Citizenship by investment in VanuatuOverview
Vanuatu's Development Support Program (DSP) is a donation-based citizenship route established under the Citizenship Act and its implementing regulations. Applicants make a non-refundable contribution to the government, pass due diligence and are granted citizenship by the Citizenship Commission. There is no residence, interview or language requirement, and the process is among the faster ones available. Vanuatu imposes no personal income, capital gains or inheritance tax, though acquiring citizenship does not by itself change a person's tax residence.
The programme's mobility profile changed significantly in recent years. The EU partially suspended visa-free travel for Vanuatu nationals in 2022 and fully suspended it from 4 February 2023, citing the programme's weak screening and its use to bypass Schengen visa procedures. Regulation (EU) 2025/11 then moved Vanuatu to the EU visa-required list with effect from 3 February 2025, applying to all Vanuatu passport holders. The United Kingdom introduced a visa requirement for Vanuatu nationals in July 2023.
Vanuatu has responded with a series of reforms. In 2025 the Citizenship Commission paused new applications under its separate Capital Investment Immigration Plan pending new regulations, and tightened due diligence across its programmes, including biometric enrolment. In March 2026 amendment orders to the Development Support Programme and Contribution Programme regulations changed how US and Australian dollar payments are converted into the currency used for statutory amounts, without altering the prescribed contribution and fee levels.
Today, the Vanuatu passport is relevant mainly for families seeking an additional nationality with Pacific and Asian connections, or a tax-neutral jurisdiction of citizenship, rather than for European travel. Given the scrutiny of the programme by the EU and UK, applicants should consider reputational factors and banking perceptions alongside cost and speed.
Key benefits
- No residence, visit, interview or language requirement
- Relatively fast processing once due diligence is complete
- No personal income, capital gains or inheritance tax in Vanuatu
- Spouse, children and dependent parents can be included
- Dual citizenship permitted by Vanuatu
- Citizenship transmissible to future generations
Requirements
- Principal applicant aged 18 or over
- Application through a designated agent licensed by the Citizenship Office
- Clean criminal record and successful international due diligence
- Biometric enrolment as required under the 2025 procedures
- Verifiable lawful source of funds
- Payment of the non-refundable DSP contribution and government due diligence and processing fees
- Oath of allegiance before an authorised official following approval
- Complete civil documentation for all dependants
Investment options
Single applicant
USD 130,000
Non-refundable DSP contribution for the principal applicant alone.
Couple
USD 150,000
Principal applicant and spouse.
Family of three
USD 165,000
Principal applicant, spouse and one dependant.
Family of four
USD 180,000
Principal applicant, spouse and two dependants; further dependants require additional contributions.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Suitability review
We assess whether Vanuatu suits the family's goals in light of the EU and UK visa requirements and reputational considerations.
- 2
Document preparation
Civil, financial and police documents are collected, translated and certified.
- 3
Submission through a designated agent
The application and due diligence fees are lodged with the Citizenship Office.
- 4
Due diligence and biometrics
International background checks are carried out and biometrics are captured.
- 5
Approval and contribution
Following conditional approval, the DSP contribution is paid.
- 6
Oath and passport
The applicant takes the oath of allegiance, after which certificates and passports are issued.
Typical documents
- Valid passports for all applicants
- Birth and marriage certificates, translated and certified
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical certificates where required
- Proof of residential address
- Source of funds and source of wealth evidence
- Bank reference letters
- Photographs to the required specification
How Legal Wealth helps
Legal Wealth gives an honest account of what a Vanuatu passport can and cannot do after the EU and UK visa changes. Where it fits a family's objectives, we prepare a thorough source-of-wealth file, work with designated agents to meet the tightened due diligence standards and keep the process discreet. We also consider how a Vanuatu nationality interacts with existing citizenships, banking relationships, tax residence and succession plans.
Enquire with Legal WealthFrequently asked questions
Can Vanuatu citizens travel to the Schengen Area visa-free?
No. Since 3 February 2025, Vanuatu has been on the EU visa-required list for all passport holders.
Is the UK visa-free?
No. The UK introduced a visa requirement for Vanuatu nationals in July 2023.
Did the 2026 amendments change the contribution?
The March 2026 amendment orders changed currency-conversion arrangements; the prescribed contribution and fee levels were stated to be unchanged.
Do I need to visit Vanuatu?
No residence or visit is required, although biometric enrolment is now part of the process.
Does Vanuatu citizenship make me tax-free?
Vanuatu has no personal income tax, but your tax position depends on where you are resident, not on nationality alone.
Last reviewed: 2026-10. Requirements, fees and timelines change. Information is general, reviewed on the date shown, and is not legal or tax advice.
Sources
- European Parliament Legislative Observatory: Regulation (EU) 2025/11 amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 as regards Vanuatu
- Vanuatu Daily Post: Citizenship rules changed to curb revenue losses (March 2026)
- IMI Daily: Vanuatu raises CIIP investment amounts (May 2025)
- Ancova Associates: Vanuatu citizenship by investment 2026
