Last update : April 2023
As a general rule, you may apply for Vanuatu ordinary citizenship – for yourself and on behalf of your spouse and children – when you have been a resident of Vanuatu for 10 consecutive years. Citizenship can also be granted to you if you marry a citizen of Vanuatu, or if your parents are Ni-Vanuatu.
Since 21 January 2014, the Constitution of Vanuatu allows dual citizenship. This means that a person becoming a Vanuatu citizen does not have to renounce their previous citizenship, and also that Vanuatu citizens may now acquire the citizenship of other countries without losing their Vanuatu citizenship.
In January 2017, the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu has launched the Development Support Program (DSP) for the purpose of raising funds to support infrastructure and promoting economic development. The DSP is a new provision enacted by the Vanuatu Government under the Citizenship Act with the powers conferred on the Prime Minister. Candidates may apply for Vanuatu Citizenship by contributions to the Government of Vanuatu of $130,000 USD for a single person or $180,000 USD 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 time it takes for you to receive a decision depends on various factors : whether you can provide the required evidence and supporting documents when the Citizenship Commission holds their next meeting, when our bank completes their due diligence checks etc.
If you are applying for Vanuatu citizenship, we will certainly assist you along the way to review your application and make sure the documents submitted to the Commission are in order. Do not hesitate to contact us.
More information
For more information about the process and a list our required documents, you can download our Development Support Program (DSP) brochure.
Chinese Version of the DSP brochure (not up to date)
