Coast of Vanuatu from the air

Vanuatu citizenship by investment

Second Vanuatu citizenship for an investor and family

Cost
from $115,000
Timeline
2-3 months
Residence
Not required
Free eligibility check

A second passport for the whole family. No move, no trip to Vanuatu.

A government program that grants citizenship without a prior residence permit and without a residency requirement. Family members can be included in the application. The cost starts at $115,000: $165,000 goes into the fund for a family of up to four, and $50,000 comes back after 5 years.

Through the fund

from $115,000

Fund: $165,000 for a family of up to 4, $50,000 returned after 5 years

Calculate for my family

2-3months

to citizenship after the full document set is ready

85countries

visa-free, visa on arrival or online authorisation

0trips

to Vanuatu: the oath is online, biometrics in Moscow, St Petersburg, Dubai or Singapore

What you getVanuatu

Citizenship, not a residence permit

Once approved, the applicant receives full Vanuatu citizenship and the right to obtain a national passport. This is a permanent legal status, but how it can be used depends on the laws of particular countries and the holder’s individual circumstances.

A family with a consultant going through the application documentsOne application for the whole family
  1. 01A second passport

    Once the process is complete, the applicant holds citizenship and obtains a Vanuatu passport.

  2. 02No relocation required

    Taking part in the program does not require you to change your country of residence or stay in Vanuatu permanently.

  3. 03International travel

    The Vanuatu passport gives visa-free or simplified entry to a number of states. The rules of each specific country should be checked separately before travel.

  4. 04Citizenship for the family

    One application can cover the main applicant and the family members who meet the program requirements.

  5. 05Dual citizenship

    Vanuatu allows dual citizenship. Whether you can keep your current passport also depends on the law of your present country of citizenship.

  6. 06No annual renewal

    Citizenship does not need to be renewed every year. The national passport has a set validity period and is then reissued in the usual way.

Two routesGovernment programmes

Two ways in. We help you choose.

The cost depends on the family composition, the ages of the participants and related expenses. Before the process begins we prepare a full calculation and show the government contribution, mandatory fees and the cost of support separately.

Young coconut plantation

Program 1 · non-refundable

Development Support Program

$130,000

Contribution to the government development fund

A single applicant - from $130,000, a couple - from $150,000, a couple and one child - from $165,000, a couple and two children - from $180,000. Each additional person in the application - plus $26,500.

The contribution is non-refundable.

Calculate this route
Harvested coconuts under palm trees

Program 2 · partially refundable

Lower cost for a family

Coconut Oil Fund

$157,000

Contribution to the fund (family of 1-4 - one price)

$50,000 returned after 5 years · with the due diligence fee, net $115,000

The basis is the current investment plan approved by the government of Vanuatu. One price for any family of up to four, each additional person - plus $26,500. The contribution is made as a single payment before filing, and the funds are held in the fund for the set period.

The amount, the holding period and the terms on which part of the investment is returned are set out in the investment plan documents. We confirm the current wording of those terms before the agreement is signed.

Calculate this route

The amount shown is preliminary. The final calculation is fixed after the family composition and the current program conditions are checked. The government contribution is not a refundable investment.

CalculationGovernment costs

How much for your family

Choose the route and the family. The figures are the published government rates; our fee is agreed separately in the contract.

Coconut Oil Fund

Vanuatu

Route

Spouse
1
Children under 18
2
Contribution to the fund (family of 1-4 - one price)$157,000
Due diligence check (FIU)$8,000
Birth certificate and local Vanuatu ID$1,000
Biometric passport$2,000
Translations, notary, apostille$2,000

Paid now

$170,000

Returned

$50,000 · 5 years

Net for the family

$120,000

A preliminary estimate. The final calculation is fixed after we check the family and the current programme terms.

How we work

You sign. We do the rest.

We support the whole process, from the first check to receiving the passport. Before work begins the client receives a clear plan, a cost estimate, a list of documents and an assessment of possible risks.

Free eligibility check A lawyer goes through the documents with a coupleOne personal manager
  1. 01
    We check before the contract

    Before any contract, while we are still talking, we run a free preliminary due diligence: we check you against the databases and confirm that the application has a high chance of approval. We take on a case only when we are confident in the result.

