Vanuatu Green Card Program
Migration Program Details & Application
Program Overview
Project description and fees
• Policy Nature: Vanuatu Permanent Residency (commonly known as a "green card") is established by the Vanuatu Immigration Department (VIB) in accordance with immigration law and is an officially recognized fast-track immigration program. Applicants obtain an indefinite permanent residency card (PR Card) by making a government-designated donation to the Vanuatu National Development Fund. This program does not issue passports, and cardholders can live, work, and do business in Vanuatu indefinitely while retaining their original nationality.
• Completely different from the "passport program": It's crucial to clearly distinguish between Vanuatu's citizenship by investment (passport) and permanent residency (green card). These are two entirely different paths. The passport program requires a donation of at least US$130,000 to become a Commonwealth citizen; while the green card program only requires a donation of approximately US$20,000 and grants a permanent residency card, not citizenship. The two differ fundamentally in cost, status, and purpose. If you are pursuing a passport rather than a green card, please skip to the "Green Card vs. Passport Comparison" section at the end of this article to confirm your choice.
• Key advantages: No language requirements (no English test required), no educational requirements, no business background requirements, no mandatory residency restrictions, and spouses, children, and parents over 65 years of age can apply together.
• 2026 Green Card Fee Breakdown:
① Government-designated charitable donations (core expenditure)
• Single applicant: Starting from US$20,000
• Principal applicant + spouse: An additional $10,000 (total approximately $30,000)
• Accompanying unmarried children under 18 years of age: an additional $5,000 per child.
• Accompanying parents aged 65 and over: An additional $5,000 per parent.
② Government application fee
• Government application fee for the principal applicant (including processing fee, card production fee, and file management fee): approximately US$1,500
• Government application fee for dependent applicants: approximately US$800 per person
③ Third-party service fees
• Background check fee: Approximately US$1,000 for the principal applicant and approximately US$500 per dependent applicant.
• Document translation and notarization fee: approximately 2,000-3,000 RMB
• Professional immigration lawyer/representative service fee: approximately US$5,000-8,000
④ Government bond investment path (alternative solution: green card issued, not passport)
• Application fee per person: US$2,500 (department charge, non-refundable)
• Investment amount: US$50,000, invested in a three-year government bond product approved by the Central Bank of Vanuatu, with no interest returned upon maturity.
• Due diligence fee: Approximately US$3,000 (principal applicant + one dependent applicant)
• Legal services and document notarization fees: approximately US$12,000
• Miscellaneous fees (double authentication of birth certificate, update of criminal record check, courier service, etc.): Approximately US$2,000
• Total cost per person: approximately US$82,000, but the initial investment of US$50,000 can be recovered after three years, resulting in an actual net expenditure of approximately US$32,000.
• Note on the government bond pathway: Even after approval, this pathway only issues a green card (permanent residency card), not a passport. Cardholders can freely enter and exit Vanuatu, work and live there, open bank accounts, and register companies, but do not enjoy visa-free access worldwide. If your core objective is to quickly obtain a second passport, the government bond pathway is not suitable; you should directly consider passport programs (starting with a donation of US$130,000).
• Policy Nature: Vanuatu Permanent Residency (commonly known as a "green card") is established by the Vanuatu Immigration Department (VIB) in accordance with immigration law and is an officially recognized fast-track immigration program. Applicants obtain an indefinite permanent residency card (PR Card) by making a government-designated donation to the Vanuatu National Development Fund. This program does not issue passports, and cardholders can live, work, and do business in Vanuatu indefinitely while retaining their original nationality.
• Completely different from the "passport program": It's crucial to clearly distinguish between Vanuatu's citizenship by investment (passport) and permanent residency (green card). These are two entirely different paths. The passport program requires a donation of at least US$130,000 to become a Commonwealth citizen; while the green card program only requires a donation of approximately US$20,000 and grants a permanent residency card, not citizenship. The two differ fundamentally in cost, status, and purpose. If you are pursuing a passport rather than a green card, please skip to the "Green Card vs. Passport Comparison" section at the end of this article to confirm your choice.
• Key advantages: No language requirements (no English test required), no educational requirements, no business background requirements, no mandatory residency restrictions, and spouses, children, and parents over 65 years of age can apply together.
• 2026 Green Card Fee Breakdown:
① Government-designated charitable donations (core expenditure)
• Single applicant: Starting from US$20,000
• Principal applicant + spouse: An additional $10,000 (total approximately $30,000)
• Accompanying unmarried children under 18 years of age: an additional $5,000 per child.
