How to apply for Vanuatu citizenship
Here is the step-by-step process for how to apply for Vanuatu citizenship. You can get your Vanuatu passport in as little as 45 days through the official government process.
Step 1: Check eligibility
To apply for Vanuatu citizenship, you must be a high-net-worth individual who fulfills the following requirements:
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At least 18 years old
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No serious criminal convictions and pass due diligence checks
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Able to make the required investment (US$130,000-155,000 plus US$5,500 due diligence fee)
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Has required documentation (see next step)
Your dependent family members—including your spouse—must also present the same paperwork. Dependent children must be aged under 25 and parents aged over 25.
Most nationalities can apply. Still unsure if you’re eligible? Ask us now.
Step 2: Choose your program
When you know you’re eligible, choose a pathway to apply for Vanuatu citizenship:
Development Support Program (DSP):
A straightforward one-time donation to Vanuatu's development fund. You contribute the full amount and receive citizenship.
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Single applicant: US$130,000
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Married couple: US$150,000
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Family of four: US$180,000
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Additional dependents: US$25,000 each
Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP)
An investment program where part of your payment goes into Vanuatu's Cocoa Sustainable Fund, with US$50,000 returnable after 4 years.
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Flat rate US$155,000 for up to 4 family members
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US$50,000 redeemable after 4 years
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Additional dependents: US$25,000 each
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Both programs require US$5,500 non-refundable due diligence fees.
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Fees include passport issuance. No hidden extras.
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Vanuatu Citizen Citizenship does not charge commission or a fee
The DPS is the more affordable option upfront for single applicants and married couples without children.
In the long term though, the CIIP makes sense as you get the US$50,000 back after 4 years.
Still unsure? Ask us which program is best for you.
Step 3: Submit stage 1 paperwork
After you’ve chosen how to apply for Vanuatu citizenship, you—and all dependent family members applying with you— will submit the following paperwork:
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Nomination form—part 1
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Passport copy (must be valid for at least 6 months)—notarized
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Police clearance report—notarized
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Photo ID or driver's license—notarized
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Birth certificate—notarized
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Marriage certificate (if applicable)—notarized
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Resume (including education and employment history)
We verify that all your documentation is complete and correct. You will then pay the due diligence fee of US$5,500.
Your application will be inspected by the Vanuatu’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and Immigration Department, as well as Interpol. They approve within 7-10 days.
Step 4: Submit stage 2 paperwork
Once you’ve received clearance, you will submit the remaining documentation and pay the main fee depending on the program you chose.
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Complete the nomination form—part 2
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Medical certificate
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1 colour photo (40mm x 50mm) JPEG file
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Bank reference/statement (main applicant only)
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6-month bank statement—notarized
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Asset report—notarized (main applicant only)
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3 professional referees (main applicant only)
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Employment letter (main applicant only)
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Proof of residential address (utility bill etc)
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Passport form completed and signed
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CIIP investor iorms (only required for CIIP applicants)
All dependent family members applying with you must submit the same documentation.
We will verify that all your paperwork is complete and correct. You will then pay the due diligence fee of US$5,500 per application. Still have questions? Feel free to ask.
Step 5: Review
Your application will be sent for review to the following Vanuatu authorities:
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The Screening Committee
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The Citizenship Commission (CC)
The CC Committee meets twice a month to consider applications during one-day sittings. If you fulfill all conditions—and we will ensure you do—the CC will issue your approval letter.
Timeframes
You can get your Vanuatu passport in as little as 45 days.
Stage 1—Initial Due Diligence:
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FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit) clearance: 7-10 days
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This involves background checks by FIU, Immigration Department and Interpol
Stage 2—Citizenship Application:
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Screening Committee meetings occur twice per month
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Applications must be submitted at least 8 days before Committee meeting
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After Citizenship Commission (CC) approves: 5 days to receive citizenship/passport
The actual processing speed depends on how quickly you provide required documents.
