Golden Visa – Vanuatu Golden Visa

1. What is a Golden Visa?


A Golden Visa is a special residence permit that is granted to foreign individuals who invest a significant amount of money in a country’s economy. It is usually offered by countries as an incentive to attract foreign investment and boost economic growth. The specific requirements and benefits vary depending on the country that offers it, but generally, a Golden Visa allows the holder to live, work, study, and travel within the issuing country and possibly other countries in the visa-free Schengen area. It can also lead to permanent residency or citizenship in some cases.

2. What is the Vanuatu Golden Visa program?


The Vanuatu Golden Visa program is a citizenship by investment program that allows individuals to obtain citizenship of Vanuatu by making a contribution to the government. This program was launched in 2017 and offers a second passport to successful applicants within 2-3 months. It is an attractive option for those seeking visa-free travel, tax advantages, and a stable economic environment.

3. How much does it cost to obtain a Vanuatu Golden Visa?


The cost of obtaining a Vanuatu Golden Visa depends on the number of applicants and the type of investment made. The minimum investment required is $130,000 for an individual or $150,000 for a family of four. Additional fees may include application processing fees and agent fees. It is recommended to consult with a licensed immigration agent for exact pricing information.

4. Can I obtain Vanuatu citizenship through the Golden Visa program?


No, the Golden Visa program in Vanuatu does not offer citizenship. It only offers residency rights and does not lead to citizenship or a passport.

5. What are the benefits of having a Vanuatu Golden Visa?


1. Fast and easy application process: The application process for Vanuatu Golden Visa is relatively quick and simple, with an average processing time of 30 days.

2. Visa-free travel: With a Vanuatu Golden Visa, you can travel to over 130 countries without the need for a visa, including visa-free access to the EU Schengen area, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and many more.

3. No residence requirement: There is no requirement to reside in Vanuatu to maintain your status as a permanent resident or renew your visa annually.

4. Low investment threshold: The minimum required investment for a Vanuatu Golden Visa is significantly lower compared to other citizenship by investment programs, making it an affordable option for many applicants.

5. Permanent residency status: The Vanuatu Golden Visa allows you and your family to have permanent residency status in one of the most beautiful island nations in the world.

6. Tax benefits:Vanuatu has no personal income tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax, making it an attractive destination for individuals looking for tax optimization opportunities.

7. Dual citizenship allowed: The Vanuatu government allows its citizens to hold multiple nationalities without any restrictions or limitations.

8. Option to apply for citizenship: After obtaining permanent residency through the Golden Visa program and fulfilling certain requirements, investors have the option to apply for full citizenship of Vanuatu at a later stage.

9. Business opportunities: As an investor with a Golden Visa in Vanuatu, you can explore business opportunities in various sectors such as tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and more.

10. Generous retirement policies: Retirees holding a Vanuatu Golden Visa are eligible for various incentives and policies that make retiring in the country an attractive option. These include duty-free importation of personal goods and vehicles as well as favorable pension tax laws.

6. Are there any residency requirements for the Vanuatu Golden Visa?


Yes, applicants are required to spend at least 45 days in Vanuatu during the first year of their residency and a minimum of 180 days over the remaining four years. After five years, individuals can apply for permanent residency or citizenship if they meet certain criteria.

7. Can I include my family members in my Vanuatu Golden Visa application?


Yes, you can include your family members in your Vanuatu Golden Visa application. Eligible family members include your spouse and children under the age of 18. They will need to meet the same eligibility requirements as the primary applicant and submit their own application forms and supporting documents. Additional fees may also apply for each family member included in the application.

8. Is there an age requirement for obtaining a Vanuatu Golden Visa?

There is no official age requirement for obtaining a Vanuatu Golden Visa, but the applicant must be able to meet the financial requirements and demonstrate their ability to support themselves in Vanuatu.

9. Are there any restrictions on dual citizenship with a Vanuatu Golden Visa?


There are no specific restrictions on dual citizenship with a Vanuatu Golden Visa. However, individuals should check the laws and requirements of their own countries regarding dual citizenship before applying for a Vanuatu Golden Visa. Some countries may have restrictions or limitations on holding dual citizenship.

10. How long does it take to obtain a Vanuatu Golden Visa?


The Vanuatu Golden Visa is a relatively fast process and can typically be obtained within 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the efficiency of document submission and processing. However, it is important to note that the overall processing time may also vary based on individual circumstances and factors such as background checks and visa application workload. It is advisable to consult with a reputable immigration consultant or lawyer for more accurate timelines.

11. What is the investment required for the Vanuatu Golden Visa?

The investment required for the Vanuatu Golden Visa is a non-refundable contribution of $130,000 USD to the government’s Development Support Program. There are also additional fees and charges that may apply.

12. Can I invest in any type of business or property for the Vanuatu Golden Visa?


No, there are specific investment options available for the Vanuatu Golden Visa, such as real estate and government bonds. You should consult with an approved agent or the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission to discuss your investment options.

13. Is there an annual renewal fee for the Vanuatu Golden Visa?

There is no renewal fee for the Vanuatu Golden Visa as it grants permanent residency status.