• Accompanying parents aged 65 and over: An additional $5,000 per parent.
② Government application fee
• Government application fee for the principal applicant (including processing fee, card production fee, and file management fee): approximately US$1,500
• Government application fee for dependent applicants: approximately US$800 per person
③ Third-party service fees
• Background check fee: Approximately US$1,000 for the principal applicant and approximately US$500 per dependent applicant.
• Document translation and notarization fee: approximately 2,000-3,000 RMB
• Professional immigration lawyer/representative service fee: approximately US$5,000-8,000
④ Government bond investment path (alternative solution: green card issued, not passport)
• Application fee per person: US$2,500 (department charge, non-refundable)
• Investment amount: US$50,000, invested in a three-year government bond product approved by the Central Bank of Vanuatu, with no interest returned upon maturity.
• Due diligence fee: Approximately US$3,000 (principal applicant + one dependent applicant)
• Legal services and document notarization fees: approximately US$12,000
• Miscellaneous fees (double authentication of birth certificate, update of criminal record check, courier service, etc.): Approximately US$2,000
• Total cost per person: approximately US$82,000, but the initial investment of US$50,000 can be recovered after three years, resulting in an actual net expenditure of approximately US$32,000.
• Note on the government bond pathway: Even after approval, this pathway only issues a green card (permanent residency card), not a passport. Cardholders can freely enter and exit Vanuatu, work and live there, open bank accounts, and register companies, but do not enjoy visa-free access worldwide. If your core objective is to quickly obtain a second passport, the government bond pathway is not suitable; you should directly consider passport programs (starting with a donation of US$130,000).
Eligibility & Requirements
Application requirements
Vanuatu green card applications do not have a points-based system, and the review threshold is extremely low. The main requirements are as follows:
• Age requirement: The main applicant must be at least 18 years old, with no upper age limit.
• No criminal record: A certificate of no criminal record from the country of origin and the country/region where you have resided continuously for more than 6 months in the past 5 years is required, and the certificate must be notarized, translated and apostilleed or double-certified.
• Good health: Provide a medical examination report issued by a medical institution recognized by the Vanuatu Immigration Department, ruling out infectious diseases.
• Complete the donation: Pay the corresponding government-designated donation based on family size (starting from US$20,000 per person).
• Accompanying family members: Dependent applicants may include: legal spouse; minor children under the age of 18; financially dependent children aged 18-25 who are enrolled in full-time school; financially dependent parents over the age of 65.
• Financial proof requirements (choose one): ① Provide proof of personal net assets of no less than AUD 250,000 (approximately USD 165,000) (including real estate, bank deposits, stocks, etc.); or ② Complete a small business investment of at least 50,000 Vatu (approximately USD 220) in Vanuatu, or deposit a fixed deposit of no less than 1,000,000 Vatu (approximately USD 4,400) in a licensed bank in Vanuatu, and hold the deposit for at least one year after the green card is approved.
Vanuatu green card applications do not have a points-based system, and the review threshold is extremely low. The main requirements are as follows:
• Age requirement: The main applicant must be at least 18 years old, with no upper age limit.
• No criminal record: A certificate of no criminal record from the country of origin and the country/region where you have resided continuously for more than 6 months in the past 5 years is required, and the certificate must be notarized, translated and apostilleed or double-certified.
• Good health: Provide a medical examination report issued by a medical institution recognized by the Vanuatu Immigration Department, ruling out infectious diseases.
• Complete the donation: Pay the corresponding government-designated donation based on family size (starting from US$20,000 per person).
• Accompanying family members: Dependent applicants may include: legal spouse; minor children under the age of 18; financially dependent children aged 18-25 who are enrolled in full-time school; financially dependent parents over the age of 65.
• Financial proof requirements (choose one): ① Provide proof of personal net assets of no less than AUD 250,000 (approximately USD 165,000) (including real estate, bank deposits, stocks, etc.); or ② Complete a small business investment of at least 50,000 Vatu (approximately USD 220) in Vanuatu, or deposit a fixed deposit of no less than 1,000,000 Vatu (approximately USD 4,400) in a licensed bank in Vanuatu, and hold the deposit for at least one year after the green card is approved.
Application Process & Advice
suggestion
Green Card vs. Passport: First, clarify your core needs.
