St. Kitts and Nevis Vs. Vanuatu Passport: Fastest routes to obtain a second citizenship

St. Kitts and Nevis and Vanuatu offer the fastest path to citizenship by investment, where applicants and their families can gain a second passport within 3 to 6 months in exchange for a qualifying investment. Investors holding the citizenship of these two states can take advantage of global mobility, tax exemptions, access to world-class healthcare and educational services, myriad business opportunities, and much more.  However, picking up the most suitable program depends on the investors’ main goals and conditions. In this article, we will highlight the main differences between both programs.

How to Obtain St. Kitts and Nevis Passport? 

The Citizenship-by-Investment Program of St. Kitts and Nevis allows foreign investors to acquire a passport and citizenship if they meet certain criteria. St Kitts and Nevis passport and citizenship are granted for life to qualified applicants within 3 months with no residency requirements. However, as of 2023, the process could take 6 months or more.

Applicants are required to submit an application through an Authorized Agent and successfully pass a thorough due diligence process. They are also required to make either a non-refundable contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) or purchase a real estate property in a government-approved project for a minimum of $200,000. Application forms are only available with authorized agents.

How to Obtain Vanuatu Passport

In Vanuatu, the ‘Citizenship Office and Commission’ is responsible for administering the program and processing all applications. The Citizenship Commission examines the application thoroughly and, if deemed necessary, may request the applicant to attend an interview. Vanuatu’s Financial Intelligence Unit along with the Citizenship Commission undertake strict due diligence checks and will decline an application if the applicant makes a false statement. To obtain citizenship by investment, applicants must make a non-refundable contribution to the government fund, with a minimum investment worth $130,000. The Vanuatu citizenship by investment program is the fastest, as it takes between one to three months to get a passport and the application process is done remotely, without any need for an interview or residency requirements, and without any need to take language proficiency tests or history exams.

Points to Consider When Applying for St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship 

To apply for St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship, applicants must be at least 18 years old, they should be of good character without any criminal record. They should be financially stable, have a clean police record, able to demonstrate a source of legal income, and provide proof of medical fitness.

If applicants don’t meet these criteria or have been found guilty of fraud or other illegal activity, the result would be a refusal of the citizenship application. However, applicants will be given a reason for the refusal and can appeal the decision if they think it’s unfair. Applicants must keep a few things in mind during the process, the most important of which is being patient because the application process can take up to six months to complete. They have to make sure that they have all the required documentation before beginning the application and be prepared to provide detailed information about their finances, employment, and education. They should complete the application in full and truthfully, as any inaccuracies could delay the process.

Applicants should know that the decision on their application is ultimately up to the citizenship officer who reviews the case. There is always a chance that their application could be denied, and if this happens, they can always reapply later.

Points to Consider When Applying for Vanuatu Citizenship 

To apply for Vanuatu’s citizenship applicants must be over 18 years old and have no criminal record or political exposure. They should also be in good health and have a good financial and professional background. The application process for Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program is straight-forward and efficient, but to start the process applicants must sign a service agreement with an authorized agent, who provides advice, and assistance, and prepare documents and government forms. Applicants are required to pass a thorough due diligence process carried by the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). After the FIU assesses the applicant’s file and due diligence is completed, a “Clearance Letter”, will be issued. Upon written confirmation of no adverse findings by the FIU, the applicant submits a completed application form along with all relevant documents with the application payment.

St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship 

The Citizenship-by-Investment Program of St. Kitts and Nevis was established in 1984, making it the oldest and one of the most reputable programs in the world. It allows foreign investors to acquire a St Kitts and Nevis passport and citizenship if they meet certain criteria and successfully pass a thorough due diligence process. St Kitts and Nevis passport and citizenship are irrevocable and granted for life to qualified applicants within 6 months with no residency requirements.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment 

The Government of the Republic of Vanuatu launched its Development Support Program (DSP) in January 2017, to promote the country’s economic development. It is the sole citizenship-by-investment program in the South Pacific region. Vanuatu welcomes foreign investors to apply for its citizenship through an investment program, by making an economic contribution to the country’s DSP. Vanuatu grants its citizenship and passport to the contributor, along with his spouse, children under 25, and parents over 50, within the same application. Qualified individuals will be able to acquire a Vanuatu passport by investment in about one to 3 months with no interview or residency requirements.

