You may be wondering what are the Benefits of Obtaining Vanuatu Citizenship?
We give you 3 main reasons to convince you.
TRAVEL
The Vanuatu passport gives access to 93 countries with visa-free or visa on arrival. These countries include Singapore. Vanuatu also has a mutual visa waiver agreement with Hong Kong and Russia.
You can stay up to 30 days visa-free in Singapore.
Passport are valid for a period of 10 years renewable for the same period.
Vanuatu has zero corporate tax, it also has no income tax, no capital gains tax, no estate tax, no wealth tax, no withholding tax, no gift tax and no other personal income taxes. Aside from a locally applied 15% VAT, there are almost no taxes at all.
In conclusion, Vanuatu is business-friendly.
BONUS
Vanuatu is a member of the Commonwealth and therefore its citizens are considered Commonwealth citizens. This recognition thus grants the citizen of Vanuatu additional rights in certain Commonwealth countries.
You can add most of your family to your application (children under 25 years old, parents aged 50 and above).
The Citizenship by Investment program is not just a catalyst for the development of Vanuatu, it’s nothing less than the expression of our sovereignty.
At only 4700 km2, Vanuatu makes up a miniscule 131690th of the earth’s surface.
At $934M, it accounts for less than one 87552nd of world GDP (2019).
By most known scales of measure, our country is an insignificant speck.
By most, save for one: national sovereignty. In this category we occupy a glorious 195th of the spotlight!
That means something: we are a full member of the chorus of nations, with all the prerogatives of an independent state. Like Canada, like Australia, we have the unalterable right to self- determination. Like France, like Japan, we enjoy the freedom to occupy our territory, establish our government, make our laws. The only restrictions other nations impose on us are those we accept of our own freewill – in theory at least – within the framework of international agreements.
We still need to overcome multiple challenges when it comes to our development. We need to invest in infrastructure and education so that our people can move on to a brighter future. But how do we pay for it?
Our lands, waters and soils feed us but do not make us rich. There’s tourism of course, but even that’s limited by our great distance from major markets, and has been obliterated by Covid. The Internet can free us from our isolation and, who knows, propel us one day into the knowledge economy, but for that to happen we will need an educated workforce and motivated investors.
For the time being, Vanuatu continues to receive development aid; but if we want to fully assume our independence, we cannot remain reliant forever on the generosity of others.
So how do sustain growth in an autonomous fashion? We are hardly spoiled when it comes to natural resources, location, climate, earthquake activity, and additional factors that contribute to the success of other states. On the other hand, we are exactly as independent.
Like them, we enjoy the privilege of accepting funds from other countries in exchange for sovereign deeds. We express this privilege every time we register a vessel, domicile a business, grant a financial license or bestow citizenship. Territories that belong to other countries, like New Caledonia or French Polynesia, or federated states or provinces like Victoria or Ontario, do not have this freedom, however rich they may be.
Among the 195 nations in our select club, 77 of us offer an immigrant investor program. And among these, 13 offer citizenship while the others offer residency (which often leads to citizenship after a few years).
The programs vary; there’s a world of difference between a U.S. EB-5 visa (minimum 1.8M USD) designed to create jobs, and a Vanuatu passport ($130,000). But what they all have in common is they cherry-pick their candidates to make sure they make a positive contribution to their host country.
And contribute they do. Under our two current programs (VCP and DSP), from 2017 to 2019, 5,515 Vanuatu passports were issued generating 26.8 BVt. The money went to pay down loans, subsidize essential industries, develop infrastructure, provide disaster relief, establish study grants and even finance the Pacific Mini Games. In 2019, it accounted for over one third of state budget revenue!
Add to that the 100% green nature of the program, and citizenship via investment is emerging as an essential catalyst for attaining the goals under the 2030 National Sustainable Development Plan (The People’s Plan).
For their part, we can’t say that our new compatriots abuse their status; the vast majority have never set foot in the country and probably have no intention of doing so. They can’t even vote here as long as they maintain citizenship elsewhere. What they mostly like are our legal and financial regimes, visa-free access to 129 countries, and in the case of the Chinese, the chance to get out from under Beijing’s thumb.
You would think there’s something in it for everyone. But this is far from the case.
In a detailed report recently commissioned by the Vanuatu Citizenship Office we’ve learned that the program suffers from two serious perception problems. And the main criticism isn’t an economic one but moral:
“Vanuatu is still a young country and for many people, the struggle for independence is still very much alive in their memories. From that point of view, giving citizenship to outsiders is often associated with giving away national identity, even if it results in significant social contributions.”
This position was expressed by many of our politicians, especially in the opposition parties. A lot would no doubt like to see the program abolished as soon as another source of revenue can be found to replace it.
Certainly, improvements to the program are needed, especially to strengthen oversight of candidates to meet the demands of the European Union. Vanuatu must continue to honour its commitments against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, which were recognized and applauded by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) three years ago (even if the European Commission is slow to recognize these efforts themselves). It is not in our interest for our passport to become a liability at Schengen customs, as it would lose value. As such, the Citizenship Office’s report made excellent recommendations for administrative and legal adjustments, many of which were quickly implemented soon after its publication.
