CitizenshipVanuatu
The Pacific's fastest citizenship-by-investment programme
Vanuatu has run a formal investor citizenship programme since 2017, and it remains one of the quickest routes to a second nationality anywhere in the world. Applicants can secure citizenship through either a non-refundable development donation or a contribution to the CNO Future Fund, which pairs the fee with an investment component.
The programme is prized for its efficiency. Due diligence is usually completed within a week to ten days, and the overall timeline from engagement to passport often runs to around two months, with no requirement to set foot on the islands.
CBIProgram manages the full file for clients choosing Vanuatu, from the initial pre-screening and Approval in Principle through to the final issuance of citizenship certificates and passports, ensuring each government stage is satisfied correctly the first time.
- Residence requirement: None
Program law
Citizenship Act [Cap 112], originally enacted in 1980 and subsequently amended in 2013 and twice in 2014.
Key benefits
Rapid turnaround
With vetting completed in roughly 7 to 10 days, the whole process can finish in about two months.
Two contribution routes
Opt for a straightforward development donation or the CNO Future Fund, which includes an investment element targeting a return.
Remote processing
No visit or residence in Vanuatu is required at any point in the application.
Family coverage
A single application can bring in a spouse, children under 26, and parents over 50.
Visa-free destinations
Visa-free, visa-on-arrival or eVisa access. Contact us for the full, up-to-date destination list. Compare
Fees & costs
Investment options
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| CNO Future Fund — Single applicant up to a family of four; includes a USD 50,000 investment targeting a 4-5% return; USD 25,000 per additional dependent | USD 165,000 |
| DSP donation (single applicant) — Non-refundable development support contribution | USD 130,000 |
| DSP donation (applicant and spouse) — Add USD 15,000 for one dependent, USD 30,000 for two; USD 10,000 per further dependent | USD 150,000 |
Government fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Government contribution — The donation and CNO Future Fund amounts above represent the government contribution | Included in investment |
Due diligence fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Due diligence (DSP route) | USD 5,000 |
| Due diligence (CNO Future Fund route) — Vetting typically completed within 7 to 10 days | USD 8,000 |
Process & timeline
We prepare documents and conduct pre-screening; the professional fee down payment is made.
The Financial Intelligence Unit grants Approval in Principle and 25% of the government contribution becomes payable.
The due diligence report is issued and the government reaches its decision.
The remaining 75% of the contribution is paid, certificates and passports are issued, and the professional fee balance is settled.
Eligibility
- Minimum age of 18
- Clean criminal record and sound reputation
- Good health supported by a medical certificate
- Verifiable source of funds
- No prior visa refusal from a country that grants Vanuatu visa-free access
- No sanctions or travel restrictions from international bodies
Required documents
All applicants
- Nomination form (pre-approval) and full nomination form (full submission)
- Certified copies of every passport held and photo ID card
- Police records from countries of birth, citizenship, and residence, plus any country lived in for a year or more within the past decade (applicants 16+)
- Full birth record or certified birth certificate with MOFA attestation
- Original medical certificate
- Eight passport-sized photographs
Main applicant
- Bank reference letter from an internationally recognized institution, dated within six months
- Professional reference dated within six months
- One original employment letter
- Certified copies of academic diplomas
- Proof of residence (utility bill or valid tenancy contract)
Married couples
- Marriage record or certified marriage certificate with MOFA attestation
- Certified divorce documents with MOFA attestation, where applicable
Frequently asked questions
Why is Vanuatu considered so fast?
Its due diligence is usually finished in 7 to 10 days, and the complete process generally takes about two months from start to finish.
What is the difference between the two routes?
The DSP is a pure non-refundable donation, whereas the CNO Future Fund combines the fee with an investment component designed to return capital with a targeted yield.
Do I need to visit Vanuatu?
No. There is no requirement to travel to or live in the country during the application.
Who can I include as dependents?
A spouse, children under 26, and parents over 50 may be added to the application.
Is the donation refundable?
The DSP donation is non-refundable. The CNO Future Fund includes an investment portion that targets a return of capital.
When was the programme established?
The current programme launched in 2017, with the CNO Future Fund option added in January 2023.
Information last verified: 2026-10-29 · Official programme data
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