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Country overview
Vanuatu offers a relaxed Pacific lifestyle across 80 islands, with warm weather year-round, low cost of living outside Port Vila, and a small but growing expat community. Infrastructure is modest by Western standards, with reliable utilities concentrated in Port Vila and Luganville. Healthcare and education resources are limited compared to the global average, making Vanuatu better suited as a second-passport base than a primary residence.
Tax overview
Vanuatu has no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no corporate tax, making it one of the most tax-efficient jurisdictions globally. The government funds itself primarily through VAT (15%) and import duties.
Safety
Good — Vanuatu has one of the lowest crime rates in the Pacific region, with violent crime rare in urban areas. Natural hazard risk — including cyclones and seismic activity — is elevated given the archipelago's position on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Healthcare
Vila Central Hospital provides basic care; serious conditions typically require medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand. Private clinics in Port Vila cover routine needs adequately.
Education
Primary schooling follows a dual French-English curriculum, though higher education options are limited. Most CBI families educate children abroad or through international schools in Port Vila.
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Investment routes
Vanuatu offers the Development Support Program (DSP), a direct citizenship (not residency) program requiring a non-refundable government contribution. It is the fastest CBI programme in the world, with approvals possible in 30–60 days — and the speed is the point, because the travel document itself is no longer competitive. The EU revoked Vanuatu's Schengen visa waiver in December 2024 after suspending it in February 2023, and the UK removed Vanuatu from its visa-free list in July 2023. Buy it for the speed and the tax position, not for European access.
Development Support Program (DSP)
Investment required
USD 130,000 single applicant; USD 150,000 couple; USD 180,000 family of four
Residency timeline
Not required — citizenship is granted directly
Citizenship timeline
30–60 days from submission of complete application
Donation-based, non-refundable. No residency requirement before or after citizenship. Due diligence conducted by government-approved agents.
Vanuatu grants citizenship directly; there is no intermediate residency step.
Economic opportunity
Vanuatu's economy is small and commodity-driven, with tourism and agriculture (copra, cocoa, kava) dominating. The financial services sector has grown modestly due to the zero-tax environment. The country is not a meaningful destination for foreign employment.
GDP
$1.0B (2024)
Unemployment rate
~5%
Key industries
Entrepreneurs may establish offshore companies with relative ease given the zero-tax regime, though banking access can be limited.
Who this programme suits
Vanuatu attracts high-net-worth individuals seeking a second passport quickly and cost-effectively, particularly those from countries with restricted travel access. The profile is overwhelmingly investment-focused rather than lifestyle-driven. Since the EU and UK withdrawals, the buyer pool has narrowed to those who value processing speed and the zero-tax regime above visa reach.
Buyers whose priority is Asia-Pacific and Caribbean mobility, not Europe — Vanuatu has neither Schengen nor UK visa-free access
Applicants who need a second travel document in weeks rather than months, and accept a weaker one in exchange
HNW individuals wanting a backup citizenship with zero tax obligations
Entrepreneurs structuring offshore businesses who need banking-friendly citizenship
Common origin countries
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