SEOUL – Some affluent South Korean parents are turning to countries like Vanuatu to obtain foreign citizenship, enabling their children to qualify for admission to exclusive international schools in South Korea.
Parents like Ms. Bae, a 30-year-old housewife in Seoul, are exploring this route to provide their children with access to English-based curriculums and multicultural environments offered by international schools such as Yongsan International School of Seoul and Seoul Foreign School.
Current regulations only allow South Korean nationals to enroll if they meet strict criteria, including having lived abroad for three years or if one parent holds foreign nationality. This has prompted wealthy families to use “citizenship by investment” programs offered by countries like Vanuatu.
Obtaining Vanuatu citizenship requires an investment starting at US$130,000 (S$175,000) for individuals, with costs increasing for families. The process is quick, typically completed within three to six months, and does not require residency in the country.
Consultants and agencies facilitating these applications are seeing a surge in interest, with some urging clients to act quickly as new regulations may tighten passport issuance. For families like Ms. Bae’s, the investment is seen as a small price to pay for better educational opportunities.