The Citizenship Office has issued a formal notice to all designated agents on amendments to Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment programmes, following the publication of Official Gazette No. 25 of 2026 on 19 March 2026.
The Citizenship Office notice, dated 23 March 2026 and signed by Secretary General Patrick Peter Fred, outlines changes under the Citizenship (Development Support Programme) Regulations (Amendment) Order No. 39 of 2026 and the Citizenship (Contribution Programme) Regulations (Amendment) Order No. 40 of 2026.
The amendments will take full effect within two months, allowing agents and clients time to complete pending applications under the current system. Designated agents have been advised to ensure all future applications comply with the updated framework, with further guidance expected.
The transition period also allows applicants to complete outstanding payments and adjust to the revised arrangements. The changes form part of ongoing efforts to maintain the financial viability of the citizenship by investment programme in the global market.
The Vanuatu CBI programs contributes about 7% of the nation’s total GDP. The Development Support Program (DSP) and the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) remain the most active investment routes. Vanuatu has tightened its citizenship by investment programme after currency conversion arrangements cut into government revenue, prompting new rules to correct the imbalance without increasing fees.
All Applications for the REO Program must be processed through the master-appointed agent, Naika Holdings Limited (or its authorized subagents).
