Vanuatu’s citizenship‑by‑investment programme remains the fastest in the world, but its appeal has shifted after the European Union suspended visa‑free Schengen access for Vanuatu passport holders. The suspension, which took full effect in February 2023 and was made permanent on 12 December 2024, is still in place with no announced restoration date.
EU Schengen Visa Suspension
- The EU removed Vanuatu from the visa‑exempt list due to concerns over rapid due‑diligence processing, the breadth of nationalities accepted, and insufficient beneficial‑ownership disclosure.
- As of now, Vanuatu citizens must obtain a visa for Schengen travel, while Caribbean programmes such as St Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, St Lucia and Dominica retain visa‑free EU and UK access.
Recent Regulatory Changes
- Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) – suspended in March 2025 for a 100‑day overhaul, then reopened in May 2025 with stricter due‑diligence and ownership‑disclosure requirements.
- Real Estate Option (REO) – introduced under Regulation Order No. 93 in 2021, formally ratified on 28 November 2024, allowing investment through approved property developments.
- The older Vanuatu Economic Rehabilitation Programme (VERP) was closed in 2017 and replaced by the Development Support Programme (DSP) and the Vanuatu Contribution Programme.
Investment Options and Costs (2026‑2027)
| Programme | Structure | Cost (USD) | Refunds / Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development Support Programme (DSP) | Non‑refundable government contribution | $130,000 (single), $150,000 (married couple), $180,000 (family of four) + $15,000 per extra dependent (from fifth) | None |
| Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) | Up‑front contribution, part refundable after four years | $165,000 upfront; $50,000 refunded after 4 years → effective net cost $115,000 | Refund after 4 years |
| Real Estate Option (REO) | Investment in pre‑approved property projects | Varies by development (subject to Section 13F of the Citizenship Act) | No refund; property retained |
| Renewable‑energy / coconut‑oil linked option | Specialized investment with partial refund | Starts at $50,000 refundable after five years (partial) | Niche, limited availability |
Processing Times
- DSP applications are typically approved within 20–30 days, occasionally extending to six weeks.
- This speed outpaces Caribbean programmes, which now average 4–6 months due to heightened processing standards.
Assessment of Value
- Strengths – rapid processing, visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival access to ~90 countries (including Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines), no personal income or capital gains tax, and unrestricted dual citizenship.
- Limitations – loss of EU and UK visa‑free travel, which is a decisive factor for applicants whose primary mobility need is Europe.
- Ideal profile – investors, entrepreneurs, or frequent travelers whose business and personal movement focus on Asia‑Pacific markets, or individuals seeking a diversified portfolio of citizenships rather than relying on a single passport for European access.
In summary, Vanuatu remains a compelling option for fast, tax‑efficient citizenship with strong Asia‑Pacific mobility, but it no longer serves as a gateway to the EU or the UK. Prospective applicants should weigh the importance of European travel against the programme’s speed, cost structure, and regional advantages.
Source article: knightsbridge.ae
