How to Get Vanuatu Citizenship
by Investment — 2026 Guide

Vanuatu citizenship by investment is a government-run programme under the Citizenship Act [CAP 112], with the programme itself set out in Order No. 33 of 2019, administered by the Vanuatu Citizenship Office and reviewed by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). All applications must be submitted through a Designated Agent on the official register. Residence in the country is not required; the two steps you attend personally are passport biometrics and the oath of allegiance.

Process Overview: Usually 2–4 Months

Step 1: Confirm Your Route — DSP (CIIP Suspended)

The Republic of Vanuatu offers two citizenship by investment routes:

Which to choose: DSP is recommended for most applicants — it's simpler, faster, and the contribution schedule is transparent. The CIIP is not currently available to new applicants, so families apply through the DSP's tiered contributions. See the full DSP vs CIIP comparison.

The 9 Steps to Vanuatu Citizenship

1. 1 Engage a Licensed Designated Agent The Vanuatu Citizenship Office requires all applications to be submitted through an authorised Designated Agent. Only licensed agents may submit applications directly to the FIU. Using a licensed lawyer (rather than an unlicensed broker) additionally provides attorney-client privilege — your communications are legally protected. Always check the agent against the official register. Meet the lawyers →
2. 2
   Pre-Screening and Profile Assessment

   Before any government fees are paid, your lawyer conducts a full pre-screening: review of your criminal background, source of funds, adverse media, sanctions list status, and any prior visa denials. This step identifies any potential due diligence flags and allows you to address them — or make an informed decision not to proceed — before committing the non-refundable due diligence fee.

   The due diligence fee ($5,000) is non-refundable. Pre-screening is essential.
3. 3
   Prepare and Certify All Documents

   Your lawyer prepares a complete document checklist and guides you through each requirement. All documents must be apostilled or notarised. Typical preparation time: 1–2 weeks, depending on how quickly police clearances are issued in your jurisdiction.
4. 4
   Submit Application and Pay Due Diligence Fee

   Your agent formally submits the complete application package to the Vanuatu Citizenship Office and Financial Intelligence Unit. At this stage, the due diligence fee is paid directly to the government. Processing begins immediately on receipt.
5. 5
   Due Diligence Review (10–21 Days)

   The Vanuatu FIU conducts background checks via independent third-party due diligence firms. These checks cover criminal records, sanctions databases, adverse media, financial integrity, and source-of-funds verification. Standard profiles complete in 10–21 days. Complex profiles — politically exposed persons, applicants from FATF high-risk jurisdictions, or those with prior adverse findings — may take up to 6 weeks.

   Your lawyer can formally respond to any queries from the FIU during this period.
6. 6
   Approval-in-Principle (AIP) Issued

   On successful completion of due diligence, the Citizenship Commission issues an Approval-in-Principle. This is a conditional approval — citizenship is confirmed once the investment contribution is transferred. AIP is typically issued within 2 weeks of FIU clearance.
7. 7
   Transfer Investment Contribution

   On receipt of AIP, the government contribution is transferred to the Vanuatu government's designated account. For DSP: the non-refundable donation. The CIIP has been suspended to new applications since March 2025. This is the only point at which funds leave your account — contributions are not transferred before AIP is confirmed.
8. 8
   Oath of Allegiance

   A formal Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of Vanuatu is required to complete citizenship. The form of the oath is confirmed by your designated agent.
9. 9
   Citizenship Certificate and Passport Issued

   The citizenship certificate is issued by the Vanuatu Citizenship Office following the oath. Your agent immediately files the passport application. Passport production and international courier delivery typically takes 3–4 weeks. Total process from initial submission to passport in hand: usually 2–4 months for straightforward cases (not guaranteed).

Document Checklist

Required for each adult applicant (children have a simplified checklist):

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity) — certified copy
• Certified birth certificate (apostilled)
• Police clearance certificate for every country of residence for 5+ years
• Bank reference letter from your primary bank
• Bank statements — 3 months (primary account)
• Source-of-funds documentation (tax returns, business accounts, sale agreements, or inheritance records)
• Medical certificate — HIV and tuberculosis tests from an approved physician
• Passport-size photographs (certified)
• CV / résumé (professional history)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable, apostilled)
• Children's birth certificates (for dependants, apostilled)

See the full documents guide for certification requirements, accepted formats, and country-specific notes.

Total Costs at a Glance

Family pricing: see full family cost breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

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