  2. 02
    We prepare the documents and the financial part

    We take document preparation off your hands completely: we assemble the set, translate and certify it and bring every document into line with the programme requirements. You do not spend a minute on it and do not risk a mistake: we answer for accuracy, and if an error does slip through, we correct it at our own cost.

  3. 03
    We arrange a convenient way to pay

    We take care of payment entirely: we find a convenient and lawful way to pay for your situation and agree the payment structure in advance so that the transfer passes all checks smoothly. We keep transfer fees and costs to a minimum and plan the whole payment route for you, so there is nothing to worry about.

  4. 04
    We coordinate the whole process

    We take all your documents through the Vanuatu authorities ourselves. For the few certificates that are issued only to you in person, such as a police certificate or a bank reference, we give you ready templates and exact instructions on where to get them: all that is left is to sign. A personal manager is always in touch and tells you what to do next at every step.

  5. 05
    Oath and biometrics without long trips

    We arrange the oath online, a well-established format. For biometrics we bring an authorised Vanuatu commissioner to a city convenient for you: sessions take place in Dubai, Singapore, Moscow and St Petersburg. You and your family do not need to fly anywhere: the commissioner comes to you, takes the biometrics, and your part of the process is done.

  6. 06
    We help after the passport is issued

    Our work does not end with the passport. We obtain citizenship for a newborn, a new spouse and parents, apostille documents, obtain a driving licence and certificates, register and run a company, and when you decide, arrange Greek residence or residence in any other country. Everything a Vanuatu citizen needs, we do in one place: we stay your friends for good.

  7. 07
    We always stay in touch

    After the passport is issued the client stays with us. We help obtain citizenship for children, newborns and new spouses, get an apostille, renew or replace the passport, obtain the necessary documents and handle other matters of a Vanuatu citizen. You can come to us a month or several years later: we know your history and keep helping.

    Services after the passport

Stages2-3 months

Six steps to the passport

How the Vanuatu citizenship process runs

  1. 01Preliminary check

    We study the situation of the applicant and the family: citizenship, documents, source of funds and possible reasons for an additional check.

  2. 02Document preparation

    We draw up a personal document list, check the documents and prepare explanations for the financial side of the case.

  3. 03Filing the application

    Once preparation is complete, we arrange the official filing and track the documents through the process.

  4. 04Check and decision

    The competent authorities carry out the check and take the decision. If there are further requests, we prepare the necessary answers and documents.

  5. 05Oath and registration of citizenship

    After approval we arrange the steps the procedure requires and the issue of the citizenship documents.

  6. 06Receiving the passport

    We oversee the issue and handover of the passport to the client, then explain how to use it and how it is reissued later.

TravelBRIDGES passport index

Travelling on a Vanuatu passport

The Vanuatu passport gives visa-free or simplified entry to a number of states. Visa rules change, so the requirements of a specific country must be checked before every trip.

Father and child at the airport window85 countries without a consulate visit

49

visa-free

29

visa on arrival

7

online authorisation

Visa in advance

For a number of countries a visa must be obtained in advance. The Vanuatu passport does not give visa-free entry to the Schengen area or the United Kingdom.

Visa-free

Hong Kong · Singapore · Malaysia · Indonesia · The Philippines · Thailand (on arrival or visa-free, under the current rules) · Most Caribbean states · Georgia · Armenia · Kazakhstan · Kyrgyzstan · Russia

Electronic authorisation

Türkiye · Sri Lanka · Kenya · Tanzania · Zambia · Uganda

Visa on arrival

UAE · Jordan · Egypt · The Maldives · Nepal · Cambodia

Visa required in advance

The Schengen countries · The United Kingdom · Ireland · The USA · Canada · Australia · New Zealand · Japan · South Korea · China

The list reflects the rules on the date the page was updated and is for reference: receiving states change visa regimes without prior notice. We prepare a current list for your destination on the date of your enquiry. All countries in the passport index

ComparisonCaribbean and Pacific

Why Vanuatu is chosen first

Vanuatu stands out for a short processing time and no residency requirement. Still, the choice should be compared not only on price and speed but also on travel options, banking needs, family composition, the applicant check and long-term plans.

