• Recently, the Vanuatu government cancelled the passport issued to former Indian Premier League (IPL) chief Lalit Modi and argued that avoiding extradition is not a valid reason for citizenship of the island nation.
    • It is worth noting that Lalit Modi had acquired Vanuatu citizenship under its Golden Passport/Fast-Track Investment Programme.

What is Vanuatu’s Golden Passport

  • The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme in Vanuatu allows wealthy individuals to purchase their own passports.
    • It is commonly known as the ‘Golden Passport’.
  • According to investment migration firm Global Residence Index, Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment programme is the fastest and simplest citizenship programme.
    • It requires very few documents. Also, all documents can be provided digitally.
  • Cost: Vanuatu citizenship costs $135,500 to $155,500 (Rs 1.18 crore to Rs 1.35 crore), which also includes the option to buy citizenship for a family of four.
    • According to a BBC report, passport sales account for about 30% of the country’s revenue.

Benefits

  • According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, Vanuatu’s passport ranks 53rd, providing visa-free access to 113 countries.
    • While its performance in this index is better than China (59) and India (80).
  • As a tax haven, Vanuatu has no personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, making it attractive to high-net-worth individuals.

Published by Pragyanxetu

One Earth. One Future

Leave a Comment or Write your Answer here