• Obtain a green card (starting from approximately US$20,000, approval in as little as one month): Suitable for those who do not pursue visa-free international travel but only need an overseas legal identity for backup plans, asset protection, a stepping stone for children's immigration status, opening cross-border bank accounts, retirement, or business in Vanuatu. A green card allows indefinite residence and work in Vanuatu, but does not grant visa-free access worldwide, nor does it directly grant foreign citizenship to children. Green card holders who wish to upgrade to citizenship through investment can apply separately after meeting the requirements.
• Obtain a Passport (donations starting from approximately US$130,000, approval in 45-60 days): Suitable for those who need a second passport for global travel (visa-free/visa-on-arrival to 140+ countries, excluding the EU/Schengen Area), tax planning, or as a backup identity. Note: Vanuatu was permanently stripped of its Schengen Area visa-free status by the EU at the end of 2024 due to due diligence standards issues; Schengen travel now requires a visa. UK visitors' 6-month visa-free period remains unaffected. Before applying, be sure to confirm the actual needs of your target travel areas. The passport program announced a US$20,000 price increase in March 2026; early decisions are crucial for those seeking an early entry window.
• Understand the policy trends of price reductions/stricter regulations (Important reminder for Green Card 2026):
• Higher compliance requirements for government bond issuance: As of April 2026, there is still no upper limit or waiting list for subscriptions to Vanuatu Central Bank's government bond products, and the minimum investment amount remains at US$50,000. It is necessary to monitor whether the future investment amount will be increased or the lock-up period extended.
• Faster System Processing: Starting in the second quarter of 2026, the Vanuatu Immigration Department implemented an electronic submission system, reducing paper documents by 40%, and making the entire processing timeline traceable online. The approval process is generally smoother when choosing the government bond route.
• Stricter compliance requirements: In 2026, the official requirements for proof of funds and criminal record checks were tightened. It is recommended that all documents (especially criminal record checks, proof of kinship, and proof of assets) be notarized and apostilleed, and submitted in full at once to avoid delays caused by additional documents. Note: Since April 2026, the domestic online application system has been upgraded, and many applications are returned due to additional documents. It is essential to use a professional authorized agent for due diligence and to verify materials on time.
• Cost Preparation Suggestions: Taking a family of three (husband, wife, and one child) applying for a green card as an example, the donation would be approximately $20,000 + $10,000 + $5,000 = $35,000. Adding government application fees, background check fees, lawyer fees, and other third-party expenses (approximately $15,000-$20,000), plus document translation, notarization, and authentication fees (approximately $300-$500), the total cash investment would be approximately $50,000-$60,000. It is recommended to prepare in advance and reserve sufficient funds for future needs.
• A "green card" is not the same as a second passport: The boundaries of rights after obtaining a green card need to be clearly defined.
• Green card holders can live, work, and do business in Vanuatu indefinitely.
• Green card holders cannot enter other countries visa-free with their green card; visas are still required for the EU, the UK, and other countries.
• A green card cannot help children gain admission to the Joint Entrance Examination for Overseas Chinese Students in China without additional conditions (they must hold a Vanuatu passport/nationality and have resided there continuously for 2 years to meet the examination requirements).
For families seeking to upgrade their immigration status, a green card can serve as a stepping stone, allowing them to apply for citizenship (i.e., the passport program) with a subsequent donation of $130,000 or more, without the need for reassessment.
The green card pathway has a low threshold for donation amounts, while the government bond pathway requires an investment of $50,000, which is returned without interest upon maturity and is supported by local regulators, saving approval time.
Vanuatu "Pay to Get Green Card" Application Process
• ① Eligibility Assessment and Contract Signing (approximately 3-5 business days): Confirm that the main applicant and accompanying family members meet the basic requirements (age, no criminal record, good health); entrust a licensed agency authorized by the Vanuatu Immigration Department, sign a service agreement, and pay part of the legal fees/agency service deposit.
• ② Document Preparation (approximately 1-2 weeks): Prepare a complete set of application materials—color scan of passport (valid for ≥6 months); notarized and Hague Apostille certificate of no criminal record (issued within 6 months); medical examination report (from a Grade II Class A or above hospital, including tests for HIV, syphilis, tuberculosis, etc.); proof of relationship (notarized, authenticated, and translated marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.); proof of funds (asset certificate or proof of small investment). All non-English documents must be translated by a professional translation agency and apostille certified.
③ Complete donation and payment: Pay the government-designated public welfare donation to the Vanuatu National Development Fund according to the family size, and pay the application fee and administrative fee to the Immigration Department at the same time, and obtain the payment receipt.
