CIIP · Partly returnable route
Vanuatu Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP)
A flat-rate route combining a government contribution with a returnable capital component supporting agricultural and infrastructure development.
Quick Answer
What is the Vanuatu Capital Investment Immigration Plan?
Last reviewed: September 2026
1. What is Vanuatu CIIP?
The CIIP combines a non-refundable contribution with a capital component held for five years in a government-controlled structure supporting agricultural and infrastructure development. On successful completion of the holding period, US$50,000 is returnable to the applicant, subject to programme terms.
The Government of Vanuatu decides all citizenship applications and sets all programme fees. Vanuatu Advance acts as a Government Designated Agent.
2. CIIP cost
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Family of up to 4 qualifying members | US$165,000 |
| Each additional dependant | US$25,000 |
| Returnable capital component | US$50,000 after 5 years |
| Due diligence (per application) | US$5,500 |
| Statutory minor fees | US$2,000 per person |
Full scenarios and the live calculator are on the Vanuatu citizenship cost page.
3. The US$50,000 returnable capital component
US$50,000 of the CIIP figure is a returnable capital component subject to programme terms and successful completion of the five-year holding period. It is not a guaranteed refund, guaranteed investment return, profit or interest.
4. CIIP family pricing
The US$165,000 figure is flat for a single applicant through to a family of four. Each qualifying dependant beyond four is US$25,000.
5. Who qualifies?
The same criteria as DSP apply: clean criminal record, lawful source of funds and satisfactory due diligence. There is no residency requirement and no interview requirement. See eligibility and who can apply.
6. Dependent children and parents
Dependent children up to age 25 and dependent parents aged 50 or over may be included, subject to proof of dependency.
7. Due diligence
US$5,500 per application, not per person, covering Financial Intelligence Unit screening and international background checks.
8. Application process and processing time
The process mirrors the DSP and is described on the application process page and in how to apply. Typical overall processing is approximately 30 to 45 days from formal submission of a complete application.
9. CIIP vs DSP
DSP is cheaper for a single applicant; CIIP is generally better value for larger families. Compare both on the DSP vs CIIP page or read about the Development Support Program.
10. Document checklist
CIIP requires the same identity and background documents as the DSP, plus evidence supporting the capital component.
- Certified passport bio-data page for every applicant.
- Birth certificates, with certified translations where required.
- Marriage certificate or evidence of a de facto relationship.
- Police clearance from every country of citizenship and of residence in the last ten years.
- Proof of current address dated within three months.
- Source of funds evidence covering the full contribution, not only the returnable portion.
- Bank or professional reference letter.
- Passport photographs, medical declaration and signed application forms.
Vanuatu Advance practical guidance
Because CIIP is a flat family rate, families of three or four should assemble documents for every member from the outset. Adding a dependant late in the process restarts parts of the due diligence review.
11. Common application problems and refusal risks
Common application issue
The most common misunderstanding with CIIP is the returnable component. It is returnable at the end of the holding period subject to programme terms. It is not an investment, it earns no return, and it should not be treated as a guaranteed refund when budgeting.
- Source of funds documented only for part of the contribution.
- Dependants who fall outside the age or dependency tests.
- Name inconsistencies across identity and financial documents.
- Missing police certificates for a prior country of residence.
- Adverse findings at due diligence, including undisclosed proceedings.
Official programme requirement
Approval is at the discretion of the Citizenship Commission and the due diligence fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome.
12. After approval: holding period and obligations
- The Oath of Allegiance precedes the citizenship certificate and can be taken remotely.
- The returnable capital component is claimable after the holding period, subject to programme terms and conditions.
- No residency, presence or language requirement applies after approval.
- Passports are renewable administratively. The contribution is not repeated.
- Citizenship does not by itself change your tax residence. Take advice in your own jurisdiction.
What happens next
We diarise the end of the holding period with you and handle the return claim paperwork when it falls due.
13. Frequently asked questions
- How much does the Vanuatu CIIP cost?
- CIIP is US$165,000 for up to four qualifying family members, plus US$25,000 for each additional dependant and US$5,500 due diligence per application.
- Is the US$50,000 CIIP component a guaranteed refund?
- No. It is a returnable capital component subject to programme terms and successful completion of the five-year holding period. It is not a guaranteed refund, interest or investment profit.
- Is CIIP citizenship different from DSP citizenship?
- No. CIIP grants the same Vanuatu citizenship and the same Vanuatu passport as the DSP, with identical rights.
- How long does CIIP take?
- Typical overall processing is approximately 30 to 45 days from formal submission of a complete application.
More answers in the Vanuatu citizenship FAQ.
14. Apply through a Government Designated Agent
CIIP applications are lodged through agents designated by the Government of Vanuatu. Read more about our designation.
Reviewed by Selina Kolthek, Founder & Managing Director, Government Designated Agent. Last verified September 2026.
Official sources
- Vanuatu Citizenship Office — Government of Vanuatu
Programme administration, designated agent register and application requirements.
- Government of Vanuatu official portal
Ministries, legislation and official announcements.
- Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit
Due diligence and anti-money-laundering clearance.
Speak with an adviser
Vanuatu citizenship in around 45 days.
Confidential consultations with the official government-designated agent. No obligation.