Vanuatu offers citizenship through a government donation programme. Indian nationals can apply, but recent changes to European travel access and to programme rules matter for the decision.
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.
There is no nationality bar on Indian applicants. Applicants must pass due diligence, show a lawful source of funds and have a clean criminal record.
A crucial point for Indian nationals is that India does not permit dual citizenship, so acquiring Vanuatu citizenship would generally require giving up Indian citizenship. Weigh this carefully before applying.
The long standing route is a donation under the Development Support Program. A separate route was suspended in early 2025 and later reopened with stricter due diligence and a different focus.
Applicants are now generally required to provide biometrics in person. Confirm the active routes with the authority.
Vanuatu has historically been one of the faster programmes, with processing measured in a few months for straightforward cases.
Added biometric and verification steps may affect timing. Confirm the current timeline with the authority.
The headline cost is a non refundable donation, plus due diligence, government and professional fees. Reporting indicates a single applicant donation in the region of 130,000 United States dollars, with higher amounts for couples and families, and new identity document fees added in 2025.
Confirm every current figure with the authority.
In December 2024 the European Union removed Vanuatu from its visa free list, so Vanuatu citizens now need a Schengen visa, or in due course an electronic travel authorisation, to enter Europe.
One investment route was suspended in 2025 and reopened with tighter rules. These changes reduce the travel value that some applicants expected. Confirm the current travel access with official sources.
| Item | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Donation, single applicant | Around 130,000 United States dollars (reported) | Non refundable contribution under the donation programme |
| Donation, family | Higher, confirm with the authority | Scales with family size |
| Identity document fees | Confirm the current figure with the official authority | New fees reported from 2025 |
| Due diligence and professional fees | Confirm the current figure with the official authority | Set separately |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Vanuatu Citizenship Office and Commission publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
Generally no. India does not allow dual citizenship, so acquiring Vanuatu citizenship would usually mean giving up Indian citizenship. Confirm your position before acting.
No. The European Union withdrew visa free access, so a Schengen visa is now required, and an electronic travel authorisation will apply in due course. Confirm current access with official sources.
The Vanuatu Citizenship Office and Commission, based in Port Vila, administers citizenship by investment and issues citizenship certificates.
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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