Vanuatu Passports
Vanuatu enjoys strong relationships with many powerful nations around the world, with close cultural and economic-ties to Australia, New Zealand and much of the European Union. The country is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.
Vanuatu offers a streamlined route to citizenship-by-investment with no physical residency required and an attractive offering for investors seeking visa-free travel to the European Union, United Kingdom, Russia, Singapore, etc. The Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP) was created by the Government of Vanuatu in 2017. The Objective of the Plan is to facilitate and attract overseas investors.
Vanuatu offers a streamlined route to citizenship-by-investment with no physical residency required and an attractive offering for investors seeking visa-free travel to the European Union, United Kingdom, Russia, Singapore, etc. The Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP) was created by the Government of Vanuatu in 2017. The Objective of the Plan is to facilitate and attract overseas investors.
What is DSP?
Vanuatu’s Development support Program (DSP) is a Citizenship by Investment Programme which is explicitly established for foreign applicants.
It allows qualified applicants can be granted citizenship in Vanuatu in exchange for a donation to the Vanuatu Government. The citizenship acquired under the DSP program is fully recognized by the Government of Vanuatu.
Those applying for and receiving Vanuatu Citizenship under the DSP have the full right to reside in Vanuatu at all time, and the passport is renewable upon expiry. The citizenship granted is not “economic citizenship” or any other separate or special class of citizenship. It is full ordinary citizenship, just like any other citizen.
It allows qualified applicants can be granted citizenship in Vanuatu in exchange for a donation to the Vanuatu Government. The citizenship acquired under the DSP program is fully recognized by the Government of Vanuatu.
Those applying for and receiving Vanuatu Citizenship under the DSP have the full right to reside in Vanuatu at all time, and the passport is renewable upon expiry. The citizenship granted is not “economic citizenship” or any other separate or special class of citizenship. It is full ordinary citizenship, just like any other citizen.
- Fast processing time for qualification; you will be informed within just a few days whether your application has been approved in principle or not.
- Vanuatu is a world-class offshore financial centre with a market economy system;
- No physical residence required by the authority;
- It does not affect the original nationality;
- More economical compared to other Immigration programs offered at present.
Official Authorization
The program is fully supported by the following departments of Vanuatu Government.
- Office of the Prime Minister
- Ministry of Internal Affairs
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ministry of Finance
- Citizenship Commission
- Department of Immigration and Passport Services
- State Law Office
- Financial Intelligence Unit
Legal background of DSP
Prime Minister Charlot Salwai created the new regulation under the Citizenship Act [CAP 112 S 20] to establish the Development Support Program (DSP). The DSP replaced the Vanuatu Economic Rehabilitation Program (VERP) that offered Honorary Citizenship to help investment in the country.
Salwai made the regulation under Order No. 215 of 2016. The order provides that the establishment of the DSP including designated agents for the Program, procedures for applications for Citizenship under the Program and prescribed fees. Privileges for “Honorary Citizenship Act [CAP 112] were set out in another regulation made by the Head Of State, Father Baldwin Lonsdale under Order No. 216 of 2016.
The DSP is established for section 20 of the Citizenship Act where applicants will have to apply through a “Designated Agent” who will be appointed by the Commission. The Agent must be a citizen of Vanuatu, have a main registered office in Port Vila and procedures for application for the Program will first require the Agent to received and provide all applications to the Citizenship Office for processing.
The Citizenship Commission will then screen applicants before applications may be considered. Part of the Screening will involve diligent checks on each applicant by the Financial Intelligent Unit (FIU). Upon the confirmation by the FIU that the applicant has no criminal record, the Screening Committee will submit the application to the Commission who will decide whether or not to approve the Citizenship.
The Citizenship acquired under the DSP program is fully recognized by the Government of Vanuatu and the nationality as Ni-Vanuatu or a citizen of Vanuatu. Those applying for and receiving Vanuatu Citizenship under the Development Support Program have the full right to reside in Vanuatu at all times, and their passport is renewable upon expiry.
Being a relatively new product in the international immigration market, the Prime Minister endorsed new Regulations to assist its framework operation.
