Vanuatu Citizenship By Investment
Vanuatu
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Vanuatu Country Overview
Vanuatu is a small island country located in the Pacific Ocean, made up of roughly eighty islands. It is known for its lush tropical scenery, rich cultural heritage, and beautiful beaches. The country has a unique blend of Melanesian and Polynesian cultural influences, and is considered a hub of cultural diversity in the Pacific region. The island nation received independence from the United Kingdom in 1980 and has since remained a member of the Commonwealth. Because of the historical control and geographical position of the country, Vanuatu is also a member of Organisation internationale de la Francophonie and the Pacific Islands Forum.
The official languages are English, French, and Bislama, a creole language. The economy is largely based on tourism, agriculture, and offshore financial services.
There are significant benefits with regards to Vanuatu financial services and offshore banking offering to its citizens. A few of these benefits include:
- Confidentiality: Vanuatu has strict banking secrecy laws that protect the privacy of clients and their financial information
- Tax advantages: The country has a favorable tax regime, with no income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax
- Political stability: Vanuatu is a politically stable country with a history of peace and a stable government
- Location: As a Pacific Island nation, Vanuatu is in a convenient location for international business and financial transactions
- Modern banking infrastructure: The country has a modern banking sector with sophisticated technology and services
The island does rely quite heavily on tourism for its overall gross domestic product. Pre 2020, the island grew at 8.64%. After seeing a decrease in 2020, Vanuatu’s GDP is growing consistently again. The island is developing its bulk infrastructure to further provide key services for growth in hospitality and tourism, as well as improving the appeal for new residents and newly awarded citizens to make the island their home. The South Pacific Island is also known for its Citizenship by Investment Program. The program allows potential investors to become citizens of Vanuatu through making a qualified investment.
Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment Program
The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program funds the National Development Fund, providing resources for investment in the country’s most pressing needs. The program offers the opportunity to invest in Vanuatu prior to becoming a citizen, demonstrating a commitment not just to personal benefits, but to the development and improvement of the country. After completing the financial transaction and passing a due diligence, the investor will be issued with a Vanuatu passport and travel to over ninety-five countries including the United Kingdom.
Vanuatu offers a citizenship-by-investment program that allows individuals to become citizens of the country in exchange for financial investment. This program is becoming increasingly popular among high-net-worth individuals seeking a second passport for travel or business purposes. The investment required for Vanuatu citizenship is relatively low compared to other programs, and the process is relatively fast and straightforward. Additionally, Vanuatu is a beautiful and peaceful island nation with a stable economy, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a new home or investment opportunity.
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment is a popular option for individuals seeking to gain citizenship in a country that offers a range of benefits, including tax advantages and visa-free travel. Our team of experts can guide you through the application process, ensuring that you meet all the requirements and provide all the necessary documentation. We understand that the process can be complex and confusing, so we are here to help make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. With our assistance, you can obtain Vanuatu citizenship by investment and enjoy all the advantages that come with it.
Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment Program offers prospective applicants three investment options to choose from:
- A non-refundable donation to the Development Support Program (DSP) with a minimum investment starting at US$ 130,000
- A non-refundable donation to the Vanuatu Contribution Program (VCP) with a minimum investment starting at US$ 130,000
- Real Estate Option (REO): An investment in a Vanuatu Government Approved Project (VGAP) for no less than US$ 200,000
The DSP and VSP are effectively the same program with one major difference. The DSP program is offered to all international countries, except Hong Kong nationals which is reserved for VCP.
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Qualification Criteria
- Be over 18 years of age
- Have a clean criminal record
- Not have a visa rejected by one of the countries that Vanuatu has a visa-free treaty with
- Must provide proof of funds no less than $250,000
- Iran
- Iraq
- Syria
- Yemen
- North Korea
Eligible Family Members
The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program permits applicants to include an extensive selection of family members who are financially dependent on them in their applications. These individuals are:
Investment Options
There are three investment options under the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program. Two of the three options have the same investment requirements. But they have the following fees in common:
Single Applicant | Main Applicant + Spouse | Family of four family members | Family over four family members | |
Due Diligence Fee | $ 5,000 | $ 5,000 | $ 5,000 | $ 5,000 |
Passport Application Fee | $ 250 | $ 500 | $ 1,000 | $ 1,000 for family of four and $ 250 for each additional dependent |
Passport Stamp Fee | $ 500 | $ 500 | $ 800 | $ 1,000 |
1) A non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund
Applicants who wish to become citizens of the country through the National Development Fund option can do so by making a non-refundable contribution. The National Development Fund (NDF) contribution is available for both the Development Support Program (DSP) and Vanuatu Contribution Program (VCP) route.
The amount of the contribution varies depending on the size of the family. A single applicant must donate US$130,000, a couple US$150,000, a family of three US $165,000, and a family of four US$180,000. For each additional family member after the fourth, an additional donation of US$15,000 is required.
2) Real Estate (REO)
The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program’s Real Estate Option (REO) is a recent investment option for applicants. To qualify, applicants must make a real estate investment of at least US $200,000 in a Vanuatu Government Approved Project (VGAP). There is a $5,000 due diligence fee for up to a family of four. The minimum investment remains the same for a family of four members in one application. The Minister may prescribe additional fees for any other child or resident dependent on the primary application.
There are currently four approved VGA Projects as follows:
- “Pacific Springs” situated at Rentabao on the island of Efate
- “Narpow Point Coral Bay” situated at Narpow Point on the island of Efate
- “FPF Rainbow City Project” situated at Narpow Point on the island of Efate
- “Milai” situated on the island of Espiritu Santo
Investors using REO must hold on to their real estate investment for five years. After the holding period is over, investors are free to resell their real estate investments, recouping their initial outlay or at a profit.
The Process
Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment Program has a simple process consisting of a concise list of steps:
The Benefits
Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment Program has a wide array of benefits, including:
- Visa free travel: Vanuatu's passport allows its holder to access over 98 destinations worldwide, including the UK, Russia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, India and many more.
- Enhanced tax structuring: Vanuatu does not impose any income tax or wealth, capital gains, or inheritance taxes, making the South Pacific island a great option for investors that want to legally reduce their taxes.
- Additional business opportunities: Vanuatu is a fast developing nation across its eighty islands. The country has strong regional ties to Australia, New Zealand and other larger Pacific nations.
- Remote and simple process: Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment program can be done remotely without the need for any travel. The process is one of the fastest in the world and takes one to two months on average, it is one of the easiest ways to get a second citizenship.