Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment Program

Context: Former IPL chief Lalit Modi has surrendered his Indian passport at the Indian High Commission in London and has acquired citizenship of Vanuatu.

About Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

• Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands spread over 1,300 km. located in the Southwestern Pacific Ocean.
• CBI allows individuals to acquire citizenship in a country by making significant financial contributions to its economy.
• This scheme is popular among wealthy individuals looking for easier global mobility, tax benefits, and offshore financial services.
• According to the Global Residence Index, Vanuatu offers the fastest and simplest CBI program.
• Cost: Citizenship for an individual costs between $135,500 and $155,500 (₹1.18 crore to ₹1.35 crore).
  • In 2019, the BBC reported that passport sales account for nearly 30% of Vanuatu’s revenue.
• Countries such as Malta, Turkey, Montenegro, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Egypt also offer similar programs.

Advantages of Vanuatu Citizenship

• Visa-Free Travel: As of 2025, a Vanuatu passport grants visa-free access to 113 countries.
• Tax Haven Status: Vanuatu is considered a zero-tax jurisdiction, meaning it has no Personal income tax, Capital gains tax, Inheritance tax, Wealth tax, etc.

Sharing is caring!