The Development Support Program (DSP) to become a Citizen of Vanuatu
In January 2017, the government of the Republic of Vanuatu launched the Development Support Program (DSP). The aim is to raise funds to support infrastructure and promote economic development in Vanuatu.
The DSP is a new provision enacted by the Vanuatu Government under the Citizenship Act with the powers conferred on the Prime Minister. Applicants can apply for Vanuatu citizenship by contributing to the Vanuatu government of USD 137,250 for a single applicant. The cost can be up to $ 191,050 per application for a family of up to four (4) members.
The citizenship acquired under the DSP program is fully recognised by the Government of Vanuatu and the nationality is regarded as Ni-Vanuatu (Vanuatu citizen).
Those applying for and receiving Vanuatu Citizenship under the DSP have the full right to reside in Vanuatu at all times and the passport is renewable upon expiry. Moreover, Citizenship is hereditary.
The applicant must not have any criminal record. Further, he must be of high standing in his or her community, organisation, society or country.
About Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a South Pacific Ocean nation made of an archipelago of 83 islands. The islands extend over 1,300 kilometers with a Y shape.
Multiple waves of colonizers, each speaking a distinct language, migrated to the Melanesian islands in the millennia preceding European exploration.
This settlement patterns accounts for the complex linguistic diversity found on the archipelago to this day. The British and French settled on the islands in the 19th century and called the newly formed country “New Hebrides”.
In 1906 they agreed to an Anglo-French Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in 1980. On that date, the new name Vanuatu was adopted.
Population
308,000 (September 2024 estimate). Population Growth rate 2.40%.
Economy
Primarily based on small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for about two thirds of the population, especially livestock farming is the second target for growth.
A small light industry sector caters to the local market.
Tax revenues come mainly from import duties and VAT.
Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with an estimated 116,000 visitors in 2018. Australia, New Zealand and China are the main source of tourists and aid.
In 2018, revenue from citizenship sales has become the single largest source of revenue in Vanuatu today, overtaking revenue generated from VAT for the first time.
Travelling to Vanuatu
You can fly to Port Vila’s Bauerfield International airport (VLI) directly from, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, PNG, New Caledonia and Solomon.
The islands offer scuba diving at coral reefs, underwater caverns and wrecks such as the WWII-era troopship SS President Coolidge. Hiking trails ascend active volcanoes such as Mt. Yasur. Other popular activities include rainforest ecotours, kayaking and deep-sea fishing, plus relaxing at resorts and spas.
Ready to start your application process?
More information
For more information about the process and a list our required documents, you can download our Development Support Program (DSP) brochure.
You can also consult our page: Vanuatu Citizenship
or go directly through the government website citizenship section
Other articles on the same subject
- Vanuatu Citizenship
- How to obtain Vanuatu Citizenship
- Benefits of obtaining Vanuatu Citizenship
- FAQ about Vanuatu Citizenship
- How much does Vanuatu Citizenship Cost
- Who can apply for Vanuatu Citizenship
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