Vanuatu’s Citizenship‑by‑Investment (CBI) program offers a fast‑track route to a second passport through a qualifying contribution, without requiring applicants to reside in the country before or after naturalisation.
Program overview
- Location: Republic of Vanuatu, South Pacific island nation.
- Structure: Investment is made to a government‑approved fund (the “Coconut Fund”) rather than a real‑estate purchase.
- Residency requirement: None; physical presence is not needed for the application or after citizenship is granted.
Investment amounts
- Individual applicant: Minimum contribution of US $130,000.
- Family application (1–4 persons): US $165,000 under the Coconut Fund option, covering the main applicant, spouse, children, and parents.
Eligibility and family inclusion
- The program permits inclusion of the applicant’s spouse, children, and parents in a single application.
- All family members must meet the standard background‑check and due‑diligence criteria.
Application process
- Initial stage: Applicants pay fees for background checks and professional services; the investment contribution is not required at this point.
- Due diligence: Comprehensive anti‑money‑laundering and financial‑transparency checks are performed on each applicant.
- Approval: Once approved, the contribution is transferred to the designated fund.
- Biometrics: All family members travel once—typically to Hong Kong—to submit biometric data.
- Passport issuance: Passports, national ID cards, and birth certificates are produced in Vanuatu and delivered by courier.
- Processing time: Approximately 6–8 months from start to passport delivery.
- Travel requirement: No travel is needed during document preparation; only the biometric appointment requires in‑person attendance.
Passport validity and renewal
- Vanuatu passports are valid for 10 years.
- Renewal is handled by service providers, with an average processing time of several months.
Trends and outlook
Industry analysts note that while global investment‑migration programs are tightening compliance and due‑diligence standards, Vanuatu’s CBI remains attractive for investors seeking rapid mobility, asset diversification, and a transparent legal framework. Continued interest suggests the program will stay relevant for high‑net‑worth individuals planning strategic international mobility.
Source article: apexcapital.one
