Citizenship by investment in Vanuatu: the 2026 guide
The fastest citizenship-by-investment passport — issued in weeks, from a lower entry point.
Vanuatu's Development Support Program grants citizenship for a contribution from around US$130,000, with a passport often issued within one to two months — the fastest of the major programmes. Note that visa-free access has narrowed after the EU suspended visa-free travel, so it's chosen mainly for speed, simplicity and zero tax.
How Vanuatu's citizenship by investment works
The Pacific programme is prized for speed and a low entry point, granting citizenship via a government donation with remote processing and no residence requirement.
Investment options
Route: a Development Support Program contribution from around US$130,000 for a single applicant (more for families), plus fees. Real-estate options are limited compared with the Caribbean.
Timeline & requirements
Processing is unusually fast — often one to two months — entirely remotely, with due diligence. There is no residence or visit requirement.
Passport & travel freedom
Visa-free access has been reduced following the EU's suspension of visa-free travel for Vanuatu passport holders, so evaluate the current travel document carefully; the appeal today is speed, simplicity and Vanuatu's 0% tax.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Contribution | From ~US$130,000 |
| Timeline | ~1–2 months (fastest) |
| Residence required | None |
| Personal income tax | 0% |
| Note | EU visa-free suspended — check current access |
Who it suits
Best for those who need a second passport quickly and cheaply, and who value zero tax over maximum visa-free travel.
Where it fits in a borderless plan
A second passport is one flag of several. Pair Vanuatu's citizenship with a low-tax tax residency and a self-custody plan for your Bitcoin. Compare every route in the cheapest citizenship by investment in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vanuatu the fastest citizenship by investment?
Yes — its Development Support Program can deliver a passport within one to two months, faster than the Caribbean programmes, and from a lower entry point (~US$130,000).
Has Vanuatu's passport lost visa-free access?
Yes — the EU suspended visa-free travel for Vanuatu passport holders, so its travel document is weaker than before. It's chosen today mainly for speed, simplicity and zero tax.
Does Vanuatu tax income?
No — Vanuatu has no personal income tax, capital gains tax or inheritance tax.
Official sources
Rules change — always confirm the current position with the primary authority:
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