Vanuatu

The Republic of Vanuatu comprises of approximately 80 islands of which 65 are inhabited. The islands of Vanuatu are located approximately 1700 kilometres from north-east of Australia. Vanuatu has a population of 270,000 and is a member of the Commonwealth. The official languages on the island are French, English and Bislama. Vanuatu is famously known to be one of the happiest places in the world with local Vanuatuan’s enjoying a life expectancy of 71.

The Prime Minister has recently relaunched the citizenship by investment programme to establish the Vanuatu Development Support Programme. The Vanuatu Development Support Programme is designed to attract foreign direct investment on the island and promote economic growth within the region. Citizenship can be acquired by making a donation in the Vanuatu Development Support Fund.

Benefits

Fast processing time of one month.
No residency requirements.
Visa free travel to over 120 countries including the UK, Schengen Region, Russia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
No Interview Requirements.
No Language Requirements.
No Education or work experience requirements.
Limited taxation: no income or corporation taxation.
Dual citizenship is allowed.

Facts

Vanuatu is a former colony of the United Kingdom and France.
Vanuatu has a population of approximately 250,000.
Over 113 indigenous languages are spoken in Vanuatu.
The main religion in Vanuatu is Christianity.
Vanuatu produces a famous narcotic drink call Kava.

Economy

Tourism revenue accounts for 20 per cent of GDP in Vanuatu.
The agriculture and the service sector provides employment to majority of the country’s population.
Majority of tourists are from Australia.
Australia and China have been providing significant amounts of foreign direct investment in recent years.

Donation in the Vanuatu Development Support Fund

The following fees shall be applicable through the government donation option:

Single Applicant

Donation: $80,000
Government Fees: $25,000

Applicant and Spouse

Donation: $100,000
Government Fees: $30,000

Family (2 Adults & 2 Children)

Required Contribution: $130,000
Government Fees: $30,000

* Fees are subject to change

Process

Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit Check (Timeframe: 2 – 4 days)

Prior to the application process, a financial and criminal background check will be carried out on all applicants over the age of 18. If the applicants successfully pass the checks, the committee will submit the application to the citizenship commission. The main applicant will be required to make a deposit payment should the applicant successfully pass the FIU checks.

Approval or Rejection stage (Timeframe: 2 - 4 weeks)

The secretary general of the citizenship commission office should provide a decision on the application within 2 weeks. If the application is approved, the commission will request the outstanding payment.

Issuance of Passport and Citizenship documents (Timeframe: 3 weeks)

The client is required to travel to Vanuatu for the oath swearing ceremony. Alternatively, the applicant can request the ministers to travel to your country of residence to initiate the ceremony at an extra cost. The passports should be issued after the oath swearing ceremony. The whole process will take around two months to complete.

General Requirements

Main applicant should be at least 18 years old.
Applicant should have no previous criminal record and be of good character.
Applicant should be able to make the full investment.

Eligibility of Dependents

A spouse of the main applicant.
Children under the age of 18 of the main applicant or spouse.
Children between the age of 18 -25 who are in full time attendance at a recognized institution of higher learning and are fully supported by the main applicant.
Parents or grandparents of the main applicant and spouse above the age of 65 living with and fully supported by the main applicant.