Vanuatu Citizenship and Residency Visas

Vanuatu Residence Visa

The Vanuatu Residence Visa is for people who want to live in Vanuatu for longer than 12 months. There are six pathways, each with its own eligibility criteria.

Residence Visa pathways

Partner – married to, or in a genuine de facto relationship with, a Vanuatu citizen (or previously in such a relationship with a Vanuatu citizen who has since died).
Child – a dependent child of a Vanuatu citizen.
Employee – secured employment with a Vanuatu-based business for at least 12 months.
Self-funded resident – certified monthly income of at least 250,000 Vatu (500,000 Vatu including a spouse or de facto partner), certified by a bank operating in Vanuatu.
Foreign investor – a valid VIPA (Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority) approval certificate as a foreign investor and, if applicable, a business licence.
Leasehold holder – leasehold property in Vanuatu valued at 10 million Vatu or more, plus the required certified income (generally 250,000 Vatu per month per person in the application).

Ongoing conditions

Once granted, Residence Visa holders must continue to meet the conditions of their category. For example:

Partner – must remain married to, or in a de facto relationship with, the same Vanuatu citizen the visa was based on (unless that citizen has died).
Employee – must remain employed by the business the visa was granted on.
Self-funded resident – must continue to meet the monthly income criteria.
Foreign investor – must maintain a valid VIPA approval certificate, and a business licence if required.
Leasehold holder – must maintain both the qualifying leasehold and the required income level.

Failing to maintain the conditions of the visa can affect your legal status in Vanuatu.

Why invest in Vanuatu Property For Sale

Vanuatu is an untouched paradise, and once you have been here it is hard to leave. Pristine beaches and crystal-clear water are unparalleled in the region, and there is no shortage of places waiting for the right person or family to make something of them.

A fast-growing economy is creating opportunities in agriculture, tourism and the service sector. Vanuatu has something for everyone.

Gaining Citizenship In Vanuatu by Investment

Vanuatu offers one of the world’s fastest and most straightforward Citizenship by Investment programmes. Through a government-approved contribution, qualified applicants can obtain full Vanuatu citizenship and a passport in as little as 30–60 days, with no requirement to live in or even visit the country.

Development Support Program (DSP)

The primary pathway is the Development Support Program. Applicants make a non-refundable contribution to Vanuatu’s national development fund in exchange for citizenship.

Indicative contribution levels (2026)

Single applicant: from USD 130,000
Married couple: from USD 150,000
Family of four (couple plus two children under 18): from USD 180,000

Additional dependants attract further fees, and government due-diligence fees of approximately USD 5,000–5,500 apply separately. Exact totals depend on family composition and the authorised agent used.

Key features

Processing typically 30–60 days from a complete application
No residency requirement before, during or after approval
No language test or interview
Dual citizenship is permitted
Citizenship is lifelong and hereditary
Vanuatu imposes no personal income tax, capital gains tax or inheritance tax

Who can apply?

The main applicant must be at least 18, hold a clean criminal record, and be able to demonstrate a legitimate source of funds. Applications must be submitted through a government-authorised agent.

Why consider Vanuatu citizenship?

Many clients who buy land or property at Lapita Beach or elsewhere in northern Vanuatu also explore citizenship as a longer-term option. It provides an additional passport, greater global mobility, and a tax-efficient base in the South Pacific.

Figures are indicative only and subject to change by the Vanuatu government. This page is general information, not legal, migration or financial advice. Please confirm current requirements and costs with a government-authorised agent before applying.