Acquire Vanuatu Citizenship and Passport
Types of Vanuatu Citizenship
The law governing the purchase of Vanuatu citizenship through investment or donation programs primarily falls under the Citizenship Act [Cap 112] of Vanuatu. This legislation outlines the various provisions and requirements for acquiring Vanuatu citizenship through investment or donation routes. Additionally, specific regulations and guidelines may be issued by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission or other relevant authorities to govern the implementation of citizenship programs.
As in accordance with the Citizenship Act [Cap 112], the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission grants different types of citizenship. They are citizenship by:
Naturalization (Form A)
Non-Citizen married to a Vanuatu Citizen (Form B)
Entitlement (Form C (a))
Regain (Form C (b))
Granting of Citizenship to an investor under the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (Form D)
Honorary Citizenship under Vanuatu Development Support Program
Granting of Citizenship to an individual under Vanuatu Contribution Program
Granting of Citizenship under Real Estate Option Program
Vanuatu offers foreigners the following primary pathways to citizenship. Each pathway has its own set of benefits and potential drawbacks. Let's briefly explore them in more detail:
Vanuatu Citizenship via Development Support Program (VDSP)
Advantages
The VDSP typically offers a quicker route to citizenship compared to naturalization.
No residency requirement: Applicants are not required to reside in Vanuatu before or after obtaining citizenship.
Flexible investment options: Applicants can choose to make a non-refundable contribution to the government or invest in approved real estate projects or businesses.
Visa-free travel: VDSP citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 130 countries, enhancing global mobility.
Disadvantages
Financial commitment: The VDSP requires a significant financial investment, which may be prohibitive for some individuals.
Non-refundable contribution: The contribution made under the VDSP is non-refundable, meaning applicants do not receive any return on their investment.
Due diligence scrutiny: Applicants undergo thorough due diligence checks, and any adverse findings could result in rejection of the application.
Citizenship by Real Estate Investment Program (REO)
The REO program commenced 23 July 2021. Applicants for citizenship under the REO must invest in a property in a Vanuatu Government Approved Project (VGA Project) in addition to payment of the prescribed fees. There are 4 currently approved VGA Projects as follows:
“Pacific Springs” situated at Rentabao on the island of Efate;
“Narpow Point Coral Bay” situated at Narpow Point on the island of Efate;
“FPF Rainbow City Project” situated at Narpow Point on the island of Efate;
“Milai” situated on the island of Espiritu Santo.
The list of approved VGA Projects is regularly updated. Please contact First National for the most recently updated approved REO properties.
Vanautu Citizenship by Naturalization
Benefits
Lower financial requirement: Naturalization typically requires a lower financial commitment compared to the VDSP, as it does not involve making a non-refundable contribution to the government.
Flexibility in meeting criteria: Naturalization allows individuals to demonstrate their commitment to Vanuatu through various means, such as residency, employment, or other contributions to the country.
No additional investment: Unlike the VDSP, naturalization does not require applicants to make additional investments in real estate or businesses.
Disadvantages
Longer processing time: Naturalization processes can be more time-consuming compared to the VDSP, as they involve fulfilling residency requirements and demonstrating a genuine commitment to Vanuatu.
Residency requirement: Naturalization typically requires applicants to reside in Vanuatu for a certain period before becoming eligible for citizenship, which may disrupt existing lifestyles or commitments.
Limited visa-free travel: Naturalized citizens may have more limited visa-free travel options compared to VDSP citizens, which could impact international mobility.
In summary, the VDSP offers a faster route to citizenship with broader visa-free travel benefits but requires a significant financial investment. On the other hand, naturalization involves a lower financial commitment but may require a longer processing time and residency requirement.
In addition to the above pathways there are other available pathways for individuals who meet more stringent specific criteria that your agent can advise you of.
Individuals should carefully consider their priorities, resources, and long-term goals when choosing the most suitable pathway to Vanuatu citizenship. Consulting with legal advisors or authorized agents can also provide valuable guidance in navigating the process effectively.
