Sofia, Bulgaria
London, United Kingdom
In a shifting global landscape where traditional pathways to mobility and security are becoming more limited, a growing number of investors are seeking dual-track solutions that provide both speed and long-term access to Europe. For nationals of countries currently facing restrictions—such as Russia—one compelling strategy involves combining citizenship of Vanuatu with residence by investment in Bulgaria.
This dual-path approach offers both immediacy and durability: expedited second citizenship with a Caribbean-style profile, and an EU foothold with full access to the Schengen Area.
Vanuatu: A Rapid Route to Second Citizenship
Vanuatu offers one of the world’s fastest and most straightforward citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programmes. Governed by the Development Support Programme (DSP), it is a state-approved initiative designed to attract foreign capital in exchange for naturalisation.
Key features include:
- Speed: Citizenship and passport issued within approximately 30–60 days
- Investment: From USD 130,000 for a single applicant (non-refundable donation)
- Eligibility: Open to most nationalities, including Russian citizens
- Family inclusion: Spouse, children under 25, and dependent parents
- Tax advantages: No personal income, wealth, capital gains, or inheritance taxes
- Dual citizenship permitted
- No physical residency required
While Vanuatu citizenship offers unmatched speed and simplicity, combining it with Bulgarian residence by investment creates a more comprehensive mobility and security solution. This dual approach enhances long-term stability within Europe, offers a foothold in the EU’s real estate market, and provides a structured pathway to permanent residency in a Schengen-member state. The combination also allows for diversified global positioning—balancing the flexibility of a remote second citizenship with the tangible benefits of EU-based residence. For families, entrepreneurs, and globally mobile individuals, this strategic pairing ensures both immediate benefits and future-proof access to European opportunities.
Bulgaria: Secure EU Residency Through Property Investment
Bulgaria operates a government-sanctioned residence-by-investment (RBI) scheme based on direct investment in real estate. For many international investors, this represents one of the few remaining accessible pathways to long-term EU residency.
Programme highlights:
- Minimum investment: EUR 310,000 in residential, commercial, or mixed-use property
- Ownership: Property is held in full title; investors may use, rent, or sell it
- Processing time: Residence granted typically within 3-6 months
- Schengen travel: Bulgaria is now part of Schengen
- Eligibility: Includes the principal investor, their spouse, and dependent children
- Pathway: Long-term residence can lead to permanent residency with time
This route is particularly attractive to individuals from jurisdictions currently excluded from other EU investment migration schemes, as the Bulgarian RBI programme remains open and operational, including to Russian citizens who first naturalise in another state (such as Vanuatu).
Why Combine Vanuatu and Bulgaria?
The synergy of these two programmes lies in their complementary features. Vanuatu citizenship provides an immediate second passport, while Bulgarian residence establishes a physical and legal connection to the EU.
Advantages of the combined route:
- Timeliness: Citizenship in weeks; Bulgaria and thus EU residency in months
- Legal separation of processes: No reliance on regional or bilateral politics
- Enhanced mobility: Enables Schengen access via Bulgarian residence
- Asset-backed structure: Real estate investment ensures capital security
- Flexibility for families: Programmes accommodate full family units
- Compliance and transparency: Both programmes operate under clear legal mandates
This approach is particularly useful for those who need to act swiftly but wish to anchor their long-term personal or business interests within the EU.
How We Can Assist
At Citizenship Insight, we have developed a structured legal and operational framework to assist eligible clients through the full lifecycle of the Vanuatu + Bulgaria process. From initial suitability assessments, through documentation and application filing, to real estate acquisition and residence card issuance, we offer a seamless, multilingual service tailored to clients’ individual needs.
We also work with licensed local and international partners to ensure compliance and transparency at each stage.
Conclusion
In today’s increasingly restrictive investment migration environment, combining Vanuatu’s CBI with Bulgaria’s RBI programme offers a legally sound, strategically flexible, and time-efficient solution. This dual-path model can serve both personal and commercial objectives, enabling freedom of movement, security, and access to European opportunities—all while retaining full legal compliance.
To explore whether this solution is right for you or your clients, please contact our team for a confidential consultation.
