Vanuatu Announces New Affordable CBI Route Linked to Award-Winning Cocoa Industry
Astons
Sponsor
Denis Kravchenko, Astons Business Development Director and industry expert, announces the perks of the new investment-linked CBI route in Vanuatu.
Vanuatu has added a new investment option to its already successful citizenship by investment program, the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP). This option complements the existing DSP option to offer investors a diverse range of citizenship routes and a win-win for investors and the local economy.
Vanuatu just announced the launch of a new investment route to support its vital cocoa sector, CIIP—Cocoa. This program intertwines foreign direct investment [FDI] with the country’s cherished citizenship, catalyzing a transformative impact on one of the nation’s most vital industries.
For small sovereigns, such as Vanuatu, FDI is a vital source of funding—it directly helps to fund community-level projects that impact and improve the lives of the nation’s people.
For Vanuatu, the citizenship program has surpassed the country’s VAT revenues to become the primary funding source for national projects. Astons is honored to have been, and continues to be, one of Vanuatu’s most significant partners for clients who fund Vanuatu’s FDI goals through the citizenship programs.
A key hallmark of the CIIP – Cocoa is its highly competitive financial structure. Boasting one of the world’s most cost-effective programs, it requires a total investment of US$150,000 for a family of four, including program fees. This makes the CIIP – Cocoa route significantly more affordable to families than the original DSP route, which costs US$180,000 for a family of four.
By comparison, while the DSP remains the more economical investment route for a single investor, for ESG-conscious investors, the CIIP-Cocoa option provides investors comfort in knowing how the government is utilizing their investment.
Astons offers both programs and reviews the benefits of each on a client-by-client basis.
The new route is attractive for sustainability-conscious investors, aligning with the government’s overarching sustainable development goals. By choosing this route, investors will directly contribute to one of Vanuatu’s main export industries, which employs 25% of the nation’s rural households.
Underpinning the CIIP – Cocoa route is a meticulously designed investment support strategy. Investments from high-net-worth individuals will fortify the entire cocoa value chain, from initial seed procurement and cultivation to final processing and export.
Farmers will receive crucial assistance in obtaining high-quality cocoa seeds and cuttings, boosting productivity and unlocking new export markets.
“The new CIIP—Cocoa route in Vanuatu is a real opportunity for global investors who want to maximize the value of their citizenship investments while also contributing to a sustainable and environmentally friendly industry that represents a vital source of income for locals,” says Denis Kravchenko of Astons.
Beyond the Dollars
Beyond the financial incentives, successful applicants gain the invaluable privilege of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 90 countries, including prestigious business and travel destinations. This remarkable benefit empowers global mobility and seamless international ventures.
The program’s multifaceted approach extends to facilitating the acquisition of drying machinery and essential equipment, thereby streamlining the processing phase.
It also aims to expand cocoa productivity by engaging new farmers, creating employment opportunities, and fostering economic growth through increased output.
Recognizing the importance of innovation, the CIIP – Cocoa will catalyze research, production, and marketing efforts, ensuring the seamless integration of cocoa products into the global market.
By nurturing the industry’s future sustainability, this visionary program safeguards Vanuatu’s cocoa heritage for generations to come.
As Vanuatu’s renowned “Cocoa Gold” continues to garner international acclaim, winning prestigious awards for its exceptional quality, the CIIP – Cocoa presents an unparalleled opportunity to be part of this burgeoning industry’s remarkable ascent.
What makes Vanuatu an attractive second citizenship destination?
Vanuatu is a peaceful archipelago of over 80 islands located just a short flight away from Australia. Since the government launched its citizenship by investment program in 2017, the program has become one of the most attractive for second citizenship among high-net-worth individuals.
The country’s citizenship programs offer full citizenship rights and benefits without requiring individuals to reside in or visit Vanuatu. As Vanuatu recognizes dual citizenship, investors can retain their original citizenship under the program, enabling them to become “dual citizens” and possess a second passport.
As a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, Vanuatu passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-upon-arrival access to more than 90 countries across Asia, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania, and the Caribbean. Additionally, citizens can apply for a long-term Australian visa through an e-visa process.
But, the impressiveness of Vanuatu’s passport surpasses its mobility options. Vanuatu citizenship is a legal alternative identity that opens up access to the global banking industry and even secures additional legal residencies [including EU residency] using the Vanuatu passport and identity.
This is particularly helpful for anonymity or nationality quota purposes when enrolling children in educational establishments, enhancing personal security while traveling, or legitimately establishing companies and bank accounts to protect assets and wealth.
With the pending price increase in the Caribbean, the Vanuatu programs will be the most affordable citizenship options in the world—as well as the fastest, with Astons’ clients having an average application-to-passport timeline of only 3-4 months.
Why choose a passport with limited visa-free travel?
Despite the temporary removal of visa-free privileges to the EU Schengen Area, Vanuatu’s citizenship program continues to attract a significant number of applications.
In January 2024, Vanuatu had over 100 CIIP applications submitted – an impressive monthly number in the citizenship by investment industry.
This alone is a testament to the country’s enduring popularity and highlights its appeal as a second citizenship option in an increasingly unstable world.
The Vanuatu citizenship programs are built with the investor at the center, providing the fastest approval timeframe [only 3-4 months] in the industry to suit the nature of contemporary business.
In the coming weeks, the entire second citizenship industry is changing [with the Caribbean citizenship programs doubling in price], but Vanuatu will continue to shine as a beacon of self-sovereignty at the world’s most affordable investment – genuinely providing the most for the best investment possible.
Possessing Vanuatu citizenship and passport represents far more than global mobility – a staple most countries hang their hats on. A Vanuatu passport is a legal alternative identity that opens up banking, enhances the conduct of private affairs, and secures an ability to move when someone’s primary passport prevents it.
And, while not required, new citizens are encouraged to visit Vanuatu and explore its natural beauty, as well as potential business and investment opportunities, as Vanuatu is also a genuine legitimate zero-tax environment and welcoming to global business ventures.
The Vanuatu government has officially recognized Astons as a significant contributor to their overall national interests with our 100% success rate of client approvals for the Vanuatu programs.
And for those investors seeking to leverage the global power of a second citizenship while genuinely and positively impacting the lives of communities who the rest of the world tends to forget about, schedule a Free Consultation with Astons today.