How To Get a Vanuatu Passport in 2026

Vanuatu has run one of the world’s fastest citizenship by investment programmes for several years. Speed and straightforward rules have always driven its appeal, and while global review standards have tightened due to closer international scrutiny, the underlying structure of the programme remains familiar. This article looks at what has changed for 2026 and how to approach the process in practice.

Recent context and what to expect in 2026

Vanuatu operates its CBI programme through a contribution model rather than real estate or bonds. Over time, the government has refined how applications are reviewed, especially around background checks and source of funds. The legal framework itself hasn’t been rewritten, but the screening process has become more careful.

Looking ahead to 2026, applicants should expect the same core thresholds and processing structure, alongside continued emphasis on due diligence. In practice, this means preparation and consistency carry more weight than speed alone. Well organised files tend to move smoothly. Incomplete or unclear ones are more likely to pause.

The main route to Vanuatu citizenship

Vanuatu offers a single qualifying route, a non refundable contribution to a government approved development fund. This route leads directly to citizenship and a passport once approval is granted.

For a single applicant, the qualifying contribution is typically around USD 130,000. Family applications increase based on the number of dependents included. A spouse and children can be added for additional fees, which should be reviewed carefully at the planning stage so the full cost is clear from the outset.

Because there’s only one route, choice is less about structure and more about suitability. Applicants who prefer a clean contribution model often find the Vanuatu programme easy to understand and manage, provided documentation is prepared properly.

What to budget for beyond the contribution

The headline contribution is only part of the total cost. Applicants should also allow for government processing fees, due diligence fees and professional costs.

Due diligence fees apply to each adult applicant. Where older children are included, additional checks may also apply. Family applications therefore rise steadily in total cost as dependents are added. This makes early confirmation of family eligibility important.

Unlike property based programmes, there are no holding costs or resale questions to factor in. Once citizenship is approved and the passport issued, the process is complete from an investment perspective.

Typical processing timeframes

Vanuatu is known for speed. Many applications are processed within two to three months from submission of a complete file. Some cases move faster, particularly where documents are clear and the applicant’s background is straightforward.

Delays usually come from missing records, inconsistent information or unclear explanations of funds. The authorities review files in sequence, so applications that are paused for clarification move to the back of the queue once resubmitted. Care at the preparation stage helps avoid this.

Who can be included in an application

Vanuatu allows family applications, with each person assessed individually. A main applicant can include a spouse and dependent children.

Children are usually eligible if they are under 18. In some cases, older children can be included if they are financially dependent and meet programme criteria. Each dependent must be supported by documents that show the relationship clearly.

Adult dependents are reviewed carefully. Eligibility should be confirmed early, especially where family arrangements are complex or spread across multiple countries.

Due diligence

Due diligence is central to the Vanuatu process. It focuses on identity, personal history, business activities and the origin of funds used for the contribution.

Checks are conducted by international due diligence firms alongside government review. The aim is to confirm that the applicant’s background matches what’s declared and that funds come from lawful sources.

There’s no interview requirement in most cases. Instead, the written file must stand on its own. That places more importance on consistency across documents, forms and supporting explanations.

Source of funds

Source of funds means showing how the contribution money was earned and how it moved into the account used for the application.

Employment income is usually supported with contracts, payslips and bank statements. Business income is shown through financial statements, dividend records or proof of ownership and profit distribution. Asset sales are backed by sale agreements and evidence of receipt of proceeds.

What reviewers look for is a logical trail. When money movement is easy to follow and matches the applicant’s profile, applications tend to progress without issue.

Documents to prepare

Applicants should expect to provide passports, birth certificates and marriage certificates where relevant. Police clearance certificates are required from countries where the applicant has lived for a defined period.

Financial documents include bank reference letters and statements that support income and assets. Business owners are usually asked for company documents showing ownership, role and operating history, with some documents requiring legalisation or apostille depending on the issuing country.

What a Vanuatu passport offers

A Vanuatu passport provides visa free or visa on arrival access to a wide range of destinations, including the UK and the Schengen Area. It also covers key business and travel hubs across Asia and the Pacific.

Travel access can change over time so for most holders, the benefit is practical ease, the ability to travel without repeated visa applications, rather than the headline list itself.

There’s also no requirement to live in Vanuatu before or after approval. Citizenship can be passed to future children, which many families see as a long term planning benefit rather than a short term convenience.

Points to consider before applying

Speed alone shouldn’t drive the decision. Applicants should consider how a second citizenship fits with their tax position, long term residence plans and family arrangements.

Some nationalities face additional scrutiny. Others may need to manage disclosure obligations in their home country once a second passport is obtained. These issues sit outside the application itself but affect how useful the outcome will be in practice.

How The Knightsbridge Group can help

With over ten years advising international businesses and families, The Knightsbridge Group supports clients across the UAE and worldwide. We help clients assess whether a Vanuatu passport fits their wider plans and guide the process from initial review through to citizenship approval.

Our combined legal, tax and immigration expertise means citizenship planning is handled alongside structuring, succession and compliance considerations. We coordinate closely with authorised agents, banks, trustees, regulators and legal partners to keep applications clear, consistent and well prepared.

To review your current arrangements or plan new strategies, contact info@kbgroup.ae