• ④ Application Submission (Approximately 1-4 weeks for review): The lawyer/agent submits all required documents to the Vanuatu Immigration Department, which initiates a background check (verifying criminal records, authenticity of funds, etc.). From 2026 onwards, the entire process can be tracked online. Upon approval, the Immigration Department issues a permanent residency approval letter.
• ⑤ Obtaining the Green Card (Activation within 6 months of approval): After receiving the approval letter, the applicant must enter Vanuatu within 6 months and go to the Port Vila Immigration Office to complete the interview, fingerprinting, and biometric registration to obtain the physical permanent residence card (international courier delivery is supported, but the first biometric registration must be completed in person). If there are genuine difficulties in entering Vanuatu, the applicant should consult with the Immigration Office in advance about the possibility of remote biometric registration.
• ⑥ Post-registration maintenance: Green card holders are not required to undergo residency requirements, but should note that if they have not entered the country for more than 5 years, the immigration authorities may require proof of residency (such as bank statements, utility bills, etc.) to maintain their long-term residency status. It is recommended to enter the country every few years to maintain the validity of your status.
Total time: Approximately 1-2 months from initiation to green card approval (assuming all documents are complete and no additional documents are required).
Appendix: Green Card vs. Passport Comparison Overview
Comparison: Permanent Residency (Green Card) vs. Citizenship by Investment (Passport)
Minimum donation starts at approximately $20,000, and donations start at approximately $130,000.
Approval period: 1-2 months to 45-60 days
Status type: Permanent residency, retaining original nationality, Vanuatu citizenship and passport.
Visa-free travel is limited to Vanuatu; visas are required for other countries. Visa-free/visa-on-arrival access is available for 140+ countries (excluding the EU and Schengen Area).
Tax advantages: Vanuatu's domestic income is tax-free, while foreign income is taxed according to the country of origin. Both domestic and foreign income are tax-free, making it a truly tax-neutral country.
Children eligible for the Joint Entrance Examination for Overseas Chinese Students need to provide proof of continuous residence. Holding a passport and having resided in the country for two years is required to qualify for overseas Chinese status directly, in conjunction with residency records.
Suitable scenarios include asset segregation and backup identity, cross-border bank account opening, retirement, global business travel, tax planning, backup identity, and children's international education.
Green Card vs. Passport: First, clarify your core needs.
• Obtain a green card (starting from approximately US$20,000, approval in as little as one month): Suitable for those who do not pursue visa-free international travel but only need an overseas legal identity for backup plans, asset protection, a stepping stone for children's immigration status, opening cross-border bank accounts, retirement, or business in Vanuatu. A green card allows indefinite residence and work in Vanuatu, but does not grant visa-free access worldwide, nor does it directly grant foreign citizenship to children. Green card holders who wish to upgrade to citizenship through investment can apply separately after meeting the requirements.
• Obtain a Passport (donations starting from approximately US$130,000, approval in 45-60 days): Suitable for those who need a second passport for global travel (visa-free/visa-on-arrival to 140+ countries, excluding the EU/Schengen Area), tax planning, or as a backup identity. Note: Vanuatu was permanently stripped of its Schengen Area visa-free status by the EU at the end of 2024 due to due diligence standards issues; Schengen travel now requires a visa. UK visitors' 6-month visa-free period remains unaffected. Before applying, be sure to confirm the actual needs of your target travel areas. The passport program announced a US$20,000 price increase in March 2026; early decisions are crucial for those seeking an early entry window.
• Understand the policy trends of price reductions/stricter regulations (Important reminder for Green Card 2026):
• Higher compliance requirements for government bond issuance: As of April 2026, there is still no upper limit or waiting list for subscriptions to Vanuatu Central Bank's government bond products, and the minimum investment amount remains at US$50,000. It is necessary to monitor whether the future investment amount will be increased or the lock-up period extended.
• Faster System Processing: Starting in the second quarter of 2026, the Vanuatu Immigration Department implemented an electronic submission system, reducing paper documents by 40%, and making the entire processing timeline traceable online. The approval process is generally smoother when choosing the government bond route.
• Stricter compliance requirements: In 2026, the official requirements for proof of funds and criminal record checks were tightened. It is recommended that all documents (especially criminal record checks, proof of kinship, and proof of assets) be notarized and apostilleed, and submitted in full at once to avoid delays caused by additional documents. Note: Since April 2026, the domestic online application system has been upgraded, and many applications are returned due to additional documents. It is essential to use a professional authorized agent for due diligence and to verify materials on time.
