Vanuatu passport LOST visa-free access to EU Schengen (29 countries) + UK effective 2025/2026. Major reduction: 90-107 visa-free remaining (down from 130+). NEW CIIP route $50K redeemable cocoa fund. Mandatory biometrics.
Fastest globally 1-3 months BUT EU/UK access LOST 2026. DSP $130K OR NEW CIIP $50K redeemable. 90-107 visa-free remaining. 0% tax haven. Mandatory biometrics. Pacific paradise honorary citizenship.
Major policy change dramatically reducing Vanuatu passport value:
What Changed (2025/2026):
Impact on Visa-Free Count:
Remaining Visa-Free Access (2026):
Why This Happened:
Implication: If European travel important, Caribbean CBIs (St. Kitts, Antigua, Grenada, St. Lucia) ALL still have EU Schengen + UK visa-free. Vanuatu now primarily valuable for SPEED (1-3 months) + TAX (0%) NOT travel access. Major competitive disadvantage vs Caribbean.
Fastest globally BUT EU/UK access lost 2025/2026
Vanuatu's Development Support Program (DSP) launched 2016 offers honorary citizenship through government contribution, designed for speed above all else—1-3 months from application to passport makes Vanuatu the fastest citizenship by investment globally. NEW 2025/2026: CIIP (Capital Investment Immigration Programme) featuring $50,000 redeemable investment into Cocoa Sustainable Fund (CSF), total cost $135,500 all-in, investment recoverable after 4-5 years.
CRITICAL 2026 CHANGE: Vanuatu passport LOST EU Schengen (29 countries) + UK visa-free access effective 2025/2026 (now visa required). Visa-free count dropped from ~130+ to 90-107 countries (30-40 country reduction). Major competitive disadvantage vs Caribbean CBIs which ALL retained EU/UK access. 2026 NEW REQUIREMENTS: (1) Mandatory biometric submission $1,000 Vanuatu/$3,000 Dubai/$3,000+ consul visit, (2) $250,000 net worth minimum, (3) Video or in-person oath ceremony (final step).
Investment options: $130,000 DSP (Development Support Program donation, most established) OR $135,500 CIIP (Capital Investment Immigration Programme, $50K redeemable cocoa fund + fees). Processing 1-3 months (CIIP claims 21 days approval in principle, 2-3 weeks typical). Remaining visa-free access to 90-107 countries including Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia BUT EU/UK VISA REQUIRED. The Pacific island nation remains 0% tax haven—no income tax, wealth tax, inheritance tax, capital gains tax. Dual citizenship allowed. Population ~310,000 across 83 islands.
Two pathways (DSP donation OR NEW CIIP redeemable)
Non-refundable donation - fastest globally
$50K redeemable cocoa fund (4-5 years) - innovative
1. NET WORTH REQUIREMENT (NEW):
2. BIOMETRIC SUBMISSION (MANDATORY LATE 2025/2026):
3. OATH OF ALLEGIANCE (FINAL STEP):
4. DUE DILIGENCE FEES:
DSP (Development Support Program - Established 2016):
CIIP (Capital Investment Immigration Programme - NEW 2025/2026):
Recommendation: DSP safer choice for families/those prioritizing proven track record. CIIP interesting for single applicants attracted by redeemable $50K (effective cost $85.5K after 4-5 years) BUT program very new, lacks operational history. Both routes lose EU/UK visa-free equally (access issue program-agnostic).
All fees including mandatory biometrics
| Cost Component | DSP Single | CIIP Single | DSP Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment/Donation | $130,000 | $50,000 (redeemable) | $180,000 |
| Government Fees | $5,000 | $85,500 (non-refundable) | $15,000 |
| Due Diligence | $5,500 | Included | $5,500 |
| Biometrics (NEW) | $1,000-$3,000+ | $1,000-$3,000+ | $4,000-$12,000+ (4 people) |
| Authorized Agent Fees | $30,000-$50,000 | $30,000-$45,000 | $35,000-$55,000 |
| Legal & Advisory | $5,000-$10,000 | $5,000-$8,000 | $8,000-$12,000 |
| Document Prep | $2,000-$5,000 | $2,000-$4,000 | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Passport Issuance | $500 | $500 | $2,000 (4 x $500) |
DSP Single Applicant: $179,000-$203,500 (Dubai biometrics)
CIIP Single Applicant: $174,000-$194,500 (Dubai biometrics, EFFECTIVE $124K-$144.5K after $50K redemption)
DSP Family of 4: $254,500-$307,000 (Dubai biometrics)
Cost Comparison vs Caribbean CBIs (Family of 4 - 2026):
Vanuatu Value Proposition (2026 Reality):
Ongoing Costs:
Vanuatu passport advantages (despite EU/UK loss)
FASTEST citizenship by investment worldwide at 1-3 months. CIIP claims 21-day approval in principle. Dramatically faster than Caribbean 3-15 months, European 6-36 months. For urgent passport needs - geopolitical instability, business travel, family relocation - Vanuatu unmatched. Typical timeline 30-90 days total. When time matters most, no country delivers faster.
