Updated
GL-V-09
Glossary · Vanuatu citizenship
Vanuatu Citizenship Commission
The Vanuatu state body that reviews citizenship by investment applications and issues the approval letter. It meets in sessions, so the timeline depends on the next session.
01 / In 30 seconds
The short answer
- What it is
- The body that reviews citizenship by investment applications
- What it issues
- The approval letter (AIP)
- How it works
- In sessions - the timeline depends on the next one
- What is filed
- The full file after due diligence
02 / In plain words
What Vanuatu Citizenship Commission means
The Vanuatu Citizenship Commission is the state body that reviews citizenship by investment applications and makes the decision.
The Commission file is submitted after due diligence: forms, certificates, medical reports and source of funds documents. The Commission meets in sessions, so the timeline depends on which session the file reaches.
After the decision an approval letter (AIP) is issued. From then on the family has 3 months to pay and take the oath.
A simple example
The family's file went to the Commission right after the FIU letter and reached the next session. The approval letter arrived, and within 3 months the family paid and took the oath.
Where you will meet it
- Filing the full file
- Waiting for the decision
- Approval letter
- Additional requests
03 / What it covers
What to know
What it reviews
- Family forms
- Source of funds
- FIU result
How it decides
- In sessions
- On the full file
- No guarantees
What it issues
- Approval letter
- 3-month deadline
- Next step: oath
Money
- Contribution after approval
- Fund share too
- Fees by invoice
04 / How it works
The path through the Commission
File
After the FIU letter.
Session
The application is reviewed.
AIP letter
The approval decision.
3 months
Payment and oath.
05 / Key facts
Key facts
01Who decides
The Vanuatu Citizenship Commission
This government body reviews applications under both routes - the DSP contribution programme and the CIIP fund programme - and decides on each family.
02When the file goes in
Only after the FIU letter
First the due diligence fee is paid (DSP $5,000, CIIP $8,000) and the FIU check runs. The licensed agent files with the Commission once the check is complete.
03Decision time
Usually 2 months for the whole process, 3 at most
The Commission meets in sessions, so timing depends on which session your file lands in. No one can name the exact decision date in advance.
04After approval
3 months to pay and take the oath
The Commission issues an approval letter (AIP). From that date the family has 3 months to pay the contribution against the invoice and take the oath.
Common mistakes
Promising yourself or a business partner a decision by a set date, such as "before New Year".
The decision date depends on the next Commission session. Plan trips and deals with a buffer rather than around a fixed date.
Sending the file to the Commission before the FIU letter.
The file goes in only after due diligence. First the fee and the FIU letter, then the forms, certificates, medicals and source-of-funds documents.
Missing the 3-month deadline after the approval letter.
Have the contribution ready in advance, in an account outside Russia and Belarus. Once the AIP arrives, pay the invoice and book the oath.
06 / Expert advice
How to prepare
Collect the Commission documents in parallel with due diligence, so the file reaches the next session.
What we do for you. We prepare the file to reach the next session and handle all Commission requests.
Anna KovalevskayaLead lawyer for EU citizenship and residency, 12 years of practice
07 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
The Vanuatu Citizenship Commission. It is a government body that reviews applications under both the DSP contribution programme and the CIIP fund programme.
The whole process usually takes 2 months, 3 at most. The Commission meets in sessions, so it depends on which session your file reaches.
After a positive decision it issues an approval letter (AIP). This is what triggers payment of the contribution and the oath.
Within 3 months of the approval letter you pay the contribution against the invoice and take the oath. It is wise to have the funds ready before the decision.
The full file: application forms, certificates, medicals and source-of-funds documents. It is filed after the FIU due diligence letter.
No. Direct applications are not accepted; only a licensed agent can file.
No. Only the Commission decides and there is no guarantee. A pre-check before any payment helps you see the risks early.
Vanuatu citizenship glossary
- Vanuatu programme →
- DSP
- CIIP
- Vanuatu passport
- Vanuatu passport renewal
- Replacing a lost Vanuatu passport
- Schengen and Vanuatu
- Greek residence permit for Vanuatu citizens
- Vanuatu company
- Asset Statement
- Witness field (Vanuatu forms)
- Remarks block (CIIP form)
- Medical certificate (Vanuatu)
- Bank letter (Vanuatu)
- Professional reference (Vanuatu)
- Vanuatu police clearance
- Nomination Form (CIIP form)
- Principal candidate
- Spouse (Vanuatu form)
- Dependent child (Vanuatu form)
- Dependent resident
- Form B (Vanuatu passport form)
- Birth Registration Questionnaire (9610)
- Vanuatu FIU due diligence
- FIU letter
- BRIDGES pre-check
- Vanuatu due diligence fee
- 3-month deadline for payment and oath
- Vanuatu citizenship certificate
- Vanuatu birth registration certificate
- Vanuatu National ID
- Vanuatu fund share
- Fund option without share return
- Additional family member (Vanuatu)
- Dependant aged 18-25 (Vanuatu)
- Parents and older dependants (Vanuatu)
- Vanuatu citizenship by birth
- Vatu (VT)
- Port Vila
- Bislama
- Vanuatu citizenship
- Vanuatu Citizenship Act (Cap. 112)
- Vanuatu authorised agent
- Official DSP contribution schedule
- All terms →
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