Under its new chair, Charles Maniel, the Citizenship Commission has introduced a government‑integrated invoicing process for CBI payments, designed to curb corrupt practices that have caused losses and harmed the programme’s reputation.
How the Application Process Changes
According to the new rules, program agents are obliged to use a streamlined, government‑integrated invoicing system so that every fee is billed and deposited into government accounts — specifically routed through the Ministry of Finance and into the Treasury.
The updated approach standardises payment instructions, automates invoicing, and adds compliance checks to close the loopholes, eliminate private handling and strengthen audit trails.
The new payment system took effect immediately after introduction.
How to Obtain Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment
Vanuatu citizenship by investment is available to foreign investors and their families, including children up to 25 and parents over 55, through two pathways:
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a non-refundable contribution;
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the purchase of shares of the CNO Future Fund holding company.
Under the contribution option, government‑mandated levels are set at $130,000 for a single applicant, $150,000 for a married couple, $165,000 for a couple with one child and $180,000 for a couple with two children, with $15,000 for each additional dependent.
The CNO Future Fund route — created to promote sustainability and expand coconut oil production — requires a minimum of $157,000 for a family of up to five, plus $25,000 for each additional family member.
As part of the process, applicants pass due diligence by the Financial Intelligence Unit and submit biometrics in person either in Vanuatu or at one of the country's approved overseas representations. The entire process of Vanuatu citizenship acquisition takes 2+ months.
