Citizenship Programs by Investment in Port VilaPristine Pacific hub withrapid investment citizenship

How to Obtain Residence and Citizenship in Vanuatu

Grounds for residence and citizenship

Vanuatu offers one of the most efficient and straightforward citizenship by investment programs in the world. Legally established under the Citizenship Act (Cap 112) and enhanced by the Vanuatu Development Support Program (VDSP), the country allows foreign nationals to obtain citizenship through a government donation. The program is fully recognized under domestic law, provides dual citizenship rights, and requires no physical residency, interviews, or language tests.

Vanuatu is the only Pacific island nation offering citizenship by investment, positioning itself as a fast, discreet, and tax-neutral alternative to more complex golden visa schemes. It is particularly suited for high-net-worth individuals and global entrepreneurs seeking mobility, legal security, and financial freedom.

Available formats and eligibility

The Vanuatu citizenship program is currently based on a single investment route:

• Government donation: A non-refundable contribution to the Vanuatu Development Support Program. The minimum investment is $130,000 for a single applicant, $150,000 for a couple, and $180,000 for a family of four.

There is no real estate or business investment route under the current legislation. The process is fast, transparent, and managed by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission through licensed agents.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have no criminal record and pass background checks
• Demonstrate lawful source of funds
• Be in good health and able to provide medical certification

Eligible dependents include a spouse, children under 25 (if dependent), and parents aged 50 or older. Future children and spouses can be added after approval, subject to additional fees.

Step-by-step application process

One of the strongest features of the Vanuatu program is its rapid and fully remote application process. Below is a standard breakdown:

• Step 1 – Pre-screening: Submit a copy of your passport and police clearance for basic eligibility verification.
• Step 2 – Initial deposit and documentation: Pay a small due diligence fee and submit full documentation including proof of funds, personal information, medical certificate, and birth/marriage certificates.
• Step 3 – Government vetting: The Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) conducts background checks and provides a clearance certificate.
• Step 4 – Approval in principle: The Citizenship Commission grants conditional approval, typically within 20–30 working days.
• Step 5 – Final donation payment: After approval, the full contribution is paid to the government fund.
• Step 6 – Oath and citizenship certificate: The applicant takes a remote oath (via video call) and receives a Certificate of Naturalization.
• Step 7 – Passport issuance: The Vanuatu passport is issued and sent by courier to the applicant's location.

Most applicants complete the entire process within 30 to 60 days, making it the fastest legitimate citizenship acquisition in the world.

Legal and practical benefits of status

Vanuatu citizenship offers substantial legal and practical advantages for global citizens, including:

• Visa-free travel: Access to over 95 countries including the UK, Singapore, Russia, and most Commonwealth nations.
• Tax haven status: No personal income tax, wealth tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax.
• Fast processing: Approval in 30–45 days, far faster than Caribbean or European programs.
• No physical presence required: The entire process is online, with no travel to Vanuatu needed at any stage.
• Discreet and private: No public registry or disclosure of new citizens, ensuring confidentiality for applicants.
• Dual citizenship allowed: Applicants may keep their original nationality, subject to home country laws.

In addition to personal benefits, Vanuatu citizenship opens doors for offshore banking, international company formation, and global tax planning. The jurisdiction is well-known for its light regulation and asset protection features, particularly useful for entrepreneurs, traders, and high-net-worth families.

Comparison with other countries

When compared to other citizenship by investment programs, Vanuatu stands out for speed, simplicity, and cost efficiency:

• Vs. Caribbean programs (St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua): Vanuatu is faster (30–45 days vs. 4–6 months) and requires no interviews, real estate, or extended documentation. However, Caribbean passports provide access to more countries.
• Vs. Turkey: Turkey requires a $400,000 real estate investment and several months of processing, though it offers better travel access. Vanuatu is better for simplicity and confidentiality.
• Vs. European golden visas: Vanuatu offers direct citizenship, while European options typically require 5–7 years of residency. Entry thresholds and bureaucratic burden are also lower in Vanuatu.

Overall, Vanuatu is ideal for those who prioritize speed, simplicity, tax neutrality, and low entry costs — rather than extensive visa-free access or relocation options within the EU.