• Cost Preparation Suggestions: Taking a family of three (husband, wife, and one child) applying for a green card as an example, the donation would be approximately $20,000 + $10,000 + $5,000 = $35,000. Adding government application fees, background check fees, lawyer fees, and other third-party expenses (approximately $15,000-$20,000), plus document translation, notarization, and authentication fees (approximately $300-$500), the total cash investment would be approximately $50,000-$60,000. It is recommended to prepare in advance and reserve sufficient funds for future needs.
• A "green card" is not the same as a second passport: The boundaries of rights after obtaining a green card need to be clearly defined.
• Green card holders can live, work, and do business in Vanuatu indefinitely.
• Green card holders cannot enter other countries visa-free with their green card; visas are still required for the EU, the UK, and other countries.
• A green card cannot help children gain admission to the Joint Entrance Examination for Overseas Chinese Students in China without additional conditions (they must hold a Vanuatu passport/nationality and have resided there continuously for 2 years to meet the examination requirements).
For families seeking to upgrade their immigration status, a green card can serve as a stepping stone, allowing them to apply for citizenship (i.e., the passport program) with a subsequent donation of $130,000 or more, without the need for reassessment.
The green card pathway has a low threshold for donation amounts, while the government bond pathway requires an investment of $50,000, which is returned without interest upon maturity and is supported by local regulators, saving approval time.
Vanuatu "Pay to Get Green Card" Application Process
• ① Eligibility Assessment and Contract Signing (approximately 3-5 business days): Confirm that the main applicant and accompanying family members meet the basic requirements (age, no criminal record, good health); entrust a licensed agency authorized by the Vanuatu Immigration Department, sign a service agreement, and pay part of the legal fees/agency service deposit.
• ② Document Preparation (approximately 1-2 weeks): Prepare a complete set of application materials—color scan of passport (valid for ≥6 months); notarized and Hague Apostille certificate of no criminal record (issued within 6 months); medical examination report (from a Grade II Class A or above hospital, including tests for HIV, syphilis, tuberculosis, etc.); proof of relationship (notarized, authenticated, and translated marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.); proof of funds (asset certificate or proof of small investment). All non-English documents must be translated by a professional translation agency and apostille certified.
③ Complete donation and payment: Pay the government-designated public welfare donation to the Vanuatu National Development Fund according to the family size, and pay the application fee and administrative fee to the Immigration Department at the same time, and obtain the payment receipt.
• ④ Application Submission (Approximately 1-4 weeks for review): The lawyer/agent submits all required documents to the Vanuatu Immigration Department, which initiates a background check (verifying criminal records, authenticity of funds, etc.). From 2026 onwards, the entire process can be tracked online. Upon approval, the Immigration Department issues a permanent residency approval letter.
• ⑤ Obtaining the Green Card (Activation within 6 months of approval): After receiving the approval letter, the applicant must enter Vanuatu within 6 months and go to the Port Vila Immigration Office to complete the interview, fingerprinting, and biometric registration to obtain the physical permanent residence card (international courier delivery is supported, but the first biometric registration must be completed in person). If there are genuine difficulties in entering Vanuatu, the applicant should consult with the Immigration Office in advance about the possibility of remote biometric registration.
• ⑥ Post-registration maintenance: Green card holders are not required to undergo residency requirements, but should note that if they have not entered the country for more than 5 years, the immigration authorities may require proof of residency (such as bank statements, utility bills, etc.) to maintain their long-term residency status. It is recommended to enter the country every few years to maintain the validity of your status.
Total time: Approximately 1-2 months from initiation to green card approval (assuming all documents are complete and no additional documents are required).
Appendix: Green Card vs. Passport Comparison Overview
Comparison: Permanent Residency (Green Card) vs. Citizenship by Investment (Passport)
Minimum donation starts at approximately $20,000, and donations start at approximately $130,000.
Approval period: 1-2 months to 45-60 days
Status type: Permanent residency, retaining original nationality, Vanuatu citizenship and passport.
Visa-free travel is limited to Vanuatu; visas are required for other countries. Visa-free/visa-on-arrival access is available for 140+ countries (excluding the EU and Schengen Area).
Tax advantages: Vanuatu's domestic income is tax-free, while foreign income is taxed according to the country of origin. Both domestic and foreign income are tax-free, making it a truly tax-neutral country.
Children eligible for the Joint Entrance Examination for Overseas Chinese Students need to provide proof of continuous residence. Holding a passport and having resided in the country for two years is required to qualify for overseas Chinese status directly, in conjunction with residency records.
Suitable scenarios include asset segregation and backup identity, cross-border bank account opening, retirement, global business travel, tax planning, backup identity, and children's international education.