How does Vanuatu attract investors through its citizenship program?

General description of Vanuatu

The small but impressive state of Vanuatu is located in the South Pacific Ocean in the New Hebrides archipelago, not far from Australia. This strategic location attracts the attention of investors from all over the world. Vanuatu consists of 83 islands, where about 300 thousand inhabitants live. The administrative center of the country is the city of Port Vila.

History and languages

Vanuatu can be considered a relatively young independent state, having gained its independence in 1980. Previously, this territory was under joint administration by the United Kingdom and France, which is why several official languages are used in the country, including English, French, and Bislama.

International relations

The country actively participates in various international organizations, such as:

• United Nations
• Commonwealth of Nations
• Francophonie
• South Pacific Commission
• Forum of the Pacific Islands
• World Trade Organization

The political system of Vanuatu is based on the principles of parliamentary democracy, and elections are held every four years. The official currency of the country is the Vanuatu vatu (VUV).

Economy

The government is actively working on improving its economy and attracting foreign investments. Tourism is one of the key areas of economic development, accounting for about 20% of Vanuatu's total GDP. This is complemented by sectors such as agriculture and livestock, as well as the desire to attract overseas investments.

Tax system

The tax system in Vanuatu is characterized by a high degree of flexibility, making it particularly attractive for entrepreneurs and investors. The tax conditions remain the same for both locals and foreigners, which simplifies doing business. The country has no taxes on:

• individual income
• inheritance
• capital gain
• capital outflow

This creates conditions similar to a tax paradise. The main tax in this country is VAT, which is set at 12.5% for companies actively conducting their business on the islands.

Support for international companies

The tax policy was designed with international entrepreneurs in mind because15%The gross domestic product of the state is formed by international companies. The government of Vanuatu aims to create the most efficient legal and business conditions for businesses. Registered international companies are exempt from paying taxes for a period of twenty years. Instead, they are only required to pay an annual stamp duty of300 US dollars.

Investment program

The investment program of Vanuatu, although it has been around for several years, has attracted significant interest from investors in recent decades. The first offers for investors began to emerge in90s.of the last century. The name of the program and its conditions have changed multiple times, but inin 2017Serious updates have been made, which increased its attractiveness to investors. To date, more than5000A visa for foreign citizens who have decided to invest in this beautiful country.

Obtaining information

If you are interested in news about investment opportunities, immigration, and real estate in Vanuatu, we recommend checking out a specialized Telegram channel that provides up-to-date information and the latest updates on these topics.

Highlighting Vanuatu

In recent years, Vanuatu has become a focal point, managing to attract approximately 230 million US dollars through its citizenship issuance program. Since 2017, there have been two main initiatives in this country: the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program (VCP) and the Development Support Program (DSP).

Target groups of programs

These schemes are aimed at different groups of investors. The VCP program targets residents of Eastern countries such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, and access to it is provided through an agency network actively operating in mainland China. Meanwhile, the DSP program is intended for citizens living in Europe, America, and Africa.

Improvement of programs

Vanuatu is continually improving these initiatives and is also striving to improve safety and security for investors. The government adheres to standards similar to those used in the European Union to ensure a high level of confidence in the program.

Requirements for participation

The minimum requirements for participation imply investments starting from130 thousand US dollars. Processing times range from four to six weeks, and investment options may include contributions to special government funds.

Applicant criteria

Applicants wishing to obtain citizenship must meet certain criteria. First and foremost, the primary candidate must be at least18 years oldto be in good health and have no criminal record. Also, the main applicant's bank account must have an amount of at least250 thousand dollarsto cover the cost of the investment and all associated expenses.

Who can apply for citizenship

In addition to the primary applicant, their spouse may also be eligible for citizenship, as well as:

• Children under 18 years old;
• Unmarried children aged 18 to 25 who are studying at universities and depend on the investor;
• Parents of the primary applicant and his/her spouse, provided they are over 50 years of age.

Financial costs

As part of the citizenship acquisition program, there are several expenses related to the application process. The first is the investment that must be made after a successful due diligence check. The cost of the program for one investor is130 thousand dollarsfor a family of two with one minor child —165 thousand dollars. If there are already two children in the family, the amount increases to180 thousand dollarsEach additional family member who also decides to participate in the program will cost an additional$15,000..

Procedure for checking reliability

You should not overlook the due diligence procedure, which will cost5 thousand dollarsfor all family members over 18 years old. In addition, there are various additional fees, such as the document submission fee —43 dollarsand also86 dollarsfor each certificate.

