FAQ

1. What is Citizenship?

Citizenship is the relationship between an individual and a nation state whereby the state grants the citizen certain rights, such as the right to work and own property, and in return the citizen accepts the responsibility of upholding the laws and customs of that state. Citizenship unites different people under a common identity.

Traditional means of acquiring citizenship and the corresponding passports have been birth, naturalization and marriage. Naturalization is the process by which a resident of a country can acquire citizenship usually by residing in that country for a certain number of years. Since 2016 in Vanuatu investment in the host country has been another way of acquiring citizenship.

2. What is citizenship by investment?

Citizenship by investment is the process of obtaining a second citizenship and passport by investing in the economy of the host country. Citizenship by investment programs legally confer citizenship status faster than traditional immigration processes and do so without requiring investors to put their lives on hold.

3. Why do people invest in a second citizenship?

There are many reasons to invest in a second citizenship, from personal safety to increased global mobility. Applications can be approved in as little as 4 weeks, resulting in citizenship for life, a valid passport, visa-free travel and more. Economic citizenship opens up a world of possibilities.

Security

A second passport from a stable, peaceful country can be life-saving in the event of any kind of political unrest in one’s home country. This type of insurance is priceless for investors and their families.

Global Mobility

Many passports are quite restrictive in their visa-free mobility, forcing citizens to obtain visas whenever they need to travel abroad. A second passport can offer individuals from these countries increased global mobility. A Vanuatu passport gives access to 130 visa-free or visa on arrival countries including the United Kingdom, European Union and Singapore. Vanuatu also has a mutual visa waiver agreement with Schengen Area and Russia. The difference in global mobility equals an incredible amount of time saved filing visa applications and is priceless to business people the world over.

Business

New business opportunities open up to participants in citizenship by investment programs as they can now do business in the host country as well as travel abroad more freely.

Tax Management

Dual citizenship may prove advantageous for tax optimization purposes. Vanuatu has zero corporate tax, it also has no income tax, no capital gains tax, no estate tax, no wealth tax, no withholding tax, no gift tax and no other personal income taxes. This allows investors to manage their wealth more efficiently and effectively.

Family

Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment program is available to the family members of the main applicant. This means that investors can secure a better future for their spouse and children.

4. What does Vanuatu gain from the development support programs?

The Vanuatu Government launched the Development Support Program (DSP) for the purpose of raising funds to support infrastructure and promoting economic development of Vanuatu.

5. What are the requirements for obtaining a second passport?

Vanuatu has a set of requirements that applicants must fulfil to successfully gain Citizenship by Investment, these include:

  • Have a clean criminal record
  • Being a high standing member of his or her community, business, society and country
  • Show the legal source of the investment funds

6. Can I keep my current citizenship?

Yes, Vanuatu recognizes dual citizenship.

7. Can I complete the application myself?

No, only designated agents can submit the application on your behalf. NCL Global will keep you informed of progress every step of the way.

8. Do I need to submit my application in english?

Yes, the only accepted language by the Citizenship Commission is English.  If your required documents are not in English, you must provide certified translations (translated copies that are notarised or certified by a recognised authority).

9. Does Vanuatu citizenship expire?

No, you and your family will have citizenship for life and it is hereditary. Passport renewal is required every 10 years.

10. Do I have to go to Vanuatu to apply for citizenship?

No. You can apply simply by contacting us. The final step of the process, the ceremony, requires a physical presence of a Ni-Vanuatu Commissioner and a Ni-Vanuatu passport agent. You can come to Vanuatu at your expense or we can send those two agents at your location anywhere in the world. You will have to cover this extra cost which includes air travel and accommodation.

11. What makes NCL Global different?

NCL Global is best defined by its integrity. We work side by side with our clients and partners, from the start through to the completion of the application process and beyond. We simplify complexity to ensure a smooth application process and successful outcomes.