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Vanuatu

The Republic of Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. The archipelago is located some 1,750 km east of Australia, 500 km north-east of New Caledonia, west of Fiji and south of the Solomon Islands. It was named New Hebrides during its colonial period. Vanuatu is only 2.5 hours flying time North East of Brisbane and 3.5 hours from Sydney, Australia. It's a little over 2 hours from Auckland, New Zealand. There are regular flights from New Zealand, Honiara, Australia, Noumea and Fiji.


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Country Information 

Citizenship of the Republic of Vanuatu offers unparalleled global mobility, unlocking a world of travel opportunities for you and your family. With a streamlined and efficient process, you can obtain a Vanuatu passport in the quickest way possible, allowing you to enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to an array of prestigious destinations.

Population:

73,000

Languages:

English, French, Bislama

Economy:

Advanced and innovation-driven

Currency:

Vatu (VUV)





An Overview

Vanuatu is a double chain of 13 principal and many smaller islands in the south-western Pacific Ocean. The islands are volcanic and coral in origin. They lie about 800 kilometres west of Fiji and nearly 1800 kilometres east of Australia. Around 65 of the islands are inhabited. Vanuatu has mountains and plateaus but is more famous for its coastal terraces and coral reefs.




Living in Malta

Vanuatu is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. The indigenous Ni-Vanuatu people make up the majority of the population. There are also smaller communities of French, British, Australian, New Zealand, Vietnamese, Chinese, and other Pacific Islanders. The cultural fabric is rich with storytelling, music, dance, art, and various forms of body decoration, which are integral to ritual celebrations and social life.


The diet mainly consists of root crops like yam, taro, and manioc, supplemented by seasonal fruits such as breadfruit. Kava, a traditional beverage, plays a significant role in social rituals and is often consumed in the evenings for relaxation.



Benefits of Malta Citizenship by Investment


  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to approximately 190 destinations
  • Access to a transparent and reputable financial centre and a prime jurisdiction for international business
  • Opportunity to include a spouse, children, parents, and grandparents in the main application
  • Excellent international schools and access to universities in the European Union with reduced fees or free education in some countries. Avion Citizenship can assist in securing the best educational opportunities for your family
  • World’s strictest due diligence standards and vetting of applicants
  • An attractive place to live or own a second home in, strategically located with excellent air links

Requirements of Maltese citizenship by naturalization

The application for Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is thoroughly checked and assessed and undergoes a four-tier due diligence process. To qualify, the following requirements must be fulfilled:

A minimum age of 18 years for all applicants
A contribution of at least EUR 600,000 for a minimum residence period of 36 months or EUR 750,000 for a minimum of 12 months
The purchase of a residential property in Malta of at least EUR 700,000, which must be held for five years. Alternatively, the lease of a residential property with a rental value of at least EUR 16,000 per annum, also held for five years. Please note that the property cannot be sublet during this five-year period. A 36-month (or 18-month, by exception) lease agreement or property purchase is required during the residence period. 
A donation of at least EUR 10,000 to a registered sport, cultural, scientific, philanthropic, animal welfare, or artistic non-governmental organization or society, as approved by the Community Malta Agency.
Legal residence of Malta for at least 36 months (or 12 months, by exception), which includes the lease of a residential property with a rental value of at least EUR 16,000 per annum, held for that same period. Applicants require a valid residence card in order to apply for citizenship

Procedures for Maltese citizenship by naturalization

Applications must be made on the prescribed forms and be accompanied by the appropriate fees and specific documents. Highly detailed due diligence checks are carried out and an application will be declined if it turns out that it contains false information or omissions.
If the Tier 1 due diligence checks completed by the Community Malta Agency are passed, the application for a residence permit will be submitted. After residence has been obtained, an eligibility application will be submitted and further (tiers 2, 3, and 4) due diligence checked will be made by the agency and presented to the relevant Maltese minister, who will decide on the applicant’s eligibility to apply for citizenship.
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Successful applicants

If successful, a citizenship application will be submitted to the Community Malta Agency after 36 months of residence (or 12 months by exception). After the minister has decided if the applicant can be granted Maltese citizenship, the successful applicant will then be required to fulfil the exceptional investment, donation, and property requirements. Thereafter, the applicant will be invited to take the oath of allegiance in Malta and be presented with a Maltese certificate of naturalization.


