Citizenship By Investment

The Vanuatu CBI Program, regulated by Chapter 112 of the Citizenship Law and Order No. 8 of 2023, allows non-EU/EEA nationals to obtain lifelong citizenship through a financial contribution to the nation’s economy. It is administered by the Vanuatu Citizenship Office and Commission and is renowned for its rapid processing, no residency requirements, and allowance for dual citizenship. The program was briefly suspended in March 2025 due to due diligence concerns but was reinstated by May 2025 with enhanced oversight.

Vanuatu offers a primary CBI route: the Development Support Program (DSP). Unlike some Caribbean programs, real estate investment is not currently offered, keeping the process streamlined.

• Development Support Program (DSP): 
  • Non-refundable donation to the National Development Fund, supporting infrastructure and disaster recovery. 
  • Costs: 
    • $130,000 for a single applicant. 
    • $150,000 for a married couple. 
    • $165,000 for a family of 3 (main applicant, spouse, and 1child under 25). 
    • Additional dependents: $10,000 per child under 18, $15,000 per parent over 50.
  • Due diligence fees: $5,500 per applicant (non-refundable).

• Global Mobility: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 83–113 countries, including the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia, and select EU countries (e.g., Austria, Slovakia). Note: Schengen visa-free access was suspended in December 2024 due to EU policy changes.
• Tax Advantages: No income, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth taxes, ideal for entrepreneurs and crypto investors.
• Fast Processing: Citizenship granted in 2–3  months (60–90 days), the fastest globally.
• Dual Citizenship: Vanuatu permits dual citizenship, allowing retention of original nationality.
• No Residency Requirements: No need to reside in Vanuatu before, during, or after approval, though biometric submission is required in Vanuatu or at consulates (e.g., UAE, Hong Kong, Brussels, New Caledonia).
• Family-Friendly: Includes spouse, children, and parents in one application.
• Lifestyle: Access to Vanuatu’s pristine beaches, tropical climate, and vibrant Melanesian culture.

•   Main Applicant Requirements: 
  • Aged 18–65 with a clean criminal record and no visa denials in countries with Vanuatu’s visa-free agreements. 
  • Minimum net assets of $250,000 (personal or shared). 
  • Comprehensive due diligence by the Vanuatu Financial       Intelligence Unit (FIU), including checks by a certified Anti-Money       Laundering Officer.
• Eligible Dependents: 
  • Spouse (no criminal record). 
  • Children under 25 (financially dependent, in full-time education if 18–25). 
  • Parents over 50 (increased from 65 in 2025), fully dependent on the main applicant. 
  • Dependents aged 16+ undergo due diligence screening.
• Exclusions: Nationals of Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Syria, and Yemen are ineligible unless they have resided outside these countries for 10 years with no ties.

The St. Kitts and Nevis CBI Program allows investors and their families to obtain lifelong citizenship by making a significant economic contribution to the nation. With a processing time of 3–9 months, it offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 154 countries, including the EU Schengen Area, UK, and Singapore. The program is renowned for its stability, flexibility, and no residency requirements.

 As of October 2024, the program offers three main investment routes, with updated thresholds to support national development: 

• Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC): 
  • Non-refundable donation of $250,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four (main applicant, spouse, and two dependents). 
  • Additional fees: $25,000 per dependent under 18, $50,000 per dependent over 18. 
  • Funds support healthcare, education, tourism, culture, and climate resilience initiatives.
• Real Estate Investment: 
  • Minimum investment of $325,000 in government-approved projects (e.g., hotel shares, condominiums, or villas), reduced from $400,000 as of October 25, 2024. 
  • Properties must be held for 7 years; freehold properties require a minimum of $600,000. 
  • Rental returns: 3.5–7.5% annually, with investors able to use properties for up to 24 days per year. 
  • Additional fees: $25,000 (main applicant), $15,000 (spouse), $10,000 (dependents under 18).
• Public Benefit Option (PBO): 
  • Contribution of $250,000 to government-approved infrastructure or development projects. 
  • Supports national priorities like employment and technology transfer. 
  • Same additional fees as SISC: $25,000 per dependent under 18, $50,000 per dependent over 18.

• Global Mobility: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 154+ countries, including Schengen Area (90 days within 180), UK, Ireland, and Mexico (added in 2024). 
• Tax Advantages: No personal income, wealth, or inheritance taxes, ideal for tax optimization. 
• Dual Citizenship: St. Kitts and Nevis allows dual citizenship, so applicants can retain their original nationality. 
• Lifelong Citizenship: Citizenship is hereditary, passing to future generations. 
• No Residency Requirement: No need to live in or visit St.      Kitts and Nevis before or after approval, though a one-time visit every two years is required to maintain status. 
• CARICOM Membership: Access to live, work, and invest in 20 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states. 
• Lifestyle: Tropical climate, pristine beaches, and a stable socioeconomic environment with a thriving tourism sector.

•  Main Applicant Requirements: 
  • Over 18 years old, with a clean criminal record and no visa denials in countries with visa-free access for St. Kitts citizens. 
  • Mandatory interviews (virtual or in-person) for applicants and dependents aged 16+. 
  • Comprehensive medical examination and proof of no contagious diseases. 
  • Crypto assets can be used for partial wealth verification; family members (e.g., parent or child) can sponsor applications if relationships are proven.
• Eligible Dependents: 
  • Spouse (opposite-sex, no criminal record). 
  • Children under 18, or 18–25 if in full-time education and financially dependent. 
  • Children over 18 with physical or mental disabilities. 
  • Parents aged 55+ (increased from 65 in 2024) who are financially dependent and live with the main applicant. 
  • Siblings are no longer eligible as of July 2024.
• Exclusions: Nationals of Iran, Iraq, North      Korea, Afghanistan, Russia, and Belarus are ineligible unless they have lived outside these countries for 10 years with no ties.