For the modern global investor, citizenship is rarely about the individual; it is about securing the future and safety of the entire family. The Vanuatu citizenship by investment for family spouse and children inclusion remains one of the most flexible and inclusive programs in the 2026 market. Unlike many residency programs that require separate applications or lengthy waiting periods for dependents, Vanuatu allows for the simultaneous naturalization of an entire household.
Whether you are looking to provide your children with a “Plan B” education route or ensuring your spouse has the same global mobility and tax advantages as you, the Vanuatu program is built for family units. This guide outlines the 2026 eligibility criteria for dependents and the cost-effective structures available for families.
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The “Family-First” Approach to Vanuatu Citizenship
Vanuatu understands that HNWIs move as a unit. The South Pacific nation has designed its Development Support Program (DSP) and CIIP to be “family-friendly,” meaning that the background checks and processing are bundled to save time and administrative costs. In 2026, Vanuatu remains the fastest way to move an entire family from application to second passport in under 60 days.
[Link to: guide on citizenship by investment basics]
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Who Qualifies as a Dependent in 2026?
Vanuatu has one of the most generous definitions of “dependents” in the RCBI (Residency and Citizenship by Investment) industry.
- Spouse: Legally married partners (same-sex unions are currently not recognized for citizenship purposes in Vanuatu).
- Children under 18: Minor children are automatically eligible.
- Adult Children (18–25): Must be unmarried and in full-time education, remaining financially dependent on the main applicant.
- Dependent Parents (50+): Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse who are financially dependent on the main applicant.
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Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment for Family: Costs and Fees
The financial structure of the program is highly optimized for families. The marginal cost of adding a family member is significantly lower than a solo application.
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The Core Family of Four Package
The most popular option is the “Family of 4” bundle (Main Applicant, Spouse, and 2 Children).
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Including Adult Children and Dependent Parents
For families larger than four, or those wishing to include the older generation:
- Additional Child/Dependent: Approximately $15,000 USD per person.
- Additional Due Diligence: The FIU fee for dependents over 18 is typically lower than the main applicant but must be factored into the “all-in” budget.
[Link to: comparison of different CBI programs]
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Key Benefits for Families
- Future Generations: Citizenship is hereditary. Children born to Vanuatu citizens automatically inherit the right to citizenship.
- Educational Mobility: A second passport can simplify student visa applications for international schools in Asia and the West.
- Security for Elders: Providing your parents with a second citizenship offers them a secure haven and access to a different healthcare environment if needed.
- Unified Travel: No more waiting in different lines at customs; the whole family travels under the same status.
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Step-by-Step Family Application Process
- Unified Submission: All family members are included in a single dossier filed by your licensed agent.
- FIU Checks: The Financial Intelligence Unit performs background checks on the main applicant, spouse, and all dependents over 18.
- Approval in Principle: The entire family is approved (or rejected) as a single unit.
- The Oath Ceremony: In 2026, the main applicant and spouse must take the Oath of Allegiance. Minor children are typically exempt from the ceremony but receive their certificates simultaneously.
- Passport Issuance: Passports for the whole family are issued and couriered together.
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Documentation Required for Dependents
Beyond the standard passport copies, families must provide:
- Marriage Certificate: For the spouse (Apostilled or legalized).
- Birth Certificates: For all children and parents to prove the relationship.
- Proof of Enrollment: For adult children (18–25) to prove they are students.
- Affidavit of Dependency: A legal declaration that the parents or adult children rely on the main applicant for financial support.
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Risks and Compliance for Family Applications
- The “Weak Link” Rule: If one adult dependent fails the FIU due diligence check (due to a criminal record or sanctions), it can jeopardize or delay the entire family’s application.
- Age Limits: It is vital to apply before a child turns 25, as they will then be required to apply as a single main applicant at the full $130,000 rate.
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Is Vanuatu the Right Choice for Your Family?
Choose Vanuatu for your family if:
- You want speed (entire family naturalized in <2 months).
- You want a single, flat fee for the core family unit.
- You have dependent parents you want to protect.
This may not suit if:
- You have children over 25 who are no longer in school.
- You are looking for a program that offers free public education/healthcare in Europe (until EU negotiations are finalized).
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How qom.sg Can Help Your Family
At qom.sg, we specialize in the logistical complexities of multi-generational applications.
- Document Coordination: We manage the birth and marriage certificate legalizations across different jurisdictions.
- Family Pre-Screening: We run preliminary checks on all adult dependents to ensure a smooth FIU process.
- Concierge Services: We coordinate the video oath ceremonies for you and your spouse from the comfort of your home or office.
[Link to: contact page or consultation page]
Conclusion
The Vanuatu citizenship by investment for family spouse and children inclusion is a powerful legacy tool. By choosing the 2026 family package, you aren’t just buying a travel document; you are gifting your children and parents a lifetime of global optionality and security.
Protect your family’s future today. Contact qom.sg to start your group eligibility assessment.
FAQs
1. Can I add a new baby to my citizenship later? Yes. If you have a child after obtaining citizenship, they can be registered as a Ni-Vanuatu citizen by descent for a relatively small administrative fee.
2. Does my spouse have to take the Oath of Allegiance too? Yes, in 2026, both the main applicant and the spouse are generally required to participate in the Oath of Allegiance ceremony.
3. What if my child turns 26 during the application process? The age is typically locked in at the time of formal submission to the Citizenship Commission. However, it is always best to apply at least 3-4 months before a milestone birthday.
4. Can I include my siblings or my spouse’s parents? Standard packages include your parents. Inclusion of siblings is generally not permitted under the current DSP/CIIP rules; they would likely need to apply as separate main applicants.
5. Is there a separate physical residency requirement for my children? No. Like the main applicant, dependents do not need to live in or visit Vanuatu to maintain their citizenship status.
Would you like me to help you draft a checklist of the specific birth and marriage certificate requirements for your home country?






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