Cities and regions to relocate

Although Vanuatu citizenship does not require relocation, the country offers a peaceful lifestyle for those who wish to visit or live part-time. Key areas include:

• Port Vila (Efate Island): The capital and main business center with modern infrastructure, resorts, restaurants, and medical facilities.
• Luganville (Espiritu Santo): A quieter, nature-oriented town with access to diving sites, beaches, and tropical rainforests.
• Outer islands: More remote and traditional areas offering eco-retreats, low-density living, and cultural experiences.

The country is English- and French-speaking, uses the Vatu (VUV) currency, and has international flight connections to Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia. While not a mainstream expat hub, Vanuatu is valued for its seclusion, affordability, and natural beauty — ideal for digital detox, low-cost living, or private retreats.

VelesClub Int. support and services

VelesClub Int. provides comprehensive assistance for individuals and families seeking Vanuatu citizenship. Our services include:

• Pre-screening and legal consultation
• Selection of the most suitable investment package
• Document preparation, notarization, and translation
• Coordination with licensed agents and Vanuatu’s Citizenship Commission
• Secure fund transfers and compliance management
• Remote oath coordination and passport delivery

We ensure fast, compliant, and fully confidential processing, helping our clients secure second citizenship in record time — with maximum transparency and personal support. Whether you are diversifying your legal status, optimizing your tax plan, or building a legacy for future generations, VelesClub Int. is your trusted advisor for Vanuatu’s strategic citizenship solution.

Residence and Citizenship in Port Vila

Why people seek residence and citizenship in Port Vila

Port Vila, the vibrant capital of Vanuatu on the island of Efate, has become a prime destination for individuals exploring a residence permit in Vanuatu and citizenship by investment in Vanuatu. Known for its year-round tropical climate, friendly bilingual population (English and French), and burgeoning tourism infrastructure, the city offers newcomers a seamless blend of island charm and modern convenience. Waterfront cafes, duty-free shopping, and lively markets at the Sarakata River mouth create an inviting atmosphere for families, retirees, and professionals alike. Investors and entrepreneurs are drawn by stable governance under a Westminster-style system, low crime rates, and the strategic position of Port Vila as Vanuatu’s logistical hub. V. O. Nouchi International Airport offers regular flights to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, while the deep-water harbour supports cruise liners and cargo vessels—facilitating robust trade and tourism industries. Those researching how to get Vanuatu visa discover that the Citizenship by Investment Program—often termed the Vanuatu golden visa—provides rapid pathways to full citizenship and a second passport in Vanuatu within two to three months, bypassing lengthy residency requirements. Furthermore, the absence of personal income, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth taxes on foreign-sourced income enhances Port Vila’s appeal as a hub for asset protection and global mobility.

Types of residence permits and citizenship programs

Vanuatu’s immigration framework centers on two main avenues: investment-based citizenship and standard work or retirement visas, each offering distinct benefits and routes to permanent residence Vanuatu:

• Citizenship by Investment Program (DSP): Applicants donate to the Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP) — USD 130 000 for a single applicant, USD 180 000 for a family of four — granting provisional citizenship in four weeks and full citizenship, complete with passports, in two to three months. No physical-residence requirement applies.
• Real Estate & Government Bonds: Alternative DSP options include USD 200 000 minimum in government-approved real estate or USD 150 000 in government bonds, each subject to a five-year holding period. These routes provide both tangible assets and accelerated citizenship benefits.
• Work Permits: The Vanuatu National Visa scheme issues work permits for skilled professionals sponsored by local employers in tourism, marine biology, and renewable energy. While requiring periodic renewal and local compliance, these visas enable extended stays and eventual eligibility for permanent-residence applications under standard immigration channels.
• Senior Residency Scheme: Retirees aged 55+ may apply via a dedicated program—meeting health and minimum-net-worth criteria—to receive special residency status for five years, renewable thereafter, emphasizing Vanuatu’s inclusivity for diverse demographics.

