Vanuatu offers the world's fastest citizenship by investment — typically approved and passport issued within 45–60 days. Note: EU Schengen visa-free access was permanently removed in December 2024.
<p>Vanuatu's <strong>Citizenship by Investment programme</strong> is one of the world's fastest — applications are typically approved within 45–60 days. Vanuatu imposes no income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax anywhere in the world. However, the programme's key limitation is a significantly reduced passport after the EU's permanent removal of Schengen visa-free access in December 2024.</p> <div style="background: #fef2f2; border-left: 4px solid #ef4444; padding: 1.25rem 1.5rem; border-radius: 0.5rem; margin: 1rem 0;"> <strong>🚨 CRITICAL WARNING — EU Schengen Access Permanently Removed</strong><br><br> The European Union <strong>permanently removed Vanuatu from the Schengen visa-free list</strong> (ratified December 2024, after full suspension since February 2023). <strong>All Vanuatu passport holders now require a Schengen visa</strong> to enter EU/Schengen countries — including those who obtained citizenship by investment. This significantly reduces the passport's value for European travel and business. No reinstatement is expected in the near term.<br><br> If Schengen access is important to you, consider Dominica, Grenada, or St. Kitts & Nevis instead. </div> <h3>Investment Options (Coconut Sustainable Fund — CSF)</h3> <ul> <li>Single applicant or couple: <strong>$150,000</strong> (of which $50,000 may be redeemable after 5 years)</li> <li>Family of 4: from <strong>$157,000</strong></li> <li>Additional applicant: +$26,500 each</li> </ul> <p><em>Alternative structure: $105,000 non-refundable donation + $50,000 redeemable investment in government-approved funds.</em></p> <h3>Processing Timeline</h3> <p><strong>~45 days</strong> for Citizenship Commission approval, with passport issued within approximately 60 days total. <em>Physical presence required</em> for biometric submission — either in Vanuatu, or at approved consulates in Dubai or Hong Kong.</p> <h3>Why Choose Vanuatu (Despite Limitations)?</h3> <ul> <li>Fastest CBI available anywhere in the world</li> <li>Zero taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth</li> <li>~96 countries visa-free (including UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia)</li> <li>Affordable entry price compared to other programmes</li> <li>Fully digital application process</li> </ul> <h3>Who Is This For?</h3> <p>Best suited for individuals who need a <strong>second passport quickly</strong> and prioritise <strong>zero tax obligations</strong> and <strong>speed over European travel access</strong>. May be attractive as a supplementary passport for those who already have another strong travel document. <em>Not recommended if EU Schengen access is a primary goal.</em></p>
CRP World Data
Source: CRP World Research. Rankings and visa-free counts change periodically.
| Investment Type | Min. Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut Sustainable Fund (CSF) — Single/Couple | $150,000 | Non-refundable donation (single applicant or couple). $50,000 potentially redeemable after 5 years. |
| Coconut Sustainable Fund (CSF) — Family of 4 | $157,000 | Family of four. Additional applicants +$26,500 each. |
| Alternative Structure | $105,000 + $50,000 | $105,000 non-refundable donation + $50,000 redeemable investment in government-approved funds. |
Information Notice: This page is for informational purposes only. CRP World is an independent information resource, not a licensed immigration advisor. Program requirements, investment thresholds, and processing times change frequently. Always verify details with official program sources and consult a qualified licensed professional before making any decisions.
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