Vanuatu citizenship by investment costs from $130,000 for a single applicant under the active Development Support Program (DSP) in 2026. Total all-in cost — including government fees, due diligence, and legal preparation — runs approximately $135,500 to $150,000 depending on complexity. Family costs scale with dependants added.
This guide breaks down every cost component so there are no surprises at any stage of your application.
| Applicant | Contribution | Cumulative (example) |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant | $130,000 | $130,000 |
| + Spouse | +$25,000 | $155,000 |
| + Minor child (under 18) ×1 | +$5,000 | $160,000 |
| + Minor child (under 18) ×2 | +$5,000 | $165,000 |
| + Adult dependent (18–25) | +$25,000 | $190,000 |
| + Parent or grandparent | +$45,000 | $235,000 |
| Fee | Amount | When Paid | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Due diligence fee — main applicant | $5,500 | At submission | No |
| Due diligence fee — each additional adult | +$500 | At submission | No |
| Due diligence fee — minor child | $250 each | At submission | No |
| Passport issuance fee | Included | Post-approval | N/A |
| Citizenship certificate | Included | Post-approval | N/A |
These are costs you pay to your legal representative, not the government. They vary by firm, nationality, and document complexity:
| Item | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Legal representation (single) | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Legal representation (family of 4) | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Document apostille (per document) | $50 – $200 |
| Certified translation (per document, per language) | $80 – $250 |
| Police clearance (per country, per person) | $50 – $300 |
| Bank reference letter | $0 – $500 |
| Medical certificate (if required) | $100 – $300 |
| DHL/express courier (passport delivery) | $50 – $150 |
| Scenario | Contribution | Gov. Fees | Legal + Docs | Total (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single applicant | $130,000 | $5,500 | $7,000 | ~$142,500 |
| Couple (no children) | $155,000 | $6,000 | $9,000 | ~$170,000 |
| Family of 3 (couple + 1 child) | $160,000 | $6,250 | $10,500 | ~$176,750 |
| Family of 4 (couple + 2 children) | $165,000 | $6,500 | $12,000 | ~$183,500 |
| Family of 5 (couple + 3 children) | $170,000 | $6,750 | $13,000 | ~$189,750 |
| Couple + 1 parent (total 3 adults) | $200,000 | $7,000 | $13,000 | ~$220,000 |
→ Use our cost calculator for exact figures by family size.
→ Detailed family cost breakdown: Vanuatu Citizenship Cost for a Family
The government contribution is paid by international wire transfer to the Vanuatu Development Support Fund account at the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu. Key points:
| Country | Min. Cost (single) | Visa-free (approx.) | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanuatu DSP | $130,000 | 130+ | 45–60 days |
| St Lucia | $100,000 | 145+ | 60–90 days |
| Dominica | $100,000 | 140+ | 90–120 days |
| Grenada | $150,000 | 145+ | 90–120 days |
| Antigua & Barbuda | $100,000 | 150+ | 90–120 days |
| Jordan | $750,000 | 55+ | 3–6 months |
| Turkey | $400,000 (real estate) | 115+ | 3–6 months |
→ Full comparison: Vanuatu vs Caribbean CBI Programs
All-in approximately $135,500–$145,000. This covers the $130,000 DSP contribution, $5,500 due diligence fee, and $3,000–$8,000 in legal and document preparation costs. Wire transfer fees are additional and typically minor.
No. Government contribution amounts are fixed by regulation. No discounts, waivers, or partial payments are available. Be cautious of any agent claiming to offer reduced government fees.
After the Commission issues a Citizenship Approval Certificate. The sequence is: (1) pay $5,500 due diligence fee at submission; (2) wait 45–60 days for review; (3) receive approval; (4) wire $130,000 to the government fund; (5) citizenship formally granted.
The $5,500 due diligence fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome. The $130,000 contribution is only wired after approval, so rejection means you never transfer it. Pre-application eligibility checks by your legal representative minimize rejection risk.
No. The government requires full payment in a single wire transfer upon approval. No instalment plans or financing structures are available for the government contribution. Legal fees may sometimes be structured differently — discuss with your representative.
General information only, not legal advice. Visa and programme rules change; confirm current details before deciding. Last verified 2026-07-08.
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