14. Can I work in Vanuatu with a Golden Visa?

15. How do I apply for a Golden Visa in Vanuatu?
16. What is the processing time for a Golden Visa in Vanuatu?
17. Are there any language requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa in Vanuatu?
18. Can I bring my family with me on a Golden Visa in Vanuatu?
19. Is the Golden Visa program renewable or permanent?
20. Can I lose my Golden Visa if my investment is not successful?

1. A Golden Visa is a immigration program that offers residency rights, including visa-free travel and other benefits, to individuals who invest in a country’s economy.

2. The cost of obtaining a Golden Visa varies depending on the country you are applying to and the type of investment required. In Vanuatu, the minimum contribution for the Citizenship by Investment Program is $130,000 USD.

3. Gibraltar, Portugal, Greece, Spain, and Cyprus are some other countries that offer Golden Visas.

4. Yes, Vanuatu offers a residency permit through its Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP), which grants visa-free travel to over 130 countries.

5. One of the main benefits of obtaining a Golden Visa in Vanuatu is visa-free travel to over 130 countries, including the Schengen area and UK.

6. There is no requirement for language proficiency when applying for a Golden Visa in Vanuatu.

7. The timeframe for receiving a Golden Visa will depend on how quickly you can complete all necessary paperwork and meet all requirements set forth by the government of Vanuatu.

8.Within 5 years after obtaining residency through their initial investment, individuals can become citizens of Vanuatu through their Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP).

9 .The amount invested must be maintained until at least five years from receiving citizenship status to qualify for further documentation including passports or Naturalisation certificates issued under this program.[source: https://vanuatucass.org/index.php/citizenship-investment-program/ ]

10. Vanuatu offers a variety of investment options for obtaining a Golden Visa, including contributing to the government’s development fund, purchasing government bonds, or investing in real estate.

11. Holding a Golden Visa does not automatically make one eligible for employment in Vanuatu; however, there are no restrictions on owning a business or making investments in the country.

12. No, dual citizenship is allowed in Vanuatu, so you can hold onto your current citizenship while also obtaining a Golden Visa and residency in the country.

13. Yes, as a permanent resident of Vanuatu through a Golden Visa, you have the right to live and work in the country.

14. Yes, you can work in Vanuatu with a Golden Visa as long as you comply with any local work permit requirements and obtain necessary permits or visas if working for an extended period of time.

15. To apply for a Golden Visa in Vanuatu, you will need to submit an application along with required documentation such as proof of investment funds and personal identification documents. You may also be required to undergo background checks and pay fees associated with the application process.

16. The processing time for obtaining a Golden Visa in Vanuatu can vary depending on individual circumstances but typically takes several weeks to complete once all necessary documents have been submitted.

17. There are no language requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa in Vanuatu.

18. Yes, those who secure a Golden Visa in Vanuatu can bring their immediate family members (spouse and children under 18 years) with them under their residency status.

19. The Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) is renewable every five years for individuals who maintain their initial investment according to program requirements. After five years of residency through the CIP, individuals can apply for citizenship which is permanent and does not require renewal.

20. As long as all requirements and guidelines are met, obtaining a Golden Visa in Vanuatu is secure. However, if an individual fails to meet investment or residency requirements, they can potentially lose their Golden Visa status.

15. Does the Vanuatu government perform background checks on applicants for the Golden Visa program?


Yes, the Vanuatu government performs background checks on all applicants for the Golden Visa program. This includes a thorough review of the applicant’s criminal records, financial history, and other relevant information. The purpose of these background checks is to ensure that only reputable individuals are granted citizenship through this program. Any applicants with a history of criminal activity or other red flags may be denied entry into the program.

16. Can I apply for the Vanuatu citizenship after obtaining a Golden Visa?


Yes, you can apply for Vanuatu citizenship after obtaining a Golden Visa. The Golden Visa does not guarantee citizenship, but it does offer a pathway to citizenship through additional investment in the country. You will still need to meet all the eligibility requirements for Vanuatu citizenship and go through the application process. It is best to consult with immigration experts or officials in Vanuatu for more information on this process.

17. Is English proficiency required for obtaining a Vanuatu Golden Visa?


English proficiency is not required for obtaining a Vanuatu Golden Visa. However, applicants may need to provide some basic information in English for the application process.

18. Are there any tax benefits associated with having a Vanuatu Golden visa?

There are currently no tax benefits associated with having a Vanuatu Golden visa. However, Vanuatu does not have any personal income taxes, capital gains taxes, or inheritance taxes, making it a potentially attractive location for individuals seeking to minimize their tax liabilities.

19.Are there any restrictions on traveling with a Vanuatu Golden visa?


There are generally no restrictions on traveling with a Vanuatu Golden visa. However, applicants must comply with the entry requirements of each country they wish to visit, such as obtaining a visa or fulfilling any quarantine or health screenings. It is also important to note that some countries may not recognize the Vanuatu Golden visa for entry and may require a separate visa. Therefore, it is recommended to check the entry requirements of any country before traveling.

20.Is it possible to sell my investment after obtaining a Va

Yes, you can sell your investment in a VA (variable annuity) after obtaining it. However, there may be some fees or penalties involved depending on the terms of your specific VA contract and how long you have held the investment. It is always important to thoroughly review your contract and speak with a financial advisor before making any decisions regarding selling an investment.