Vanuatu passport

Vanuatu passport

An introduction to the so-called one of the happiest places on earth

The country of Vanuatu is formed of over 80 islands that span 1,300 kilometers in the South Pacific Ocean. Scuba diving is available on the islands at coral reefs, underwater caverns, and wrecks such as the WWII troopship SS President Coolidge. The capital and commercial hub of the country, Port Vila, is located on the island of Efate. The country’s Melanesian culture is explored in the Vanuatu National Museum, which is located in the city.

One of the finest vacation destinations in the South Pacific Ocean is the Vanuatu Archipelago, which is renowned for its stunningly unspoiled coastline and laid-back atmosphere. Its superb beaches, temperate climate, and remote islands make it a highly sought-after tropical paradise.

No matter which of the islands a visitor chooses to visit, the natives there always make them feel welcome and at home. There is a destination and pace for every kind of traveler, whether they are visiting the busiest and most vibrant island in Efatd, or the least populous island named Mavea Island. The majority of tourists will obviously spend some time in Port Vila, the nation’s capital and geographic center.

Visit Vanuatu—there are almost too many reasons to do so.

A rich cultural background Vanuatu

Vanuatu is proud of its deeply embedded culture and seems willing to share it with anyone who is interested. To gain a sense of what island life used to be like in Vanuatu, you can visit a number of cultural villages on various islands or go on excursions to villages and tribes that still live this way on the island of Malekula.

The Ni-Vanuatu people are descended from Melanesians. They will never pass up the opportunity to share information with you about their heritage, culture, or ancestry. Most of the other nearby Pacific islands lack civilizations like this one.

magnificent seas in Vanuatu

Vanuatu’s water is one of its many positive aspects. You can choose to be in it, or just observe it. The beaches and waters of Vanuatu provide a variety of activities.

Kayaking, sailing, surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling all take place in some of the cleanest, most stunning seas in the world. Due to the fact that you can scuba dive shipwrecks and former WWII locations like Million Dollar Point, Vanuatu boasts some of the top dive sites in the entire globe. If you’re adventurous, you might also come across some old Coca-Cola bottles that the US troops left behind; if not, the coral reefs and variety of fish won’t disappoint you.

Travel info Vanuatu

Money:

Vanuatu uses the Vatu (VUV) as its primary currency, while Australian Dollars are widely accepted in Port Vila. There are no divisions in the Vatu. In Port Vila, exchange services are easily accessible via banks and kiosks. In Port Vila and Luganville, where banking services are advanced, major credit and debit cards, as well as travelers’ checks, are routinely accepted, although cash is necessary outside of tourist areas in the countryside. The two most popular credit cards are MasterCard and Visa. In Port Vila, there are ATMs that accept the majority of foreign credit cards. Typically, banks are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Health:

In Vanuatu, there has been a rise in dengue fever cases. Given that malaria is widespread in the area, malaria treatment is strongly advised. As a result of the prevalence of dengue fever, it is imperative to take precautions against mosquito bites. In addition to the vaccination, it is advised for everyone who intends to eat outside of the better hotels and restaurants. Drinking tap water in cities is fine, but in other areas, stick to purified or bottled water, and make sure your food is prepared correctly, cooked thoroughly, and served hot. The islands’ medical facilities are modest but sufficient for normal care. Evacuation to Australia or New Zealand is necessary in more severe cases.

Safety:

The majority of visitors to Vanuatu have trouble-free trips; the biggest danger to their safety is nature, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Over 40 earthquakes, some larger than seven on the Richter scale, have struck the islands in the last two years. Visitors are cautioned to exercise caution and pay attention to local guides’ recommendations when going on trips to view active volcanoes because tourists have been hurt, sometimes fatally, by volcanic activity on the islands. Typically, the season for tropical cyclones lasts from November to April. Despite being low, the crime rate is rising. Be on the lookout for criminal activity, especially at night, and take measures. It is advised not to travel alone in distant areas because foreigners, particularly ladies, have been attacked there.