VanuatuSt Kitts & NevisGrenadaDominicaAntigua & Barbuda
Budgetfrom $115,000from $250,000from $235,000from $200,000from $230,000
Processing time2-3 monthsfrom 4 monthsfrom 8 monthsfrom 6 monthsfrom 6 months
Residence required before citizenshipNoNoNoNoNo
Family applicationYesYesYesYesYes
Schengen visa-freeNoYesYesYesYes

The comparison is general. Program conditions and entry rules may change. Before choosing a country we check the current requirements and assess the client’s situation.

Questions

What clients ask first

Download the guide
Do I need to live in Vanuatu?

No. Obtaining citizenship under the investment program does not require years of residence in the country.

Do I need to travel to Vanuatu for the oath and biometrics?

No. The oath is taken online, and biometrics are taken by an authorised Vanuatu commissioner at an off-site session, for example in Moscow, St Petersburg, Dubai or Singapore. The applicant and family do not need to fly to Vanuatu.

Do I need a residence permit first?

No. The application is filed directly for citizenship.

How long does the process take?

For a standard case the indicative timeline is 2-3 months once the documents are ready. The actual time depends on the applicant check and the work of the government authorities.

How much does the program cost?

Through the fund - from $115,000: $165,000 is paid for a family of up to four, and $50,000 is returned after 5 years. The non-refundable contribution for a single applicant starts at $130,000. The full cost depends on the family composition and mandatory related expenses. We provide a detailed calculation before the application starts.

Can I include my spouse and children?

Yes. A spouse, children and certain other family members can be included in a family application where the program requirements are met.

Can I keep my other citizenship?

Vanuatu allows dual citizenship. At the same time you need to take into account the rules of the country whose citizenship you already hold.

Does a Vanuatu passport give visa-free Schengen?

No. A Vanuatu passport holder needs the relevant visa to travel to the Schengen area.

Is a visa required for the United Kingdom?

Yes. A citizen of Vanuatu must obtain a visa in advance to travel to the United Kingdom.

How long is the passport valid?

A biometric Vanuatu passport is issued for 10 years to adults and for 5 years to children. A standard non-biometric passport for 5 years is also available at the same price. It is reissued once that period ends.

Is the Development Support Program contribution refundable?

No. The Development Support Program contribution is non-refundable. Where another investment option is offered on this page, its refund terms have to be considered separately.

What happens if the application is refused?

That depends on the stage of the case and on which costs have already been paid. Before the work starts we explain the payment structure and which amounts may be non-refundable.

Can family members be added later?

Yes. A spouse, children and parents can be added after citizenship is granted - through a separate application within the established rules. There is no deadline for adding relatives.

Is citizenship passed to children born later?

Yes, children born after citizenship is granted receive it by descent. We take care of preparing the child’s certificate and passport.

Can a third party pay the contribution?

In certain cases sponsor payment is possible - with confirmation of the source of funds and of the link between the applicant and the payer. We agree the payment structure before filing so the transfer clears compliance.

Can I pay with cryptocurrency?

The government fund accepts bank transfers. If your capital is held in cryptocurrency, at the consultation we will map out a legal structure for conversion and proof of source of funds - we have handled such cases before.

TimelineOfficial decisions

What has changed in the programme

  1. July 31, 2026

    According to the Vanuatu Ministry of Finance, the citizenship program brought in about $97 million in the first half of 2026 - roughly 39% of state budget revenue. This does not affect applicants: the program remains in force and the filing conditions have not changed.

  2. July 21, 2026

    The Prime Minister of Vanuatu presented more than 200 naturalisation certificates at an official ceremony. For applicants this confirms that documents are being issued normally.

  3. January 14, 2025

    Regulation (EU) 2025/11 published: Vanuatu moved to the list of countries whose citizens require a visa to enter the EU. Vanuatu passport holders need a visa to travel to the Schengen area.

Palm coast of Vanuatu from above

Passport in 2-3 months. Start with a free check.

Tell us why you need a second passport and whom you want to include in the application. We will make a preliminary assessment, explain the limitations and suggest the next step if the Vanuatu program really fits.

Start a free check

INITIAL ASSESSMENT

Tell us what outcome your family needs

We will design a solution for your case, choose the country and the right status, and take the whole process through to the result.

Or message us on WhatsApp or Telegram

Anna Kovalevskaya, lead lawyer at BRIDGES GLOBAL
Anna KovalevskayaLead lawyer, citizenship and residency, 12 years of practice