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[Investment Migration | Issue 31] From "80,000" to "130,000": What Adjustments Were Made to Vanuatu's Citizenship Policy in 2026?
The global investment migration market saw frequent changes in 2026. Several countries in the Caribbean region adjusted their citizenship thresholds, with costs generally rising to USD 200,000 or more. At the same time, Vanuatu's policy also underwent substantive changes this year.
If your current information still suggests that "a family can obtain a passport for USD 80,000 with absolutely no landing requirements," then this information is outdated. In light of the new 2026 regulations, applicants need to pay close attention to the following three key adjustments.
Three Major Policy Changes in 2026
Restart of the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP)
At the end of May 2025, Vanuatu reopened the CIIP investment migration program. Unlike the traditional DSP direct donation model, CIIP allows applicants to recover their investment funds after holding it for five years. The total fee for a single applicant is approximately USD 170,500, and after deducting the later redeemable portion, the actual net expenditure is around USD 120,500. This provides a new option for families wishing to lower their net expenditure.
Mandatory Collection of Biometric Information
Starting from November 2025, biometric requirements have been added to the naturalization application process. All applicants must complete fingerprint collection and facial scanning. Enrollment sites are set up in Vanuatu, Hong Kong, Dubai, Nouméa, and other locations, or completed via mobile enrollment equipment. This means that the previous "no-contact" processing method is no longer applicable.
Increased Rigor of the Screening Process
Financial screening has been added to the due diligence process, spearheaded by the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). The trace-back period for police clearance certificates has been extended to 10 years. In addition to bank statements, applicants must provide proof of funds source and tax clearance certificates. An additional due diligence fee of USD 5,500 has been introduced per application. Although the process has become more complex, this has to some extent enhanced the standardized regulation of the citizenship program.
In 2026, applicants can choose their pathway based on family needs:
DSP Donation Pathway: Simple process, fast approval speed, and no subsequent asset management, making it suitable for applicants seeking simplicity and directness.
CIIP Investment Pathway: Lower overall net expenditure, but funds are locked in for 5 years, making it suitable for applicants who prioritize capital efficiency.
Core Features of the Citizenship Program
Although the policy has been adjusted, the following points remain the core competitiveness of the Vanuatu program:
Fast Approval Speed: The total application cycle is usually 30-60 days. Among current global migration programs, this is a highly efficient timeframe.
Tax Structure: The country has no personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or global taxation policy, which holds practical significance for offshore asset allocation.
Asian Business Travel: Visa-free travel covers 97 countries and regions, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Israel, offering high convenience.
Entire Family Application: Can include a spouse, studying children under 25, and parents and grandparents over 50.
Hong Kong Investment Migration Package: For applicants considering Hong Kong's 30 million investment migration program, Vanuatu status can serve as a necessary supporting requirement.
Currently, fee standards on the market vary. The government's guided prices do not include service fees charged by agencies. Some channels still use outdated low prices as bait, which leads to extra costs during actual operations. Applicants should confirm the fee structure to ensure openness and transparency.
In addition, it is necessary to highlight that the visa-free policy for the EU Schengen Zone was suspended in December 2024, and the UK has also reinstated visa requirements. If your primary goal is visa-free Schengen access, you will need to compare this program with other options.
However, if your core needs center around speed, tax planning, Asian business travel, or related supporting requirements, Vanuatu remains a highly cost-effective choice at present.