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Vanuatu Set to Raise CIIP Investment Amounts

Vanuatu plans to increase CIIP investment thresholds by 15-20%, as single applicant contributions rise from $100,000 to $115,000.

Vanuatu plans to increase CIIP investment thresholds by 15-20%, as single applicant contributions rise from $100,000 to $115,000.

Vanuatu has announced its plan to increase the minimum investment thresholds for its Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) while implementing new reporting requirements for agents. The changes, signed by Prime Minister Jotham Napat in April 2025, modify several key aspects of the program.

The base contribution for a sole applicant will rise from USD100,000 to USD115,000, representing a 15% increase. Spouse add-on fees will grow by 20%, climbing from USD50,000 to USD60,000, while additional adult dependent fees will increase from USD50,000 to USD55,000.

Glen Craig, Managing Partner at Pacific Advisory, notes that “the price increase, whilst modest, is reflective of the government’s intent to maximise revenue from the program whilst ensuring the highest possible standards.”

These price adjustments come amid a complete program suspension that the government announced on March 17. The Citizenship Commission halted all new CIIP applications “until further notice” following direct instructions from the Prime Minister’s office through Cabinet of Ministers Decision NO.012 of 2025.

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“What we’re really witnessing is a new government absolutely focused on ensuring a world-class program that rids itself of some of the historical baggage,” Craig explains. “The government knows that a strong program will contribute much to the government’s sustainable development goals and climate resilient infrastructure needs.”

The amended regulation also introduces new transparency measures. According to the official document, “The designated agent must provide a quarterly report to the Commission on the relevant sector of investment that the designated agent has agreed to invest in.”

These quarterly reports must contain comprehensive financial data, including bank statements, proof of contributions, proof of expenses incurred, and a concise profit and loss statement. The reports must also detail a business plan, investment targets, locations of investments, and proof of investment activities.

The Commission gains additional oversight powers under the new framework. If it is not satisfied with agent reports, it “may request a registered independent auditor to audit the reports” at the agent’s expense. The Commission must also “provide an annual written report to the Prime Minister on matters relating to the CIIP not later than 3 months after the end of each financial year.”

Agents will face higher entry barriers, as they “must provide an investment plan to the Commission on the sector the agent is to promote and market.” This requirement aims to ensure investments align with national development priorities.

Unlike Vanuatu’s Development Support Program (DSP), which operates as a donation-based citizenship pathway, the CIIP channels foreign capital into government-designated sectors, including the CIIP-Cocoa Fund, Vanuatu Coffee Impact Fund, Melekule Cocoa Farming, and CIIP-CNO Future Fund.

The suspension and regulatory overhaul follow extended diplomatic challenges for Vanuatu. The European Union permanently suspended visa-free access for Vanuatu passport holders in 2024, and the country has reportedly appeared on a US travel ban list.

“It has been refreshing to see the strong uptick in performance by the Citizenship Commission, particularly under the direction of the new Chairman and Secretary General,” Craig observes. “We are seeing stringent compliance and enforcement along with stronger inter-agency collaboration. Whilst the issues of the past can’t be glossed over, it’s important and encouraging to know that there are weekly improvements being made.”

The Citizenship Commission has informed agents that they should prepare for “a new CIIP regulation that will be finalized by the Office of the Attorney General and for the signature of the Honourable Prime Minister on its official regulation.”

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