How to apply for Vanuatu citizenship
A clear, step-by-step guide — eligibility, the application process, the documents you will need and the fees — with the rules on renunciation, loss and revocation set out plainly.
The application process
The following ten steps apply to general citizenship (Naturalisation, Entitlement, Non-citizen married to a citizen, Regain). The investment programmes follow the same process through their authorised agents, differing mainly in the fees and, for REO, the requirement to purchase property in an approved project.
Determine eligibility
Confirm that you qualify and receive the correct application Form for your circumstances (see Eligibility below). Children under 18 apply through a responsible parent or lawful guardian.
Gather the required documents
Each Form has a checklist on its final page. Provide all required documents — incomplete applications may be returned.
Complete and lodge your application
Lodge the completed Form with all legal documents and pay the Application Fee at the time of lodging.
Examination by responsible officers
Officers and a Compliance Officer check eligibility, correct completion of the Form, and that all valid documents are provided.
Bislama test (Forms A & B only)
A one-hour written test on Vanuatu's legal, political, historical and social general knowledge. If Test 1 is not passed, the application is held pending Test 2 (after six months or more).
Internal Screening Committee review
The completed application and documentation are reviewed to ensure all requirements are met before reaching the Commission.
Consideration & approval by the Commission
The Citizenship Commission approves applications. It may defer or reject an application for missing valid documents or unmet requirements.
Decision letter
One week after the Commission meeting, the Secretary General issues a letter with the decision. If approved, you are advised of the final requirements (oath, correct name spelling, citizenship fee).
Completion of an oath
After approval, complete the oath before a Commissioner of Oath — in a Vanuatu court (Santo applicants in Luganville). Applicants based overseas must travel to Vanuatu to complete their oath.
Payment of the citizenship fee
Pay the Citizenship Fee to enable printing of your Vanuatu Citizenship Certificate.
After approval: you have 3 months to complete the oath and pay the fee. A 2-month extension may be requested in writing to the Secretary General before expiry. If not completed within 3 months, the approval expires and a new application is required.
Eligibility
Documents & forms
Applicants are strongly encouraged to collect official application Forms from the Citizenship Office (or through a recognised consultant). True copies of the Forms can only be provided directly by the Citizenship Office; the copies below may be printed for perusal only, not for application. Each Form's checklist (final page) lists the documents required.
DOCX · Section 12, Citizenship Act Form B — Married to a citizen
DOCX · Section 10 Form C(a) — Entitlement
DOCX · Article 10, Constitution Form C(b) — Regain
DOCX · Section 18 Form D — Capital Investment (CIIP)
PDF · Section 13C REO Application Form & Checklist
PDF · Real Estate Option (Section 13F)
Honorary Citizenship and Vanuatu Contribution Programme forms relate to Sections 20 and 13D respectively and are handled through the relevant designated agents.
Fees & charges
An application involves two fees: an Application Fee (paid on lodging) and a Citizenship (Certificate) Fee (paid only after the Commission approves). The general application fee is VT 5,000 per application (all applicants and Form types except Form D). Figures below are indicative — confirm current fees with the Citizenship Office or your agent.
| Category | Currency | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| FIU due-diligence fee | USD | 5,000 |
| Single applicant | USD | 130,000 |
| Married couple | USD | 150,000 |
| Married couple + 1 child | USD | 165,000 |
| Married couple + 2 children | USD | 180,000 |
| Additional applicant | USD | 10,000 |
| Item | Currency | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee (per application) | USD | 250 |
| Citizenship fee — applicant, spouse + 1 child under 18 | USD | 260,000 |
| Additional child under 18 (per person) | USD | 19,250 |
| Dependant aged 18–21 (per person) | USD | 44,250 |
Fee schedules (downloads)
Renunciation, loss & revocation
Renunciation
A citizen who is of age and full capacity and wishes to renounce Vanuatu citizenship must complete the appropriate Form and take an oath.
Loss of citizenship
A citizen of age and full capacity who is not a dual citizen shall lose Vanuatu citizenship if they meet the criteria in the relevant provisions of the Citizenship Act [Cap 112]. A person found to have obtained citizenship by false representation, fraud or concealment shall cease to be a citizen 30 days after such finding.
Revocation
The Commission may revoke a citizenship where:
- the citizenship was granted in a fraudulent manner; or
- the citizenship was granted contrary to the Citizenship Act [Cap 112] or the national Constitution; or
- the person, after being granted citizenship, does not comply with the restrictions provided by the Citizenship Act.
Ready to begin?
Your authorised agent will guide you through eligibility, documents and current fees.