Family Eligibility Under the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program

The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program is internationally recognised as one of the fastest and most accessible pathways to a second passport. Beyond speed and affordability, one of its key advantages is the ability to include family members under a single application. However, family eligibility and costs vary depending on the investment route selected.

Vanuatu currently offers two official citizenship options: the Development Support Program (DSP) and the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP). While both grant the same citizenship rights, they differ significantly in how family members are included and how costs are structured.

Understanding these distinctions is essential for investors planning citizenship not only for themselves, but for their immediate family.

Overview of the Two Vanuatu Citizenship Options

Option 1: Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP)

The Development Support Program (DSP) is a government-backed citizenship route based on a non-refundable contribution to national development initiatives. It follows a scaled family pricing model, making it particularly attractive for families.

Minimum contribution: from $130,000

Contribution structure:

• $130,000 — single applicant
  
• $150,000 — married couple
  
• $165,000 — married couple with one child
  
• $180,000 — married couple with two children
  

Additional costs:

• FIU Due Diligence Fee: $5,500 (paid separately)
  

DSP is designed to transparently reflect family size, with higher contributions corresponding to additional dependents.

Option 2: Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP)

The Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) is linked to the Cocoa Development Fund and offers a more flexible family structure. Unlike DSP, CIIP applies a flat base contribution that already covers a standard family unit.

Minimum contribution: $165,000

The base donation covers up to four family members:

• The main applicant
  
• Spouse
  
• Up to 2 dependent children

Additional dependents:

• $25,000 per additional dependent
  

Important note: The Vanuatu due diligence fee is already included in the CIIP investment amount.

This structure makes CIIP especially efficient for families of up to four people, as the contribution remains the same regardless of whether the application includes one, two, three, or four family members.

Who Can Be Included in a Vanuatu Citizenship Application?

Both DSP and CIIP allow the same categories of family members to be included. The difference lies in how much they cost, not in eligibility.

Main Applicant

The principal investor must:

• Be at least 18 years old
  
• Make the qualifying contribution under DSP or CIIP
  
• Demonstrate legal source of funds
  
• Have no criminal record
  
• Not be subject to international sanctions
  

All Vanuatu CBI applicants undergo screening by the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

Spouse

A legally married spouse may be included in the application.

Requirements:

• Official marriage certificate
  
• Clean criminal record
  
• Successful due diligence clearance
  

Spouses are:

• Included in DSP family pricing tiers
  
• Included in the CIIP base contribution of $165,000
  

Children

Vanuatu offers one of the most generous child inclusion policies among CBI programs.

Eligible children:

• Unmarried children under 28 years old
  
• Financially dependent on the main applicant
  
• Children with disabilities may qualify regardless of age
  

Documentation typically includes:

• Birth certificates
  
• Proof of dependency
  
• Parental consent (for minors)
  

Under CIIP, up to two children are included in the base $165,000 contribution. Any additional children require an extra $25,000 each.

Parents

Parents may also be included if they meet the following criteria:

• Over 50 years of age
  
• Financially dependent on the main applicant
  

Parents are counted as additional dependents:

• Reflected in higher DSP contribution tiers or added separately
  
• Added under CIIP at $25,000 per parent
  

Application Process for Families

The process is streamlined and identical for both routes:

1. Initial eligibility assessment
   
2. Collection and verification of documents for all family members
   
3. Submission of application to the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission
   
4. Due diligence checks by the FIU
   
5. Approval and investment contribution
   
6. Biometric submission (Vanuatu, Dubai, Hong Kong, or New Caledonia)
   
7. Issuance of citizenship certificates and passports
   

There are no residency requirements, no interviews, and no language tests.

Rights Granted to Family Members

Every approved family member receives:

• Full Vanuatu citizenship
  
• Individual biometric passport (valid for 10 years)
  
• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 90+ countries
  
• The right to hold dual citizenship
  
• No obligation to reside in Vanuatu
  

Citizenship is permanent and may be passed on to future generations.

Conclusion

Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment Program stands out for its flexibility and family-friendly structure — provided the correct investment route is chosen.

• DSP offers tiered, transparent pricing based on family size.
  
• CIIP provides a flat contribution covering up to four family members, with additional dependents added at a fixed cost.
  

By understanding how each option treats family eligibility, investors can secure citizenship for themselves and their loved ones efficiently, legally, and with complete financial clarity.