But it is wrong to assert as opponents of the program do, again according to the report, that it is a “very real threat to the sovereignty of the country.” On the contrary, it is a celebration of our sovereignty, directly resulting from our independence 40 years ago. If we were still a condominium, our citizenship and immigration politics would probably be inspired by those of France and the United Kingdom, where the situation is different. But we are sovereign and have decided to provide ourselves with a means of sustainable development using the resources available to us.
Look at it another way. Imagine if the program would continue at its current pace, or an average of 1800 passports per year (VSP and DSP combined). That would represent 0.6% of the population, less than the present rate of population growth of 1.73%. It would not risk upsetting our national identity, especially since most visa-holders never set foot in the country (so they never actually live here), don’t vote (so do not influence our choices as a society) and are selected for their upstanding character (so there’s little risk in them committing a crime). On the other hand, the 20 billion vatus they inject into the economy each year let us improve in a very significant way our health and education systems, so we can collectively take better care of our children and seniors.
Meanwhile, another source of revenue, international aid, potentially gives others leverage over our politics, which truly compromises our sovereignty. Investment citizenship simply reduces this threat by earning foreign exchange in a way we see fit, as is our prerogative as an independent state.
We are an advisory and accounting firm established in Vanuatu since 2003. AJC offer a wide range of company services such as Audit and Accounting services, incorporation of local and offshore companies, corporate secretariat and support to investors seeking to obtain different kinds of licences issued by Vanuatu administration. We also help individual applying for Vanuatu Citizenship under the Development Support Program (DSP). Find below the cost and Calculations of Vanuatu Citizenship:
Costs
Due Diligence Fee
Fee per application
USD$5,000
AUD$7,500
Application Fees*
Single applicant
USD$132,250
AUD$184,250
Married couple
USD$153,650
AUD$214,310
Married couple with one child under 18 years old
USD$169,850
AUD$237,085
Married couple with two children under 18 years old
USD$186,050
AUD$259,865
Additional Application Fees for larger families
Each additional child < 18 years old
USD$10,000
AUD$14,000
Each dependent child of 18 to 25 years old
USD$10,000
AUD$14,000
Each dependent parent over 50 years old
USD$10,000
AUD$14,000
A family application includes two married adults and two children under 18 years old. Additional children, older children, dependent adults over 50 years old require additional fees. *Fees are set by law. Contact us for more details.
The procedure to apply for citizenship under the DSP requires a designated agent who receive and forward your money and your application to the citizenship commission. In other words, to successfully obtain your Vanuatu citizenship, you fully rely on an unknown agent to manage your application and fund transfer.
At AJC, our experienced multilingual staff can process your application faster than any other service provider. In addition, we make sure you are helped and informed along the way.
EC HOLDINGS, a branch of AJC, is an Approved DSP Agent appointed by the Government, with a vast experience of Citizenship application management.
In order to guarantee you a maximum protection, we manage the money transfer with our locally based trust company which receive the money and transfer it directly to the government. We are the only entity that can guarantee oversight of your money transfer directly to the Vanuatu Government.
As a well established and renowned local business since 2003. We are a trusted partner you can count on.
As a trusted local partner and through our years of experience,
we have compiled for you a list of FAQ about Vanuatu Citizenship.
Can I keep my current Citizenship and become a Vanuatu Citizen?
Yes, Vanuatu accept double citizenship.
What are the main requirements to become a Vanuatu Citizen?
The main requirements are as follow: The main applicant must demonstrate assets in his or her name of over US$250,000, he/she must be at least 18 years old, he/she must pay the contribution (+ extra fees) for and have no criminal record.
Other requirements may apply.
Can I submit the application myself?
No, only designated agents can submit an application on your behalf.
Can I fill the application online?
No, but we will review all documents sent by email and confirm they are in order before submitting them to the Citizenship Commission. Certified scanned documents are accepted. We do not need the original documents to be sent over.
How long is the application process?
The total application process may take 8 to 10 weeks upon receipt of all required documents after each step.
Do I need to submit my application in English?
Yes, the Citizenship Commission only accept documents in English. Any required documents will have to be translated into English and the translation being certified.
How many members of my family can be included in my application?
All your direct dependents can be included for an additional fee, meaning: the main applicant’s parents, the main applicant’s spouse’s parents, any dependent children between 18 and 25 years old and any child aged less than 18 years old (after the first 2 ones which are already included in the family of 4 application fee).
Do I have to go to Vanuatu to apply for citizenship?
You do not need to come to Vanuatu during the application process.
However, it is required to travel to Vanuatu for the issuance of the passport as the Immigration office will collect the Applicant(s) biometric data and ID photo. Children under 18 years old will also need to be present for the issuance of their passports.
What is a police certificate?
A police certificate is a document stating that you do not have a criminal record. It can be named “Certificate of no criminal record” or “Police clearance report” or other names depending on where you live.
