Vanuatu has changed the terms of the citizenship by investment program: new amounts and a pause in accepting applications

Vanuatu has officially announced an update to the terms of its citizenship investment program, the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP). In April 2025, new minimum investment amounts that investors must make to participate in the program were introduced.

According to the government decree, the changes include the following:

• The minimum contribution for one participant has been increased from $100,000 to $115,000.
• The inclusion of a spouse in the application now requires $60,000 (previously $50,000).
• For each adult dependent — $55,000 instead of the previous $50,000.

Glen Craig, managing partner of Pacific Advisory, said that such measures are aimed at optimizing the program and improving its reputation in the international arena. The reforms have become a necessary step amid growing attention from the EU and other partners on transparency and verification of applicants.

Since March 17, 2025, the acceptance of new applications has been temporarily suspended. The authorities are working on a new CIIP legal framework, which is expected to include:

• Reduction in the number of approved agents,
• Stricter procedures for verifying the origin of funds,
• Enhanced supervision over the direction and use of investment proceeds.

According to experts, these measures may contribute to the restoration of the visa-free regime with the European Union, suspended in 2024.

Alternative Citizenship by investment Programs

Other international programs are available for those who are looking for other ways to obtain a second passport. For example, Caribbean countries such as Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda offer citizenship for investments in the country's economy starting from $100,000. Malta and Turkey also continue to offer programs with investments in real estate, government funds or bonds. These alternatives vary in terms of review time, cost, scope of checks, and visa—free entry options, and may be more attractive to applicants targeting Europe or North America.

Other Vanuatu programs

It is important to note that in addition to CIIP, the Development Support Program (DSP) and the Vanuatu Contribution Program (VCP) continue to operate in the country, which have not yet been reformed and accept applications as normal.