Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

As of January 2026, the Vanuatu passport ranks #53 on global passport rankingswith access to 91 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations. On the index, the mobility score is 94/100. The ranking has declined significantly since 2015 (then #48), primarily due to the permanent revocation of EU Schengen access in December 2024 — the first such action in EU history.

Vanuatu passport holders have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 91 destinations. Key access includes Singapore (30 days), Hong Kong (30 days), Malaysia, Thailand, most Pacific islands, and major Caribbean nations. However, the EU Schengen Area (29 countries), the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, and Ireland all require visas.

The main route — the Development Support Program (DSP) — starts at $130,000 for a single applicant (non-refundable donation). A family of four pays $180,000. Total all-in costs, including due diligence ($5,500–$7,500), agent fees ($5,000–$10,000), oath ceremony, and passport delivery, range from $135,500–$145,500 (single) to $188,500–$195,500 (family of four).

Vanuatu is the fastest citizenship-by-investment program in the world. The DSP route takes just 30–60 days from submission to approval, with a passport in hand within 2–3 months total. By comparison, Caribbean programs typically take 3–6 months, and Turkey 6–8 months. This speed advantage is the program's most distinctive competitive feature.

It depends on your priorities. Vanuatu lost EU Schengen access permanently in December 2024 and UK access in July 2023, removing ~30 high-value destinations. However, it remains the fastest and most affordable CBI program globally. It still offers strong value for investors focused on Asia-Pacific markets, those needing urgent geopolitical diversification, or applicants from countries with restricted passports who prioritize speed over destination count.

Yes. Vanuatu has fully permitted dual and multiple citizenship since a 2013 constitutional amendment, with no restrictions on the number of citizenships held. US and UK nationals can acquire Vanuatu citizenship without any impact on their existing status. Important exception: Chinese nationals should note that China's Nationality Law does not recognize dual citizenship, so acquiring Vanuatu citizenship may trigger automatic forfeiture of Chinese nationality.

No — not to the Schengen Area. The EU permanently revoked Vanuatu's visa-free Schengen access in December 2024 (the first such revocation in EU history), triggered by concerns over the CBI program. Vanuatu holders now require visas for all 29 Schengen countries, the UK (revoked July 2023), and Ireland. Only a handful of non-Schengen European states — including Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Moldova, and Kosovo — remain accessible without a visa.

Vanuatu is faster and cheaper but offers significantly fewer visa-free destinations. St. Kitts ($250,000, 157 destinations, full Schengen & UK access, 4–6 months) and Dominica ($200,000, ~140 destinations, full European access, 3–6 months) both outperform Vanuatu in travel utility. Grenada ($235,000) adds a US E-2 Treaty Investor Visa option. Vanuatu wins only on speed and upfront cost, making it suitable for applicants who prioritize those factors over maximum travel freedom.