Communication:

Vanuatu’s international direct dialing code is +678. The country code that applies is followed by the 00-departure code. There are area codes. In Port Vila, there are public phones close to the post office and the telecom office, both of which sell phone cards. The islands have GSM mobile phone coverage (check with your service provider to see whether your phone is compatible), and Telecom Vanuatu Limited, the local network provider, sells local pay-as-you-go SIM cards (TVL). In addition to having Internet connections in most hotels and resorts, Port Vila and Luganville both have Internet cafes.

Off the beach path

With the exception of the cruise ships that visit Vanuatu, the nation is still virtually unknown and unheard of. Australian cruise ships visit for only a short time, mostly merely to explore the main island.

But because Vanuatu is such a vast archipelago with diverse cultures on each island, you’ll simply have trouble deciding how to spend your time there. If you want to experience real Vanuatu with few, if any, other visitors present, head to one of the offshore islands! Additionally, it’s surprisingly easy to get to with flights from Fiji and Australia. Although domestic travel can be pricey, aircraft and ships are typically dependable.

The country of Vanuatu is formed of over 80 islands that span 1,300 kilometers in the South Pacific Ocean. Scuba diving is available on the islands at coral reefs, underwater caverns, and wrecks such as the WWII troopship SS President Coolidge. The capital and commercial hub of the country, Port Vila, is located on the island of Efate. The country’s Melanesian culture is explored in the Vanuatu National Museum, which is located in the city.

One of the finest vacation destinations in the South Pacific Ocean is the Vanuatu Archipelago, which is renowned for its stunningly unspoiled coastline and laid-back atmosphere. Its superb beaches, temperate climate, and remote islands make it a highly sought-after tropical paradise.

No matter which of the islands a visitor chooses to visit, the natives there always make them feel welcome and at home. There is a destination and pace for every kind of traveler, whether they are visiting the busiest and most vibrant island in Efatd, or the least populous island named Mavea Island. The majority of tourists will obviously spend some time in Port Vila, the nation’s capital and geographic center.

Vanuatu citizenship by investment program

Vanuatu is a South Pacific archipelago, located to the east of northern Australia, composed of 83 volcanic islands that cover around 12000sq km. The population of Vanuatu is nearly 200,000 people. Bislama, English, and French are the three official languages of Vanuatu. The gorgeous archipelago’s coral reeds are one of the South Pacific region’s best vacations and scuba diving destinations. It is a tropical island nation, known as the paradise island, with its lush jungles and sandy beaches. The sea is warm throughout the year. Vanuatu is particularly rewarding for individuals seeking a peaceful lifestyle.

The easiest way is to apply for Vanuatu citizenship through the investment program.

148 nations and territories throughout the world do not require a visa for holders of Vanuatu passports, according to La Vida’s Unique Passport Investment Report. This accounts for more than one-third of the global GDP and over two-thirds of the popularity of travel worldwide.

The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program, also known as the Vanuatu Citizenship Development Support Program (DSP), is a scheme that provides passports to qualified investors in exchange for financial investment in the country’s economic prosperity. Vanuatu launched its citizenship by investment program in 2017. It is the only citizenship by investment program in the South Pacific. Applicants for the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program can obtain a passport and Vanuatu citizenship in exchange for a financial contribution to the state. The program’s overall goal is to create jobs in the country, stimulate the economy, and maintain a national budget balanced. Dual citizenship is feasible in Vanuatu since the country acknowledges it. This means you do not have to renounce your citizenship to obtain a Vanuatu passport.

To become a Vanuatu citizen, you must make a non-refundable contribution, also known as a donation, to Vanuatu’s local development fund. The purpose of this donation is to support the country’s infrastructure, development, and economic growth in the region. The amount invested is determined by the number of applicants.

A single person must contribute $130,000, while a family of four must contribute $180,000. Additional dependents can be added for an extra fee of $25,000 each.

Vanuatu citizenship by investment program

Development Support Program (DSP)

As a single applicant, the investor must contribute $130,000 to the development fund, while a family of four must contribute at least $180,000.

