For citizenship under the Vanuatu Golden Visa Program, candidates must contribute a non-refundable sum of $130,000 to a designated government fund. After receiving the funds, the government of Vanuatu distributes them to various economic sectors.
Let’s discuss the speedy processing times that set the Vanuatu Golden Visa Program apart from others worldwide and its minimal requirements, such as no physical presence or language test obligations.
The benefits of obtaining a second passport through this scheme will be highlighted, including visa-free travel and enhanced global mobility due to dual citizenship provisions. We’ll also explore conditions under which family members may qualify for inclusion and alternative pathways towards gaining Vanuatu citizenship.
Finally, we will touch upon unique aspects like cryptocurrency investment acceptance and the importance of comprehensive support services ensuring a smooth transition on your journey to obtain Vanuatu citizenship. So if you’re wondering how to get a Vanuatu Golden Visa, stay tuned for an enlightening exploration.
How to Get Vanuatu Golden Visa: Complete Guide for Investors
Vanuatu Golden Visa: How to Invest in Paradise
Vanuatu offered a citizenship-by-investment program known as the Vanuatu Golden Visa. This program allowed individuals to obtain citizenship in Vanuatu by financially contributing to the country’s development fund.
To start participating in an investment program, you must:
be at least 18;
have a clean criminal record;
be in good health;
have enough financial resources.
Eligible applicants were required to make a non-refundable donation to the government. The amount varied depending on the number of individuals applying, but it generally started at around $130,000 for a single applicant and increased for additional family members.
The Vanuatu Golden Visa provides several benefits, including potential tax advantages and the right to live, work, and study in Vanuatu.
Vanuatu accepts cryptocurrency investments, showing how forward-thinking and technologically advanced they are.
8 Benefits of Vanuatu Golden Visa Program
1. Speedy processing time. Unlike other Citizenship by Investment programs worldwide, Vanuatu’s Golden Visa program is a speed demon. You’ll have your new passport in no time.
2. No residency or language test requirements. Vanuatu doesn’t require you to live in their country or pass language tests. You can continue with your daily routine while waiting for approval. It’s the ultimate convenience.
3. Enhanced global mobility. Dual citizenship permission allows you to vote, work, own property, and access government benefits in both countries. Plus, having two passports provides an extra layer of security and flexibility during international crises.
4. Joining family members. Spouses, children and parents of the investor can be included in the investor’s application immediately or be attached after the investor has obtained a Vanuatu passport.
5. Tax advantages. Vanuatu has a favourable tax regime with no income, capital gains, or inheritance tax. It can be beneficial for individuals seeking to minimise their tax liabilities.
6. Residence options. Vanuatu citizenship offers the right to live, work, and study in Vanuatu at any time. It can be particularly attractive for those who wish to enjoy the country’s natural beauty, warm climate, and relaxed lifestyle.
7. Investment opportunities. Vanuatu is rich in natural resources and offers various investment opportunities, such as real estate, tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy. You may have easier access to these investment prospects as a Vanuatu citizen.
8. Financial privacy. Vanuatu has strong privacy laws that protect individuals' financial information. It can benefit those seeking to maintain their financial privacy and confidentiality.
Vanuatu is located in the South Pacific Ocean in Oceania and is an archipelago of about 80 small islands, 65 of which are inhabited
Vanuatu Golden Visa Family Inclusion
Secure second citizenship for yourself and your loved ones with the Vanuatu Golden Visa program. Dependents can qualify under certain conditions, making it a comprehensive solution for your family’s future.
The program also applies to the investor’s immediate relatives:
a spouse;
parents over 65 years old;
children under the age of 25.
Additional charges, such as due diligence, will cost $5,000 for a family. Processing and legal fees may also apply and can vary depending on the number of dependents included in the application.
Cost of Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
Investment-based citizenship in Vanuatu is priced at a contribution to the government fund plus other costs. The donation amount varies based on the number of applicants and starts at $130,000.
The minimum investment required was as follows:
single applicant: a non-refundable contribution of at least $130,000;
applicant with spouse: a non-refundable contribution of at least $150,000.
Additional fees and charges, such as due diligence will cost $5,000 for a family. Processing fees, and legal fees, may also apply and can vary depending on the number of dependents included in the application.
Vanuatu Golden Visa Document Requirements
Applicant CV.
Passport.
Birth, marriage and divorce certificates.
Proof of paid application fees.
Photographs.
Certified Police Clearance Reports Prove you have a clean legal history.
Medical examination report with HIV test results from the past three months.
How to Obtain Vanuatu Citizenship
The step-by-step procedure for the Vanuatu Golden Visa includes the following stages.
4 days
Preliminary paperwork
The lawyers prepare documents for verification by the country’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU):
the applicant’s passport;
no criminal record certificate;
CV.
