General answers for investors and families beginning their Vanuatu research.
Foreign buyers commonly deal with registered leasehold interests rather than owning customary land as freehold. The Constitution protects customary ownership, and the actual registered lease, consents, encumbrances, remaining term and transaction documents should be reviewed by an independent Vanuatu lawyer. See our Vanuatu property guide.
Lease terms vary. Check the registered lease for its commencement date, original and remaining term, permitted use, rent, conditions and any renewal provisions. Do not assume every Vanuatu property has the same lease duration.
Article 73 of Vanuatu's Constitution states that land belongs to the indigenous custom owners and their descendants. Property and development decisions therefore need to respect the constitutional, statutory and customary framework that applies to the particular land interest.
The Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (VFIPA) states that obtaining a Foreign Investment Registration Certificate (FIRC) is the first step for a foreign investor doing business in Vanuatu. Company registration, business licensing and other approvals may also apply. See our foreign investment guide.
Current VFSC material for local companies includes beneficial-owner information and, for foreign persons, identity documents, police clearance, source-of-funds evidence and proof of residence. Always use the latest VFSC checklist because requirements can change.
No. Citizenship is an official Government determination under the applicable route and due-diligence process. A private website or agent cannot legitimately guarantee that a particular application will be approved.
The Vanuatu Citizenship Office currently publishes DSP family amounts beginning at USD 130,000 for a single applicant, with separate amounts for couples and families. Its fee page also lists a USD 5,000 FIU diligence fee and a 5,000 Vatu application fee for applications other than Form D. Verify the current official schedule and exact family composition before paying.
Not currently. The United Kingdom introduced a visa requirement for Vanuatu nationals in 2023, and the Council of the European Union decided in 2024 to remove Vanuatu from its visa-exempt list, with the change taking effect in 2025. Entry and transit rules can change, so check the destination Government before travel. See our Vanuatu passport guide.
No. Citizenship, residence and tax residence are different concepts. A person's tax position can depend on residence, income sources, business structure and the rules of other countries. Obtain tax advice for your own circumstances rather than treating a passport as tax advice.
No. The REO is a specific citizenship route requiring investment in a Vanuatu Government-approved project and compliance with prescribed citizenship requirements. An ordinary property or lease purchase is not automatically an REO citizenship investment.
No. Transworld Leisure is not a citizenship-by-investment agent, does not accept citizenship programme payments and provides citizenship information free of charge. If an enquirer asks for an introduction to a Government-designated citizenship agent, Transworld Leisure receives no referral fee or commission for that introduction.
No. The website provides general information, links to primary sources and a way to contact Transworld. Legal, tax, immigration, financial and investment decisions should be reviewed by appropriately qualified advisers for your circumstances.
Primary sources: VFIPA — Investment Approval · VFSC — Register a Local Company · Citizenship Office — Fees and Charges · UK Government — Vanuatu visa requirement · Council of the EU — visa exemption ended.
Share your objectives and receive a structured initial response.