Stages of obtaining citizenship

Thus, the process of obtaining citizenship can be broken down into several key stages. At each of these stages, it is important to carefully follow all requirements and adhere to procedures for the successful completion of the long-awaited citizenship process. Considering all the aforementioned aspects, Vanuatu represents an attractive option for those who wish to invest and obtain second citizenship, which opens up new opportunities for living and doing business.

Preliminary review and contract formalization

Deadlines:two days

Costs:missing

Before starting the document submission process, the company "Immigrant Invest" conducts a preliminary research of the applicants (due diligence).

The process of obtaining citizenship in Vanuatu

The agency responsible for issuing Vanuatu citizenship analyzes the submitted documents within a timeframe of four to six weeks. Candidates should keep in mind that the costs amount to 75% of the total contribution. The decision to grant citizenship is made by the commission only if the investor and their relatives have successfully passed the due diligence check, provided all necessary documents, and transferred the funds to the Vanuatu government account.

Commission meetings

The commission meets twice a month. If the application is approved, the investor needs to pay the remaining amount, which is 75% of the contribution. There are only five days to complete this stage. However, if an extension of time is needed to make the payment, the Vanuatu Government may allow the transfer period to be extended to 90 days.

Oath-taking procedure

At the next stage, the investor must undergo the oath procedure and receive their passport. This process takes just one day, and expenses start from $5,000. According to the program's rules, the Vanuatu passport is issued only after the oath is taken. There are two ways to take the oath:

• in the territory of Vanuatu before the commissioner;
• in another country in the presence of the honorary consul.

In the second case, the consul can administer the oath anywhere in the world. After taking the oath, the Commissioner or Consul issues a certificate of naturalization and a Vanuatu passport.

The role of an honorary consul in Russia

In Russia, the role of honorary consul of Vanuatu is performed byElena RudyaMr. Kohler, Director of Development at Immigrant Invest. She is officially authorized by the Vanuatu government to administer oaths and issue passports. The Honorary Consul's office is located in Moscow, which simplifies the process for citizens, as it eliminates the need to wait for a visit from a Vanuatu official or to make travel arrangements to other countries in the current climate.

Dual citizenship in Vanuatu

It should be noted that Vanuatu allows dual citizenship. Passport holders are not required to become tax residents of the country, although under certain circumstances, they have the option to do so if they wish.

Comparison with other countries

It is also worth paying attention to the investment programs offered by Cyprus and Malta, which are relevant in today's conditions. Comparing the passport of Vanuatu with the passports of Caribbean countries, several advantages can be highlighted:

• The process of obtaining a passport takes four to six weeks, which is significantly faster than in Caribbean countries, where the waiting time is at least three months.
• Only a basic set of documents is required to obtain citizenship. This set includes:
  • passport;
  • certificate of no criminal record;
  • birth and marriage certificates;
  • bank statement;
  • confirmation of the legality of income sources.

This program is perfect for those who aim to minimize the disclosure of their financial information and avoid the lengthy collection of numerous documents. Thus, Vanuatu offers attractive conditions for those wishing to obtain citizenship through investment, making the application process as quick and convenient as possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Vanuatu, a small but enchanting country, offers unique opportunities for investors and those seeking new citizenship. Its attractive tax system, rich natural landscape, and friendly population make this country particularly appealing for foreign investments.

With their active citizenship through investment program, Vanuatu offers a strategic destination for those looking to not only improve their financial situation, but also provide their loved ones with new opportunities.

As the number of issued passports increases and investment opportunities continue to adapt to the demands of global markets, it can be confidently said that the appeal of Vanuatu will only grow. Nearby neighbors in the region, such as Australia, also support the idea that business and life here can be more accessible and comfortable.

Potential for economic growth

I believe that this archipelago has enormous potential for further economic growth and is becoming an important player on the international stage.

Citizenship programs

Vanuatu's citizenship programs, such as VCP and DSP, offer a well-designed environment for investors. Changes introduced in 2017 have greatly simplified the citizenship process and increased the transparency of the program.

Advantages of programs:

• Simplicity and speed of obtaining citizenship.
• Transparent conditions for investors.
• The ability to secure a future for the family.

I hope that each year more and more people will discover the intricacies of life on these islands, finding their new home here.

Final thoughts

Based on the above, I strongly recommend considering the opportunities that Vanuatu offers. It is not just a place with beautiful beaches and stunning nature, but also a country with immense potential for growth and development, where one can build both a business and a family.

If you're looking for something more than just a place to live,Vanuatucould be your perfect choice.