The lawyers prepare documents for verification by the country’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU):
the applicant’s passport;
no criminal record certificate;
CV.
1 week
FIU verification
The lawyers send the set of documents to the agent in Vanuatu. After that, the documents are transferred to the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), which performs the initial check on the investor and their family.
The lawyers send the set of documents to the agent in Vanuatu. After that, the documents are transferred to the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), which performs the initial check on the investor and their family.
2 weeks
Preparation of the second part of the documents
When approval from the FIU is received, the process of preparing the necessary documents begins. The investor must provide the required paperwork to the lawyers, and they, in turn, provide their notarisation, translation and filling out the necessary forms under the requirements of the Golden Visa Program.
When approval from the FIU is received, the process of preparing the necessary documents begins. The investor must provide the required paperwork to the lawyers, and they, in turn, provide their notarisation, translation and filling out the necessary forms under the requirements of the Golden Visa Program.
2 weeks
Submission and consideration of the application
The investor transfers 25% of the investment stipulated in the program. The lawyers send the completed application, including the relevant documents, to Vanuatu, and then The Screening Committee and Citizenship Commission review them.
The investor transfers 25% of the investment stipulated in the program. The lawyers send the completed application, including the relevant documents, to Vanuatu, and then The Screening Committee and Citizenship Commission review them.
Up to 2 months
Fulfilment of the investment condition
Once the Citizenship Commission approves the investor’s application, the investment condition is to be satisfied. The applicant must make the remaining 75% of their contribution to the fund within 90 days.
Once the Citizenship Commission approves the investor’s application, the investment condition is to be satisfied. The applicant must make the remaining 75% of their contribution to the fund within 90 days.
2 weeks
Taking an oath of allegiance and obtaining a passport
The Citizenship Commission issues a certificate of naturalisation and forwards a passport request to the passport office. The investor and the other applicants then have to take an oath of allegiance.
The Citizenship Commission issues a certificate of naturalisation and forwards a passport request to the passport office. The investor and the other applicants then have to take an oath of allegiance.
How Long Does Vanuatu Passport Valid?
The Vanuatu passport obtained through the Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) is valid for 10 years. After this initial period, the passport can be renewed for a subsequent ten-year period.
However, immigration and citizenship policies can change over time, so it’s always recommended to consult official sources or contact the Vanuatu government or authorised agents for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding passport validity and renewal procedures.
What are the disadvantages of the Vanuatu Golden Visa?
Since May 2023, residents of Vanuatu couldn’t enter Schengen nations without a visa. The European Council’s demands must be met by the government of Vanuatu, with the most crucial being strengthening the due diligence process.
However, the Vanuatu passport still provides other travel and business opportunities, including but not limited to visa-free access to 99 countries.
Alternative Golden Visas with Access to Schengen Area
Investment program
Costs
Term of obtaining
€150,000+
When renting real estate in the south of Malta or on the Gozo island
2—4 months is the application processing time
€500,000+
2—3 months
€250,000+
2—6 months
€250,000+
The applicant’s expenses
3 months
AED 750,000+
2 months
$870,000+
5 years
Alternative Pathways to Vanuatu Citizenship
Aside from the Golden Visa Program, there are other ways to gain Vanuatuan citizenship:
marriage: eligible for naturalisation after ten years of living together in the country;
birth: a person born in Vanuatu automatically acquires citizenship if at least one parent is a citizen;
residence: citizenship by residence involves residing continuously within the country for a specified period before applying for naturalisation.
The flexibility and inclusivity of the Golden Visa scheme enhance its appeal, particularly among wealthy investors seeking to diversify global mobility options while ensuring familial security.
Why Vanuatu Golden Visa is a Cryptocurrency Investor’s Dream Come True
The Vanuatu Golden Visa Program accepts cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum as a form of investment. This flexibility is perfect for those who want to diversify their portfolio and gain international mobility. Transactions are more rapid and dependable than traditional banking approaches.
Investing in Vanuatu Golden Visa using cryptocurrency is an attractive proposition for wealthy individuals seeking to enhance their international mobility and contribute to the economic development of this beautiful island nation.
With minimal physical presence requirements and speedy processing times, it’s the ideal solution for today’s globally mobile high-net-worth individual.
Conclusion
Vanuatu offers a simple, speedy application process, minimal requirements, and comprehensive support services.
It usually takes 1—2 months to obtain Vanuatu citizenship. Vanuatu Golden Visa can only be applied for through a licensed agent.
With a second passport, you’ll enjoy tax privileges and dual citizenship provisions that enhance your flexibility in international business dealings.
Download our complete guide to learn everything you need about 9 popular Golden Visa programs.
Benefits
Investment options
Eligibility requirements
Processing times