Rights and responsibilities of Vanuatu passport holders

At the same time, Vanuatu citizenship entails certain obligations. Passport holders must comply with the country’s laws, respect its legal order, and use citizenship solely for legal purposes. With the right approach, this is not a limitation but an additional guarantee of security and status in the international legal field. Our lawyers will not only assist in obtaining a Vanuatu passport but also explain all associated rights and obligations. We will provide full support so that you can utilize your new status as effectively and safely as possible.

Key rights and benefits provided by a Vanuatu passport

The Vanuatu passport significantly facilitates international travel, providing visa-free or simplified access to many regions.

Europe

visa-free entry to Schengen Zone countries is not provided, however, a Vanuatu passport facilitates the visa application process as the applicant undergoes simplified checks.

United Kingdom

entry is possible with a visa, but the visa application process for citizens of Vanuatu is maximally simplified.

Asia

visa-free access to Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia, and several other countries in the region.

Oceania and the Caribbean

many destinations are available without a visa or through a simplified procedure, including Fiji, Samoa, and the Caribbean states.

Africa and Latin America

visa-free or simplified access to a number of countries, which facilitates business and personal trips.

Thus, the Vanuatu passport provides real mobility for investors, entrepreneurs, and their families.

Vanuatu is a recognized tax haven, which makes it attractive for capital management and international business. The country has no tax on worldwide income, capital gains, inheritance, or gifts. This provides passport holders with a unique advantage in asset planning, income source diversification, and capital protection.

It is important to consider that Vanuatu participates in the system of automatic exchange of financial information (CRS). Information about the accounts of Vanuatu citizens in foreign banks may be transmitted to the tax authorities of other countries. Therefore, competent tax planning involving lawyers and financial consultants is of key importance.

The possession of a Vanuatu passport significantly simplifies the opening of accounts in banks in Europe and Asia. Many banks are willing to work with Vanuatu citizens, which facilitates access to financial instruments. The passport provides the opportunity for secure storage of assets abroad. It also simplifies the execution of international transactions for companies and individuals.

Passport holders gain the right to permanent residence in Vanuatu and conducting business on its territory. One of the popular tools is the registration of an international company (IBC). The registration procedure is simple and takes a few days. IBCs are exempt from income taxes if activities are conducted outside of Vanuatu. Companies benefit from a high degree of confidentiality. 100% foreign ownership is allowed. This solution makes Vanuatu an attractive jurisdiction for international entrepreneurs who want to conduct business in a legal and transparent manner.

Can relatives obtain a Vanuatu passport?

The Vanuatu citizenship by investment program is designed not only for individual applicants but also for their families. Along with the main investor, their close relatives can obtain a passport, which makes the program especially attractive for families seeking a secure future and freedom of movement.

A spouse and dependent children can be included in the application. Usually, this refers to children under 25 years old if they are studying and financially dependent on their parents. Additionally, in some cases, it is allowed to include the applicant’s or spouse’s parents, provided that they are dependent and have reached a certain age.

All relatives undergo the same reliability verification procedures and must provide the necessary documents: passports, birth or marriage certificates, certificates of no criminal record.

It is important to note that the amount of the government contribution increases depending on the number of family members included. Nevertheless, the total cost still remains competitive compared to similar programs in other countries.

Our lawyers will help calculate the cost taking into account all family members, prepare a package of documents, and go through the procedure as quickly and conveniently as possible.

Duties and responsibilities of a citizen of Vanuatu

Citizenship of Vanuatu opens up wide opportunities: freedom of travel, tax benefits, and access to the international financial system. But in addition to rights and advantages, a new citizen also acquires certain obligations. Their fulfillment is necessary for retaining the passport, maintaining legal status, and protection from possible legal risks.

Oath of Allegiance

One of the key stages of obtaining Vanuatu citizenship is taking the oath of allegiance to the state. This procedure symbolizes the applicant’s readiness to respect the country’s laws and use their new status exclusively for lawful purposes. It is important to note that the process is organized as conveniently as possible: the oath can be taken either in person in the presence of a government representative or remotely, which is especially in demand among foreign investors.

During the ceremony, the candidate reads the text of the oath, confirming loyalty to Vanuatu and the commitment to comply with its legislation. The signed document has legal force and is a mandatory condition for issuing a citizenship certificate and passport.

Timely passport renewal

The Vanuatu passport, like any other foreign document, has a limited validity period of 10 years. A citizen is obliged to monitor the expiration date and submit documents for renewal in advance to avoid situations where the passport becomes invalid. We recommend starting the renewal process 6 months before the expiration date.

To renew, it is necessary to provide a valid passport, a copy of the citizenship certificate, several passport-style photographs, a completed application form, and a receipt for payment of the state fee. The cost of the procedure depends on the family composition but usually ranges within several hundred US dollars. The processing time for a new passport takes several weeks, and the procedure can be carried out remotely through authorized agents. Failure to renew the document on time may lead to issues with international travel, banking transactions, and even visa applications.

Compliance with laws and international norms

By obtaining a Vanuatu passport, a citizen undertakes the obligation to comply with the laws of the country, even if they permanently reside in another jurisdiction. This applies to both general legal norms and specific rules related to the use of the status. Abuse or violation of legislation may result in the revocation of citizenship.

Particular attention should be paid to tax and financial obligations. Vanuatu participates in the system of automatic exchange of financial information (CRS). Data on the accounts of Vanuatu citizens in foreign banks may be transmitted to the tax authorities of the countries where they are tax residents. It will not be possible to hide income or avoid declaration; this must be taken into account when planning a tax strategy. In addition, international AML/CFT standards require citizens to exercise caution in financial transactions and avoid suspicious activities.

Violation of the laws of Vanuatu – consequences

Violation of criminal laws in Vanuatu is treated particularly strictly. For crimes such as fraud, money laundering, corruption, or involvement in prohibited cryptocurrency transactions, a citizen may face long-term imprisonment and large fines. Even if the crime is committed outside the country, the citizen is obliged to comply with international legal norms, and in the event of a case being initiated, the authorities of Vanuatu may cooperate with foreign jurisdictions.

For less serious violations, administrative measures are provided: fines, business bans, restrictions on opening bank accounts or registering companies. For example, untimely passport renewal or violation of company registration rules (IBC) entails additional expenses and delays in business activity.

The most serious measure is the annulment of citizenship. The authorities of Vanuatu have the right to revoke the passport of a person who:

• Obtained it by providing false information;
• Uses citizenship for unlawful purposes (evasion of sanctions or financing illegal activities);
• Repeatedly violates the laws of the country or damages its reputation.

Since Vanuatu is part of the global financial monitoring system, violations of laws can have consequences beyond the country’s borders. Data on suspicious transactions is transmitted within the framework of international agreements (CRS, FATF). A citizen may face account freezes, denial of banking services in other countries, and even deportation.

Our legal team advises clients on compliance with Vanuatu legislation, helps minimize risks, and develops safe business strategies. Contact us right now to protect yourself and your assets.