Frequently asked questions.

What is the 'Development Support Program?

The Vanuatu Citizenship’s Office and Commission (COC) is a statutory entity established by the Vanuatu Citizenship Act [Cap 112]. The Act was enacted by the Parliament of the Republic of Vanuatu and came into force in 1980. It was amended in 2013 and twice in 2014. Based on the Citizenship Act [CAP 112], the Vanuatu Citizenship’s Office and Commission (COC) grants Honorary Citizenship to individuals under Vanuatu’s Development Support Program (DSP).

Can I use Bitcoin or Crypto currencies to pay?

Regardless of rumours circulating online, you CANNOT pay your Vanuatu citizenship (DSP - Development Support Program donation) with Bitcoin or any other crypto currenicies. The Vanuatu Government does not accept any form of payment other than USD (US Dollar), AUD (Australian Dollar), NZD (New Zealand Dollar), or JPY (Japanese Yen) **EURO is NOT accepted

To adhere with strict regulations, the source of your funds needs to be verified by supporting documents eg: Personal or Company bank statements. The National Bank of Vanuatu (NBV) is the only channel through which payment can be sent. If you wish to use bitcoin for payment, you will need to convert it into USD (or another supported currency) before sending it to NBV bank. All funds sent to NBV for the purpose of Vanuatu Citizenship are screened & the sender will be asked to provide a copy of their passport & bank statement.

Can a family member or friend pay on my behalf?

Yes. In order for a family member or friend to send money for DSP donation on your behalf, you will both need to provide a copies of your passports and also a signed agreement explaning the reason for money being sent. NBV bank has strict transfer clearance policies and they will not clear DSP funds sent by another individual or company that do not have supporting documentation, Including the MT103 remittance transfer copy.

Can I use a money transfer company to pay on my behalf?

Yes. Sending money to NBV bank in Vanuatu is not always straight forward. You may wish to employ a money transfer company to handle to process for you and send a sponsored payment. You & the assisting company will need to provide a copy of the signed agreement, explaning the reason for money being sent. Your bank statement will also be needed to show the transfer of funds. NBV bank has strict transfer clearance policies and they will not clear funds that do not have supporting documentation, Including the MT103 remittance transfer copy.