Vanuatu offers the fastest citizenship by investment (CBI) program in the world. Here's everything you need to know about the timeline and costs:
Processing Time: 30-45 Days
This is not marketing - Vanuatu genuinely processes citizenship applications in 30-45 days, making it the fastest CBI program globally. Compare this to:
- Portugal Golden Visa: 2-3 years
- St. Kitts and Nevis: 3-6 months
- Malta: 12-14 months
Cost Breakdown (Development Support Program - DSP)
| Applicant Type | Donation Amount |
|---|---|
| Single applicant | $130,000 |
| Applicant + spouse | $150,000 |
| Applicant + spouse + 1 child | $165,000 |
| Applicant + spouse + 2 children | $180,000 |
| Each additional dependent | $10,000 |
Additional Fees:
- Due diligence fee (primary applicant): $5,000
- Due diligence fee (spouse): $5,000
- Legal fees: $5,000
- Agent fees: Varies ($10,000-20,000 typical)
- Biometrics travel: Variable (must visit Vanuatu or consulate)
Total realistic cost for a single applicant: $150,000-160,000
Alternative: CIIP Program (Partial Refund)
The Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), launched in 2023, invests $50,000 of your contribution into the Cocoa Sustainable Fund, which is redeemable after 4 years. This effectively reduces your net cost.
What You Get:
- Vanuatu citizenship and passport - full citizen rights
- Visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 107+ countries including:
- United Kingdom
- Singapore (30 days)
- Hong Kong (90 days)
- Russia (90 days)
- Most Caribbean nations
- Important note on EU access: Schengen visa-free access was suspended in December 2022 and made permanent in December 2024. Restoration is expected mid-2026 pending EU review of Vanuatu's due diligence reforms.
The Process:
- Select authorized agent (required - no direct applications)
- Submit documents: Passport, police clearance, financial proof, application forms
- Due diligence: Background checks (7-14 days)
- Approval in principle: Government review
- Payment: Full contribution after approval
- Biometrics: Visit Vanuatu or consulate (UAE, Hong Kong, New Caledonia)
- Citizenship certificate and passport issued
Eligibility Requirements:
- Age 18-65 years
- Net worth of at least $250,000
- Clean criminal record
- No visa denials from Vanuatu visa-free countries
- Not from restricted countries (North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen - unless 5+ years residence elsewhere)
Why So Fast?
Vanuatu's program is efficient because:
- Streamlined government processes
- Smaller bureaucracy
- Economic importance of CBI revenue
- Competition with Caribbean programs
The Bottom Line:
For those who need quick second citizenship with good travel access (excluding EU), Vanuatu is unmatched in speed. The $130,000+ cost is mid-range for CBI programs. The main limitations are suspended EU access and the fact that Vanuatu itself is a remote Pacific island.
For most applicants, the process truly takes 4-6 weeks from application to passport in hand.
Immigration Information Disclaimer
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.