Vanuatu Citizenship 2025: How to get a Vanuatu passport by investment — costs, timelines, requirements and document checklist

Record-fast processing
The core advantage of the program is speed. While most countries need half a year or more, Vanuatu processes an application on average in 6–8 weeks. This pace is especially valuable for entrepreneurs who need a “second plan B” here and now – to open an account, take part in a deal, or arrange a trip.

Visa-free travel
A Vanuatu passport grants visa-free entry to more than 95 countries, including the Hong Kong and Singapore. This means the holder can travel for business meetings, leisure or children’s education abroad without spending time on visas.

Minimal document requirements
One of the main benefits of Vanuatu’s citizenship program is a streamlined document package required for submission. Unlike many other investment programs, there are no excessive bureaucratic hurdles: applicants are not asked to provide education diplomas, prove business experience, or sit language tests.

Tax advantages
Vanuatu has long been considered one of the most favorable jurisdictions tax-wise. There is no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no wealth tax. For investors and international entrepreneurs this means the ability to legally optimize the tax burden and protect capital.

Confidentiality and data protection
The Government of Vanuatu guarantees a high level of confidentiality. Information about new citizens is not published in open sources and is not transferred to third countries. This is an important advantage for those who value privacy and prefer to keep their investment decisions discreet.

Business opportunities
Vanuatu is actively developing as an offshore financial center. You can register a company here with minimal bureaucracy and gain access to international payments. A Vanuatu passport helps entrepreneurs streamline banking operations and work with foreign partners.

Citizenship for the whole family
The program is designed not only for the main investor but also for close relatives. The application can include a spouse, children, and even dependent parents. This way, the entire family receives a single status and can enjoy the benefits of citizenship together.

The program is officially called the Development Support Program (DSP) and was launched in 2017. It provides citizenship through a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF) of Vanuatu.
Investment amounts:

• Single applicant – from USD 130,000
• Married couple – from USD 150,000
• Family of four – from USD 180,000
• Additional dependants – from USD 15,000 each

Payment schedule: the contribution is made after preliminary government approval (Letter of Approval).

The National Development Fund (NDF) is a government instrument created to finance Vanuatu’s key development priorities. The contributions made by investors are allocated to:

• Infrastructure: construction of roads, ports, and medical centers.
• Social projects: supporting education and expanding the public-health system.
• Economy: stimulating tourism, agriculture, and small business.
• Resilience & sustainability: disaster-risk reduction and modernization of the power grid.

As a result, an investor doesn’t just obtain a passport – they become part of a program that tangibly improves the country and the lives of its citizens.

Visa-free access (visa-free / visa on arrival / eTA). According to current data (Wikipedia and Global Citizen Solutions), in 2025 Vanuatu passport holders have visa-free, eTA, or visa-on-arrival access to 91 countries and territories.
Top 25 countries/territories you can enter visa-free or with a visa on arrival:

• Oceania / Pacific: Fiji, Samoa, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Niue.
• Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands.
• Asia: Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan* (with eTA), Israel, Malaysia, Indonesia – these routes remain available without advance visa paperwork.
• Africa: Botswana, Benin, The Gambia, Madagascar (eTA/VOA), Senegal, Angola.
• South America: Peru, Bolivia (visa on arrival), Argentina (eTA).

* Taiwan requires obtaining an eTA in advance.

1. Consultation. Discuss your immigration strategy and the stages of obtaining citizenship with a specialist; agree on the composition of applicants.
2. Pre-check (due diligence). Background screening covering biography, sources of income, and the applicant’s reputation.
3. Document submission. Passport, birth certificates, police clearance, and proof of financial standing.
4. Pre-approval. Issued within 2–3 weeks.
5. Fund contribution. Transfer the donation to the National Development Fund account.
6. Citizenship certificate. Official document confirming the new status is issued.
7. Passport issuance. The passport is delivered to the applicant by courier.

Total timeline: about 6–10 weeks.

Vanuatu vs Saint Kitts & Nevis
Saint Kitts & Nevis is one of the oldest and most prestigious programs (since 1984). It offers access to a larger number of countries (150+), but the processing time is 3–6 months. The contribution starts from USD 250,000 for a single applicant. In short, Saint Kitts & Nevis suits those who value prestige and visa strength and are not in a rush.

Vanuatu vs Grenada
Grenada is attractive thanks to its U.S. E-2 treaty, which lets investors apply for a U.S. business visa. However, the required contribution is higher – from USD 235,000 – and the timeline is typically about 6 months. For applicants who prioritize speed, Vanuatu often proves more advantageous.

Vanuatu vs Dominica
Dominica is known for affordability, with a minimum contribution from USD 200,000. Processing averages around 4 months, and the due-diligence standards are stricter. Vanuatu is more expensive, but it grants citizenship faster and with fewer bureaucratic hurdles.