Updated
GL-V-01
Glossary · Vanuatu citizenship
Vanuatu citizenship - a second passport by investment
Second citizenship of the Pacific republic of Vanuatu, available by investment through the contribution (DSP) or fund (CIIP) programme, with no relocation and no language test. An adult passport is valid for 10 years.
01 / In 30 seconds
The short answer
- What it is
- Second citizenship of Vanuatu by investment
- Programmes
- Contribution (DSP) or fund (CIIP), same passport
- Timeline
- Usually 2 months, 3 at most
- What you do
- Documents, signatures and one meeting - oath and biometrics
02 / In plain words
What Vanuatu citizenship means
Vanuatu citizenship is the second citizenship of a Pacific republic, available by investment. You do not need to live on the islands or pass language tests or exams.
There are two programmes: a contribution to the state (DSP) and an investment in a fund (CIIP). Citizenship and passport are the same under both; only the payment structure differs.
Citizenship starts with the citizenship certificate, and the passport follows later. An adult passport is valid for 10 years, a child's for 5. There is currently no visa-free Schengen access on a Vanuatu passport.
A simple example
A family of four chooses the fund, passes due diligence and the Commission, and within 3 months of approval attends the oath and biometrics. A few weeks later everyone receives passports.
Where you will meet it
- A plan B for the family
- A passport for banking and business
- A route to a Greek residence permit
- Passports for children
03 / What it covers
What to know
Cost
- Contribution from $130,000
- Fund $165,000 for a family up to 4
- Plus the due diligence fee
Family
- Spouse and children
- Dependants 18-25
- Parents - case by case
Process
- Due diligence
- Citizenship Commission
- Oath and biometrics
After
- Certificate and passport
- Notice in your home country
- Passport renewal after 10 years
04 / How it works
How citizenship is obtained
Pre-check
Risks before any payment.
Due diligence
FIU result letter.
Commission
Approval letter.
Payment and oath
Within 3 months.
Certificate and passport
Citizenship and family documents.
05 / Key facts
Key facts
01Two programmes
DSP contribution or CIIP fund - the same passport
Under the DSP the money goes to the Government of Vanuatu and is not refunded; under the CIIP fund $50,000 comes back after 5 years. Citizen rights are identical.
02Cost
From $135,000 for one, $165,000 per family in the fund
DSP means a $130,000 contribution plus a $5,000 due diligence fee. In the CIIP fund, $157,000 plus an $8,000 fee covers a family of up to four. Our fee, translations and apostilles are invoiced separately.
03Processing time
Usually 2 months, 3 at most
This covers the due diligence check, the Commission review and issuing documents. You provide documents, signatures and one appointment for the oath and biometrics.
04Passport and Europe
Adult passport valid 10 years, no visa-free Schengen
A child's passport is valid for 5 years. Vanuatu's visa waiver with the EU is suspended: you need a Schengen visa to travel and a Greek residence permit to live there.
Common mistakes
Counting on visa-free travel to Europe with a Vanuatu passport
The waiver is suspended. Plan for a Schengen visa to travel, or a Greek residence permit to live in Europe, which you can apply for on a Vanuatu passport.
Believing promises of a passport "in a month"
Allow 2-3 months: the due diligence check, the Commission review and issuing documents happen one after another.
Forgetting to notify your home country of a second citizenship
Check your country's rules. Russian citizens must notify the Interior Ministry within 60 days of the citizenship certificate date, not the passport date.
06 / Expert advice
How to prepare
Start with a pre-check: it shows the risks before any payment. Then choose the programme based on your family size.
What we do for you. We guide the family from checks to passports: we fill in forms, file and answer requests. You provide documents, signatures and one meeting.
Anna KovalevskayaLead lawyer for EU citizenship and residency, 12 years of practice
07 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no relocation, language or exam requirement: you provide documents, signatures and attend one appointment for the oath and biometrics.
Usually 2 months, 3 at most. That covers the due diligence check, the Commission review, the oath and issuing documents.
Not now: Vanuatu's visa waiver with the EU is suspended. You need a Schengen visa to travel, and for living in Europe we help with a Greek residence permit.
A contribution to the state (DSP) and an investment in a fund (CIIP). The passport and rights are the same; only the payment differs, and in the fund $50,000 is returned after 5 years.
Under the DSP, including the due diligence fee: $135,000 for one, $155,000 for a couple, $170,000 for three and $185,000 for four. In the CIIP fund a family of up to four pays $165,000. Our fee, translations and apostilles are invoiced separately.
A single applicant usually saves with the DSP; a family of four or more with the CIIP fund. For a couple or a family of three it comes down to whether you are ready to leave $50,000 in the fund for 5 years.
No, applications are accepted only through a licensed agent. The applicant pays personally or through a company they founded or beneficially own.
Vanuatu citizenship glossary
- Vanuatu programme →
- 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 Act (Cap. 112)
- Vanuatu Citizenship Commission
- Vanuatu Citizenship Office
- Vanuatu authorised agent
- Official DSP contribution schedule
- All terms →
Related terms
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