Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment.
The faster productized route, with trade-offs stated upfront.
A $130,000 contribution, about $145,000 all-in for a single applicant, and a 30 to 60 day target timeline through a CRS-participating jurisdiction.
Recognition tier
Recognized
Government contribution
$130,000
Single-applicant estimate
$145,000
Professional fee
$6,500
Target timeline
30–60 days
Visa-free destinations
87
Passport rank
#57
Engagement fee
$500, or 5% less when you settle via BitSettle ($475)
Paid, not free. The amount paid credits toward the $6,500 professional fee for 90 days.
Payment rails
File settlement: BTC, Lightning, or USDT
After compliance, the Vanuatu file and 21 CBI fees can settle through BitSettle using BTC, Lightning, or USDT. Credit cards and bank transfers are also accepted as needed.
The unvarnished Trade-offs.
A passport is not a tax residence, a visa waiver, or an exemption from existing obligations. These are the points that belong in the first conversation.
- Schengen visa-free access was revoked in December 2024.
- A United Kingdom Standard Visitor visa is required.
- Vanuatu participates in the Common Reporting Standard, so qualifying financial-account information is exchanged with the country of tax residence.
- One in-person biometric visit has been required since 1 July 2025. The application is not a fully remote process.
- Vanuatu is off the FATF grey list but remains on the European Union’s high-risk third-country list for AML/CFT.
Before the next Move.
Does Vanuatu still provide Schengen visa-free access?
No. The European Union revoked visa-free access in December 2024. The program remains a speed and tax-planning option, not a Schengen mobility product.
Is the application fully remote?
No. One in-person biometric visit has been required since 1 July 2025. The rest of the file can be coordinated around that visit.
Is Vanuatu a non-CRS jurisdiction?
No. Vanuatu participates in the Common Reporting Standard. A second citizenship does not, by itself, change tax residence or reporting obligations.
Is Vanuatu on an AML watchlist?
Vanuatu is off the FATF grey list but remains on the European Union’s list of high-risk third countries for AML/CFT. EU-connected institutions may apply enhanced diligence.
What is the single-applicant cost?
The government contribution begins at $130,000. With the published professional fee and standard processing items, the current single-applicant estimate is about $145,000.
Figures verified 11 July 2026
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