On 24th April 2019, the Citizenship (Development Support Program) Regulations Order NO.33 of 2019 came into effect and apart from its extended definition section and detailed procedures entailed, a new threshold of selling prices was also endorsed which needed to be respected by all Agents which warranted strict compliance in order to avoid penalty, even revocation.
As Vanuatu competes with its international counterparts offering different types of citizenship packages overseas, it has come up as a popular choice for second passport citizenship in the world today.
Salwai made the regulation under Order No. 215 of 2016. The order provides that the establishment of the DSP including designated agents for the Program, procedures for applications for Citizenship under the Program and prescribed fees. Privileges for “Honorary Citizenship Act [CAP 112] were set out in another regulation made by the Head Of State, Father Baldwin Lonsdale under Order No. 216 of 2016.
The DSP is established for section 20 of the Citizenship Act where applicants will have to apply through a “Designated Agent” who will be appointed by the Commission. The Agent must be a citizen of Vanuatu, have a main registered office in Port Vila and procedures for application for the Program will first require the Agent to received and provide all applications to the Citizenship Office for processing.
The Citizenship Commission will then screen applicants before applications may be considered. Part of the Screening will involve diligent checks on each applicant by the Financial Intelligent Unit (FIU). Upon the confirmation by the FIU that the applicant has no criminal record, the Screening Committee will submit the application to the Commission who will decide whether or not to approve the Citizenship.
The Citizenship acquired under the DSP program is fully recognized by the Government of Vanuatu and the nationality as Ni-Vanuatu or a citizen of Vanuatu. Those applying for and receiving Vanuatu Citizenship under the Development Support Program have the full right to reside in Vanuatu at all times, and their passport is renewable upon expiry.
Being a relatively new product in the international immigration market, the Prime Minister endorsed new Regulations to assist its framework operation.
On 24th April 2019, the Citizenship (Development Support Program) Regulations Order NO.33 of 2019 came into effect and apart from its extended definition section and detailed procedures entailed, a new threshold of selling prices was also endorsed which needed to be respected by all Agents which warranted strict compliance in order to avoid penalty, even revocation.
As Vanuatu competes with its international counterparts offering different types of citizenship packages overseas, it has come up as a popular choice for second passport citizenship in the world today.
Merits
The program is fully supported by the Vanuatu Government. The DSP program has the following merits:
- Mature legal system in the country
- Prestige status for Citizenship
- No landing and residing requirement
- Dual citizenship allowed
- Short processing time (about 30 working days)
- Three generations can apply
Benefits of Vanuatu Second Passport
Having a Vanuatu second passport brings with it a myriad of benefits.
Freedom of movement
A Vanuatu second passport will allow you entry to more than 128 countries. You will rarely be questioned or delayed at airports because of issues with your travel documents. Having this passport also means that you can enjoy staying in any Schengen country for up to 90 days or 6 months every year in the United Kingdom even without a visa. Vanuatu also has a mutual visa waiver agreement with Schengen Area and Russia. Vanuatu is also a member of the Commonwealth and its citizens are considered Commonwealth citizens granting them additional rights in the UK and certain Commonwealth Countries.
Alluring tax policies
Vanuatu has some of the most favorable tax laws in the world. It has zero corporate tax. This makes it a perfect destination for investors and business people seeking to enjoy tax-free businesses. For example, your capital gains, global income, and inheritance will not be taxed at all. The World Bank rates Vanuatu among the top 100 countries that provide the most favorable environments for business operations.
Your second passport is kept private
Completely confidential process. If you apply for a second Vanuatu passport, your home country will not be informed of the application. This means that you can have dual citizenship without the knowledge of the nation of first citizenship.
Seamless application procedure
The process of acquiring a Vanuatu second passport is quite painless and transparent. For instance, you will be required to pay only 25% of the total application fees before submitting your documents. You pay the remaining 75% percentage after your application has been approved.
You get lifetime citizenship
Citizenship is hereditary. After your application has been approved and you get the passport, you and your dependents will be granted lifetime citizenship in Vanuatu. Passports are valid for a period of 5 years and renewable for the same period like normal citizens.
You don’t have to be physically present to apply for the passport
The application process does not necessitate that you be personally present. The process is entirely handled by a licensed agent who must also be approved by the government.
