Programs of economic citizenship have long become a tool for investors who want to expand mobility opportunities, diversify assets, and ensure the safety of their family. One of the most accessible and fastest programs in the world is considered the Development Support Program (DSP) in the Republic of Vanuatu. In 2025, its conditions remain attractive, and the cost — competitive.
What does the DSP program include?
Vanuatu Development Support Program was established in 2017 and became the official way to obtain a Vanuatu passport in exchange for an investment contribution to the country’s economy. Essentially, it is about supporting the national budget through a targeted contribution, which is directed towards the development of infrastructure, medicine, and education.
The main conditions remain transparent. The applicant makes the established contribution, undergoes a reliability check, confirms the source of funds, and obtains citizenship for themselves and family members. The program is available to most nationalities and does not require residence in the country or knowledge of the language.
The current cost of citizenship for various categories
In 2025 Vanuatu citizenship cost remains one of the most affordable programs for economic citizenship on the market.
- For one applicant, the minimum contribution is 130,000 USD.
- For a family of two, the amount increases to 150,000 USD.
- For a family with two children — 180,000 USD.
- Each additional dependent adds from 10,000 to 15,000 USD depending on age.
Comparing with other countries in the Caribbean region, it can be noted that Vanuatu remains competitive. While in Saint Kitts and Nevis the minimum threshold starts at 150,000 USD for a single applicant, and in Antigua and Barbuda a family of four must pay at least 200,000 USD, the Vanuatu passport costs less.
Advantages of the DSP program compared to other programs
The main advantage of Vanuatu is speed. Citizenship can be obtained in 6–8 weeks, which is significantly faster than most similar programs. For comparison, in the Caribbean, the processing time usually takes 3–4 months.
Among other advantages:
- Visa-free entry to more than 100 countries, including Singapore, and Hong Kong.
- The ability to conduct international business using the tax advantages of the jurisdiction.
- The absence of residency requirements: it is not necessary to be in the country either before or after obtaining the passport.
- Citizenship inheritance: the passport is automatically passed on to children.
For entrepreneurs, Vanuatu is also interesting because the country does not tax income earned outside its borders. In the context of globalization, this allows for building international business schemes with minimal tax risks.
The process of submitting an application and the timeframes for obtaining citizenship
The procedure for submitting an application is simple and transparent.
- Preliminary check. The agency conducts due diligence on the candidate. If there are risks of rejection, the client is informed in advance.
- Collection of documents. You will need a passport, birth and marriage certificates (if applicable), certificates of no criminal record, proof of income.
- Making an investment contribution. The amount is transferred to the account of the government of Vanuatu.
- Consideration of the application. Usually takes 4–6 weeks.
- Taking the oath. It can be done remotely via video communication, which is especially convenient in the post-pandemic period.
- Obtaining a passport. The document is sent by courier service.
The entire process takes about 2 months. For comparison, in Europe, “golden visa” programs can drag on for years and require the purchase of real estate or investments ranging from 250,000 to 500,000 EUR.
Tips for Potential Investors
Experience shows that the success of the procedure depends on proper preparation. A few recommendations for those considering Vanuatu citizenship:
- Check income sources in advance. It is important that they are transparent and confirmed by bank statements or tax documents.
- Consider the format of a family application. In some cases, it is more advantageous to submit documents for spouses and children at once than to arrange citizenship step by step.
- Compare with alternatives. If the priority is the EU, it might be worth considering the “golden visa” of Portugal or Greece. But if the goal is speed and affordable cost, Vanuatu remains the optimal option.
- Choose licensed agents. Only official representatives have the right to submit documents to the government authorities of Vanuatu.
- Plan the use of the passport. For business, visa-free access to necessary jurisdictions is important, and for the family — the ability to travel safely.
Conclusion
The Development Support Program remains one of the fastest and most accessible in the world. In 2025, the conditions have practically not changed: the cost for investors remains competitive, and the procedure is transparent and predictable.
For those who want to minimize risks, ensure mobility, and expand horizons for business, Vanuatu citizenship is a tool worth considering. The main thing is to approach the process prepared and trust specialists who know all the nuances of the program.