Investment fee for Vanuatu citizenship

• Single applicant – 130,000 USD
• Main applicant and spouse – 150,000 USD
• Married couple plus one child under 18 years old – 165,000 USD
• Married couple plus two children under 18 years old – 180,000 USD
• Additional dependents – USD 15,000 per applicant
• Evaluation process (per application) – 5,000 US dollars

Eligible for Vanuatu citizenship

• The original applicant for Vanuatu citizenship must be 18 years of age or older.
• Applicants must not have a criminal record.
• Proof of capital totaling at least $250,000
• Dependent children under 25 years old.
• Dependent parents over 50 years old.

Types of company registration in Vanuatu

Limited liability company:

This type of company is among the most common types of companies to register in this country. A limited liability company in Vanuatu does not have any restrictions on the field of activity. Foreign individuals and companies can own 100% of the company’s shares.

Branch Office:

Using a branch office in Vanuatu to expand the geographical scope of the parent company in this country. The scope of activity of the branch office is determined by the parent company.

Representative Office:

To register a company in the country of Vanuatu as a representative office, it should be noted that this type of company cannot have commercial and direct sales activities in this country. In fact, the representative office is only allowed to work in the field of development of the parent company and market research.

Vanuatu Citizenship Benefits

There are numerous advantages to being a Vanuatu citizen, from the added security of having a plan B in case of a crisis such as a pandemic to diversifying your assets and living in an English-speaking nation.

• Visa-free travel

First of all, the passport of Vanuatu guarantees freedom of travel. The Vanuatu passport allows you to enter 42 countries visa-free during the Covid-19 pandemic. You can choose the entry visa upon arrival in 33 countries. Citizens of Vanuatu can travel to three other countries after getting an e-visa (ETA).

As the international travel regulations normalize after the coronavirus global emergency, a Vanuatu passport allows visa-free travel to 129 countries including the EU, the UK, Ireland, Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Caribbean, and most Commonwealth nations and Australia with the ETA (special e-visa). With Vanuatu citizenship, you can stay in any Schengen member state for up to 90 days without a visa, or up to 6 months per year in the United Kingdom. If you run an international business that involves a lot of travel, then a Vanuatu passport is worth the investment.

• Affordability

Another crucial issue is that the process is one of the most cost-effective and straightforward among all other investor immigration programs, with low investor requirements. The minimum investment starts from $130,000.

• Tax advantages

Vanuatu imposes no personal taxation; neither foreign or personal income tax nor inheritance, gift, capital gains, or wealth taxes. This makes Vanuatu particularly enticing for foreigners, particularly digital entrepreneurs who wish to have tax-friendly second passports.

• Remote procedures

The majority of Vanuatu’s investor citizens do not live on the islands. There is no need to travel to Vanuatu to get citizenship, and the citizenship interview can be made entirely on Zoom. Investors and family members, however, must go through a thorough background check.

• Fast way to get a passport by investment

It takes 7–8 weeks to obtain a passport, and it is the fastest process available on the market for accessible citizenship in exchange for investment.

• Dual citizenship

There are no restrictions on dual citizenship. Vanuatu will never require investors to relinquish their existing citizenship. Information about citizens who received a passport through investment is not made public to third parties. The entire registration process is confidential.

• No language requirement

Vanuatu’s three official languages are Bislama, English, and French. Locals on the islands speak an additional 113 indigenous languages. So, there is no big concern.

• Eligibility of entire family for passport

Moreover, Vanuatu is the first country to accept bitcoin as a method of payment for its citizenship by investment program. Please note that you cannot pay in bitcoin directly. Rather, you can process your bitcoin payment via an authorized agent. Afterward, the respective funds are remitted to the Vanuatu government in USD.

Last but not least, Vanuatu is not an expensive place to live. Of course, the island nation cannot provide all of the benefits of metropolitan hubs in developed countries. But the international education solutions, the private health care system, and overall security are remarkable. If you need clean air, beautiful beaches, and picturesque nature, it is worth staying in your new home country.

Vanuatu Citizenship Requirements

There are a couple of requirements to consider before applying for Vanuatu citizenship.

• Age limit: from 18 to 65 at the time of lodging your application
• Contribute to the state
• Make a minimum non-refundable investment of $130,000
• Have a clean criminal record

According to the official statistics, thousands of applicants from various backgrounds and nationalities became citizens of Vanuatu. The requirements are clear and transparent. The background check before the pre-approval ensures that you are eligible to become a citizen of Vanuatu.

