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Vanuatu Citizenship Cost 2026: Passport Price & Fees

Vanuatu Citizenship Cost

Vanuatu, a South Pacific nation comprising more than 80 islands, offers a Vanuatu passport by investment program that provides eligible applicants with a secure and efficient pathway to citizenship.. As one of the first programs of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program offers several potential benefits, including visa-free travel to numerous destinations, a favorable tax environment, and access to the country's stable economy.

This article outlines the Vanuatu citizenship costs and application process for Americans and others. It looks at the amount of investment required to obtain Vanuatu citizenship and whether there is a real estate option. Lastly, it considers the overall Vanuatu citizenship cost and advantages, the time required, and the process for the Vanuatu Citizenship Investment Program.

Note: the European Union suspended Vanuatu's visa-free agreement in 2022, and the Schengen visa requirement became permanent on 3 February 2025.

5 Key Points to Know About the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program

  1. Visa-free travel to 100+ countries (not including the Schengen Area or the UK)
  2. Favorable tax regime (no income, wealth, capital gains, or inheritance tax)
  3. Inclusion of dependents (spouse, children up to 25, and parents)
  4. Straightforward process (1-2 months, no residency requirement, no need to go to Vanuatu)
  5. Vanuatu citizenship price: USD 130,000 minimum contribution for a single applicant plus a USD 5,000 due diligence clearance fee

Advantages of Vanuatu Citizenship Investment

Vanuatu's Citizenship Investment Program offers a range of advantages to potential investors. Americans and more than 200 other nationalities are eligible for the program. One of the most significant advantages is visa-free travel to more than 100 countries. For those looking forward to accessing Australia, holding a Vanuatu passport provides the possibility to apply for an Australian visa online, with a long-term option available. (Note: As of February 4, 2023, the European Union has suspended Vanuatu's visa-free agreement. Please see below for our contact information for the latest updates)

Investors also benefit from a favourable tax system, with no personal income tax or corporate tax, no withholding tax or capital gains, and no wealth, gift, or inheritance taxes. Additionally, the application process is fast, with approval often granted within approximately 2 months.

The Vanuatu Citizenship Cost Is Comparatively Low

Furthermore, the Vanuatu citizenship investment program is one of the least expensive investment programs in the world at a minimum of USD 130,000. The investment must be in the form of a non-refundable contribution to the designated government fund, known as the Vanuatu Government Development Support Program (DSP). At this time, unlike many other European or Caribbean countries, there is no Vanuatu citizenship via real estate investment option. This is true for Americans and all other nationalities.

Vanuatu also operates the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), a second route under which the applicant's contribution is placed in a government-approved investment rather than donated. The figures in this article refer to the DSP route; our Vanuatu CIIP page sets out the Capital Investment Immigration Plan and its own fee structure separately."

Vanuatu vs Nauru Citizenship: Cost and Program Comparison

Criteria Vanuatu Citizenship (DSP) Nauru Citizenship (ECRCP)
Minimum contribution (single applicant) USD 130,000 From USD 90,000*
Investment type Non-refundable donation to the Development Support Program Non-refundable government contribution
Real estate option No No
Processing time 1 to 2 months 3 to 4 months
Visa-free or visa on arrival travel 100+ destinations 87 destinations, including UAE, Singapore and Hong Kong
Eligible dependents Spouse, children up to 25, parents of the applicant or spouse Spouse and dependents, including parents and siblings
Residency or visit requirement None, oath can be taken online None, no relocation or language requirement
Program details Vanuatu program overview Nauru program overview

* Nauru contribution under a limited-time offer; figures are indicative and subject to change. All amounts exclude due diligence, government processing and professional fees.

How Much Is a Vanuatu Passport? Full Vanuatu Citizenship Costs

To obtain citizenship through Vanuatu's citizenship by investment program, investors must contribute a one-time, non-refundable, minimum donation of USD 130,000 for a single applicant to a government fund.

Vanuatu citizenship for families is priced on a sliding scale, with the required non-refundable donation rising by family size rather than per person:

Non-refundable minimum donations are:

Vanuatu citizenship cost 2026: fee components

What a single applicant pays, to whom, and when. Government costs total USD 137,500 before professional fees.

Fee component
Amount
Paid to
When
Government contribution (DSP)
USD 130,000
Vanuatu Development Support Program
After approval in principle
Due diligence fee
USD 5,000
Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit
Before submission, non-refundable
Citizenship certificate, registration and passport
USD 1,500
per person
Civil Registry
and Passport Office
After approval
Bank charges and courier
USD 1,000
Bank and courier provider
Throughout the process
Professional fees
Quoted
at consultation
Harvey Law Group
On engagement
The contribution is non-refundable and there is no real estate alternative under the DSP. Bank transfer charges are borne by the applicant.

Vanuatu citizenship price by family size

All government, passport, bank and courier costs. Professional fees are quoted separately.

Family composition
Contribution
Other fees
Total payable
Single applicant
USD 130,000
USD 7,500
USD 137,500
Applicant and spouse
USD 150,000
USD 9,000
USD 159,000
Family of three
USD 165,000
USD 10,500
USD 175,500
Family of four
USD 180,000
USD 12,000
USD 192,000
Each additional dependent
+ USD 25,000
+ USD 1,500
+ USD 26,500
Other fees comprise due diligence (USD 5,000 per application), civil registration and passport (USD 1,500 per person) and bank and courier charges (USD 1,000). Excludes professional fees.

In addition to the investment amount, investors in the Vanuatu Citizenship Investment Program must also pay additional fees, principally a due diligence fee of USD 5,000. The applicant must pay this fee before submitting the application.

Vanuatu Citizenship Application

After obtaining due diligence clearance, the applicant can submit their Vanuatu citizenship application with an authorized immigration law firm. Next, the applicant will receive a final approval by the government authorities. The applicant then pays the donation fee and determines the location where they take the oath to Vanuatu. (This can be arranged through online ceremony.)

The Vanuatu government then issues the new Vanuatu passport by investment. Vanuatu does not have a problem with you retaining your U.S.A passport or that of another country.

Please note the total Vanuatu passport cost also includes small fees associated with obtaining the passport and the application, which vary with the number of family members or dependents included in the application. The Vanuatu citizenship application can include dependent children up to the age of 25, as well as parents of the applicant or the spouses.

Time Required for Vanuatu Citizenship Application Processing

The process of obtaining your citizenship through the Vanuatu Citizenship Investment Program is relatively fast, with citizenship typically granted within two months of application. This is much faster compared to other citizenship by investment programs, making Vanuatu an attractive option for those who need to obtain a second passport quickly.

An authorized immigration firm must assist with the Vanuatu citizenship application process. The authorized immigration lawyer will guide investors through the Vanuatu citizenship application process and ensure that they meet all the requirements.

For a current Vanuatu citizenship price based on your family composition and nationality, contact Harvey Law Group for a confidential quote.

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