Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment Program

Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment Program

Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, often referred to as the “golden passport,” allows wealthy individuals to purchase citizenship, raising concerns about security and transparency.

About Vanuatu’s CBI Program:

• The program enables individuals to gain citizenship by making significant financial contributions to the country’s economy.
• According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, Vanuatu's passport ranks 53rd globally, offering visa-free access to 113 countries, ahead of China (ranked 59th) and India (ranked 80th).
• As a tax haven, Vanuatu imposes no personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax, making it appealing to high-net-worth individuals.
• Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific, consisting of 83 islands and situated to the east of Australia and north of New Zealand. Its capital is Port Vila and it is known for active volcanoes, including Mount Yasur.

Concerns:

• The program has raised concerns that criminals and fraudsters may acquire Vanuatu citizenship to evade scrutiny and access global markets.
• Countries such as the UK and the EU have flagged the scheme as a potential gateway for money laundering and tax evasion.

Citizenship in India:

• The Indian Constitution (Articles 5-11) outlines the provisions for acquiring citizenship, with India not granting citizenship based solely on financial contributions.

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