Benefits of Vanuatu Passport
Vanuatu is a nation of more than 80 islands in the South Pacific Ocean, just west of Fiji, and between Australia and New Zealand. With incredible cultural and linguistic diversity, Vanuatu routinely scores extremely well on the “happy planet” index, and the nation is proud of its reputation one of the happiest places on earth. While Vanuatu’s official languages are English, French, and Bislama (an English based creole language), the country is home to over 100 indigenous languages.
Vanuatu has an old and thriving business and tourism ecosystem. It has served as an offshore financial center since the 1970s and continues to offer full business registration and operational services for companies wishing to do business in its tax free and regulation lite environment. A popular spot for both private yachts and cruise lines, the islands also have a very well-established tourism industry. The infrastructure to support both tourists and businesses include cell phone reception and internet connectivity.
Vanuatu passport requirements include citizenship, and Vanuatu citizenship is available both by investment and naturalization. The Vanuatu passport offers visa free travel to nearly 120 countries, including Russia, the European Union, and the United Kingdom.
Citizenship by InvestmentTo obtain citizenship by investment, you’ll need to work with an approved representative for the Vanuatu Development support program. These representatives will not ask for fees up front, and they will be able to show a government appointment document. The investment program requirements and fees vary depending on family size. Investment and fees together start at about 150,000 USD for a single person and are about 200,000 USD for a family of four.
The process requires references, documentation (marriage, birth certificates, employment verification), and a clear criminal record. The citizenship by investment program in Vanuatu is the fastest in the world. From start to finish, a citizenship and passport can be obtained in 4-6 weeks.
Since 2017, Vanuatu has also been an attractive option for dual citizenship. The country offers either a naturalization path or an investment path to citizenship and offers flexible Vanuatu dual citizenship for individuals who want to keep citizenship in their current country.
Vanuatu ResidencyVanuatu residency requirements for the investment path are easy – residency is not required. In fact, you don’t even have to travel to Vanuatu (but we think you’ll want to). The naturalization path requires Vanuatu residency for 10 years. Prior to obtaining citizenship, foreigners who intend to reside in Vanuatu for one year or more need to obtain a residency permit before arriving in the country. Along with documentation (criminal clearance, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and various other business and personal permits and licenses), the residence visa costs about 540 USD in fees, and requires that the applicant place about 2400 USD in a bank on Vanuatu.
Business and TaxesVanuatu is home to an offshore business service sector that has operated since the 1970s and has half a century of experience and history hosting businesses. It is tax free, home to many international banks, and connected to the world through an undersea data cable. The combination of ready technology, international business services, lack of taxes and the depth of experience of its business sector have long made it a popular tax haven for businesses. (Vanuatu has no business, income, capital gains, inheritance or wealth taxation.) While it continues to have very little taxation and regulation, as of 2008, Vanuatu has participated in international agreements that require it to release account information to governments and law enforcement. Participation in these agreements keeps Vanuatu off of the noncooperation list for the Financial Action Task Force. The task force is tasked with fighting the global crimes of money laundering and terrorism finance.
The Vanuatu financial services sector is able to support both foreign and domestic business needs. The Vanuatu Financial Services Commission is a wealth of information about business formation, regulation, and services. Vanuatu’s chamber of commerce offers business information, and local business mentoring.
Vanuatu Travel and TourismAt the time of this writing, visas were not required for citizens from the European Union, England, The United States, Canada, or Australia.
Vanuatu is only a few hours by plane from most places in the South Pacific. It is easily accessed from Australia, New Zealand, the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia. International flights arrive on the islands of Espiritu Santu or Efate, and the airport is just a few minutes away from some of the country’s largest cities. Within the country, island hopping flights, ferries and smaller cargo ships are available.
Tourism is a large part of the country’s economy, and there is a wide range of accommodations and activities to entertain travelers. Stay in a luxury resort, a hotel, in a village bungalow, or even be hosted by a Vanuatu family for full immersion in the island culture. Visitors and residents alike can split their play time between land, sea, and air. There are beautiful scenic flights, luxurious day cruises, zip lines, hiking, fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling, and a wide variety of eco tours.
Experience local food at small local restaurants and market stalls, stop at a pub or cafe, or choose a larger city restaurant for a fine dining experience. In addition to the fish and seafood pulled from the South Pacific’s bounty, Vanuatu’s large agricultural sector also produces Chocolate, Beef and Pork, and a wide variety of seasonal produce.
An Excellent Citizenship ChoiceThe combination of amenities developed for the offshore business and tourist trades makes Vanuatu an attractive option for the second citizenship. The cost of the citizenship by investment program is among the lowest in the world, the freedom offered by the Vanuatu passport is among the best, and the time to process new citizenship applications is the fastest. Couple the ease of access with Vanuatu’s welcoming community, the natural beauty, comfortable climate, and ample opportunity for adventure, excellent food, and the variety of accommodations, and this archipelago is an excellent choice for dual citizenship. learn more here: