Vanuatu Dual Citizenship: Can You Keep Your Existing Nationality?

What does Vanuatu’s recognition of dual citizenship mean?

Vanuatu’s Citizenship Office states that its amended nationality legislation recognises dual citizenship.[1] This establishes Vanuatu’s position. Whether another country allows its citizen to retain their original nationality remains a matter for that country’s law.

An applicant therefore needs to understand both Vanuatu’s citizenship requirements and the effect of acquiring a foreign nationality on their existing one. Saying that the programme permits dual citizenship does not answer the second question.

Which rules should Chinese applicants consider?

Article 3 of China’s Nationality Law states that China does not recognise dual nationality for Chinese nationals. Article 9 provides that a Chinese national who has settled abroad and voluntarily acquires foreign nationality automatically loses Chinese nationality.[2]

An individual assessment needs to consider the conditions in the law, including settlement abroad and how foreign nationality was acquired. Holding an unexpired Chinese passport does not by itself establish that Chinese nationality has remained unchanged. Another applicant’s circumstances should not be assumed to produce the same result.

Before applying, organise overseas residence approvals, actual residence history and existing nationality documents. These can support enquiries with the competent authority or an adviser familiar with the relevant law. This article explains general rules; it does not determine anyone’s nationality.

Will partners and children have the same outcome?

Not necessarily. Family members may hold different nationalities or have different residence histories. A child’s birthplace and the parents’ status at the time of birth may also be relevant under the rules for children born abroad.[2] Each person’s circumstances need separate consideration.

In the family’s records, distinguish citizenship from permanent residence and other residence permissions. Record how and when each status was acquired. Keep birth certificates, previous passports and name-change documents so earlier and later identity records can be connected.

Which documents should be used for travel to China?

First establish the person’s nationality position, then follow the applicable travel-document or visa procedure. The Chinese Embassy in Singapore has specific document requirements for former Chinese nationals who acquired foreign nationality, including the original Chinese passport for a first Chinese visa application.[3] Applicants elsewhere should check the current requirements of the mission handling their application.

Retain old passports, evidence of foreign citizenship and any name-change records. Later applications should disclose the relevant history accurately and use documents appropriate to the confirmed status. A passport’s printed expiry date does not, by itself, establish a continuing right to use it after a nationality change.

These questions can affect future travel and daily life. Resolve them before the formal application and substantial payments, so the family can assess whether Vanuatu citizenship fits its longer-term needs.

Official sources

1. Vanuatu Citizenship Office: citizenship amendments and dual citizenship

2. National Immigration Administration of China: Nationality Law

3. Chinese Embassy in Singapore: visa documents for former Chinese nationals

General information. Check the applicable rules, documentary requirements and fees for the individual application.