Beautiful golden sands, crystal clear waters and a unique culture spread across 80 islands in the South Pacific. With descriptions like these, it’s not hard to see why thousands of tourists flock to Vanuatu every year.
But while it is undoubtedly a stunning holiday destination, there’s much more to this island paradise than sun, sea and sand. As a citizen of Vanuatu, you can benefit from visa-free international travel, a secure home from home and an attractive tax environment.
So, if you’re looking to broaden your horizons through citizenship by investment, Vanuatu could be the perfect option.
Eligibility criteria for citizenship
Before making any citizenship application, you’ll need to establish whether you are eligible. Applying without fully understanding qualifying and financial criteria is likely to lead to rejection of your application – not to mention much wasted time and expense.
In most cases, applicants must be over 18 with a clean criminal record and proof of income and funds for the qualifying investment. Many programs also ask applicants to undertake a medical screening for common communicable diseases.
This is the case when applying for citizenship of Vanuatu. You must have a clean criminal record, along with a clean bill of health. You will also be required to demonstrate your financial standing.
Citizens of Syria, Iran, North Korea, Iraq or Yemen are not eligible for the program unless they have held permanent residency elsewhere for at least five years.
How do I become a citizen of Vanuatu?
Citizenship-by-investment program
The easiest way to obtain a second passport in Vanuatu for those without an existing link to the country is via its citizenship-by-investment program. There is no language or residency requirement, and you are free to retain your original citizenship.
To take part, applicants must invest at least USD 130,000 in the Vanuatu Development Fund. This figure increases to USD 180,000 for a family of four. You can also add more dependents to your application for a further USD 15,000 per person.
On top of this investment, you must also submit proof of liquid funds of at least USD 250,000.
Alternatively, you can obtain citizenship in Vanuatu for an investment in government bonds of:
- AUD 180,000 (USD 118,000) for bonds maturing in 24 months
- AUD 170,000 (USD 112.000) for bonds maturing in 30 months
- AUD 150,000 (USD 99,000) for bonds maturing in 36 months
If your application is successful, you will receive your passport within two months. However, you can pay an additional VUV 10,000 (around USD 80) for the 21-day fast-track service.
Naturalization
Another, albeit much longer, path to second citizenship in Vanuatu is through naturalisation. In this case, you will need to relocate to the country and successfully apply for temporary residency followed by permanent residency.
After living in the country as a permanent resident for a continuous period of ten years, you are eligible to apply for full citizenship of Vanuatu. As part of this process, you will be required to pass a Bislama Test covering general knowledge of the country’s traditions, laws and political and social history.
Marriage and Descent
It is also possible to qualify for Vanuatu citizenship by descent – also referred to as entitlement.
You are automatically eligible if at least one of your parents or grandparents was a Vanuatu citizen at the time of your birth.
If your parents or grandparents became citizens of Vanuatu after your birth and did not include you on their application, then you are not eligible for citizenship via entitlement. Applicants who qualify for citizenship via entitlement are not required to take the Bislama Test.
Finally, you may qualify for citizenship of Vanuatu if you have been legally married to a Vanuatu citizen and lived in the country for at least two years prior to your application.
Benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship
No matter how you qualify, as a citizen of Vanuatu, you can take advantage of some incredible benefits. These include:
International travel: Vanuatu passport holders can visit almost 100 countries on visa-free or visa-on-arrival terms, including Singapore, Hong Kong and Ireland. Citizens of Vanuatu are also eligible for the US B-1/B-2 tourist visa, which enables business travel throughout the United States for up to 180 days per year for five years.
Business opportunities: Citizens of Vanuatu are free to establish businesses in the country and benefit from its attractive tax regime. Vanuatu companies and shareholders are not taxed on corporate profits, personal income or capital gains. International companies with an office in Vanuatu pay just 12.5% corporation tax in the country.
Security and stability: Vanuatu is a safe, secure and politically stable nation. With second citizenship, you get a reliable home from home in times of political and economic uncertainty in your country of origin.
Quality of life: There is no minimum stay requirement for Vanuatu citizenship. However, should you choose to relocate, you’ll benefit from a low cost, high standard of living in a beautiful island nation.
Why work with Knightsbridge
Navigating the complex legal landscape of second citizenship can be challenging, but with Knightsbridge, you have expert guidance and support every step of the way.
Our team of 30 seasoned experts, boasting over 200 years of industry experience, is dedicated to delivering comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs.
As specialists in immigration services, we help individuals and families secure a second citizenship through strategic investments. Our team guides you through the intricate process, ensuring all requirements are met while optimising your chances of success.
Our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction is paramount. We stay updated with the latest legal and regulatory developments to offer you the most accurate and reliable advice. We believe in building long-term relationships based on trust, integrity and professionalism.
Ready to embark on your journey to international freedom? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experts. We look forward to assisting you.
