Vanuatu Passport and Visa Free Opportunities
Dreaming of visa-free travel? A Vanuatu passport is your ticket to over 100 countries, including the UK, Schengen, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Caribbean. With fast-track access and high international recognition, Vanuatu citizenship is becoming increasingly popular with investors, entrepreneurs and families who value mobility and privacy.
Our legal team will help you go from submitting an application to receiving a passport on a turnkey basis: selection of the best investment option, preparation of a full package of documents, support at all stages and protection of your interests, guarantee of legality, transparency and confidentiality. We work directly with Vanuatu government agencies and know all the nuances of the program. Get a second citizenship in 1-2 months and forget about visa restrictions for the coming years.
Visa Free Countries with Vanuatu Passport
Vanuatu’s passport gives its holders access to 110-120 countries with various forms of visa-free entry. It ranks 52nd in the 2024 Henley Passport Index, offering visa-free entry to 90+ countries. Vanuatu also ranks in the top half of the Arton Capital Passport Index, demonstrating steady mobility dynamics.
Despite the cancellationvisa-freeWith accession to the EU in 2024, Vanuatu’s passport remains relevant due to its stable access to Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Caribbean, making it attractive for investors, business travellers and leisure travellers.
E-Visa and VOA are convenient tools that allow you to bypass the consulate and paperwork. Proper preparation of documents and legal assistance when planning trips allow you to avoid surprises when crossing borders.
Visa requirements for traveling with a Vanuatu passport
In some countries, an eVisa or visa on arrival is required. For example, to visit India, Sri Lanka, Kenya or Cambodia, it is enough to apply for an eVisa online in advance or obtain permission at the border. These procedures take from several hours to several days and are considered quite simple and accessible.
As for the US, Vanuatu citizens require a standard US visa. The UK provides short-term visa-free access for up to 180 days. But entry on a Vanuatu passport does not automatically grant the right to work or study. The situation is even stricter in the Schengen area: access for Vanuatu citizens is suspended from 2024 due to revisions to the agreementsvisa-free, and now a Schengen visa is required.
At the same time, a number of countries, especially in Oceania and the Caribbean, offer Vanuatu citizens simplified conditions for long-term stays and business. For example, Fiji, Barbados and other Commonwealth countries offer extended visas and resident statuses without unnecessary bureaucracy. However, none of the visa-free regimes imply automatic rights to long-term residence, education or employment. Additional permission is required for these purposes.
Benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship
The Pacific island nation remains the only country in the Asia-Pacific region to offer a formal citizenship by investment program that is recognized by the state and supported by relevant legislation.
One of the main advantages is the record speed of registration. The entire process can be completed in 30-60 days without the need for a personal visit to Vanuatu. This makes the program one of the fastest in the world and convenient for busy entrepreneurs and investors.
Vanuatu is a tax-free jurisdiction. There is no income tax, inheritance tax, capital gains tax or global income tax. This makes the country particularly attractive for financial planning and wealth preservation. Moreover, Vanuatu does not participate in the Automatic Exchange of Tax Information (CRS), which allows maintaining a high level of confidentiality and protecting personal data from international registries.
Vanuatu citizens gain access to a broad international banking and corporate infrastructure. A second passport can simplify opening foreign accounts, registering companies and conducting cross-border transactions. This is especially important in an environment of tightened controls and sanctions risks, with many jurisdictions tightening KYC/AML rules.
Geopolitical stability is also worth emphasizing. Vanuatu is a neutral state, located outside of international conflict zones and not participating in bloc confrontations. This makes it attractive from the point of view of security and long-term strategic protection of assets.
Why Choose Vanuatu: Advantages Over Other Programs
In recent years, more and more investors and entrepreneurs have turned to Vanuatu citizenship as an alternative to the more well-known programs in the Caribbean and Turkey. Despite its lesser-known status, this jurisdiction offers a number of unique advantages.
Citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean (Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica) are in steady demand. However, the procedure for obtaining citizenship in Vanuatu is noticeably faster. A passport can be obtained in just 1-2 months, while in most Caribbean countries the process takes from 3 to 6 months. Moreover, Vanuatu does not require a personal visit at any stage; everything can be done remotely.
