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CITIZENSHIP IN VANUATU



Many investors doing business around the world prefer to obtain dual citizenship. And many businessmen are turning their attention to Vanuatu's second citizenship. The option under consideration is particularly in demand among players in the crypto industry, for example. But it can be attractive not only to business people but also to people who like to travel and want to secure assets. Now this rated option opens up the following benefits.


Pros of the considered option in Vanuatu


After granting Vanuatu Investment Citizenship Holder status, the following benefits will become available:

  • Vanuatu visa free travel options – 130+ countries including 45 European
  • Beneficial tax opportunities
  • Easy browsing process
  • Zero language requirements
  • No residency requirements
  • High degree of privacy and security of individual and business details
  • Lack of tax cooperation agreements with foreign government bodies
  • Ease of opening accounts and a high level of banking privacy
  • Charming landscapes and living conditions


    Basic information


    The opportunity to obtain Vanuatu citizenship was established in 2016 and finally accepted by local government authorities in 2017. The main objective of the Development Support Program was to stimulate economic growth, promote the development of the market of labor and ensure a balanced approach to budget formation. This is also a family-friendly citizenship option, as family members are eligible and allowed to apply (specifically, the primary applicant, spouse and child under 18, and the primary applicant's parents under the age of 55). The procedure for obtaining a Vanuatu passport is not burdened with formalities.


    Applicable Requirements


    There are certain features that every applicant must anticipate in order to become eligible:

  • Primary applicant age must be 18-65 years at time of submission for consideration
  • All applicants must have USD 500,000 in net assets (including USD 250,000 in bank assets) at the time of application
  • A 25% deposit of consideration costs is required at the time of submission (the remaining 75% of consideration costs must be paid after in-principle approval
  • Lack of criminal record evidenced by relevant certificates from the jurisdiction in which the applicant has resided during the previous 12 months and (if different) from the country of primary nationality


    Necessary expenses


    The procedure for granting Vanuatu citizenship by investment requires the payment of the range of payments provided for by law:


    The main applicant must pay an amount, the value of which varies:

  • 130,000 USD for 1 applicant
  • USD 150,000 per principal applicant and spouse couple
  • USD 165,000 for main applicant, spouse and one child
  • USD 180,000 main applicant, one spouse and two children
  • USD 25,000 for each additional dependent on the application (over two)


    Due Diligence Fees:


    Details to view


    If you expect to receive a Vanuatu passport, the following information and documents are expected:

  • Application forms for the main applicant, spouse, children and parents submitting a joint package.
  • Color scans of valid passports (cover page, first three pages and last three pages of documents for each applicant: for the main applicant, spouse, children and parents).
  • Color scans of ID (if applicable) for all applicants.
  • Marriage certificate translated into English (if done in another language).
  • Documentary proof of the relationship between the main applicant and his parents (birth certificates).
  • Birth certificates of the children applying.
  • Police certificates for the director and other applicants over the age of 18.
  • Recent academic certificates or reports of children aged 18-25.
  • Medical certificates for all applicants aged 18+.
  • Recent evidence of education for all dependent children applying.
  • Evidence of the requested USD 500,000 in net assets (including USD 250,000 in bank assets) that you own.
  • CV of the main candidate along with the documents proving his/her work in the company.
  • 6 color passport photos for the main applicant, spouse, children and parents.
  • Information about the company (types of activities, presence of a valid license, etc.);.


    If the said records are translated, they must also be notarized. After completing all the documents and verification procedures, the applicant can get approval from the local government authorities. He/she must then participate in the official swearing-in ceremony of a Vanuatu citizen. It should be emphasized that the oath-taking procedure can be formalized even from abroad.


    The application review process is generally clear and not associated with burdensome bureaucratic formalities. However, to be on the safe side, always work with well-informed consultants to maximize the chances of a successful application. If you need more precise consultation on the matter and assistance in forming the necessary set of application documents, our specialists will gladly help you clarify everything.


    Smart Startup UK lawyers are on hand to help collect and process documents for review.


    If you are considering the option of immigration to Vanuatu, Smart Startup UK lawyers are ready to advise you precisely on all important aspects of immigration to Vanuatu, including visa requirements for citizens of Vanuatu if you are interested in this option . The lawyers at Smart Startup UK are here to guide you on the following aspects:

  • Eligibility of you as a prospective applicant and any prospective family members
  • Consult you about the options provided by visa free countries with a Vanuatu passport
  • Collect and formalize all information for consideration
  • Searching and negotiating all details with local partners
  • Supporting the application procedure and negotiations with local government bodies
  • Calculation of Vanuatu passport costs in your case, including all due diligence costs
  • If you are looking for more details on the subject of the reviewed or other citizenship program, we suggest that you contact our specialists as soon as possible. Smart Startup UK lawyers are ready to consider each case and develop individual plans to maximize the chances of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship for future investments. You can contact us to receive your personalized offer and be fully consulted.


    Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Frequently Asked Questions


    Do you have to physically enter Vanuatu to obtain its citizenship?

  • No, it is not mandatory at all. All submissions are made remotely and through authorized representatives and agents. Even the swearing in can be done from abroad.


    Is it allowed to hold citizenship in Vanuatu?

  • Yes, it is allowed!


    How good is a Vanuatu passport?

  • The document is suitable for travel in over 130 countries, including European ones. Vanuatu citizens also enjoy preferential tax regimes and can enjoy a high level of privacy.


    Is it possible for my wife and children to also apply?

  • Yes, this opportunity is open to the main applicant's spouse, children and parents.


    Can I return the invested funds?

  • No, it is considered as a one-time payment which is non-refundable after a decision is taken in favor of the applicants. However, in the beginning, to be on the safe side, applicants can pay 25% of this amount, which can be refunded in case of rejection. Once 100% of the expected investment amount has been sent to the target fund, refunds are impossible.


    Can you guarantee a Vanuatu passport within 1 month?

  • No one can legally give you such a guarantee. The granting of Vanuatu citizenship is at the discretion of local government authorities. But it is possible to minimize the risk of rejection and doubts about an applicant after careful review of all information and documents for consideration by professional consultants.


    The lawyers at "Smart Startup UK" are ready to advise you in more detail on how to obtain a citizenship permit in Grenada - which option will be the most acceptable for you and the easiest to implement. Our lawyers will also calculate how much a residence permit in Grenada costs, taking into account all the specifics of your case.