AN ATTRACTIVE OPTION FOR INDIAN NATIONALS

Currently, Vanuatu is the only country in the Asia Pacific Region offering a Citizenship-by-Investment program.

With the program’s competitive pricing and variety of advantages obtainable by becoming a citizen of Vanuatu, the Vanuatu citizenship (View the program) is an attractive option for Indian nationals looking to gain a second citizenship and expand their horizons.

VANUATU PASSPORT KEYPOINTS

1. A Vanuatu citizenship provides a second passport with visa-free access to 126 countries, including the UK, Schengen Zone, Russia, South Korea, and Turkey.
2. The Vanuatu passport allows for visa-free travel to several countries and the ability to apply for an online or long-term visa for Australia.
3. Vanuatu citizenship offers man business and investment opportunities and tax incentives, including the ability to register a business with minimal taxes and purchase real estate with no taxes.
4. Vanuatu is politically stable and one of the safest places to live, work, and invest, with no international conflicts and low violent crime rates.
5. The quality of life in Vanuatu is high and affordable, with warm weather year-round and a comfortable standard of living.
6. The process for obtaining Vanuatu Passport is relatively straightforward through the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, requiring a substantial one-off financial contribution to the Vanuatu government development funds and due diligence checks.

 WHAT BENEFITS ARE THERE TO VANUATU CITIZENSHIP?

First and foremost, gaining Vanuatu citizenship provides the holder with a second passport, which offers several benefits. For example, the Vanuatu passport grants visa-free access to 126 countries, including the United Kingdom, the Schengen Zone, Russia, South Korea, and Turkey. 

The passport also allows for visa-free travel to a number countries including the United Kingdom, Singapore, Ireland, New Zealand, and more.  In addition, there is the ability to apply for an online or long-term visa for Australia.  You will find that several hundred thousand Vanuatu citizens live and work on the Australian mainland. 

A Vanuatu citizenship can also offer many business and investment opportunities, especially through the access granted by the passport.  In this respect, Vanuatu citizenship also offers a range of tax incentives for citizens, including the ability to register a business with minimal taxes and the ability to purchase real estate with no taxes.  Specifically, there are no personal income or corporate taxes; no withholding tax or capital gains tax; and no estate, wealth, and gift tax.

Another consideration is that a second passport can provide safety for your family.  Vanuatu is politically stable and involved in no international conflicts. Violent crime is also very unusual, making it one of the safest places to live, work, and invest. 

For other living considerations, Vanuatu has two official languages, English and French, which makes it easy for English speaking Indians.  Apart from this there are no official language requirements.   

Further, a citizenship application can cover the applicant’s parents, dependent children up to the age of 25 and, of course, their spouse.

DO I HAVE TO LIVE IN VANUATU IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE CITIZENSHIP?

You are not required to live in or visit Vanuatu for your application, but if you wish to do so, the weather is warm year-round. The average temperature is between 25 and 29°C (77 and 84°F).  In this respect, the dry season runs from May to October.

Following on from this, the quality of life is also high and the island is beautiful.  Most people in Vanuatu can enjoy a comfortable standard of living without breaking the bank.  (Source: Numbeo)

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE VANUATU CITIZENSHIP ACT?

Under the Vanuatu Citizenship Act, the process for obtaining Vanuatu passport is relatively straightforward. The country offers a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, which allows applicants to become citizens of Vanuatu in as little as three months. 

The program requires the applicant to make a substantial one-off, non-refundable financial contribution to the Vanuatu government development funds.  This fee is USD130,000 for a single applicant; USD 150,000 for a married couple and USD 180,000 for a couple with 2 children.  Following on from this, each additional dependent is then USD 25,000.

DO I NEED A DUE DILIGENCE CHECK?

Prior to the investment, the applicant must apply for due diligence checks by the Government Financial Intelligence Unit and obtain clearance.  This process requires a fee of USD6,000 to cover the costs.  

After successfully completed the due diligence checks, the Citizenship Commission will issue an advice of approval. 

The candidate must then attend an oath taking ceremony.  This can be at an overseas Vanuatuan embassy, subject to some requirements. The applicant and their family do not have to visit Vanuatu, as noted previously. In fact, a law firm can do the whole process for you.  

WHERE CAN I GET PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

Harvey Law Corporation (HLG) has been practising Immigration Law for over 30 years and has a number of offices around the world including in India.

You can contact our office directly for a consultation at [email protected].
For more information on the program please visit the program page