In a world where time is the main capital, more and more investors are choosing citizenship not for status, but for freedom. The ability to open accounts abroad, travel safely between countries, and provide stability for their families makes Citizenship by Investment programs particularly in demand. But here’s the question: where in 2025 can you obtain a second passport faster and without exhausting bureaucracy? While Caribbean states tighten checks and introduce new formalities, Vanuatu retains its main advantage – simplicity and speed. Minimal documents, no interviews, fully remote processing. For those who value results over promises, this argument decides everything.
Contact our lawyers to compare the Vanuatu and Caribbean programs, calculate the total cost, and receive a personalized solution tailored to your goals. Your second passport could be ready in just a few weeks if you start the process today.
The speed of obtaining a passport: Comparing real timelines
In 2025, the speed of obtaining citizenship became not just a convenience but a competitive advantage. More and more investors are choosing jurisdictions where decisions are made quickly, without unnecessary formalities and delays. Against this backdrop, Vanuatu confidently maintains its status as the world record holder for the speed of obtaining a second passport, offering results in just 1.5–2 months.
Vanuatu: single-level verification and predictability of the process
The secret of such speed lies in the structure of the program itself. Unlike Caribbean schemes, where documents go through several instances, Vanuatu uses a single-level verification system through the FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit). This body conducts a comprehensive check of the applicant (sources of income, financial history, and sanction lists) even before the main investment amount is deposited.
Thanks to the pre-approval stage, the investor gains confidence in the outcome in advance, and the process itself becomes linear and transparent. There is no need to wait for decisions from various ministries or political approvals: all procedures are clearly streamlined and take just a few weeks. This is what makes Vanuatu the most predictable program on the market.
Caribbean countries: a marathon with elements of uncertainty
For comparison, in the Caribbean, the process takes an average of 3 to 6 months. The reason lies in the multi-stage verification system. In addition to internal compliance, applicants undergo additional checks by international agencies. And starting from 2024, these procedures have become even stricter following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Caribbean countries and the European Union.
On the one hand, this has strengthened trust in the programs, but on the other hand, it has slowed down their operation. Even the Accelerated Application Process option in St. Kitts and Nevis, positioned as a “fast track,” rarely results in obtaining a passport faster than 3-4 months. And the cost of such an option can exceed the standard fee by tens of thousands of dollars.
The level of bureaucracy: from documents to the oath
When investors choose a second citizenship, one of the decisive factors becomes not only the price but also the level of bureaucracy. The difference between the programs of Vanuatu and the Caribbean region has become especially noticeable. While Vanuatu focuses on simplicity and speed, the Caribbean opts for a more formalized approach.
Vanuatu: maximum simplicity, minimum formalities
The Vanuatu program is one of the most transparent and convenient in the world. The document package is logical and not overloaded. Passport, birth certificate, certificate of no criminal record, proof of income, and source of funds – everything is straightforward, without excessive requirements. Experienced agents will help collect the documents remotely, and the submission process is entirely online.
No visits to the country, interviews, or personal meetings – the process is 100% remote. Even the final oath takes place online or with an appointed commissioner in any convenient country. This makes Vanuatu the most comfortable option for busy entrepreneurs, international investors, and families who value privacy and efficiency.
The Caribbean: A New Wave of Formalities
Against the backdrop of Vanuatu’s simplicity, Caribbean programs are becoming increasingly demanding. In 2024–2025, a new standard was introduced – a mandatory interview for all applicants over the age of 16. The interview is conducted online but remains an additional stress factor. Applicants have to prepare for questions about their biography, sources of income, and goals for obtaining citizenship.
In addition, Caribbean countries have tightened control over the origin of funds. Now investors must provide extended financial reports, bank references, and tax returns for several years, and the verification process often takes weeks. Such bureaucratization increases not only the timeframes but also the burden on applicants.
Other important factors for selection
1. Visa freedom
One of the main criteria when choosing a Citizenship by Investment program remains the list of visa-free destinations. Caribbean passports traditionally provide entry to the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong, making them attractive for those who frequently travel in Europe and Asia.
The Vanuatu passport provides access to approximately 95 countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia. These are strategically important destinations for entrepreneurs working in Asia. However, it is worth noting that Vanuatu’s visa-free regime with the European Union has been temporarily suspended. The restoration of the agreement is under discussion, but the exact date has not yet been determined.
2. Participation cost
The financial factor remains decisive for many investors. The minimum contribution to the state fund of Vanuatu is $130,000 for a single applicant. The amount is fixed, transparent, and includes all major expenses, except for the Due Diligence reliability check.
Caribbean programs are assessed slightly more flexibly: from $100,000 to $150,000, depending on the chosen country (Dominica, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, or Antigua and Barbuda) and the family composition. At the same time, government fees and administrative payments are added to the base contribution, making the final cost comparable to Vanuatu.
3. Reputation and stability
From the perspective of international reputation, Caribbean programs are considered the “classics of the genre”: they have been operating for decades and maintain stable relationships with the EU and the UK. Their passports are widely recognized and trusted. The Vanuatu program is younger but more flexible and adaptive to modern realities. Its main advantages are speed, confidentiality, and digitization of the process. In a situation where global regulators are tightening rules, Vanuatu maintains a balance between efficiency and compliance with international standards.
What to choose in 2025?
If you need a second passport as quickly as possible, without interviews, trips, and unnecessary bureaucracy, Vanuatu remains unmatched. The entire process takes 1.5–2 months, and the oath can be conducted online. This is an ideal option for entrepreneurs who value their time and privacy. However, if access to the Schengen zone and the United Kingdom is a priority, it is worth considering Caribbean programs. Despite longer processing times, they provide a high level of international recognition and geographic flexibility.
Our team supports clients at all stages: from analyzing your situation to obtaining a passport. We will help determine which program suits you best, prepare a package of documents, organize due diligence, and interaction with the government authorities of the chosen country.
Legal support in such matters is not a formality but a guarantee of results. An error in filling out a form or an incorrectly prepared document can cost months of waiting or even a rejection. We ensure complete transparency and security of the procedure while maintaining confidentiality.
Contact us right now to receive a personal consultation and calculate the cost of citizenship tailored to your goals. A second passport is not just a document, but your investment in freedom, security, and the future of your family.