Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme has long been prized for one thing above all else: speed. At 30–60 days, it remains the fastest citizenship-by-investment programme on the planet — a distinct advantage in a market where Caribbean programmes typically take four to six months and European routes can stretch to years.
In 2026, however, Vanuatu's CBI landscape has changed in two important ways. First, a second investment route — the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) — is now fully operational, offering a partially redeemable investment structure that brings the net effective cost below the DSP donation route for some applicants. Second, and critically, Vanuatu's EU Schengen visa-free access has been permanently suspended since December 2024, materially reducing the passport's global utility for European travel.
This guide, prepared by Mirabello Consultancy, covers everything investors need to know about both Vanuatu CBI routes in 2026 — including an honest assessment of the Schengen situation, a head-to-head DSP vs CIIP comparison, and guidance on who Vanuatu CBI is genuinely right for in the current environment.
- Two routes available in 2026: DSP (USD 130,000 donation, single applicant) and CIIP (USD 170,500 total; USD 50,000 redeemable after 4 years, net effective cost ~USD 120,500).
- Fastest CBI globally: Processing in 30–60 days — significantly faster than all Caribbean and European alternatives.
- ⚠️ Schengen access permanently suspended since 12 December 2024. Reinstatement timeline is uncertain. Do NOT choose Vanuatu primarily for Schengen access.
- Current visa-free access: approximately 91 countries including Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia — but NOT Schengen, NOT UK, NOT USA.
- Zero-tax jurisdiction: No income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, no corporate tax for international companies (20-year guarantee).
- No residency requirement — fully remote application process; online oath ceremony.
- Biometrics mandatory since November 2025 at approved locations: Vanuatu, Dubai, Hong Kong, Noumea, or via mobile unit.
The EU permanently revoked Vanuatu's Schengen visa exemption on 12 December 2024. All Vanuatu passport holders must now obtain a Schengen visa before entering EU countries. Reinstatement negotiations are ongoing but a restoration before 2027 is unlikely at best. Mirabello Consultancy does NOT market Vanuatu as Schengen-eligible. If Schengen access is a priority, see Caribbean alternatives below.
Vanuatu CBI at a Glance — Key Stats 2026
What is the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Programme? Established in 2017, Vanuatu's CBI programme is operated by the Vanuatu Citizenship Office under the Citizenship Commission of the Republic of Vanuatu. It currently offers two routes to citizenship: the long-standing Development Support Programme (DSP) and the newer Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), which re-opened on 29 May 2025.
Vanuatu is not a member of ECCIRA (the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship and Residency by Investment Regulatory Authority), which oversees the five Caribbean CBI nations. It operates under its own national regulatory framework.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum investment | USD 130,000 (DSP, single) / USD 120,500 net (CIIP, after redemption) |
| Processing time | 30–60 days (fastest CBI globally) |
| Visa-free destinations (2026) | ~91 countries |
| Schengen access | SUSPENDED — visa required since Dec 2024 |
| UK access | Visa required since Aug 2023 |
| Henley Passport Index rank | 55th (2026) |
| Residency requirement | None — fully remote |
| Net worth requirement | USD 250,000 minimum |
| Income tax | None |
| Capital gains tax | None |
| Biometrics | Mandatory since November 2025 |
DSP (Development Support Programme) — Complete Guide
What is the Vanuatu DSP?
The Development Support Programme (DSP) is a non-refundable contribution to the Government of Vanuatu, channelled into national economic development initiatives. It is the original and primary Vanuatu CBI route, responsible for the vast majority of citizenship grants since the programme launched in 2017.
The DSP is the simpler of the two routes: a single payment, no investment asset to manage, and the fastest processing in the global CBI market.
DSP Investment Amounts (2026)
- Single applicant: USD 130,000
- Married couple: USD 150,000
- Family of 3: USD 165,000
- Family of 4: USD 180,000
- Each additional family member beyond 4: USD 10,000
A separate application fee of approximately USD 40 per applicant applies, plus a USD 5,000 initial payment to begin the due diligence process. A due diligence fee of approximately USD 5,500 is charged per application.
