Vanuatu
Citizenship by Investment

An Introduction to Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a Pacific Island nation with 83 islands, beautiful beaches, and a population of around 280,000. Its official languages are English, French, and Bislama, and it has been consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world.

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Vanuatu is a Pacific Ocean nation that consists of 83 islands and covers a land area of 14,700 square kilometers, with territorial waters extending to 450,000 square kilometers. It is situated off the North East coast of Brisbane, Australia and is known for its breathtaking beaches, pristine forests, and majestic landscapes, making it a popular tourist and investment destination.

The midday temperature in Port Vila, the capital, is around 29°C during summer and 25°C in winter, with an annual rainfall of about 235 centimeters (90 inches). The country’s population is approximately 280,000, with 95% being indigenous “Ni-Vanuatu” of Melanesian origin, and the remainder consisting of Europeans, other Pacific Islanders, and Asians.

The official languages are English and French, while the national language is Bislama. Vanuatu is ahead of GMT by 11 to 12 hours, depending on daylight saving time, and has consistently been ranked as one of the happiest countries on Earth by the Global Happiness Index. Business hours in Port Vila are from 7:30 am to 11:30 am and 1:30 pm to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

Citizenship by Investment Overview

Vanuatu offers a Citizenship by Investment Program known as the Development Support Program (DSP), which allows individuals from all nationalities (except for those from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen, unless they have lived outside their home country for at least five years) to obtain citizenship in Vanuatu. The program launched in January 2017 under the Citizenship Act (CAP 112), empowering the Prime Minister under Section 20 of Order No. 215 of 2016.

The benefits of obtaining citizenship in Vanuatu include visa-free travel to several countries, such as the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia, as well as an e-visa to Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, most applicants receive citizenship approval within 45-60 days from the date of submission, making it one of the quickest ways to secure citizenship in the world. Vanuatu also offers no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax, making it an attractive option for individuals looking to minimize their tax burden. A single application can include spouses, children, and dependent parents, with the option to add family members after the main applicant receives citizenship.Citizenship by descent is also available to future generations.

Vanuatu’s low tax jurisdiction offers several tax planning and asset protection advantages to its citizens. The personal income tax rate is 0%, as are the capital gains tax rate, investment income tax rate, property tax, and inheritance tax. There is no net worth tax.
To be eligible for citizenship, applicants must have a clean criminal record, a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months, national identity documents from their country of birth or residence, birth certificates, additional documentation such as CVs, education, and work history, and valid proof of address.

Requirements of Vanuatu citizenship by investment

Vanuatu offers citizenship by investment through its Development Support Program (DSP). The program allows individuals and their families to obtain citizenship in exchange for an investment in the country’s economy.

Here are the requirements for obtaining Vanuatu citizenship through investment:

Investment: The applicant must make a non-refundable contribution to the Vanuatu government’s Development Support Program. The amount of investment varies depending on the number of family members included in the application. As of 2022, the minimum investment required for a single applicant is USD 130,000, while the minimum investment for a family of four is USD 180,000.

Good Character: The applicant must have a clean criminal record and a good reputation.

Health: The applicant must undergo a medical examination to ensure that they do not have any contagious diseases.

Age: The applicant must be over 18 years old.

Passport: The applicant must hold a passport from a country that has a visa-free or visa-on-arrival agreement with Vanuatu.

Due Diligence: The applicant must undergo due diligence checks to ensure that they are not a security risk to Vanuatu or its people.

Application: The applicant must complete and submit all required application forms and provide supporting documents.

It is important to note that obtaining citizenship through investment does not give an applicant the right to vote in Vanuatu elections, hold public office, or purchase land in certain parts of the country. Additionally, the Vanuatu passport obtained through citizenship by investment does not allow for visa-free travel to some countries, including the United States and Canada.

The Process and Timeline for the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program

To begin the process of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship through the Development Support Program (DSP), Vancis Capital’s Processing Department will work with clients to collect all necessary documentation for Stage 1, which includes sending the passports’ bio page to the processing team for a world check.

Once the due diligence application is complete, clients must transfer the government due diligence payment. Vancis Capital will then submit the applications to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) for approval. The FIU will respond with its findings and approval within 5-10 working days, although this timeframe may vary depending on the volume of applications at the FIU.

Upon receiving approval, clients must transfer the government donation, after which approval is typically received in 45-60 working days. Following this, clients must complete the oath ceremony either online via Zoom or through a structured video recording.

Once the oath ceremony is completed, citizenship certificates and passports are issued immediately. Clients can collect their passports at Multi Mulk offices in Dubai or Istanbul, or they can choose to have them couriered to their registered address.

Real Estate

Vanuatu, a beautiful archipelago nation located in the South Pacific, offers a unique opportunity for investors looking to enter the real estate market. With its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and stunning landscapes, Vanuatu is a destination that many dream of owning property in.

Real estate in Vanuatu offers an array of options for potential investors, from beachfront villas and luxury resorts to commercial properties and undeveloped land. Here’s a closer look at the real estate market in Vanuatu.

Beachfront Properties

Beachfront properties are among the most popular types of real estate investments in Vanuatu. With over 80 islands to choose from, investors have a range of options when it comes to buying beachfront properties. Many of these properties offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the opportunity to experience Vanuatu’s tropical climate.

Luxury Resorts

Vanuatu is home to several luxury resorts that cater to high-end travelers. These resorts offer investors the opportunity to purchase a stake in a lucrative business while enjoying the benefits of owning a piece of paradise. Some of these resorts are located on private islands, making them exclusive and sought after by the discerning traveler.

Commercial Properties

Commercial properties in Vanuatu can range from retail shops and office buildings to warehouses and industrial spaces. The country’s capital, Port Vila, is a hub for business and commerce, making it an ideal location for investors looking to purchase commercial properties.

Undeveloped Land

Undeveloped land is also available for purchase in Vanuatu, providing investors with the opportunity to create their own vision for their property. This type of investment requires more planning and development than other types of real estate, but it can be a lucrative venture in the long run.