Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

The Vanuatu Development Support Programme (DSP) is one of the world's fastest citizenship by investment programs. Full Vanuatu citizenship — including a Vanuatu passport — can be obtained in 30–60 days with a non-refundable contribution from USD 130,000.

Overview: The Vanuatu DSP Program

Vanuatu has offered economic citizenship since 2017 through its Development Support Programme (DSP), administered by the Citizenship Commission of Vanuatu. Unlike residency-first programs in other jurisdictions, Vanuatu grants full citizenship directly — applicants do not need to live in Vanuatu before, during, or after obtaining citizenship.

The DSP contribution is a non-refundable donation to Vanuatu's national development fund. There is no investment in real estate, no business requirement, and no minimum residency period.

Key Benefits of a Vanuatu Passport

• 90+ countries visa-free: Including the UK, Russia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and all Schengen EU countries
• No residency required: No obligation to live in or visit Vanuatu
• No global taxation: Vanuatu does not tax the worldwide income of its citizens
• Dual citizenship permitted: Vanuatu allows dual nationality — you do not surrender your existing passport
• Lifetime citizenship: Citizenship is granted for life and passes to future generations by descent
• Family inclusion: Spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents can be included in one application
• Speed: 30–60 days processing — one of the fastest citizenship programs globally

Vanuatu Citizenship Program Costs

Note: All DSP contributions are non-refundable. Due diligence and government processing fees are additional.

Full cost breakdown for Vanuatu citizenship →

Vanuatu Citizenship Requirements

The DSP has minimal requirements compared to other citizenship programs:

• Age 18 or over (principal applicant)
• Clean criminal record — no serious criminal convictions
• Good health — basic medical declaration required
• Source of funds documentation — proof the contribution funds are legitimately earned
• Valid passport and identification documents
• No prior Vanuatu citizenship application rejections

There is no requirement to speak Bislama, English, or French. No interview is required. No visit to Vanuatu is required.

Application Process

1. Due diligence: Background checks completed on all applicants (typically 2–4 weeks)
2. Application submission: All documents submitted to the Citizenship Commission of Vanuatu through an authorised agent
3. Approval: Presidential decree issued granting citizenship (typically within 30–60 days total)
4. Oath of allegiance: Can be taken remotely through a Vanuatu embassy or authorised official
5. Passport issuance: Vanuatu passport issued and delivered

Vanuatu Citizenship + Offshore Company: The Combined Strategy

Many clients combine Vanuatu citizenship with a Vanuatu International Company to create a comprehensive offshore strategy:

• Use the Vanuatu IC as your operating company or holding structure
• Hold the company through your Vanuatu citizenship (as a Vanuatu national)
• Potentially reduce or eliminate controlled foreign corporation (CFC) rules in your home country
• Access banking in jurisdictions that favour Vanuatu nationals

See our detailed guide: Vanuatu Citizenship + Offshore Company Combined Strategy

Frequently Asked Questions