DSP Application Process
- Document preparation with an authorised agent (such as Mirabello Consultancy)
- USD 5,000 initial payment to commence due diligence
- Submission of full application through authorised agent
- Approval in principle — approximately 2 weeks
- Full investment payment made following approval in principle
- Citizenship approval letter — approximately 2 weeks from full payment
- Online oath of allegiance ceremony
- Biometric enrolment (at approved location — Vanuatu, Dubai, Hong Kong, Noumea, or mobile unit)
- Passport delivery — approximately 1 month after oath
Total timeline from document-ready to passport in hand: typically 45–60 days. This makes Vanuatu DSP the world's fastest CBI programme by a considerable margin.
Comparing Vanuatu with Caribbean Options?
Mirabello Consultancy advises on all CBI programmes globally. If you are weighing Vanuatu against Caribbean alternatives, our specialists can provide a personalised comparison based on your specific travel, tax, and lifestyle priorities.
CIIP (Capital Investment Immigration Plan) — The New Route
What is the Vanuatu CIIP?
The Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) was introduced in 2023 as Vanuatu's second citizenship route and re-opened on 29 May 2025 following a brief suspension. The CIIP is a hybrid structure: part non-refundable contribution, part investment in a Vanuatu agricultural fund (the Cocoa Sustainable Fund, or CSF), with the investment component redeemable after four years.
This structure addresses one of the primary objections to pure-donation CBI programmes: the fact that the contribution is entirely non-recoverable. With CIIP, USD 50,000 of the total outlay is placed into the Cocoa Sustainable Fund — supporting Vanuatu's cocoa, coconut, and coffee agricultural sectors — and is redeemable after four years. The donor component (approximately USD 115,000) remains non-refundable.
CIIP Cost Structure
- Total upfront payment: USD 170,500 (inclusive of due diligence fee of approximately USD 5,500)
- Redeemable investment component: USD 50,000 (Cocoa Sustainable Fund, redeemable after 4 years)
- Net effective cost after redemption: approximately USD 120,500
- Holding period for redemption: 4 years [VERIFY: confirm exact redemption terms and process with Vanuatu Citizenship Office before quoting clients]
At approximately USD 120,500 net effective cost, the CIIP undercuts the DSP for single applicants (USD 130,000) and makes Vanuatu the most cost-effective CBI programme in the world on a net basis — narrowly below São Tomé and Príncipe (approximately USD 90,000) and Nauru (approximately USD 90,000, though Nauru's pricing is subject to change) on gross cost, but with the partial recovery making net CIIP cost highly competitive.
For larger families, the DSP's family pricing may remain more cost-effective depending on family composition. Investors should request a tailored comparison from Mirabello Consultancy before selecting a route.
Who Is the CIIP Best Suited For?
The CIIP is particularly well-suited to:
- Investors who are resistant to pure-donation structures and prefer a partially recoverable outlay
- Single applicants or couples where the net cost advantage over DSP is most pronounced
- Investors with a four-year or longer planning horizon who can absorb the deferred redemption timeline
- Those with an interest in impact investment — the Cocoa Sustainable Fund supports Vanuatu's agricultural development sector
DSP vs CIIP — Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | DSP | CIIP |
|---|---|---|
| Single applicant gross cost | USD 130,000 | USD 170,500 |
| Redeemable component | None (pure donation) | USD 50,000 (after 4 years) |
| Net effective cost (single) | USD 130,000 | ~USD 120,500 |
| Family of 4 gross cost | USD 180,000 | [VERIFY with CIIP family pricing] |
| Processing time | 30–60 days | 30–60 days |
| Investment vehicle | Government fund (donation) | Cocoa Sustainable Fund (partial investment) |
| Due diligence included | Separate (~USD 5,500) | Included in total |
| Citizenship outcome | Full Vanuatu citizenship | Full Vanuatu citizenship |
| Best for | Simplicity, families, speed | Singles/couples, partial recovery preference |
⚠️ Important: Schengen Access Suspended — What This Means
Investors must understand the Schengen situation clearly before committing to Vanuatu CBI.
On 12 December 2024, the European Union permanently revoked Vanuatu's Schengen visa exemption — ending access that had been suspended since 2022. This was not a temporary measure. The EU hardened its position in June 2025, introducing a new visa waiver suspension mechanism that makes reinstatement conditional on significant CBI programme reforms. Independent analysis suggests Schengen restoration is unlikely before 2027 at the earliest, and the timeline remains genuinely uncertain.