Documents Required to Participate in the Vanuatu Citizenship Program

 To apply for Vanuatu citizenship by investment, the following documents are required:

• Application form
• Foreign passport (must be valid)
• Certified copy of your national identity card
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Birth certificate
• Non-criminal record certificate
• Education diplomas
• Medical examination certificate
• Proof of the necessary assets
• CV
• Reference from your employer
• 6 colored passport photos

Application Process for Vanuatu Citizenship

Vanuatu’s naturalization process through the Development Support Program takes only 7-8 weeks from the time you submit your application; it is the fastest citizenship by investment solution in the world. The procedure is transparent, straightforward, and consists of several tasks and stages. It starts with a quick pre-approval process conducted by authorities. The applicant pays the donation only after the Government of Vanuatu has made a decision. Following the contribution, the applicant takes the oath and receives the certificate of citizenship, as well as travel documents (passports) and other additional documents.

Step 1– APPLICATION PREPARATION

Consult with a licensed program agent, such as a law firm, about the program’s requirements, and prepare the paperwork you will need to submit. It is not possible to apply for the program by yourself.

Step 2– APPLICATION SUBMISSION

Submit your application, and wait while the Vanuatu government performs due diligence checks and reviews your application. A due diligence fee is required as well.

Step 3– DUE DILIGENCE

Due diligence is a key stage of the program. The Vanuatu government will conduct due diligence checks to confirm eligibility for the scheme. If you are successful, you will receive a pre-approval letter. The remaining documents, as well as 25% of the Government contribution, should be submitted to the citizenship office.

Step 4– MAKE THE INVESTMENT

Make the required investment and provide proof after receiving a letter of approval. The remaining 75% of the government contribution is then payable within 5 days.

Step 5– PASSPORT ISSUANCE

Once you receive your citizenship certificate, you must take an Oath of Allegiance. You can arrange the ceremony at your preferred location for an extra fee. After taking the Oath of Allegiance, applicants obtain their Vanuatuan passport and naturalization certificate. Passports are valid for 10 years and can be renewed for the same period.

Economic conditions of Vanuatu

Vanuatu’s Economic Freedom Score is 60.5, placing its economy at 97th in the 2021 Global Index. Its overall score has decreased by 0.2 points, the main reason for which is the reduction of property rights. Vanuatu ranks 18th out of 40 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, and its overall score is above the regional average but below the global average.

Vanuatu has three preferential trade agreements in force. The average tariff rate is 9.2 percent, and customs requirements and other non-tariff barriers further impede trade flows. Most business activities are open to foreign investment, but state-owned enterprises dominate sectors such as broadcasting and transportation. Government spending has reached 35.7% of total GDP over the past 3 years, and the budget surplus has averaged 3.9% of GDP.

Public debt is equivalent to 50.7% of GDP. The currency of Vanuatu is Vatu. Its gross domestic product is around 897 million dollars. There is 76 thousand 410 labor force in this country. The unemployment rate is also around 1.7%.

Vanuatu Citizenship Cost

The required amount of contribution, including the donation to the government, in exchange for citizenship under the Development Support Program for:

• a single applicant 130,000 USD
• investor + spouse 150,000 USD
• investor + spouse + one underage child 165,000 USD
• investor + spouse + 2 underage children 180,000 USD

*Additional fees and costs apply.

Additional compulsory fees include:

+ $3,500 Security background check

+ $160 Passport processing

+ $120 Citizenship certificate

+ $100 Application fee

Optional Fees:

+$20,000 to include in the application a dependent (a spouse or a parent)

If you wish to bring along your family members, additional fees apply:

• For a family of four (your spouse, and 2 children): USD 35,000.
• For each additional child: USD 20,000
• For each additional dependent adult child (18-25 years of age): USD 30,000
• For each additional dependent parent (above 65 years of age): USD 30,00

Dependents

Vanuatu citizenship is available to the following family members:

• Spouse and dependent children
• Dependent on children in education
• Dependent parents of the main applicant, as well as dependent grandparents