Vanuatu became the first country in the Pacific to launch economic citizenship program in 2012. Before 2014, Vanuatu operated, three different programs, Capital Investor program and VERP Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) .
Overview
The Government of Republic of Vanuatu later opened Development Support Program (VDSP) and Contribution Program (VCP) in March 2017, post made important changes to the Citizenship by investment in 2018, reducing the minimum investment.
Background
Vanuatu’s first citizenship by investment program under The Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) was initially proposed by Vanuatu Registry Services Limited (Deputy Commissioner of the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission) in early 2012 and fully adopted by the Government of Vanuatu in April 2014. The objective of the plan is to create local jobs, stimulate the economy and keep the national budget balanced. The citizenship is for life, and does not require visiting Vanuatu. The investment for citizenship required under this scheme was $260,000 . CIIP citizens did not have a right to vote or run for public office
VERP
Vanuatu Economic Rehabilitation Programme (VERP) was introduced in 2015 with the aim of raising revenue post Cyclone Pam through a fast-track citizenship program. Successful applicants have been approved and received their Citizenship Certificates as well as passports already. It is a cooperative program that involves the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission, the Immigration Department, the State Law Office, Finance Intelligence Unit, the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority, the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (in the case of formation of companies), the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office as the Minister responsible for Citizenship.
DSP/VCP Launch
VERP was phased out by March 2017 to be replaced by similar programmes – Vanuatu Development Support Programme (VDSP) and Vanuatu Contribution Programme (VCP)
In March 2018, Vanuatu significantly reduced prices of VCP/DSP schemes from $220,000 to $150,000 to compete with other Caribbean countries, since then this program has become most popular around the world.
Legal Basis
- Citizenship Act [Cap 112]
- Citizenship (Development Support Program) Regulations Order No. 33 of 2019
- Order No. 39 of 2020
- Order No. 39 of 2020
Eligible Investments
The Government prescribed minimum investments that qualify for citizenship.
| Program | Minimum Investment | Eligible Applicants | Status / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanuatu Contribution Program (VCP) | USD 130,000 | China market only | Citizenship by contribution program specifically designed for Chinese applicants |
| Development Support Program (DSP) | USD 130,000 | All countries | Main donation-based citizenship program |
| Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) | USD 150,000 | All nations | Partially refundable option |
| Vanuatu Real Estate Option (REO) Program | USD 100,000 (donation) USD 200,000 (property) | All countries | Investment in approved real estate projects |
| Vanuatu Government Bonds (IGBO) | USD 150,000 | All countries | Currently suspended / not available |
Both the DSP and VCP has the same donation contributions. The DSP program is offered to all international countries (except Hong Kong which is reserved for VCP). Vanuatu has the fastest processing times compared to all other citizenship by investment programs in the World. Please expect processing times on average 2-3 months.
1. Development Support Program (DSP)
Vanuatu requires USD 130,000 for one person(one time contribution for DSP/VCP scheme) to receive citizenship and passport. The contributions rise for families The minimum selling prices set by Government is all inclusive, officially published by the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission. No other additional fee apply.
| All inclusive Prices | DSP/VCP |
| Single Applicant | $130,000 |
| Married Couple | $150,000 |
| Couple + 1 Child | $165,000 |
| Couple + 2 Children | $180,000 |
| Additional Dependents (child) | $10,000 per person |
Source: Vanuatu Citizenship Commission
P.S: Additional due diligence fee USD 7500 per application apply.
2. Vanuatu Contribution Program (VCP)
The Vanuatu Contribution Program (VCP) is a government approved pathway for Citizenship by investment in Vanuatu. The VCP has the same contribution fees similar to DSP but exclusively reserved for China market overseen by one agent. International investors from outside china cannot apply to VCP, must apply via DSP program.
The Vanuatu Government officially launched Vanuatu Contribution Program (VCP) in March 2017 replacing VERP.
Applications must be filed through authorized agents appointed by Vanuatu citizenship commission.
| Costs | DSP Prices |
| Single Applicant | $130,000 |
| Married Couple | $150,000 |
| Couple + 1 Child | $165,000 |
| Couple + 2 Children | $180,000 |
| Additional Dependents (child) | $10,000 per person |
| Oath ceremony | included |
| FIU due diligence fee | USD 5000 / application |
| Govt application fee | USD 50 |
| Citizenship Certificate | USD 100 / person |
| Passport fee | USD 250 / person |
Real Estate Investment (REO)
The Vanuatu Citizenship by Real Estate Option (REO) was launched on 23 July 2021. Applicants for citizenship under the REO must invest in a property in a Vanuatu Government Approved Project (VGA Project) in addition to payment of the prescribed fees. . The Citizenship (Real Estate Option) Program was enacted under section 13F of the Citizenship Act [CAP. 112] and Citizenship (Real Estate Option Program) Regulation Order No. 93 of 2021.
An Applicant for Vanuatu Citizenship under the REO Program must purchase a property in a Vanuatu Government Approved Project (VGA Projects) and pay the relevant prescribed fees.
Prospective CIP Investors must invest atleast USD 100,000 (donation) or USD 200,000 (property ownership) in any of the below approved real estate projects by the government.
- “Pacific Springs” situated at Rentabao on the island of Efate;
- “Narpow Point Coral Bay” situated at Narpow Point on the island of Efate;
- “FPF Rainbow City Project” situated at Narpow Point on the island of Efate;
- “Milai” situated on the island of Espiritu Santo.
Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP)
The Vanuatu Investment Immigration Plan Program (CIIP) was reopened in May 2025, after brief suspension. It is a fast and affordable way to gain visa-free access to over 100 countries and territories. CIIP is the only Citizenship-by-investment program in the Asia Pacific region. The CIIP offers a unique opportunity for individuals to obtain Vanuatu citizenship by making a donation to local investments. This initiative is focused on stimulating growth in key sectors such as Tourism and Hospitality, Agriculture, Infrastructure, and Marine industries. By channeling investments into these vital areas, the program seeks to foster sustainable development and economic resilience in Vanuatu.
Donation to Local investments
- Single applicant – USD 115,000
- Family (upto 4) – USD 135,000
- Additional dependent – USD 10,000
- Additional Due diligence fee – USD 5000
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