Vanuatu citizenship is an excellent solution for those who want to simplify international travel, reduce tax obligations, and have a secure “plan B” in case of unforeseen circumstances. A Vanuatu passport allows visa-free entry to around 90 countries and makes it possible to obtain a US tourist visa valid for 5 years. Citizenship can be acquired through investment: the process takes just 2–4 months and does not require you to give up your current nationality. Below, we explain where Vanuatu passport holders can travel visa-free, how to obtain citizenship by investment, and the real advantages and disadvantages for frequent travellers.
For people who regularly travel abroad — whether for business, study, leisure, or personal reasons — visa restrictions are often a constant challenge. Business travellers lose time preparing applications, digital nomads face residency renewals, families must gather documents for every trip, while tourists encounter queues, lengthy forms, and unpredictable processing times.
The Vanuatu passport removes many of these obstacles by granting access to dozens of countries without a visa.
Key benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment are:
Since 2022, Vanuatu citizens no longer enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area or the United Kingdom.
As of 2025, Vanuatu passport holders can enter around 90 countries either visa-free, with a visa on arrival, or by applying for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).
Visa-free countries:
From 2022, Vanuatu citizens must obtain short-term visas in advance for the Schengen Area and the UK. Travel requirements may change, so it is always recommended to verify current entry conditions through official government portals or licensed immigration agents.
You can obtain Vanuatu citizenship through an investment programme by making a non-refundable contribution starting from $130,000; the process takes 2–4 months, allows dual citizenship, and requires no residency or travel to Vanuatu.
Two participation options are available:
| Applicant Type | Investment Amount | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Single applicant | $130,000 | FIU check – $5,500 |
| Married couple | $150,000 | FIU check – $5,500 |
| Family of three (2 adults + 1 child) | $165,000 | FIU check – $5,500 |
| Family of four (2 adults + 2 children) | $180,000 | FIU check – $5,500 |
| Each additional family member | $15,000 | FIU check included |
2. Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP – Cocoa Development Fund)
| Family Size | Total Investment, incl. due diligence |
|---|---|
| Up to 4 people | From $165,000 |
| Each additional family member | $25,000 |
Requirements:
Citizenship is granted within 2–4 months. Applicants are not required to live in Vanuatu either before or after approval, and the process can be completed remotely. The passport is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.
New requirement (from late November 2025): biometric data collection is mandatory. This can be done in Vanuatu ($500 per applicant) or at overseas centres in Dubai, Hong Kong, and New Caledonia ($1,500). Astons plans to launch a biometric collection at its Dubai office for clients’ convenience.
Absolutely! Here’s a clear table version of your points:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Convenient for business travel (Hong Kong, Singapore, Israel) | Limited global mobility compared to some Caribbean passports (e.g., Grenada – 147 destinations; St Kitts and Nevis – 154, including Schengen) |
| Eligibility for a 5-year US tourist visa | Loss of visa-free access to the Schengen Area and the UK since 2022 |
| Simplified access to a 1-year Australian visa | Revocation of the visa-free agreement by the EU in 2024 |
| Strong mobility across the Asia-Pacific and Caribbean | |
| Access to international banking and financial systems | |
| Tax advantages – no personal income tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax for non-residents | |
| Educational benefits, including easier entry into UK universities | |
| Suitable for short trips, transit, and medical tourism | |
| Opportunity to enjoy Vanuatu’s tropical lifestyle — pristine beaches, diving, and volcanic landscapes |
Despite these limitations, Vanuatu remains one of the fastest and most affordable second citizenship options. It provides not only travel freedom but also a valuable tool for global mobility and tax planning.
Vanuatu citizenship offers a fast, flexible, and cost-effective way to gain a second passport, providing visa-free travel to around 90 countries, tax benefits, and a secure Plan B for investors and frequent travellers. While some restrictions exist, such as limited access to the Schengen Area and the UK, the programme remains one of the most accessible options for global mobility, financial planning, and family security.
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Susanna Uzakova
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor
Suzanna Uzakova is an international specialist and a leading expert at the company in the field of investment immigration.
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