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Pacific #55 · 96 Visa-Free

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

Vanuatu offers the world's fastest citizenship by investment — typically approved and passport issued within 45–60 days. Note: EU Schengen visa-free access was permanently removed in December 2024.

$150,000
Min. Investment
45–60 days
Processing Time
96
Visa-Free Countries
#55
CRP World Rank

About the Program

Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment programme is one of the world's fastest — applications are typically approved within 45–60 days. Vanuatu imposes no income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax anywhere in the world. However, the programme's key limitation is a significantly reduced passport after the EU's permanent removal of Schengen visa-free access in December 2024.

🚨 CRITICAL WARNING — EU Schengen Access Permanently Removed

The European Union permanently removed Vanuatu from the Schengen visa-free list (ratified December 2024, after full suspension since February 2023). All Vanuatu passport holders now require a Schengen visa to enter EU/Schengen countries — including those who obtained citizenship by investment. This significantly reduces the passport's value for European travel and business. No reinstatement is expected in the near term.

If Schengen access is important to you, consider Dominica, Grenada, or St. Kitts & Nevis instead.

Investment Options (Coconut Sustainable Fund — CSF)

  • Single applicant or couple: $150,000 (of which $50,000 may be redeemable after 5 years)
  • Family of 4: from $157,000
  • Additional applicant: +$26,500 each

Alternative structure: $105,000 non-refundable donation + $50,000 redeemable investment in government-approved funds.

Processing Timeline

~45 days for Citizenship Commission approval, with passport issued within approximately 60 days total. Physical presence required for biometric submission — either in Vanuatu, or at approved consulates in Dubai or Hong Kong.

Why Choose Vanuatu (Despite Limitations)?

  • Fastest CBI available anywhere in the world
  • Zero taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth
  • ~96 countries visa-free (including UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia)
  • Affordable entry price compared to other programmes
  • Fully digital application process

Who Is This For?

Best suited for individuals who need a second passport quickly and prioritise zero tax obligations and speed over European travel access. May be attractive as a supplementary passport for those who already have another strong travel document. Not recommended if EU Schengen access is a primary goal.

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Passport Strength

CRP World Data

#55
CRP World Rank
96
Visa-Free Countries
Passport Strength 49%
Weak Strong Very Strong

Key Visa-Free Destinations

✓ Russia ✓ Singapore ✓ Hong Kong ✓ United Kingdom ✓ Malaysia ✓ South Korea
Note: The EU suspended Vanuatu's visa-free access to the Schengen zone in 2022 following concerns about due diligence standards. Vanuatu passport holders now require a Schengen visa.

Source: CRP World Research. Rankings and visa-free counts change periodically.

Investment Options

Investment Type Min. Amount Description
Coconut Sustainable Fund (CSF) — Single/Couple $150,000 Non-refundable donation (single applicant or couple). $50,000 potentially redeemable after 5 years.
Coconut Sustainable Fund (CSF) — Family of 4 $157,000 Family of four. Additional applicants +$26,500 each.
Alternative Structure $105,000 + $50,000 $105,000 non-refundable donation + $50,000 redeemable investment in government-approved funds.

Requirements

  • Clean criminal record (strict checks)
  • No visit required for application — biometrics required in person
  • Background verification
  • Net assets of at least $250,000
  • Age 18–65

Key Benefits

  • 45–60 day processing (world's fastest)
  • Zero tax worldwide
  • ~96 visa-free countries
  • UK visa-free access
  • Singapore & Hong Kong access
  • Fully digital process
  • Dual citizenship
  • Lifetime citizenship
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Important Notices & Recent Changes

  • • 🚨 EU Schengen visa-free access PERMANENTLY REMOVED (December 2024) — Vanuatu passport holders now require a Schengen visa for all EU/Schengen travel
  • • This significantly reduces the passport's utility for European travel and business
  • • Biometric submission requires physical presence in Vanuatu, Dubai, or Hong Kong
  • • Programme has faced EU scrutiny over due diligence standards — future additional access restrictions are possible
  • • Consider Dominica, Grenada, or St. Kitts & Nevis if Schengen access is important

Information Notice: This page is for informational purposes only. CRP World is an independent information resource, not a licensed immigration advisor. Program requirements, investment thresholds, and processing times change frequently. Always verify details with official program sources and consult a qualified licensed professional before making any decisions.

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Passport at a Glance

CRP World Rank #55
Visa-Free Countries 96
Min. Investment $150,000
Processing Time 45–60 days

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