What the Passport Costs

What does a Vanuatu passport really cost? The sticker price is often misunderstood. For a single applicant, the government donation starts at US$130,000, plus a non-refundable US$5,000 due diligence fee. But that's not the final number. Legal and processing fees are extra. Underestimate these costs, and you risk a budget shortfall that could kill your application, forcing you to forfeit the fees you’ve already paid. This guide breaks down every mandatory cost—no surprises—so you can make a sound financial decision.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) - A legal framework established under Vanuatu's Citizenship Act [CAP 112] that allows foreign nationals to acquire citizenship in exchange for a significant financial contribution to the country's economic development. The primary route is a non-refundable donation to the Development Support Programme (DSP).

Due Diligence Fee - A mandatory, non-refundable fee paid at the outset of the application process. This fee covers the cost for Vanuatu's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to conduct detailed background checks on the main applicant and any dependants over the age of 16.

The Hidden Risks and Real Costs of Vanuatu Citizenship

The headline donation figure is just the beginning. Unaccounted-for agent mark-ups, government charges, and document certification fees can easily inflate the final price you pay. An unclear budget isn't just a planning problem. It’s a real risk, potentially stalling your application and leading to the loss of your non-refundable fees if the full amount can't be covered later.

The passport's strategic value has also shifted. Since 3 February 2025, the European Union permanently revoked visa-free access for Vanuatu citizens, a change set by Regulation (EU) 2025/11. The United Kingdom followed suit, introducing its own visa requirement on 19 July 2023. These changes force a critical question: do the remaining benefits—like fast processing and a zero-tax regime—still justify the cost for your specific goals? Our job is to give you this complete picture. We navigate the official requirements to provide a transparent, all-inclusive cost structure from day one, ensuring your investment aligns perfectly with your objectives, without any unwelcome financial surprises.

Investment Options: Comparing the Development Support Programme (DSP) and Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP)

Vanuatu offers two paths to citizenship. Each has a different financial logic. The Development Support Programme (DSP) is the most popular route, built on a simple, non-refundable donation to the government. A different option, the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), mixes a smaller donation with a much larger, redeemable investment.

The choice comes down to your priority. Do you prefer a lower, predictable upfront cost (DSP)? Or are you willing to navigate a more complex structure for the potential of getting some capital back after a holding period (CIIP)? The DSP is straightforward. The CIIP introduces investment risk.

Below is a direct comparison of the government-mandated costs for each programme. Remember, these figures exclude legal, agent, and processing fees, which are quoted separately based on your family's size.

Feature	Development Support Programme (DSP)	Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP)
**Investment Type**	Non-refundable contribution	Non-refundable contribution + Redeemable investment
**Single Applicant**	US$130,000	Combination of donation and investment. Structure to be verified with a licensed agent.
**Married Couple**	US$150,000	Combination of donation and investment. Structure to be verified with a licensed agent.
**Couple + 1 Child**	US$165,000	Structure may differ; must be verified.
**Couple + 2 Children**	US$180,000	Structure may differ; must be verified.
**Additional Dependant**	US$25,000 each	Amount varies; must be verified.
**FIU Due Diligence Fee**	US$5,000 (Non-refundable)	US$5,000 (Non-refundable)
**Takeaway**	The **DSP** is the most transparent and popular option for investors who prioritise speed and simplicity. The **CIIP** may appeal to those with a higher risk tolerance seeking a potential return, but requires more rigorous due diligence on the investment fund itself.

This article is published by an independent law firm for informational purposes only and does not represent or claim affiliation with any government body, international organization, or official authority.