re getting, and what you’re not.

What is the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program?

The program, known officially as the Development Support Program (DSP), lets foreign nationals get Vanuatu citizenship by making a significant financial contribution. Simple. A "Vanuatu citizenship consultation by investment" is just the formal name for getting expert help to navigate this process. It involves checking your eligibility, wrestling with the huge pile of required documents, and finally submitting your application through a designated agent for a one-time donation.

This isn't an investment you get back; it's a direct contribution to a government fund. The program was set up under the Vanuatu Citizenship Act [Cap 112], with the DSP designed specifically to fund national development and disaster relief, distinguishing it from older, defunct schemes. The whole show is run by the Vanuatu Citizenship Office and Commission. They have the final say.

How Has the EU Visa-Free Travel Situation Changed for Vanuatu?

The European Union has fully suspended visa-free access to the Schengen Area for all Vanuatu passport holders, and since 3 February 2025 the visa requirement is permanent. This fundamentally changes the math for any investor who saw European mobility as a primary goal.

Why the change? Citing Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, the EU pointed to security risks from the program's historically low rejection rates and lack of physical presence rules. Their concern was that these factors might let people sidestep the normal, rigorous Schengen visa process.

The suspension didn't happen overnight:

• Initial Suspension (May 2022): The first move was a partial suspension on 4 May 2022. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/693 targeted only passports issued after May 2015.
• February 2023 saw a full suspension: The measure was then expanded to cover all Vanuatu passport holders for an 18-month period, from 4 February 2023 to 3 August 2024, under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/222.
• The suspension was extended (August 2024): It will now continue from 4 August 2024 to 3 February 2025 per Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2059.

For investors, this means a key benefit is simply off the table for now. A professional consultation is crucial to weigh what's left. The remaining advantages—like visa-free travel to over 88 other countries (including Russia and Hong Kong), favorable tax laws, and sheer processing speed—must now be weighed against this major drawback.

What Are the Current Investment Options and Costs?

The main path to Vanuatu citizenship is a non-refundable contribution to the Development Support Program. The starting point for a single applicant is USD 130,000. This figure goes up as you add family members.

Single Applicant

For one person, the required contribution is USD 130,000.

Family of Three (Couple + 1 Child)

A married couple with one dependent child will contribute USD 165,000.

Family of Four (Couple + 2 Children)

A family of four is required to contribute a total of USD 180,000.

Additional Dependents

Adding more dependents? Each one adds a further amount set by the schedule.

But that's not the final bill. Every application has mandatory government fees on top of the contribution. A non-refundable Due Diligence Fee of USD 5,000 is paid upfront so the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) can run background checks. Then come application, processing, and agent fees. A proper consultation will give you a line-by-line, all-inclusive cost breakdown for your exact family structure, covering everything from due diligence to application support.

What is the Step-by-Step Application Process?

The Vanuatu CBI process is famous for its speed, often taking just 60 to 90 days from submitting a complete file to holding a citizenship certificate. Remember, the whole thing must be managed by an authorized agent.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Pre-Approval It all starts with a consultation to check if you're even eligible. If you are, you pay the non-refundable USD 5,000 Due Diligence fee and submit preliminary documents like a passport copy and police clearance. These go to the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) for a pre-approval check. A negative finding here stops the process cold, saving you the expense of a full application.

Step 2: Document Collection and Full Submission Once the FIU gives a green light, you and your advisor gather the full dossier. This means certified copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, detailed proof of funds, and medical reports. Getting the proof of funds documentation right is often the hardest part; any ambiguity can lead to delays. The complete application is then formally submitted to the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission.

Step 3: Citizenship Commission Approval The Citizenship Commission reviews everything: your application and the FIU's due diligence report. If they're satisfied you meet every single criterion, they issue a formal letter of approval. Only then do you transfer the full investment amount to the government's designated account.

Step 4: Oath of Allegiance and Passport Issuance After the government confirms they have your funds, the last step is taking the Oath of Allegiance. This can often be done remotely via secure video conference—a unique feature of this program—or in person at a consulate. After the oath, your citizenship certificate is issued, and your new passport is couriered directly to you.

Who is Eligible to Apply for Vanuatu Citizenship?

To qualify for Vanuatu's Development Support Program, you must be over 18, have a clean criminal record, be in good health, and show verifiable proof of funds for the investment.

These are the core eligibility requirements:

• Main Applicant: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Who you can include: The application can cover your spouse, dependent children under 25 (if they are full-time students and financially dependent), and dependent parents over 50.
• A clean background is mandatory: You must provide a police clearance certificate from your country of origin and any other country you've lived in for over a year in the last five years. A criminal record is a non-starter.
• Financial Standing: You have to prove you have the money for the contribution and fees. Critically, you must also document the source of those funds to comply with anti-money laundering laws.
• Restricted Nationalities: Citizens from certain countries, including Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea, and Yemen, are typically not eligible. This list can and does change at the government's discretion.

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This article is published by an independent law firm for informational purposes only and does not represent or claim affiliation with any government body, international organization, or official authority.