Vanuatu Plans Regulatory Updates to Capital Investment Immigration Program

Vanuatu’s Citizenship Commission has announced a temporary pause on new applications under the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), as it prepares to introduce regulatory updates and improvements.

The announcement was made on March 17, following Cabinet of Ministers Decision NO.012 of 2025 and in line with the government’s 100-day roadmap.

The Commission noted that the enhancements are part of a broader effort to strengthen the CIIP and bring it in line with updated national priorities.

The CIIP program channels investments into government-designated development funds such as the CIIP-Cocoa Fund, Melekule Cocoa Farming, and CIIP-CNO Future Fund. It differs from the donation-based Development Support Program (DSP) by focusing on economic development through targeted investments.

CIIP Applications Temporarily Paused for Program Updates

A new regulation for the CIIP is currently being finalized by the Office of the Attorney General and will be submitted for the Prime Minister’s signature. According to the Commission, agents will be informed once the restart date for new applications is confirmed.

Applications already in progress will continue to be processed without delay. The pause applies only to new submissions under the CIIP.

DSP and VCP Programs Remain Open to Applicants

Vanuatu’s other citizenship programs, the Development Support Program (DSP) and the Vanuatu Contribution Program (VCP), continue to operate as usual. These options remain open to eligible applicants during the CIIP update period.

The changes come shortly after the appointment of Charlie Maniel as Chairman of the Citizenship Commission on March 8, 2025. The Commission emphasized that the temporary pause is part of a broader plan to improve the CIIP’s structure and long-term goals.