No income tax, no wealth tax, no inheritance tax, no capital gains tax for citizens and residents. TRUE tax haven - one of few remaining globally. Territorial tax system (foreign income not taxed). No gift tax, no estate tax. Privacy-friendly jurisdiction. Not blacklisted by OECD/FATF. Attractive for high-net-worth tax optimization. Superior to Caribbean territorial tax systems. Consult advisor on home country obligations (CRS/FATCA apply).
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival 90-107 countries (updated 2026 post-EU/UK suspension). Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia, most Caribbean still visa-free. CRITICAL: EU Schengen (29 countries) + UK NOW REQUIRE VISA (lost 2025/2026). Major reduction from previous ~130+ count. Ranks ~50th globally (vs Caribbean 30th-35th). Trade-off: speed + tax benefits vs travel access. If Europe important, Caribbean dramatically better.
83 islands South Pacific. Pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, blue holes. World-class diving (SS President Coolidge wreck). Yasur volcano (most accessible active volcano). Tropical year-round climate. Population ~310,000. Less touristy than Caribbean. Authentic Melanesian culture. Consistently ranked among world's happiest countries. Remote, peaceful, unspoiled.
Keep original passport - no renunciation. Vanuatu recognizes multiple nationalities. Strategic backup passport. Privacy protections (confidential records). Geopolitical diversification. Travel flexibility with two passports. Honorary citizenship doesn't conflict with other citizenships. Passport doesn't indicate CBI status.
No physical presence required - never need to visit Vanuatu to obtain or maintain honorary citizenship. No language test, no cultural test. True citizenship by investment without relocation. Same as Caribbean/European programs (0 days). Freedom to live anywhere globally. Passport doesn't expire based on residence. Honorary status granted remotely (oath video ceremony permitted).
$254.5K-$307K family of 4 DSP route CHEAPEST total cost among fast citizenship programs (vs Caribbean $308K-$369K). CIIP $174K-$194.5K single (effective $124K-$144.5K after redemption) excellent value capital preservation. When factoring speed (1-3 months vs 3-15 months Caribbean), value proposition strong if EU/UK travel not priority.
Strong privacy laws. No information sharing agreements with many countries. Citizenship records confidential. Passport application private. Bank secrecy traditions (though CRS/FATCA compliance required). Offshore finance jurisdiction. Privacy-friendly for high-net-worth. NOT blacklisted despite tax haven status. Legitimate offshore jurisdiction.
NEW CIIP route $50,000 investment into Cocoa Sustainable Fund REDEEMABLE after 4-5 years (capital preservation vs DSP donation). Supports Vanuatu cocoa industry development. Effective citizenship cost $85,500-$144,500 after redemption vs $179K-$203.5K DSP. Innovative model blending investment with citizenship. Ideal for those wanting capital return eventually.
VISA-FREE Destinations (90-107 total):
VISA REQUIRED (MAJOR LOSSES 2025/2026):
Comparison vs Caribbean CBIs (2026):
Bottom Line: Vanuatu passport ranks ~50th globally with 90-107 visa-free (vs Caribbean 30th-35th with 145-160). If European/UK travel important, Caribbean dramatically superior. Vanuatu ONLY worthwhile if prioritizing speed (1-3 months) + tax (0%) over travel access.
CIVITAS specializes in Vanuatu's fast-track programs (DSP + NEW CIIP), navigating 2026 updates including biometric requirements, EU/UK visa loss implications, and route selection (donation vs redeemable cocoa fund).