Requirements and application process

Securing a residence permit in Vanuatu or citizenship through investment involves a transparent, agent-mediated process:

• Licensed Agent Engagement: Applicants must retain an accredited local agent to guide them through requirements, due diligence, and liaison with the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission.
• Document Preparation: Gather certified passports, civil documents (birth, marriage), police clearances (last ten years), medical certificates, proof of funds, and chosen investment donation receipts.
• Due Diligence Fees: Paid upfront to initiate background checks by Vanuatu’s Financial Intelligence Unit and international security firms, aligning with FATF/KYC standards.
• Provisional Approval: Granted within two to four weeks, upon which the donation or investment is transferred to escrow or designated government accounts.
• Oath & Registration: Following payment confirmation, applicants take the Oath of Allegiance—either in Port Vila or by video conference—after which the Citizenship Commission issues a Certificate of Registration.
• Passport Issuance: Passports and national ID cards are delivered within eight to twelve weeks of final approval, completing the journey to a second passport in Vanuatu.

Legal framework and government policies

Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment Program operates under the Citizenship Act (1980) and the Development Support Program Regulations, providing robust governance and oversight:

• Citizenship Act & DSP Regulations: Define eligibility, investment thresholds, application procedures, and post-grant compliance, ensuring transparency and integrity.
• Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Oversight: Enforces Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing laws, conducting KYC and AML checks on all candidates.
• Program Amendments: Periodic Cabinet reviews adjust donation amounts, investment options, and processing timelines to maintain Vanuatu’s competitiveness in the global citizenship by investment in Vanuatu market.
• Dual Citizenship Policy: Permits new citizens to retain original nationalities, although voting rights are granted only after five years of cumulative residence to balance investor privileges with civic integration.

Lifestyle, mobility, and long-term benefits

Obtaining citizenship and residency in Port Vila unlocks comprehensive personal and financial advantages:

• Global Visa-Free Access: Vanuatu passport holders travel visa-free or visa-on-arrival to over 130 countries, including the Schengen zone, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UK—enhancing business, education, and leisure mobility worldwide.
• Tax-Neutral Environment: No personal income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance taxes on foreign-sourced income. Citizens benefit from fiscal simplicity, asset protection, and optimized estate planning.
• Affordable Island Living: Cost of living in Port Vila is 25–30% below comparable Pacific capitals. Residents secure beachfront apartments, modern villas, or hillside estates with ocean views at accessible prices.
• Quality Healthcare & Education: International schools offering IB and French Baccalauréat programs operate alongside government schools. Medical services at Vila Central Hospital and private clinics ensure comprehensive care, supplemented by medical evacuation insurance options.
• Community & Culture: Islanders celebrate diverse cultural festivals—Fiji Week, Heiva, and Independence Day—alongside weekly handicraft markets. English/​French media, community clubs, and expatriate networks foster social integration.
• Environmental Stewardship: UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Chief Roi Mata Domain, and marine conservation areas underpin Vanuatu’s sustainability focus. Renewable energy projects—solar microgrids on rural islands—create jobs and lower living costs.
• Permanent Residence & Naturalization: Citizens may sponsor family members, acquire property freehold, and serve in local government after meeting five years’ residency. Naturalization pathways reinforce long-term commitment to Vanuatu’s development.

How VelesClub International helps

VelesClub International provides end-to-end, personalized services for clients pursuing a residence permit in Vanuatu and citizenship by investment in Vanuatu, with a focus on Port Vila’s unique opportunities. Our comprehensive support includes:

• Strategic Program Selection: We assess your financial capacity, family needs, and lifestyle goals to recommend the optimal pathway—DSP donation, real estate, bonds, or Senior Residency Scheme—for accelerated citizenship.
• Due Diligence & Documentation: Coordinating with licensed local agents and global vetting firms, we prepare, translate, and verify all required documents—ensuring full compliance with FIU, AML, and KYC regulations.
• Application Coordination: From initial Form DSP-1 submission through provisional approval, investment transfer, and Oath of Allegiance scheduling, we manage each phase—providing transparent status updates and proactive problem-solving.
• Relocation & Integration Services: Post-approval, we facilitate housing selection in Port Vila—waterfront apartments or hillside villas—arrange school placements, open bank accounts, and secure utilities, ensuring a smooth transition to island living.
• Ongoing Compliance & Advisory: We monitor policy updates, assist with renewal deadlines, and offer strategic advice on leveraging your Vanuatu golden visa for global mobility, wealth preservation, and estate planning, ensuring your investment and citizenship yield lifelong benefits.