The practical implications are significant:
- Vanuatu passport holders cannot enter France, Germany, Italy, Spain, or any other Schengen Area country without first obtaining a Schengen visa
- The UK separately imposed a visa requirement on Vanuatu citizens in August 2023
- Vanuatu passport holders do not have visa-free access to the United States or Canada
What the Vanuatu passport does provide visa-free access to in 2026 includes Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Fiji, and numerous other Asia-Pacific and Latin American destinations — approximately 91 countries in total. For investors whose primary travel needs centre on Asia-Pacific rather than Europe, Vanuatu remains useful. For those who need European access, a Caribbean alternative is clearly preferable.
If Schengen Access Is Your Priority: Caribbean Alternatives
All five Caribbean CBI nations — Grenada, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, St Kitts & Nevis, and St Lucia — retain full, visa-free Schengen access as of April 2026. For investors who need Schengen alongside Caribbean CBI speed and cost, these programmes remain the appropriate choice. Visit our Citizenship by Investment hub for a full programme comparison.
Note that US Proclamation 10998 (effective 1 January 2026) has introduced B1/B2 visa restrictions for Antigua and Dominica CBI holders. If US access is also a priority, Grenada — which retains full 10-year B1/B2 access and the unique E-2 investor treaty — is the recommended Caribbean alternative. Our article on Caribbean CBI developments in 2026 covers these regulatory changes in depth.
Who Is Vanuatu CBI Right For?
Despite the Schengen suspension, Vanuatu CBI retains a clear value proposition for the right investor profile:
Speed-Priority Investors
Investors who need a second passport within 30–60 days — for business reasons, travel document urgency, or time-sensitive planning — have essentially no other option at this price point. Caribbean alternatives take 4–6 months minimum; Portugal's Golden Visa takes years. Vanuatu's speed remains unmatched.
Asia-Pacific-Focused Investors
For investors whose primary markets and travel patterns are Singapore, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific, the Schengen loss is considerably less impactful. The Vanuatu passport retains strong utility across this region, and the zero-tax domicile makes it a popular structuring tool for Asia-based entrepreneurs.
Tax-Planning Investors
Vanuatu is a zero-tax jurisdiction — no income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no corporate tax for international companies (under a 20-year guarantee). For HNW individuals restructuring their global tax position, Vanuatu citizenship combined with Vanuatu tax residency creates a powerful planning platform.
CIIP Net-Cost Optimisers
For single applicants or couples who compare all programmes on a net-cost basis, the CIIP's approximately USD 120,500 net effective cost (after 4-year redemption) makes Vanuatu one of the most cost-efficient CBI pathways globally — at a time when Caribbean programmes range from USD 200,000 (Dominica) to USD 250,000 (St Kitts), and before professional fees.
Vanuatu vs Other Affordable CBI Options
For investors prioritising cost, Vanuatu's position in the global CBI market in 2026 is as follows:
| Programme | Approx. Min Cost (Single) | Schengen | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| São Tomé & Príncipe | ~USD 90,000 | No | 3–6 months |
| Nauru [VERIFY current pricing] | ~USD 90,000–105,000 | No | 3–6 months |
| Vanuatu CIIP (net, after redemption) | ~USD 120,500 | No ⚠️ | 30–60 days ✅ |
| Vanuatu DSP | USD 130,000 | No ⚠️ | 30–60 days ✅ |
| Sierra Leone | ~USD 140,000 | No | 3–6 months |
| Dominica | USD 200,000 | Yes ✅ | 2–4 months |
| Grenada | USD 235,000 | Yes ✅ | 4–6 months |
The trade-off is clear: Vanuatu offers the lowest cost and fastest processing in the market, but without Schengen access. For investors who can accept this trade-off — particularly those based in or focused on Asia-Pacific — it remains compelling. For those who need Schengen, Caribbean programmes are the appropriate route despite higher costs and longer timelines.
Apply Through Mirabello Consultancy
Mirabello Consultancy is a Swiss investment migration advisory, IMC Member and ACAMS Certified, with offices in Zurich and Dubai. We are authorised to advise on both Vanuatu DSP and CIIP routes, and our Dubai office is particularly well-placed to support investors across the GCC and Asia who are considering Vanuatu CBI.
