Become a Citizen of Vanuatu

The Development Support Program (DSP) to become a Citizen of Vanuatu

From 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 130,000 for a single applicant. The cost can be up to $ 180,000 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 colonisers, 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

308,396(September2020estimate). Population Growth rate 2.40%.

Economy

Primarily based on small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for about two thirds of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with an estimated 111,000 visitors in 2015, are other mainstays of the economy.

Australia and New Zealand are the main source of tourists and aid.

A small light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties and VAT.

Since 2002, the government has stepped up efforts to boost tourism through improved air connections, resort development, and cruise ships facilities.

Agriculture, especially livestock farming is the second target for growth.

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.

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.

New direct flights to China are coming soon.

Citizen of Vanuatu. Map AJC Vanuatu

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

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