Vanuatu offers citizenship by investment, but the position changed materially after the European Union withdrew visa free access for Vanuatu passport holders.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
American nationals are not excluded from Vanuatu citizenship by investment, and applications are assessed mainly on due diligence and lawful source of funds rather than nationality. United States nationals should weigh their own tax and reporting obligations, which continue regardless of any second citizenship.
All applicants must clear due diligence. Since 2025 applicants must attend in person to submit biometrics, either in Vanuatu or at an overseas office. Confirm the current eligibility and exclusion rules with the official authority.
The main route is a contribution under the Development Support Programme, a one time payment to the state with set amounts that rise with the number of family members included. Reported single applicant contributions have started around 130,000 United States dollars, with additional amounts for dependants.
Because the European Union withdrew visa free access in December 2024, the practical value of the passport changed, so weigh the route on its current merits rather than older marketing. Confirm the current contribution levels and rules with the official authority.
Vanuatu has historically been one of the faster routes, often reported in a small number of months, but the 2025 biometric requirement adds an in person step. Confirm current processing times with the official authority.
Beyond the contribution, applicants pay due diligence and processing fees, and since 2025 added identity document and birth certificate fees reported at 1,000 United States dollars per person. Confirm the current figures with the official authority rather than relying on quoted package prices.
| Item | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main route | Development Support Programme contribution | One time payment to the state |
| Reported single applicant contribution | From about 130,000 United States dollars | Rises with family members; confirm current figure |
| Added 2025 fees | Reported at 1,000 United States dollars per person | Identity document and birth certificate fees |
| European Union access | Visa free access withdrawn December 2024 | Schengen visa now required |
| Official authority | Vanuatu Citizenship Commission | Citizenship Office of Vanuatu |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Vanuatu Citizenship Commission (Citizenship Office of the Republic of Vanuatu) publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. In December 2024 the European Union removed Vanuatu from its visa exempt list, so a Schengen visa is now required. Confirm current rules before travel.
United States tax and reporting obligations generally continue regardless of a second citizenship. This is general information, not tax advice, so confirm with a licensed professional.
No. The programme runs due diligence and can refuse an application. Since 2025 applicants must also attend in person to submit biometrics.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
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