Vanuatu offers four citizenship by investment programs under the legal authority of the Citizenship Act, Cap. 112. Only one — the Development Support Program (DSP) — is fully active as of 2026. Understanding how these programs differ in cost, structure, and current status is essential before deciding which route to pursue.
| Program | Status | Min. Cost (single) | Processing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSP — Development Support Program | ✓ Active | $130,000 | 45–60 days | Non-refundable contribution |
| CIIP — Capital Investment Immigration Plan | ⚠ Suspended | $100,000 + $50,000 pledge | 60–90 days | Pledge refundable after 4 years |
| VCP — Vanuatu Contribution Program | ⌚ Special | $130,000 | 45–60 days | Chinese nationals via Reg. Order 220 |
| REO — Real Estate Option | ⛔ Discontinued | $200,000 (property) | 90–120 days | Not available for new applications |
The DSP is Vanuatu's primary citizenship pathway in 2026. Applicants make a non-refundable contribution to the Vanuatu Development Support Fund — a government fund used for national infrastructure and social projects. There is no investment, no property, and no job-creation requirement.
Processing takes 45–60 business days from submission of a complete file. The Citizenship Commission processes applications in order of file completeness, not submission date. A clean, pre-audited file consistently achieves faster approval than incomplete or self-prepared dossiers.
DSP is optimal for: single applicants, couples without children, individuals who want the fastest processing, and those who prefer no ongoing obligation (no pledge to manage, no four-year holding period).
→ Full guide: Vanuatu DSP — Complete 2026 Guide
The CIIP introduced a split-payment structure: a $100,000 non-refundable contribution plus a $50,000 refundable pledge held for four years. After the holding period, applicants reclaim the pledge — bringing net cost for a single applicant to $100,000 over time.
The CIIP is currently suspended as of 2026. The Citizenship Commission accepted no new CIIP applications through the first half of 2026. Authorities have not published a formal reopening date. Applicants seeking citizenship in 2026 must use the DSP.
→ Full status: Vanuatu CIIP 2026 — Current Status and Alternatives
The VCP operates under Citizenship Regulation Order No. 220 and was designed specifically for Chinese nationals. It mirrors the DSP contribution model ($130,000 single) but routes applications through a separate administrative channel with Mandarin-language processing capacity at the Commission.
Non-Chinese nationals should apply through the standard DSP. Chinese applicants may be eligible for either route; their legal representative should confirm which channel is appropriate based on the specific applicant's documentation and nationality status.
→ Chinese nationals' guide: Vanuatu Citizenship for Chinese Nationals
The REO allowed citizenship via approved real estate investment ($200,000 minimum in designated properties). The program required holding the property for five years and demonstrated a secondary market that was often illiquid for entry-level qualifying properties.
The REO program was discontinued and is no longer accepting new applications. Existing REO passport holders retain their citizenship; new applicants have no pathway through this route.
→ Historical context: Vanuatu Real Estate Option — What It Was and Current Status
In 2026, the choice is straightforward: the DSP is the only active general-access program. Families who previously benefited from CIIP's savings (particularly families of four or more) now apply through DSP. The cost difference between the programs is relevant primarily if CIIP reopens — until then, DSP is the path.
Key decision factors within DSP:
Legal fees, document preparation, apostilles, and translation add $5,000–$15,000 depending on nationality and document complexity. Our firm provides a full itemized cost breakdown before any commitment.
→ Full cost analysis: Vanuatu Citizenship Cost 2026 — Complete Price Breakdown
→ DSP vs CIIP comparison (historical and for when CIIP reopens): DSP vs CIIP: Which Route in 2026?
One: the Development Support Program (DSP). The CIIP is suspended with no confirmed reopening date. The REO is discontinued. The VCP is active but restricted to Chinese nationals.
No. The CIIP is suspended and not accepting applications. All new applicants must use the DSP. If CIIP reopens, families of four or more will benefit significantly — the refundable $50,000 pledge brings net cost well below DSP for large families.
Generally, no. The contribution goes to a foreign government fund, which disqualifies it for deductions in most jurisdictions. Some jurisdictions treat it as a foreign tax paid, but this requires specific legal analysis. Consult a tax adviser in your country of residence before applying.
Yes. Citizens granted under any program — DSP, CIIP, VCP, or REO — receive the same Vanuatu passport with identical travel rights. There is no tiered or restricted citizenship based on the program used.
Yes. DSP allows a main applicant to include a spouse, minor children (under 18), financially dependent adult children (18–25, in full-time education), and parents or grandparents in a single application. Each dependent adds to the contribution amount per the schedule above. Dependents are processed simultaneously and receive citizenship at the same time as the main applicant.
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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