Benefits of St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programs 

A St. Kitts and Nevis passport allows visa-free access to 157 destinations, including EU Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Russia, as well as easy obtaining of a B-1/B-2 visa for the United States, which can be valid for 10 years.

St. Kitts and Nevis passport holders can also get a 10-year tourist visa to Canada that grants multiple 180-day entries. Holders of St. Kitts and Nevis passport can also benefit from tax exemptions, as there is no tax applicable on income received outside of its borders.

St. Kitts and Nevis passport is issued for 10 years and can be renewed. A spouse, children under 25, and parents over 55 can receive citizenship with the investor without any residency requirements. Passport holders have access to quality education, and students can apply for fully funded scholarship programs in the country and in the UK and the US as well. As for young children, the compulsory 12-year school program in the country is free. St. Kitts and Nevis is known for its medical institutions, hosting the University of Medicine and Health Science.

There are plenty of business opportunities in St. Kitts and Nevis, and it is famous for its foreign-friendly business policies. With its sunny and mesmerizing beaches and strong national infrastructure, the country has turned into one of the fastest-growing economies in the Caribbean. The country guarantees as well financial privacy by not making any information about offshore business owners and top managers public.

Benefits of Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Programs 

Vanuatu is currently the fastest citizenship by investment program with an average processing time of 3 months. Vanuatu has a lot of benefits to offer to its passport holders, the most important of which providing long-term US Visas, which include the B-1/B-2 tourist visas for 5 years, allowing holders to spend up to 180 days a year in the USA. Visa holders can conduct business meetings, travel around the country, get medical treatment, and enroll to study in courses that do not lead to a diploma or degree. Investors holding Vanuatu’s citizenship can also establish an offshore or international business company in Vanuatu, although such companies are not eligible to conduct business in Vanuatu if they want to be tax-exempt. The company and its shareholders don’t pay taxes on corporate profits, personal income, capital gains, inheritance, or donations, instead, there is a flat annual fee, and the beneficial tax regime is valid for 20 years. Vanuatu citizens can travel visa-free to 98 countries including Hong Kong and Singapore, and the passport replaces a visa for spending up to 180 days a year in the UK.

Comparing Table with Main Points

St. Kitts and Nevis – Vanuatu Comparison: At a Glance

Both St. Kitts and Nevis and Vanuatu citizenship programs are attractive for investors looking to obtain a second citizenship. Applicants with their families can obtain dual citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment without any residency requirements. Both countries offer strong passports, and tax-friendly policies, with no income tax among other tax breaks.

However, picking the most suitable program depends on the applicant’s personal conditions, goals, and priorities. If an applicant is applying mainly to avail global mobility, both passports are powerful, as they provide visa-free access to main destinations including the UK, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Singapore, among others. A St. Kitts passport, however, holds the edge in regard to Schengen visa-free access. They both provide long-term US Visas, which include the B-1/B-2 tourist visas for 5 years, allowing holders to spend up to 180 days a year in the USA.

Both programs accept spouses and dependent children under 25 years old. While St Kitts and Nevis accept siblings under 30 years old, Vanuatu does not allow including siblings in the application.

St. Kitts and Nevis may be a slightly better option for investors looking for asset diversification as it offers more investment options. In Vanuatu, applicants under the DSP have only one investment option available, namely a direct contribution to the Government. This contrasts with St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship program, which offers applicants the choice to either make a direct contribution to the Government or invest in real estate.

Moreover, St. Kitts and Nevis is almost more affordable than Vanuatu, with the minimum donation for a single person at $125,000 and a family of four at $170,000 (special offer from 1 Jan to 30 June 2023), compared to Vanuatu’s respective minimum amounts of $130,000 and $180,000.

In conclusion, both programs are very appealing and provide immense benefits for investors holding its citizenship, the most important of which establishing their own business in fast-growing economies.