Vanuatu Citizenship & Second Passport FAQ

The Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP) starts from $130,000 for a single applicant and $170,000 for a family of four, paid as a single non-refundable government contribution plus due-diligence fees. See our full payment breakdown.

Vanuatu is widely regarded as the fastest citizenship-by-investment programme in the world, with approvals typically issued in 30–60 days from a complete, correctly documented application.

Vanuatu is generally considered one of the more affordable citizenship-by-investment options, starting around $130,000, though pricing across programmes changes frequently. We can compare current options during a free consultation.

Among citizenship-by-investment options, programmes tied to real estate or fund investment in jurisdictions like Malta have historically carried some of the highest total costs, often well above Vanuatu's DSP contribution. Always confirm current figures directly, as they change often.

Citizenship is typically acquired by birth in a country's territory (jus soli), by descent from a citizen parent (jus sanguinis), through naturalization after residency, or through registration/investment routes such as Vanuatu's DSP programme.

No. Vanuatu is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program, so Vanuatu passport holders need a visa to enter the United States.

It provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 90+ destinations, concentrated in Asia-Pacific. It is not visa-free to the UK, EU/Schengen or USA, following the UK and EU's 2023 suspensions of Vanuatu's visa waiver. See our travel benefits page for full detail.

Vanuatu permits many nationalities, including Indian citizens, to enter for tourism without a prior visa or via visa-on-arrival, though rules can change. Confirm current requirements with the nearest Vanuatu diplomatic mission before travel.

DSP citizenship does not require you to ever live in Vanuatu. Actually relocating there long-term is a separate immigration matter with its own residency requirements.

Vanuatu levies no personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax or wealth tax, which is why it's often described as tax-neutral. Your home-country obligations may still apply, so independent tax advice is recommended.

Common reasons: fast processing, no residency requirement, full family inclusion in one application, a tax-neutral second passport, and diversification against instability in a home jurisdiction.

Since 2021, the UAE permits dual citizenship only for foreign specialists, investors and exceptional talents formally nominated by the Rulers' Courts, Executive Councils or Cabinet of Ministers. It isn't available on request to most residents, which is why most of our UAE clients keep their current nationality and add Vanuatu citizenship as a second passport.

UAE nationality has historically been granted very selectively, mainly through descent or lengthy naturalization. The 2021 reform opened a narrow path for nominated exceptional talents, but there is no general open application process for most expatriates.

Eligibility is limited to individuals formally nominated by UAE authorities, typically investors, scientists, doctors, engineers, patent holders and creative professionals of exceptional merit, alongside traditional descent or long-term naturalization routes.

The UAE passport consistently ranks among the world's more powerful passports on major mobility indices. Exact rankings shift year to year, so check the current Henley Passport Index for the latest figures.

Eligibility depends entirely on the laws of both countries involved. Vanuatu permits dual citizenship and doesn't require renouncing your existing nationality, but you should also confirm your own country's rules before applying.

Generally yes, but South African citizens are usually required to apply for and retain formal permission before acquiring another nationality, to avoid automatically losing South African citizenship. We recommend confirming your specific position with a South African immigration attorney.