Vanuatu, a beautiful island nation located in the South Pacific, offers a citizenship-by-investment program that allows foreign nationals to obtain citizenship by making a significant financial investment in the country. This program has gained popularity among global investors seeking a second passport for various reasons, including visa-free travel, business opportunities, and lifestyle benefits. This article will outline the benefits of Vanuatu citizenship investment and the steps to obtain it through its citizenship by investment program.
Benefits of Vanuatu citizenship:
Vanuatu citizenship offers numerous benefits, including visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 140 countries, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Russia. It also provides access to quality education and healthcare services, a stable political and economic climate, and a peaceful and friendly environment for living and doing business. Vanuatu has no income, wealth, or inheritance taxes, making it an attractive destination for investors seeking to optimize their financial portfolio.
Investment options:
Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment program offers several investment options. The main option is a non-refundable contribution to the government’s Development Support Program (DSP), which starts at $130,000 for a single applicant and varies depending on the number of dependents included in the application. The DSP funds support various infrastructure and social development projects in the country, such as healthcare, education, and housing.
Another option is to invest in approved real estate projects, starting at $400,000 for a single applicant. This option allows investors to own and generate income from the property while also obtaining citizenship.
Application and approval process:
To obtain Vanuatu citizenship through its Citizenship by Investment program, applicants must first engage an authorized agent to guide them through the application process. The agent will review the applicant’s personal and financial information and advice on the most suitable investment option.
After selecting the investment option, the agent will apply supporting documents, including a police clearance certificate, a medical certificate, and a due diligence report, to the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission for processing. An independent third-party firm conducts the due diligence report to verify the applicant’s background, reputation, and financial standing.
Upon approval, the applicant must invest and pay the necessary fees, including the citizenship application fee, passport fee, and any other fees associated with the chosen investment option. Once all fees are paid, the applicant will take an oath of allegiance to Vanuatu and receive their Certificate of Naturalization, which confirms their citizenship.