Vanuatu, a small island nation in the South Pacific, has one of the most sought-after citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs, often called a ‘Golden Passport’ scheme. The program recently gained attention after former IPL chief Lalit Modi acquired Vanuatu citizenship and applied to surrender his Indian passport in London, as confirmed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

CBI programs allow individuals to obtain citizenship in exchange for significant financial contributions. Many countries, including Malta, Turkey, Montenegro, and Dominica, run similar schemes to attract investment and boost economic growth.

Vanuatu’s CBI program is particularly appealing due to its speed and simplicity. According to investment migration firm Global Residence Index, it is “the fastest and most simple citizenship program available,” requiring minimal paperwork, all of which can be submitted digitally. This means applicants do not even need to visit Vanuatu to secure citizenship.

The cost ranges from $135,500 to $155,500 (₹1.18 crore to ₹1.35 crore), with options to extend citizenship to family members. Processing times are swift, typically between 30 to 60 days. The sale of passports contributes significantly to Vanuatu’s economy, accounting for roughly 30% of national revenue, according to a 2019 BBC report.

As of 2025, Vanuatu passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 113 countries. It ranks 51st on the Henley Passport Index, ahead of Saudi Arabia (57), China (59), and India (80). However, the European Union revoked its visa-free access in 2023 due to security concerns.

Vanuatu imposes no personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax, making it attractive for high-net-worth individuals. Offshore financial services are a crucial revenue source for the nation, which remains one of the world’s poorer economies.