Vanuatu’s Citizenship Quest: Invest And Belong
4 min read
Nestled in the South Pacific, Vanuatu is a sling-shot-shaped country, ranked among the happiest places in the world. Many people can agree that it’s a good place to live — it’s home to a ton of pristine beaches and stunning landscapes.
Plus, the cultural experiences here are truly unique, not to mention the locals are warm, polite, and eager to help newcomers find their way around the region.
Would you like to live in Vanuatu and delight in all the amazing things it offers? Well, attaining this tropical paradise’s citizenship is a good place to start. Thankfully, the country offers you a fast and convenient way to do that: the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program. Read on to learn more about it, from its requirements to the benefits you’ll enjoy as a Vanuatu citizen.
What Is the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program?
Launched in 2017 by the government of Vanuatu, the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program allows investors from other countries to become citizens of the small island country in the Pacific Ocean.
To be eligible, you must be ready to pay $130,000 or more (one-off and non-refundable) to the National Development Fund. The program accepts EUR, USD, AUD, and crypto, depending on your case. Additionally, you must provide proof of a bank balance of $250,000+.
It’s worth noting that the specific amount you’ll be required to put into your Vanuatu citizenship quest depends on the size of your family. For instance, while a single applicant pays $130,000, a married couple must cough up $150,000 or $165,000 if they have a child.
Then, those with two children will be required to invest $180,000 to be granted citizenship. On the upside, since you can include your parents, children, and spouse in your application, you can relocate with your loved ones.
Other requirements for the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program are:
- Be within the 18-65 age limit (if you’re the main applicant)
- Provide the required documentation (including an application form with the main applicant’s details, a bank statement for up to 6 months prior to the application, notarized color copies of the main applicant’s international and internal passports, and photographs of the applicants).
- Have no criminal record.
- Vanuatu Citizenship Application Process
The Vanuatu Citizenship Investment program is super fast — citizenship can be granted in 1-2 months after submitting your documents if you meet all the requirements. Additionally, the procedure is convenient for applicants since it’s fully remote, meaning you can do it from anywhere.
To make it even more ideal, the Vanuatu Citizenship Investment program applicants don’t have to take any language proficiency tests. Speaking of which, Vanuatu has three official languages: English, French, and Bislama (an English-based Creole).
Although you’re not required to prove that you can speak or understand them, it’s advisable to be conversant with one for easy communication with the locals. Some also use Samoan and Chinese.
Unfortunately, the Vanuatu Citizenship Investment program isn’t for everyone. As of this writing, citizens of the following countries aren’t eligible unless they can provide proof of residence (up to 5 years) overseas:
- Yemen
- North Korea
- Syria
- Iraq
- Iran
Also, if you’re successful, you’ll delight in all rights of Vanuatu citizens, save for voting and political involvement.
Top 4 Benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship
Here are four reasons Vanuatu citizenship is worth it:
Freedom of Travel
If you’re a travel enthusiast, Vanuatu should be your next home. As a citizen of this country, you can enjoy visa-free access to more than 90 jurisdictions across the globe, including in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
Even better, you may apply for an online long-term visa to Australia, expanding the list of exciting destinations you can discover.
Vanuatu Is a Tax Haven
Many people and companies can confess the primary factor fueling their interest in Vanuatu is the extensive tax benefits.
For starters, you don’t need to worry about estate, wealth, and gift tax once you move to the country. Other exceptions include corporate or personal income tax, capital gains, and withholding tax. What’s more, taxes on rental income and value-added tax are limited compared to many other countries.
Full Confidentiality
Another benefit you’ll enjoy after using the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program is the confidentiality of the procedure, meaning unwanted third parties will not know about your plans. The government doesn’t share your details with other countries’ authorities.
Therefore, this can be your fresh start in a nation where no one knows you or what you might have done in the past (as long as it hasn’t earned you a criminal record).
No Residency Requirements
Another benefit of attaining Vanuatu citizenship is that you’re not required to meet any residency requirements. Therefore, you can easily choose a home or apartment that fits your budget or desired lifestyle.
Bottom Line
If you’re ready to attain Vanuatu citizenship, consider giving the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment top priority. As we’ve seen above, it paves the way for you to relish amazing advantages, potentially improving your quality of life. From the pleasant weather all year round to the laid-back lifestyle and freedom of travel, this country has a lot that most people only dream of.
Even so, we feel the need to mention that enjoying living in Vanuatu calls for more than just investing in your citizenship. Like any other country, this territory boasts many cities with varying features, amenities, and living conditions.
As a result, we suggest that you dig deeper into the region to determine the best place for you and your loved ones, depending on the lifestyle you want or where you would like to work. Best of luck!