The Community Malta Agency will conduct continuous monitoring for five years.


Malta Real Estate

Everything you need to know about acquiring premium real estate in Malta and linked to Malta Residence and Citizenship by Naturalization.

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Minimum real estate investment

EUR 700,000

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Type of​ ownership

Sole or shared owners

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Rental income opportunity

3–5% on residential property

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Holding period of real estate

Minimum five year

Malta real estate


The Maltese real estate market has in recent years been one of Europe’s success stories, experiencing five years of consecutive growth prior to the global COVID-19 pandemic, both in the number of properties purchased and overall volume.


Malta is a nation of homeowners and Maltese people like to invest in property. This cultural propensity, together with the arrival of many foreign nationals, particularly from the affluent gaming and finance sectors, has created demand for property from locals and foreign buyers alike. While the property market appears to be stabilizing, there is a constant demand for high-quality property. Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Valletta are popular destinations for local and foreign investors.


The majority of real estate investors choose apartment living, and many modern developments have sprung up over the past five years to satisfy the demand for this type of accommodation. For those who prefer something with authentic Maltese character, elegant townhouses can be found in Malta’s towns and villages, together with classic countryside villas.


Acquisition of property in Malta


Before proceeding with the acquisition of property in Malta, buyers are advised to follow these crucial recommendations:

  1. Trusted professionals who have good local knowledge of the market should always be consulted.
  2. It is advisable to instruct an architect to check that the property being purchased conforms to all local building regulations.
  3. The transfer of funds from foreign banks is subject to rigorous due diligence checks, which can take time. It is advisable to transfer the funds to the notary in good time to avoid delays in signing the contracts.





Are there any restrictions on the acquisition of real estate in Malta by foreign buyers?

Foreign investors may purchase only one property in Malta, except for property purchased in a special designated area (SDA), which is unlimited. When purchasing outside an SDA, the purchased property cannot be rented out. ​

How can immovable property in Malta be acquired?

Once an offer has been accepted and a notary has been instructed, there are two steps to the property purchase that buyers need to consider: the promise of sale and the final deed.

Does the applicant need to open a bank account in order to purchase property, and if so, what is the procedure?

A Maltese bank account is not required. The buyer transfers the funds directly into the notary’s account and the notary then makes all the payments on behalf of the buyer..

What additional expenses will the real estate transaction incur?

Stamp duty at 5% of the sale price

Notary fees at approximately 1.5% of the sale price

Architect’s fee of approximately EUR 1,000

What kind of returns can be expected from property investment in Malta ?

Over the recent years, the return on capital investment has been in excess of 5%, while the yield on rental income is approximately 3.5%.

What other immovable property-related taxes and charges are imposed in Malta ?

There is no annual property tax in Malta. If the property is under leasehold, ground rent will apply. By law, apartment blocks must be managed by either a residence committee or a third-party management company, and condominium fees apply on all apartments..

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment frequently asked questions

The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment allows individuals and their families to obtain Maltese citizenship through significant economic contributions.

Investment options include a financial contribution, the purchase or lease of a residential property in Malta, or a donation to an approved non-governmental organization.

Benefits include the right to live, work, and study in any EU country, visa-free travel to over 180 countries, and access to a high standard of healthcare and education.

The minimum investment starts at EUR 600,000, with additional contributions required for family members.

Processing times for citizenship by investment applications may vary. Please contact us to find out more.

Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents in the application.

Applicants and all adult dependents must maintain Maltese residence status for at least 36 months (or 12 months, in special cases) before applying for citizenship.

Required documents include a valid passport, proof of investment, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and other supporting documents.

Applications must include the required forms, fees, and documents, with thorough due diligence checks conducted. After passing initial checks and obtaining a residence permit, further checks determine eligibility for citizenship. Approved applicants must fulfill investment, donation, and property requirements before taking the oath of allegiance and receiving their naturalization certificate. Continuous monitoring is conducted for five years by the Community Malta Agency.