Citizenship of Vanuatu: why do you need a passport in a distant island state?

The state of Vanuatu, located in the South Pacific Ocean, consists of 80 islands with unique nature and picturesque beaches. But the country is known not only for this. It gained popularity due to the world's fastest investment-based passport program. You can obtain a Vanuatu passport using it within a period of 1 month. Despite the fact that the immigration project started not so long ago (in 2017), it is highly valued in business circles. During the existence of the program, about 4 thousand applicants took advantage of it. Vanuatu citizenship by investment gives its holders valuable tools and new perspectives.

What is required to obtain the status

The procedure for obtaining a Vanuatu passport is transparent and simple (for successful implementation of the program, it is recommended to read detailed guide on it). Currently, recipients are offered one non-refundable option - transferring funds to the account of the National Development Fund. The amount of the contribution depends on the number of people applying for a passport:

• investor – $130000;
• investor and spouse – $150000;
• 3 participants – $165000;
• 4 participants – $185000;
• additional payment for the rest is $15000.

The Vanuatu government is also considering the possibility of introducing 2 more options, which are being finalized:

• Purchase of real estate from the list proposed by the state for $100000-200000.
• Purchase of government bonds for 150-180 thousand AUD ($101500-121800), which can be repaid within 24 to 36 months.

An investor can be a citizen of any country, at least 18 years old, without a criminal record, serious diagnoses and with legal income. The application is allowed to include a spouse, children under 18 years of age, financially dependent parents over 50 years of age, student children 18-25 years of age.

The applicant also pays for a security check ($5500 for the whole family) and shows the presence of at least $250000 in a bank account (about all the nuances more details in the blog www.immigrantinvest.com).

Why does an investor need a Vanuatu passport?

Analysts praise Vanuatu's investment potential. About 350 thousand tourists come here annually, and a first-class infrastructure is being created for them in the country. Bauerfield International Airport serves dozens of domestic and international flights. The real estate being built in Vanuatu meets the best international standards. Foreigners have the right to buy it without restrictions.

In addition, among the advantages of a Vanuatu passport and opportunities for holders of citizen status, it should be noted:

• 109 countries for simplified entry (no visa, visa on arrival, electronic permit). This list includes Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia.
• Promptly obtaining a B-1/B-2 visa to the USA for 5 years. It makes it possible to visit the States for vacations, travel, business meetings, and short-term studies.
• Favorable microclimate for business. International companies are given a tax exemption for 20 years (this is replaced by a contribution of $300/year). For tax residents, VAT (VAT) is only 12,5%.
• Loyal fiscal burden for individuals - no taxes on income, wealth, inheritance, dividends, capital gains and export.

Zlata Erlakh, economic citizenship consultant (Immigrant Invest company), emphasizes that to obtain a Vanuatu passport, applicants do not have to come to the country - the registration is completely remote.

The status is issued for life, you only need to change your passport once every 1 years. This can also be done remotely and without significant investments (you only need to pay a fee of $10).