Citizenship by Investment in the Pacific
There are two attractive citizenship by investment programs in the Pacific in Vanuatu as well as in Nauru. Both CBI programs are known for their low entry costs as well as their fast processing times.
Vanuatu is an archipelago consisting of 83 islands, located in the South East Pacific Ocean east of Australia and west of the Fiji Islands. This island nation is part of the Commonwealth, has over 300,000 inhabitants and enjoys a tropical and sub-tropical climate. The capital of Port-Vila can be reached via international flights from Australia, New Zealand and the Fiji Islands.
It should be mentioned that a Vanuatu passport grants visa-free access / e-visa access to 100+ countries including Russia and Singapore, but does not include visa-free access to the Schengen area. Previously, the Vanuatu program’s due diligence was relatively easy thereby reflecting negatively on the quality of the Vanuatu passport. However, in an effort to improve their passport’s appeal, Vanuatu has since significantly strengthened their due diligence process, decreased their donation amounts and added a redeemable bond option (investment in either cocoa or coconut agriculture).
Nauru is a small island nation in the Central Pacific with a population of just 12,000. Their CBI program has been launched in the last quarter of 2024 and seeks to attract investors into their sustainable agricultural and eco-friendly infrastructure programs.
Vanuatu & Nauru passports may allow for freedom of movement and lightened residency requirements in selected commonwealth jurisdictions. While the Vanuatu citizenship program is the fastest program available worldwide, the new Nauru program is the cheapest specifically for single applicants. The island nations’ location in the Pacific are ideal for anyone seeking a life far away from any mainland, while offering a very attractive business & tax environment, and a tropical life style.
Vanuatu
Nauru
Application Process
As in other jurisdictions, the local governments in Vanuatu and Nauru are responsible for the processing of all applications. Local laws stipulate the procedures and due diligence requirements, including which documents and application forms have to be included in the file. To make the process as easy as possible, the physical presence of the main applicant or family members is not required. However, Vanuatu is introducing biometric passports in 2025 and for that reason will require a physical presence for the application of the passport, starting in April 2025.
Once the complete application file has been handed in with the local government, due diligence checks and processing is very quick and takes only between 1-2 months; having said that, after the recent international developments, the process might take a little longer due to the increased number of applications. Once the government has concluded all their due diligence work and due process, the applicant will receive a confirmation of acceptance. At this point, the applicant is invited to make the investment within 30 days. The passport is issued thereafter, and can either be collected or will be sent via world-wide courier service.
Fees for both, the Vanuatu as well as the Nauru program are very competitive and include government application and due diligence fees, as well as professional fees. The fee structure and total amount vary depending on the program or investment option chosen and the number of family member / dependents. If you would like to find out more about the citizenship by investment options in Vanuatu, please get in contact with me.