The Vanuatu Government has introduced Investment Government Bonds Option (IGBO) issued in Australian dollars (AUD) as the third investment option for the citizenship by investment scheme to make Vanuatu CBI more competitive among other countries. The Amendments to the Citizenship act (Investment government bond regulation – Order 44 of 2023) were gazetted on March 27, 2023. According to the order, 500 units of bonds will be issued for the citizenship purpose with each unit eligible for one application.
Bond Subscription
According to the Order, the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu (RBV) will issue 500 units of zero interest government bonds for this option, ranging from AUD 150,000 to AUD 180,000, depending on the time to maturity:
- Bonds maturing in 2 years (24 months) — AUD 180,000
- Bonds maturing in 2.5 years (30 months) — AUD 170,000
- Bonds maturing in 3 years (36 months) — AUD 150,000
The applicant must pay 100% of the bond money and the bond investment is fully refunded upon maturity (Note: no interest paid). Vanuatu will issue government bond certificate within 7 days after payment by the investor. The Vanuatu citizenship commission will issue citizenship certificate after reviewing the application within 60 days.
Bond Issue Fees
Non refundable fees payable by investors
- Single applicant — AUD 20,000
- Couple — AUD 30,000
- Couple and one Child — 45,000 AUD
- Couple and two Children — 60,000 AUD
Application Fees
- Application fee – VT 5000
- Certificate fee – VT 10,000
- Due diligence check – AUD 7,500