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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, 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.
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.
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.
How to Obtain?
In 2024, the process of obtaining a passport involves several steps:
Before submitting the application, check the eligibility for obtaining a passport and choose the correct application form.
Each program requires a checklist of documents, which must be submitted along with the application form.
You can download the current form from the Immigration Department's website. After submitting the application, you need to pay the registration fees.
The requirement applies to applicants seeking a passport through naturalization and based on marriage to a citizen of Vanuatu.
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.
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.
The Citizenship Law of the Republic of Vanuatu
A passport of the Republic may only be issued to citizens. The procedure is governed by the Citizenship Act (CAP 112), adopted and enacted in 1980. Amendments to the legislation were made twice, in 2013 and 2014.
The national Constitution, in Chapter 3, also defines the rights of foreign persons. One of the amendments to the Constitution establishes the procedure for granting and recognizing dual citizenship.
Additional regulations specify the categories of fees and additional conditions for issuing passports to foreign applicants. One such regulation is Order No. 33 of 2019.
Documents for the passport
Each applicant must submit a set of documents to the immigration service with their passport application, in accordance with the criteria of the selected program. In a standard situation, the file should contain the following personal documents:
- Certified copy of the passport.
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- Original or certified copy of the marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Original or certified copy of the birth certificate (if applicable).
- Original police clearance certificate.
- Medical certificate.Proof of residence.
- Proof of sufficient funds for living (bank statements).
- Receipts for payment of visa fees.
- If the applicant is under 18 years old, parental or legal guardian consent.
How much does a Vanuatu passport cost?
The cost depends on the method chosen to obtain the identity document. If a foreigner applies for a passport through an investment program, a one-time non-refundable donation of at least $130,000 for a single applicant is required. The amount increases depending on the number of family members included in the application, reaching a maximum of $180,000. In addition, the program involves payment of additional fees, including a due diligence check of the applicant, which can cost up to $7,000 and must be paid before submitting the application.
Participating in other programs also entails additional costs, such as intermediary fees, processing of official application forms, certification of residency and passport, courier fees, and more.
The table provides an example of registration fees and duties depending on the applicant's personal circumstances.
| Category | Amount of fee |
| Consular fee | $42 |
| Security check | $5000 |
| One applicant (for investment) | $130000 |
| Married couple (for investment) | $150000 |
| A married couple + 1 child | $165000 |
| Family couple + 2 children | $180000 |
| Each additional family member | $10000 |
You can find the current list and the amount of duties on the official website of the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu.
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