The minimum investment threshold is also comparable or even lower. Vanuatu requires a $130,000 contribution to a government fund (for a single applicant), while some Caribbean countries can require a starting amount of up to $150,000 with additional fees. Given the speed, simplicity, and lack of mandatory visits, Vanuatu becomes a more flexible and convenient option.
Despite the popularity of Turkish citizenship, the program requires a significant investment (from $400,000) and entails closer ties to a geopolitically unstable region. In addition, Turkey is actively involved in international conflicts and is part of military and political blocs, which can create additional risks for investors. Vanuatu, on the contrary, maintains neutrality in foreign policy and does not participate in international military alliances.
Vanuatu’s program officially allows dual citizenship. Investors can keep their original passport. Moreover, there is no requirement to notify other authorities or publish information, as is the case in some jurisdictions.
How to Get Vanuatu Citizenship: Step-by-Step Procedure
Initial consultation and legal analysis
At the first stage, we conduct a preliminary consultation with the client, clarifying the goals, family composition and wishes. Then a basic legal pre-check is carried out – an assessment of possible risks, the legal status of the applicant and compliance with the program requirements. This stage is important to ensure that the candidate can successfully pass the state reliability check.
Important! Clients can apply regardless of citizenship and place of residence. No visit to Vanuatu is required.
Preparation of a package of documents
After approval at the preliminary stage, the dossier is formed. Our lawyers help to collect and certify the necessary documents:
- Passport
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Birth and marriage certificates (if applying for a family)
- Proof of source of income
- Medical certificate
- Bank documents
We also handle all translations andapostilles, fully preparing the package for submission to the competent authorities.
Legal review and FIU approval
At this stage, the dossier is submitted to the Financial Intelligence Unit of Vanuatu, a body that carries out in-depth due diligence to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing requirements. This process takes 5-10 working days. Only after receiving approval from the FIU can the investment stage be carried out.
Investment contribution
Once approved by the FIU, the applicant transfers an investment contribution to the Vanuatu National Development Fund. The amount is $130,000 for a single applicant; $150,000-$180,000 for a family of 2-4. Additional Feeis chargedfor each additional family member. Payment is made to an official account in Vanuatu. We accompany the transfer process and check all documents confirming payment.
Final approval and oath
Once payment is received, the Vanuatu government makes a final decision. The applicant is granted citizenship and then signs an oath of allegiance, which can be done remotely at a consulate, at a notary office, or via video link in the presence of an authorized representative.
Issuance of a passport
After completing all procedures, the client receives a certificate of naturalization and a biometric passport of a citizen of Vanuatu. We organize the delivery of documents by courier to any country in the world with complete confidentiality. The period from submission to receipt of the passport is usually 30-60 calendar days.
The legal team accompanies the client at all stages: from the first consultation and risk assessment to the final delivery of the passport. We provide full legal protection, confidentiality and compliance with all legal requirements. All actions are carried out strictly within the framework of the official program, regulated by the Vanuatu Citizenship Act and other relevant regulations.
If you are looking for a reliable, fast and flexible route to second citizenship, Vanuatu is the perfect solution. Contact our team for a personalized consultation and quote tailored to your situation.
FAQ
The minimum non-refundable contribution under the Development Support Program (DSP) is $130,000 for a single applicant. For family applications, the amount depends on the number of family members and can range from $150,000 to $180,000. The contribution is transferred to the government account after preliminary approval of the file and due diligence.
No, the Vanuatu citizenship program does not require you to live or visit the country before or after receiving your passport. All procedures can be completed remotely, and the passport will be delivered to the applicant anywhere in the world.
Yes, Vanuatu officially allows dual citizenship, allowing you to retain your current citizenship and enjoy all the benefits of a second passport without having to renounce it.
Vanuatu is considered a tax-free jurisdiction. There are no taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, inheritance, gifts, or foreign-sourced income. This makes the Vanuatu passport particularly attractive to entrepreneurs and investors seeking financial flexibility.
Yes, Vanuatu citizens can visit Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days within 180 days. However, it is important to note that this right applies exclusively to tourism and business trips, but does not grant permission to live and work in EU countries.
The passport application process takes from 30 to 60 calendar days. The entire process, including legal verification, payment of the fee and the oath, can be completed completely remotely, with legal support and strict confidentiality.