The Vanuatu Real Estate Option (REO) is a government approved citizenship by real estate investment program. Applicants for citizenship under the REO must invest in a property in a Vanuatu Government Approved Project (VGA Project) in addition to payment of the prescribed fees to qualify for citizenship and passport.
The Citizenship Act [CAP 112] (“the Act”) establishes the Real Estate Option Program (“the REO Program”) was a Program that existed in 2014 but was then repealed by Parliament in 2015.
Commencement
The Citizenship by Investment program under the Real Estate Option Program (REO Program) of Vanuatu was enabled by Act of Parliament on 12 May 2021.The Citizenship Commission appointed Naika Holdings Limited as the Master Agent on 23 July 2021 and the Commission ratified the REO Program for commencement on 28 November 2024. Its aim is to stimulate investment in Tourism accommodation and infrastructure as well as create new jobs, support and stimulate the national economy and budget.The programis designed for enables individuals interested in optimizing their tax structure, as Vanuatu imposes no personal or corporate income tax and no inheritance tax.
Purpose
The REO program was designed to attract retired investors or wealthy individuals in the real estate option sector. Government has developed a policy to attract both major and minor investors by designating important projects that meet stringent Government imposed conditions as Vanuatu Government Approved Projects (the “VGAP”).
Government Approved REO Projects
There are 4 currently approved VGA Projects as follows:
- Pacific Springs situated at Rentabao on the island of Efate;
- Narpow Point Coral Bay situated at Narpow Point on the island of Efate;
- FPF Rainbow City Project situated at Narpow Point on the island of Efate;
- “Milai” situated on the island of Espiritu Santo.
