The Vanuatu Development Support Program was officially launched by government on 13 March 2017 as an eligible investment pathway for the citizenship by investment program. The government made amendments to Citizenship Act [CAP 112] to attract foreign direct investment to aid development of Vanuatu particularly climate resilience , develop infrastructure, reduce debt, promote economic development and disaster prevention. The DSP regulations and prescribed fees are published under DSP Regulations Order No. 33 (2019)
The DSP program is open for all countries (except china and Hong Kong market). The government has set minimum investment threshold of USD 130,000 one time contribution (donation) paid directly to treasury. It is a non-recoverable investment. Under the DSP regulation, investment must not be sold below USD 130,000 to qualify for citizenship inclusive of all fees including agency and FIU check fee. Underselling or discounts not permitted.
The DSP program commenced at the beginning of 2017 as an honorary citizenship program established under Section 20 of the Citizenship Act providing for the President to confer honorary citizenship. This honorary DSP program was eventually repealed and replaced with a DSP citizenship program established under the new Section 13E of the Citizenship Act, specifically created for the DSP program, in 2019.
No political rights and fundamental rights and freedoms can be limited by law under Vanuatu’s investment citizenship program.
Initially, the CBI programs were offered through the honorary citizenship provision in the Constitution, but are now offered as regular citizenship but without political rights.
Legal Backing
- Citizenship (Development Support Program) Regulation Order No. 214 of 2016
- Citizenship (Development Support Program) (Repeal) Order No. 46 of 2019
- Citizenship (Development Support Program) Order no.33 of 2019
- Honorary Citizenship (Development Support Program) Order No. 216 of 2016
- Clause 8(6), Citizenship (Development Support Program) Regulation Order No. 33 of 2019
Vision 2030
The Vanuatu CBI policy and program be closely aligned with Vanuatu’s own development priorities, as formulated in the Vanuatu National Sustainable Development Plan (VNSDP) 2030. This means focusing on:
- key government sectors that are catalysts for boosting development growth, creating employment opportunities, increasing market
- accessibility to Vanuatu products, increasing local production capacity and enabling greater participation of Vanuatu citizens into economic activity
- promoting productive sectors, creating stable and equitable growth, improve infrastructure, strengthen rural communities, and create jobs and business opportunities.
- expanding “air services and tourism products
DSP Contributions and Fees
| Contributions | DSP/VCP 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 |
| Additional Fees | |
| FIU check fee | Included |
| Oath ceremony | included |
| Agency fee | included |
| Govt application fee | USD 50 |
| Citizenship Certificate | USD 100 / person |
| Passport fee | USD 250 / person |
| National ID card | USD 850 / person |
Important to note: These are the minimum prices prescribed and set by Vanuatu Citizenship Commission. Please do not pay more than this. No other additional fee apply. The contribution already includes Law firm, broker and agent fee.For the quote, you have to include Due diligence ($7500 per application) to the above contribution plus citizenship certificate and passport fee
