The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program in 2025 is one of the fastest and most advantageous ways to acquire a second passport, offering visa-free access to over 100 countries, zero tax on worldwide income, remote processing without residence requirements, favorable family terms, and completion within as little as 1–2 months.


Vanuatu is a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, comprising more than 80 islands in Melanesia, east of Australia and west of Fiji. The country enjoys a warm tropical climate with a wet season from November to April and a drier period from May to October. The official languages are English, French, and the local Bislama. The economy of Vanuatu is primarily based on agriculture and tourism.


The Citizenship by Investment Program (Development Support Program, DSP) was launched by the Government of Vanuatu in 2017. It provides citizenship in exchange for a non-refundable contribution to the national Development Support Fund. The minimum investment amount is USD 130,000 for a single applicant. The contribution increases with family size – for example, USD 150,000 for a couple, USD 165,000 for a family of three, and USD 180,000 for a family of four. The processing time is among the fastest worldwide – just 1–2 months to obtain a passport.


In addition to the standard non-refundable DSP contribution, Vanuatu has introduced a new investment option – a contribution to the Coconut Oil Fund (CNO Future Fund / Coconut Fund), serving as an alternative citizenship investment route. The funds are directed toward developing coconut oil production, an environmentally friendly and renewable resource crucial for the country’s export economy. The minimum contribution for a family of up to four people under this option is around USD 157,000, with an additional USD 26,500 per extra family member.


After five years, part of the investment (starting from USD 50,000) can be refunded, provided all program conditions are met.

Legal Framework for Obtaining Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program is legally established and regulated under the Vanuatu Citizenship Act and the 2016 Citizenship (Contribution Program) Regulation. Citizenship granted through investment is fully recognized by the state, and new citizens enjoy the same legal rights as native citizens.


The minimum contribution to the National Development Fund is USD 130,000 for a single investor. The amount increases depending on the number of dependents: USD 150,000 for couples, USD 165,000 for families of three, and USD 180,000 for families of four (plus an additional fee per extra dependent).


In addition to the DSP, the alternative investment route through the CNO Future Fund allows applicants to contribute to sustainable coconut oil production.


The minimum contribution for a family of up to four people is around USD 157,000, with an additional USD 26,500 for each extra family member. After five years, part of the funds – up to USD 50,000 – can be refunded if the program’s conditions are met. Applicants also pay standard due diligence and administrative fees.

This option suits those who prefer contributing to a tangible development project rather than simply donating to the state, potentially recovering part of their investment while supporting sustainable growth.


Eligibility requirements are clearly defined by law. The main applicant must be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record (police certificate required), and be in good health (medical certificate confirming no serious illnesses). Applicants must also prove financial solvency, showing at least USD 250,000 in savings or investments. The legality of funds must be confirmed through due diligence checks. Vanuatu officially allows dual citizenship, so applicants are not required to renounce their original nationality.

Benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

  • Freedom of travel
    The Vanuatu passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 100 countries, including key destinations in Asia and Oceania such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, as well as several Caribbean, South American, and African nations. Despite the temporary suspension of visa-free access to the Schengen Zone in 2022, Vanuatu citizenship remains highly valuable for global mobility.
  • Tax optimization
    Vanuatu imposes no taxes on worldwide income, dividends, capital gains, inheritance, or gifts. This creates a favorable environment for entrepreneurs, investors, and crypto holders seeking confidentiality and zero global tax liability.
  • Fast processing – from 1 to 2 months
    Vanuatu offers one of the world’s fastest second passport programs, taking only 4–8 weeks after submission of the full documentation. The government conducts prompt checks and approvals without lengthy interviews or examinations. There are no language or residency requirements. This speed makes the program ideal for investors seeking a quick “Plan B”.
  • Family eligibility and hereditary citizenship
    The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program allows the inclusion of family members in a single application – spouse, children, and parents.

    The citizenship is granted for life and is hereditary, meaning future generations automatically inherit it.
  • Remote processing without residency requirements
    Applicants are not required to visit or reside in Vanuatu before or after receiving citizenship. The entire process can be completed remotely via licensed agents.

    Oath-taking and biometric submissions can be arranged abroad, usually in designated jurisdictions such as Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, or Dubai. This flexibility allows investors to obtain a second passport without disrupting their lifestyle.

How to obtain Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment:
Step-by-Step Guide

Consultation and program selection
Contact a licensed agent for eligibility assessment and program details. Once your eligibility is confirmed, a service agreement is signed, and you proceed to documentation.
Document preparation
Collect and notarize copies of passports, birth and marriage certificates, police clearance, medical certificates, and proof of funds (bank statements). All documents must be translated into English and legalized.
Pre-screening and due diligence
Your background and finances are verified before official submission to minimize rejection risk. Government due diligence fees apply.
Approval and investment transfer
Once approved in principle, the applicant transfers the contribution (to DSP or the CNO Future Fund) and pays applicable fees.

Upon confirmation of payment, the government issues the citizenship approval.
Oath and passport issuance
Applicants take an oath of allegiance (can be done remotely at a consulate), receive citizenship certificates, and obtain passports valid for 10 years, renewable at consulates.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment