Who can be added to a Vanuatu citizenship-by-investment application?

Answers

• 

  Laszlo Kiss

  Discus Holdings Ltd.

  October 31, 2018

  Dependent parents and grandparents can be included, but siblings unfortunately cannot.

• 

  James Elcocke-Harris

  Vanuatu Information Centre

  November 02, 2018

  In general terms, the Vanuatu citizenship program is open to the principal applicant plus his spouse, children and dependent parents. Siblings are not generally included, or grandparents. There may be some latitude on this, however. It could be that both parents and grandparents are admissible and then, for siblings, dependent upon number and their age/personal circumstances, it might be possible to make a case for inclusion even though they are not strictly eligible under normal criteria. Here are a few further points to note. The Stage One process: leading to clearance by the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is simple and quick (a matter of 10 days or so). The fee of $5,000 is paid along with Stage One soft copy document submission. The fee is non-refundable. FIU clearance is the equivalent to “pre-approval.” Once pre-approval is obtained, then citizenship is automatic as long as the Stage Two documentation and full fees are submitted as per the checklist. The Stage Two process is a document-gathering exercise. The documents are then submitted to the Citizenship Commission, which sits twice a month. The full application process is relatively swift, although it is not possible to say exactly the duration of the application process from full document submission to letter of confirmation of citizenship, we expect 45 to 60 days for this. It can be fast-tracked if an urgent case. We have completed in under 45 days. After the confirmation letter has been received, an oath swearing ceremony must be arranged. Currently, the ceremonies are held in Asia and in Vanuatu itself, but other locations possible by arrangement (such as Dubai or London).