Our Vanuatu advisory service includes:
- Route selection analysis (DSP vs CIIP based on your family composition, timeline, and cost priorities)
- Full document preparation and review
- Authorised agent submission to the Vanuatu Citizenship Office
- Biometric enrolment coordination (Dubai or Hong Kong locations available)
- Post-citizenship passport delivery management
If you are considering Vanuatu alongside Caribbean alternatives, our team can provide a personalised head-to-head comparison factoring in your specific travel profile, tax position, and family structure. See also our dedicated Vanuatu citizenship by investment programme page for programme details.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Book your free consultation with Mirabello Consultancy and let our experts find the perfect programme for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Vanuatu passport give Schengen visa-free access in 2026?
No. The EU permanently revoked Vanuatu's Schengen visa exemption on 12 December 2024. All Vanuatu passport holders must now obtain a Schengen visa to enter EU countries. Reinstatement negotiations are ongoing but a timeline for restoration is uncertain — not expected before 2027 at earliest.
What is the difference between DSP and CIIP in Vanuatu?
The DSP (Development Support Programme) is a pure non-refundable donation starting at USD 130,000 for a single applicant. The CIIP (Capital Investment Immigration Plan) costs USD 170,500 upfront but includes a USD 50,000 component invested in the Vanuatu Cocoa Sustainable Fund, which is redeemable after four years — reducing the net effective cost to approximately USD 120,500. Both routes result in full Vanuatu citizenship and take 30–60 days to process.
How fast is Vanuatu citizenship processing?
Vanuatu offers the fastest CBI processing globally — approximately 30–60 days from document-ready to passport in hand. The typical breakdown is two weeks for approval in principle, two weeks for citizenship approval letter after payment, and approximately one month for passport delivery after biometric enrolment and the online oath ceremony.
Is Vanuatu CBI still worth it without Schengen access?
It depends on your priorities. For investors focused on Asia-Pacific travel (Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Fiji), Vanuatu remains highly useful. For investors who are tax-planning-focused, Vanuatu's zero-tax jurisdiction status is compelling. For investors who need speed of processing above all else, Vanuatu has no equal. However, if Schengen or UK access is a priority, Caribbean alternatives are more appropriate despite their higher cost and longer processing times.
Can I include family members in a Vanuatu CBI application?
Yes. The DSP includes pricing for married couples (USD 150,000), families of three (USD 165,000), and families of four (USD 180,000). Eligible dependents include a spouse, children up to age 25 (financially dependent), and parents or grandparents aged 50 and above (financially dependent). Unlike some Caribbean programmes, sibling inclusion is not available under Vanuatu CBI.
Are biometrics required for Vanuatu CBI in 2026?
Yes. Biometrics became mandatory for all Vanuatu CBI applicants from November 2025, coinciding with Vanuatu's introduction of biometric passports. Enrolment is available at approved locations in Vanuatu (Port Vila), Dubai, Hong Kong, and Noumea, or via a mobile biometric unit (at additional cost) for applicants unable to travel to these locations.
How do I start the Vanuatu CBI process with Mirabello Consultancy?
Contact us via our free consultation page. Our advisers will assess whether DSP or CIIP is more appropriate for your profile, prepare your document file, and manage the full process through authorised agent channels to the Vanuatu Citizenship Office.
Vanuatu's CBI landscape in 2026 is one of contrasts. On one hand, it offers the world's fastest citizenship processing at the lowest net effective cost (via CIIP), with a zero-tax domicile and no residency requirement. On the other hand, the permanent suspension of Schengen access since December 2024 and the UK visa requirement since August 2023 materially limit the passport's utility for European-focused investors.
The DSP vs CIIP choice comes down primarily to investment preference: pure-donation simplicity with DSP, or a partially recoverable outlay over four years with CIIP. For single applicants and couples on a four-year-plus planning horizon, CIIP's net effective cost of approximately USD 120,500 is difficult to beat globally.
Mirabello Consultancy recommends Vanuatu for investors who genuinely prioritise speed, Asia-Pacific access, and tax efficiency — and who understand and accept the Schengen limitation. For those who need European access alongside their second passport, Caribbean CBI programmes remain the appropriate recommendation despite higher investment thresholds.
Our advisers in Zurich and Dubai are available for a complimentary consultation to help you determine whether Vanuatu DSP, Vanuatu CIIP, or a Caribbean alternative best fits your investment migration objectives. Contact Mirabello Consultancy today →
