How much does Vanuatu citizenship cost in 2026? +
DSP: $130,000 single · $150,000 couple · $165,000 family of 3 · $180,000 family of 4. CIIP: $155,000 flat rate for any family up to 4, with $50,000 invested in the Cocoa Fund (redeemable after 5 years) — net cost ~$105,000. Due diligence: $5,500 per application. Biometrics: $500/person in Vanuatu, $2,000/person in Dubai/HK. Professional fees quoted separately.
How long does the process take? +
Average 60–90 days from application submission. Includes FIU screening (2–3 weeks), Commission review, biometric enrollment, and passport issuance. Biometric submission mandatory from July 2025. Timelines depend on government processing volumes and complexity. No specific timeline guaranteed.
Does Vanuatu have zero income tax? +
Yes. Zero personal income tax, capital gains, inheritance, wealth, and gift tax. IBCs pay a flat $300/year with zero corporate tax on global income for 20 years. Tax residency requires 183 days annual presence — citizenship alone does not confer tax residency. Independent tax advice recommended.
Can I retain my existing citizenship? +
Vanuatu permits dual and multiple citizenship under the Citizenship Act 2013. You are not required to renounce your existing nationality. However, some countries restrict dual citizenship (USA, Germany, Japan, China, etc.) — verify with your home country before applying.
What happened to EU and UK visa-free access? +
EU Schengen suspended 12 December 2024. UK suspended 2023. Vanuatu has since introduced enhanced due diligence aligned with ICAO requirements and is engaging with the EU on reinstatement. 100+ countries remain visa-free including Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE, Malaysia, Philippines. For Schengen/UK access, we offer Caribbean CBI programs (Dominica or St Kitts).
What is the difference between DSP and CIIP? +
DSP is a non-refundable donation starting at $130,000 single, scaling by family size. CIIP is $155,000 flat for any family up to 4; $50,000 is invested in the Cocoa Fund and redeemable after 5 years (net cost ~$105,000). CIIP requires local LLC formation. Both grant identical citizenship and passport. DSP is better for singles; CIIP is better for families.
Do I need to travel for biometrics? +
Biometric enrollment is mandatory from July 2025. You do not need to visit Vanuatu. Approved locations: Dubai ($2,000/person), Hong Kong ($2,000/person), Nouméa, or Vanuatu ($500/person). Consul travel arrangements may be possible. Oath of Allegiance conducted via video call. We coordinate all biometric appointments.
What is Vanuatu's FATF compliance status? +
Removed from FATF grey list June 2018. Compliant with 37 of 40 FATF Recommendations. Early APG mutual evaluation commencing March 2026. Enhanced due diligence introduced August 2024. No international sanctions against Vanuatu.
How does PR differ from citizenship? +
PR gives the right to live and work in Vanuatu (10-year renewable) but does NOT grant a passport or visa-free travel. After 10 years continuous residency, PR holders may apply for naturalisation. CBI programs grant full citizenship and passport immediately with no residency requirement.
