This page covers four Vanuatu citizenship by investment routes under the legal authority of the Citizenship Act, Cap. 112. In practice, one — the Development Support Program (DSP) — is the main open route in 2026 (the REO runs only through Government Approved Projects). 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 | 2–4 months | Non-refundable contribution |
| CIIP — Capital Investment Immigration Plan | ⚠ Suspended | Suspended since March 2025 | No new applications | Terms not confirmed |
| VCP — Vanuatu Contribution Program | ⌚ Not confirmed | Not confirmed | — | Set up by regulation order in 2016; sold in Greater China via one agent |
| REO — Real Estate Option | Government Approved Projects only | Government Approved Projects only | Agent confirms | Availability confirmed by agent |
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 usually takes 2–4 months from submission of a complete file and is not guaranteed. 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 comparatively short processing (usually two to four months, not guaranteed), and those who prefer no ongoing obligation (no pledge to manage, no holding period).
→ Full guide: Vanuatu DSP — Complete 2026 Guide
The CIIP introduced a split-payment structure: a non-refundable contribution plus a refundable pledge held for a set period; the exact amounts and refund terms are not confirmed here.
The CIIP is currently suspended as of 2026: the Citizenship Commission halted new CIIP applications in March 2025. 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 was set up by a Citizenship (Contribution Program) regulation order in 2016 and was marketed in Greater China (mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau) through a single master agent with exclusive rights. In May 2020 the government served that agent a notice terminating the contract. We found no rule limiting the VCP to Chinese nationals; its current status and terms are not confirmed, so ask a designated agent.
In 2026 the main open route for all nationalities, including Chinese nationals, is the DSP; a designated agent confirms which channel applies to a specific applicant.
→ Chinese nationals' guide: Vanuatu Citizenship for Chinese Nationals
The REO (in place since 23 July 2021) offers citizenship via real estate investment in a Government Approved Project; investment thresholds and holding periods are confirmed by your designated agent. The secondary market has often been illiquid for entry-level qualifying properties.
REO applications are accepted only through Government Approved Projects, and your designated agent confirms current availability. Existing REO passport holders retain their citizenship.
→ Historical context: Vanuatu Real Estate Option — What It Was and Current Status
In 2026, the choice is straightforward: the DSP is the main 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 costs that vary with nationality and document complexity, and agent fees are quoted by the designated agent. Ask for a full itemised 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?
The main open route is the Development Support Program (DSP). The CIIP is suspended with no confirmed reopening date. The REO accepts applications only through Government Approved Projects; your designated agent confirms availability. The VCP's current status is not confirmed.
No. The CIIP is suspended and not accepting applications. All new applicants must use the DSP. No resumption has been confirmed, and any future CIIP terms would need to be checked with your designated agent.
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, adult children up to 25 who study full-time and live with or depend on the applicant, and parents of the applicant or spouse who are over 50 and both live with and depend financially on the applicant, 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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