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Vanuatu real estate and citizenship by investment
An ordinary property purchase in Vanuatu does not lead to citizenship. The route we handle is a government contribution.
Answer and evidence
Can buying property in Vanuatu get me citizenship?
Not through an ordinary property purchase: owning a home in Vanuatu gives no citizenship by itself. The route we handle is the Development Support Programme, a non-refundable contribution of USD 130,000 to the government, decided by the Citizenship Commission. If a project is marketed to you with a citizenship claim, ask us to check it with the Citizenship Office before you commit.
- 01An ordinary property purchase does not lead to citizenshipVanuatu Citizenship OfficeOFFICIAL29 October 2026
- 02Development Support Programme contribution of USD 130,000Vanuatu Citizenship OfficeOFFICIAL29 October 2026
The Vanuatu citizenship route
What qualifies for Vanuatu citizenship by investment instead of real estate?
The Development Support Programme qualifies for Vanuatu citizenship by investment, and it is a non-refundable government contribution rather than a purchase you keep. The amount rises with family size, a due-diligence fee is charged on top, and Vanuatu sets no minimum stay either before or after citizenship is granted.
Figures as held in our data, checked against the Vanuatu Citizenship Office.
| Route | Minimum | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Development Support Programme | USD 130,000 | Non-refundable government contribution |
Due-diligence and processing fees apply on top.
From application to passport
How do you get Vanuatu citizenship by investment?
Vanuatu citizenship by investment starts with a due-diligence file, followed by a decision of the Citizenship Commission. You pay the contribution after approval in principle, and the certificate of citizenship and passport follow. In our practice the process takes 45 to 60 days once the file is complete; no official processing time is published.
- Check your eligibility
We review your family, documents and source of funds, and confirm which family members can be included.
- Due diligence and file
We prepare your file and the due-diligence documents for the Citizenship Commission, and the Financial Intelligence Unit carries out its checks.
- Approval and contribution
After approval in principle, the contribution of USD 130,000 is paid.
- Certificate and passport
The certificate of citizenship is issued and the passport follows.
What citizenship means day to day
What does Vanuatu citizenship mean for you and your family?
Vanuatu citizenship gives you and your included family members full citizenship with no duty to live in the country, before or after it is granted. You can settle there or stay where you are, and a home in Vanuatu remains a separate lifestyle choice, held under its own land rules and independent of your citizenship.
No residence duty
Citizenship by investment carries no minimum stay or residence obligation, so you decide whether and when to spend time in Vanuatu.
Family included
Your spouse, children under 18, sons and daughters aged 18 to 25 who are dependent and in full-time education, and dependent parents over 50 can be included.
Tax position
Vanuatu levies no tax on income, profits or capital gains. Your own tax position also depends on where you live, so take advice in your country of residence.
Questions
What do people ask about property in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu citizenship by investment is a government contribution from USD 130,000, and an ordinary home purchase plays no part in it. The questions below cover property rules for foreigners, the cost for a family, processing time, residence, tax, projects marketed with a citizenship claim and how to recognise official government sources.
Does buying property in Vanuatu lead to citizenship?
Not through an ordinary purchase. The route we handle is a contribution of USD 130,000 under the Development Support Programme, and a home you buy separately plays no part in that application.
Can foreigners own property in Vanuatu?
Custom rules are the basis of land ownership in Vanuatu, so a foreign buyer normally holds a registered lease rather than freehold land. The Land Leases Act caps leases at 75 years, and a Vanuatu lawyer should confirm the term and title of any lease you consider.
How much does Vanuatu citizenship by investment cost?
The contribution starts at USD 130,000 for a single applicant and rises for a couple, for children and for each additional applicant, as set out on the Citizenship Office fees page. A due-diligence fee and application fees apply on top, and we confirm the total for your family.
Who can be included in a Vanuatu citizenship application?
Your spouse, children under 18, sons and daughters aged 18 to 25 who are dependent and in full-time education, and parents over 50 who live with and depend on you or your spouse.
How long does Vanuatu citizenship take?
In our practice 45 to 60 days once the file is complete. The government publishes no official processing time.
Do I have to live in Vanuatu?
No. Vanuatu citizenship by investment carries no minimum stay or residence obligation, either before or after citizenship is granted.
What tax do people pay in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu levies no tax on income, profits or capital gains. Other taxes and duties can apply, and your position also depends on where you live, so take tax advice before you act.
What if a Vanuatu project is marketed with a citizenship claim?
Ask us to check it before you pay anything. We confirm with the Citizenship Office what a specific project offers, what the application route is and which fees apply, so that you decide on official information rather than sales material.
What is the official website for Vanuatu citizenship?
The Citizenship Office publishes programme information at vancitizenship.gov.vu. Official Vanuatu Government websites end in .gov.vu, so check the address before you share personal details or make a payment.
How do I start with Mirabello Consultancy?
Book a free consultation with Mirabello Consultancy through our contact page, in any of our 11 languages. A specialist reviews your family and documents, prepares the file and coordinates the application with the Citizenship Office. You can also ask Mira, by Mirabello, our AI guide, in the same languages.
Considering Vanuatu?
We prepare the file and coordinate the application with the Citizenship Office.