Privacy
Vanuatu is a low profile country which is ideal for providing the much-needed privacy. If you are a public figure and would like to evade public attention for some time, Vanuatu is the perfect place.
Freedom of movement
A Vanuatu second passport will allow you entry to more than 128 countries. You will rarely be questioned or delayed at airports because of issues with your travel documents. Having this passport also means that you can enjoy staying in any Schengen country for up to 90 days or 6 months every year in the United Kingdom even without a visa. Vanuatu also has a mutual visa waiver agreement with Schengen Area and Russia. Vanuatu is also a member of the Commonwealth and its citizens are considered Commonwealth citizens granting them additional rights in the UK and certain Commonwealth Countries.
Alluring tax policies
Vanuatu has some of the most favorable tax laws in the world. It has zero corporate tax. This makes it a perfect destination for investors and business people seeking to enjoy tax-free businesses. For example, your capital gains, global income, and inheritance will not be taxed at all. The World Bank rates Vanuatu among the top 100 countries that provide the most favorable environments for business operations.
Your second passport is kept private
Completely confidential process. If you apply for a second Vanuatu passport, your home country will not be informed of the application. This means that you can have dual citizenship without the knowledge of the nation of first citizenship.
Seamless application procedure
The process of acquiring a Vanuatu second passport is quite painless and transparent. For instance, you will be required to pay only 25% of the total application fees before submitting your documents. You pay the remaining 75% percentage after your application has been approved.
You get lifetime citizenship
Citizenship is hereditary. After your application has been approved and you get the passport, you and your dependents will be granted lifetime citizenship in Vanuatu. Passports are valid for a period of 5 years and renewable for the same period like normal citizens.
You don’t have to be physically present to apply for the passport
The application process does not necessitate that you be personally present. The process is entirely handled by a licensed agent who must also be approved by the government.
Privacy
Vanuatu is a low profile country which is ideal for providing the much-needed privacy. If you are a public figure and would like to evade public attention for some time, Vanuatu is the perfect place.
Who can apply?
• Applicants must be over the age of 18 when submitting their application.
• Applicants should have no less than US$250,000 of net personal assets when submitting their application.
• Within one month after the application has been granted FIU clearance, the applicant should deposit the full application fee with us.
• Applicants must submit an original or notarized certificate of no criminal record from the jurisdiction in which he/she has resided during the last 12 months and (if different) the jurisdiction of his/her principal nationality.
• Applicants should have no less than US$250,000 of net personal assets when submitting their application.
• Within one month after the application has been granted FIU clearance, the applicant should deposit the full application fee with us.
• Applicants must submit an original or notarized certificate of no criminal record from the jurisdiction in which he/she has resided during the last 12 months and (if different) the jurisdiction of his/her principal nationality.
Documents required
• Nomination Form (including the spouse and all dependents included in the application).
• Certified Passports color scan of all applicants (including the spouse and all dependents included in the application. Passport cover + 1st and last 3 pages of the passport).
• Certified Identity card color scan of each person included in the application (where issued by the jurisdiction of nationality or residence).
• Certified Birth Certificates of all applicants or household register, where available.
• Certified Marriage certificate of applicant and spouse, if the spouse is included in the application.
• Curriculum vitae (CV Resume) of the applicant.
• Notarised police clearance of applicants and dependents age 18 and above.
• English medical certificate of applicants.
• Most recent education proof of dependent children.
• 6 high definition passport photos of each person included in the application (40mm x 50mm, white background).
• Proof of assets owned by the applicant to a value of more than US$250,000, with 6 months bank statement.
• Certified Passports color scan of all applicants (including the spouse and all dependents included in the application. Passport cover + 1st and last 3 pages of the passport).
• Certified Identity card color scan of each person included in the application (where issued by the jurisdiction of nationality or residence).
• Certified Birth Certificates of all applicants or household register, where available.
• Certified Marriage certificate of applicant and spouse, if the spouse is included in the application.
• Curriculum vitae (CV Resume) of the applicant.
• Notarised police clearance of applicants and dependents age 18 and above.
• English medical certificate of applicants.
• Most recent education proof of dependent children.
• 6 high definition passport photos of each person included in the application (40mm x 50mm, white background).
• Proof of assets owned by the applicant to a value of more than US$250,000, with 6 months bank statement.
