Vanuatu Development Support Programme (DSP)

Vanuatu is the slingshot-shaped chain of 83 islands located in the Pacific Ocean between Australia and New Zealand… and literally thousands of miles away from the world’s political and economic problems!

A former joint British-French protectorate, Vanuatu became an independent republic in 1980 and has since fiercely guarded its independence and sovereignty. Vanuatu is self-sufficient in many aspects, with most of its food produce being organic. Vanuatu is a free market economy with no personal income taxes.

The capital city is Port Vila on the island of Efate. Albeit small in size and population (44,000), Port Vila boasts a well-developed banking and financial infrastructure with approximately seven banks serving the international financial industry and a range of highly professional lawyers, accountants and financial advisers including big-name international firms.

The Development Support Programme (DSP)

The Development Support Programme (DSP) of Vanuatu was initially proposed in early 2016 and fully adopted by the Government of Vanuatu in April 2017. The objective of the Plan is to create local jobs, stimulate the economy, and keep the national budget balanced.

To facilitate and attract overseas investors, Vanuatu has passed and enacted all necessary legislation and regulations, even going so far as to change its Constitution to recognize dual and multiple citizenships, which was not recognized until the Constitution was changed by a two-thirds majority of Parliament in December 2012.

Due diligence and ancillary documentation requirements are faster than most Citizenship by Investment programmes. Online applications are streamlined and fast-tracked, resulting in reduced processing times of around 45 days. Vanuatu DSP is therefore one of the fastest options for the investors looking for a second citizenship and a new passport. Processing can be completed within a one month; citizenship is granted after this period if the applicant matches the requirements.

Vanuatu has visa-free entry to the United Kingdom, and citizens are generally eligible for 5-year US visas.

Advantages of Vanuatu Citizenship:

• Enjoy your freedom, mobility, and access to more than 145 countries visa free, including all European Union countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Russia.

• Citizens of Vanuatu are permitted to apply for Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600) and U.S. Tourist Visa, amongst others.

• No residency requirements for successful applicants.

• Family friendly citizenship programme: the successful application covers a family of four (main applicant, spouse, and one child under 18 years) with only nominal fees for additional dependents.

• The Republic of Vanuatu imposes no income, wealth, and inheritance taxes.

Requirements:

• Applicants must be over the age of 18 and under the age of 65 when submitting their application.

• At the start of application process: Applicant must deposit US$ 10,000 upon submission plus due diligence fees. When the Citizenship Commission has approved in principle (AIP), the applicant must deposit the remaining fee by wire transfer to the local agent’s escrow account at the National Bank of Vanuatu.

• Applicants must submit an original certificate of no criminal record from the jurisdiction in which he/she has resided during the last 12 months and (if different) the jurisdiction of his / her principal nationality.

• Applicants should have no less than US$ 500,000 of net personal assets when submitting their application of which at least US$ 250,000 in banking assets. This may be evidenced by bank statements, or personal financial statements drawn up by an accountant.

• Applicants should provide evidence that they are solvent and financially able to maintain themselves and their dependents without depending on income from any employment or business arranged in Vanuatu.