The Country Where Getting Dual Citizenship Is Simpler Than You Think

Visiting other countries is one of life's great pleasures but it can come with annoying restrictions and red tape, especially if you need a visa for your desired destination. It is one of those facts of international travel that can become even more of a hindrance if you do it on a regular basis, not to mention adding an extra cost to your trip. One way to avoid such regulations is by acquiring dual citizenship in one of the countries where you can legally buy a second passport. That in itself can be a long and expensive process, but thankfully some countries are more eager than others to fast-track new citizens. One of the easiest and cheapest places is Vanuatu in the South Pacific.

The easy-going archipelago with a blissful reputation for dreamy tropical beaches, low prices, welcoming people, and a laid-back pace of life might seem like an unusual choice for international jet-setters. However, the island nation is one of over 20 countries that offer citizenship by investment (CBI), a scheme that enables countries to boost their economy by selling citizenship to well-heeled foreigners. It's one of those "everybody's happy" kind of deals: The country receives extra investment and the investor gets all the benefits of securing a second passport including favorable tax conditions, access to social services, and greater freedom to roam the globe as they please. What's more, you don't even need to set foot on Vanuatuan soil to complete the process.

Committing to a citizenship-by-investment program in Vanuatu isn't cheap unless you have a spare $130,000 lying around, but it is relatively speedy and cost-effective compared to many other countries in the initiative. Similarly quick applications in nations like Dominica and St. Lucia will still cost you upwards of $200,000. Meanwhile, Austria requires a minimum contribution of around $8,000,000 over a three-year application period to obtain one of the world's most powerful passports.

Dual citizenship in Vanuatu rewards investors with a range of benefits. First and foremost for frequent travelers is a second passport which is valid for five years and allows visa-free access to over 100 countries including Hong Kong and Singapore, although not the European Schengen Area. Furthermore, you can also include your spouse, children, and parents or grandparents for an additional fee.

Vanuatu is also very attractive for those concerned about taxes. Successful applicants won't be subject to personal income tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax. The process itself is fairly simple: There are no residency requirements and you can go through the entire application virtually without having to attend any interviews in person. You will need to meet some criteria, however. You need to be over the age of 18 with paperwork from your doctor stating you are in reasonable health; a clean criminal record with a police clearance certificate to prove it; and statements to show you have a minimum of $250,000 available.

Once you've acquired your dual citizenship in Vanuatu, you might be tempted to pay a little visit if you haven't already. Situated in the South Pacific to the east of Australia and north of New Zealand, the archipelago of over 80 islands makes for an adventurous tropical vacation for people who hate winter. Only around 45,000 people visit the country each year and its remoteness is part of the appeal.

Bauerfield International Airport in the capital of Port Vila is the main point of arrival for those traveling by passenger jet. Flights from North America stop off at Nadi in Fiji. With a population of around 36,000, Port Vila is very low-rise and laid-back as far as capitals go and it makes for a great base for exploring the rest of the islands. The cost of living is very affordable once you get on the ground, although eating out in tourist-oriented restaurants and popular activities like scuba diving are often marked up to make the most of the tourist dollar.

People in Vanuatu are generally welcoming to visitors and the pace of life is very relaxed. Tourists and expats will need to adjust to "island time," a phenomenon that the country shares with other island nations where things get done in their own sweet time. In short, Vanuatu is a great place to unwind and leave behind the daily pressures of back home.