Does Vanuatu Citizenship expire?
No. You and your family will have citizenship for life and it will be passed on to your kids and their kids. However, you will have to renew your passport every 10 years.
Can I change my name?
No, it is no longer possible to proceed with a change of name after obtaining Vanuatu Citizenship since June 2022.
Are there countries excluded from the program?
Yes. Any citizen of the following countries are excluded from the program :
Iran
Iraq
North Korea
Syria
Yemen
This country list is subject to change.
Exemptions: The commission may accept applications from restricted countries if the applicant shows that he or she has not resided in the restricted country for the past 5 years and provides evidence of permanent residency abroad.
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.
The Development Support Program (DSP) was initiated by the government of Vanuatu and starting in January 2017.
The goal of this program is to raise funds to support infrastructure and promote economic development in Vanuatu.
Who can apply for Vanuatu Citizenship:
Any person with no criminal record.
Any person who can provide a proof of assets > US$250,000 in his/her name.
Any person of integrity
Any person aged > 18 years old
Documents required to apply for Vanuatu Citizenship:
Additional documents may be required or requested.
Principal candidate’s required documents
Signed Nomination Form
Birth certificate / or approved option
Medical certificate
1 Color photograph (40mm x 50mm) – JPEG file
Asset report confirming assets > US$250,000 in the Candidate’ name
Bank reference / letter of Good Standing
Employment letter
Marriage certificate (for couple or family application only)
2 professional referees to confirm the good character of the Candidate
Degree / Diploma where available
Proof of current residential address dated less than 3 months (utility bill, bank statement etc.)
Certified police clearance dated less than 6 months of the country of origin and country of residence (if different) – (N/A to children under 12 years old)
Principal candidate’s asset proof (if applicable)
Employment certification
Bank reference
Professional reference
Academic certification
Others
Required documents for Spouse
Signed Nomination Form
Birth certificate / or approved option
Medical certificate
1 Color photograph (40mm x 50mm) – JPEG file
Proof of current residential address dated less than 3 months (utility bill, bank statement etc.)
Required documents for dependent children under 18-year-old
Signed Nomination Form
1 Color photograph (40mm x 50mm) – JPEG file
Birth certificate
Medical certificate
Required documents for dependent resident over 18 years old
The process to obtain Vanuatu Citizenship is relatively simple and straight. Once all requirement documents are in our possession, it takes about 8 to 10 weeks to complete the full process.
Please note that the initial fee of A$7,500 (VFIU / due diligence checks fees and AJC admin fee) and 25% of the prescribed fee are non-refundable if the Citizenship Commission declines the application. You are required to submit a proof of the source of funds for due diligence.
The DSP citizenship application process requires a designated agent. He is responsible for receiving and forwarding your money and your application.
In order to successfully obtain your Vanuatu citizenship, you fully rely on an unknown agent to manage your application and fund transfer. At AJC, our experienced multilingual staff can process your application faster than any other service provider. In addition, we make sure you are helped and informed along the way.
EC HOLDINGS, a branch of AJC, is an Approved DSP Agent appointed by the Government, with a vast experience of Citizenship application management.
In order to guarantee you maximum protection, we manage the money transfer with our locally based trust company. It receives the money and transfers it directly to the government. We are the only entity that can guarantee oversight of your money transfer directly to the government of Vanuatu.
As a well established and renowned local business since 2003. We are a trusted partner you can count on.
Le Vanuatu offre à la fois des expériences exaltantes et des possibilités infinies, tant par sa nature que sa pluralité culturelle.
Le Vanuatu est considéré comme l’un des pays les plus préservés et les plus diversifiés du monde. Il n’est pas étonnant que tant de gens rêvent d’immigrer dans cet archipel du Pacifique. Chaque année, le Vanuatu accueille une communauté de citoyens d’origines diverses. Qu’il s’agisse de venir au Vanuatu pour travailler, créer une entreprise, rejoindre un partenaire ou encore chercher à faire du Vanuatu sa résidence permanente. Cela reste pour la plupart, une démarche nouvelle et parfois laborieuse. AJC permet de comprendre l’ensemble du processus d’intégration administrative et l’obtention du visa adéquat pour cette immigration.
Mais le rêve n’est pas suffisant et la réalité mérite attention
Notre cabinet est représenté par plusieurs professionnels, dont l’une des vocations est l’assistance aux immigrants et investisseurs, et ce à travers tous les aspects et questions relatives à la délocalisation vers le Vanuatu.
Les consultations de prise de contact sont gratuites et toutes facturations donnent lieu à une information préalable
Autorisations administratives, étude de marché, mise en contact, accompagnement dans diverses démarches, Ieurs conseils et leur connaissance du Vanuatu vous seront indispensables. Après un premier entretien informatif et l’exposé de vos intentions, nous évaluons le type de visa qui correspond à la situation qui nous est présentée. Immigrer vers le Vanuatu ! Des questions sur la faisabilité du projet ? Le type de visa ? Le plus simple est d’adresser un courriel à contact@ajc-vanuatu.com.
