Vanuatu passport: who can apply

You can get a Vanuatu passport through the Government’s Development Support Program (DSP) or Capital Investment Program (CIIP). This involves making a donation and investment starting from US$130,000 USD for a single applicant. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply through a government-designated agent like us, Vanuatu Advance Citizenship. We’ll then manage your application for you. It requires passing due diligence checks, providing required documentation (including police clearance and medical records), and attending a virtual citizenship ceremony. Once approved, you'll receive your passport, which offers visa-free travel to over 100 countries.

The cost of Vanuatu citizenship depends on which program you apply through. The Development Support Program (DSP) starts at US$130,000 for a single applicant, increasing to US$150,000 for a married couple, US$165,000 for a family of three, and US$180,000 for a family of four. The Capital Investment Plan (CIIP) offers a flat rate of US$155,000 for individuals and up to four family members, of which US$50,000 is a redeemable investment. You’ll get US$50,000 back after 4 years. Additional dependents cost US$25,000 each. Both programs require a non-refundable due diligence fee of US$5,500 to be paid at the start of the process. You then pay the main fees after you have been approved.

To be eligible for Vanuatu citizenship, you must be a high-net-worth individual, at least 18 years old, and have no serious criminal convictions. You’ll need to hold a valid passport, present a police clearance certificate, and make a minimum investment through the Vanuatu government starting from US$130,000 (DSP) or US$155,000 (CIIP). You’ll also need to pay the upfront non-refundable due diligence fees of US$5,500.

Yes, your family can apply with you. Spouses, children under 25, and parents over 50 can be included in a single application. The DSP program costs US$150,000 for a married couple and US$180,000 for a family of four, while the CIIP program offers a flat rate of US$155,000 for individuals and their up to four family members. Additional dependents can be added for US$25,000 each. Each family member will need to provide their personal documents and pass the due diligence checks, but the process is handled as one application.

For the first stage of the application, you'll need to provide: a passport copy (valid for at least 6 months), police clearance report, photo ID or driver's license, birth certificate, and marriage certificate (if applicable). These will all need to be notarized. You’ll also need to include a resume showing your education and employment history. Then, once stage 1 of your application is approved, you'll need to provide: a medical certificate, color photo (40mm x 50mm), bank reference and 6-month statement, notarized asset report, three professional references, employment letter, and proof of residential address (like a utility bill).

There are no interviews, citizenship tests, or English/French tests required. The process is 100% digital and can be completed remotely from anywhere in the world. You simply submit your documents online and attend a virtual citizenship ceremony once approved.

No, you don't need to travel to Vanuatu at any point during the citizenship process. The entire application can be completed 100% online from anywhere in the world, including the oath-taking ceremony which you can attend virtually. Once approved, your passport and citizenship certificate will be securely delivered to you via a reputable courier, such as DHL. You don’t need to reside in Vanuatu at any time either. This makes the country’s citizenship program one of the most convenient and hassle-free options available, especially for high-net-worth individuals who value their time.

Yes, you can keep your other citizenship(s) since Vanuatu recognizes dual citizenship. You are not required to renounce your previous nationality when becoming a Vanuatu citizen.

No, the Government of Vanuatu doesn’t share citizenship information with other countries. It processes all applications with strict confidentiality. This is especially useful if you’re from a country that doesn't recognize dual citizenship. Our process ensures your application details remain private and confidential, with no automatic sharing of information with foreign authorities.

You can get your Vanuatu passport in 45 days, which can extend to 60 days depending on how quickly you provide the required documents. The key factors affecting the timeline are the speed of submitting your notarized documents, passing the FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit) clearance which takes 7-10 days, and the timing of the Screening Committee meetings which occur twice a month. Once approved by the Citizenship Commission, your passport is delivered to you by secure courier within 5 days.

Yes, your funds are secure and protected with Vanuatu Advance Citizenship (VAC) as we’re an official agent appointed by the Government of Vanuatu. You can verify this on the government Citizenship Office’s official register—we are number 39 on the list. Our appointment means we’re authorized to process citizenship applications, take payments, and handle client funds on behalf of Vanuatu’s authorities. Our offices are in Port Vila (Vanuatu) and Sydney (Australia). You only pay the main fee once your application is approved.

No, the Government of Vanuatu outsources the processing of all citizenship applications to authorized agents who are registered on the official government website. As an authorized partner, VAC handles the entire application process, ensures secure payment processing, and manages communication with government authorities on your behalf. You can view our listing on the government’s official register.