Vanuatu

Passport of Vanuatu

The Vanuatu passport is an official international document. With the Republic's identification, you can enter 112 countries without a visa. Visa-free countries include the European Union, the United Kingdom, Russia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Vanuatu offers several simple and fast ways to obtain a second passport. One of the most well-known programs is the citizenship by investment program.

The average time to apply for residence and obtain a passport is 2 months.

How to Obtain a Passport of Vanuatu?

The main advantage of the local identity document is the speed with which it can be obtained, combined with its low cost. The fastest method is the residency-by-investment program, which was approved by the government in December 2016. The program aims to increase job opportunities, stimulate the economy, and maintain a balanced national budget. Foreigners have two investment options available:

  • A contribution of $130,000 for a single applicant or $180,000 if up to 4 family members are included in the application.
  • An investment starting from $155,000 in agricultural production. It is also possible to include family members in the application.

To participate in the "Citizenship by Investment" program, non-repayable contributions must be made to the government funds of Vanuatu. The required investment amount may vary based on the number of applicants and their ages.

You can obtain a passport of Vanuatu without financial investments in the following ways:

  • Naturalization: A foreigner has the right to apply if they have continuously resided in the Republic on a legal basis for at least 10 years.
  • Marriage to a Citizen: You can obtain a local passport based on marriage if you meet two main requirements: an official union and residing in Vanuatu for at least 2 years before submitting the application.
  • By Descent: The program applies to individuals who have at least one parent or grandparent of Ni-Vanuatu origin or who have become residents through naturalization.
  • Restoration of Residency: This method applies to individuals who have renounced their Vanuatu residency but wish to restore it.

In Vanuatu, it is possible to obtain a biometric passport that contains the primary biometric information of the holder. The option to obtain a biometric passport was introduced in 2010 and is currently the only form of national identification in the republic.

How to Obtain?

In 2024, the process of obtaining a passport involves several steps:

1
Determining eligibility for the conditions of the selected program.

Before submitting the application, check the eligibility for obtaining a passport and choose the correct application form.

2
Gathering of required documents.

Each program requires a checklist of documents, which must be submitted along with the application form.

3
Filling out and sending the application.

  You can download the current form from the Immigration Department's website. After submitting the application, you need to pay the registration fees.

4
Passing the exam test on knowledge of the Bislama language.

The requirement applies to applicants seeking a passport through naturalization and based on marriage to a citizen of Vanuatu.

5
Receiving a decision from the Citizenship Commission.

After consideration, the applicant receives a letter with the issued verdict. If the notification is positive, it is necessary to arrange a time for taking the oath.

6
Oath of allegiance to Vanuatu.

At the Department of Citizenship, obtain the oath text and complete the procedure in the presence of the Commissioner. This is conducted only in the courthouse within the territory of the Republic.

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