In 2025, more and more investors are seeking not just a second passport but an affordable and fast solution to expand freedom of movement and protect their capital. The leaders in terms of price and efficiency remain Vanuatu, Dominica, and Nauru. Vanuatu offers the fastest program in the world: a passport in 1-2 months, visa-free access to over 95 countries, zero taxes, and complete confidentiality. Dominica provides citizenship starting from 100,000 USD and visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the United Kingdom and Schengen. Nauru remains a niche choice for private investors.
Our legal team will help you choose the optimal program, prepare the documents, and go through the process entirely remotely. Legally, quickly, and safely – your second passport will become the beginning of new opportunities.
Minimum investment threshold: direct costs
When choosing a citizenship program, an important factor remains not only the reputation of the country but also the actual amount of non-refundable expenses. The differences between jurisdictions become especially noticeable: each program offers its own balance between the minimum amount, processing speed, and the scope of associated fees.
The Vanuatu citizenship program is considered one of the simplest and most straightforward in the world. The minimum non-refundable contribution to the state fund is 130,000 USD for a single applicant. This amount is fixed and does not include hidden fees: only an additional Due Diligence check, which is paid separately. The main advantage of Vanuatu is transparency and speed. All costs are known in advance, the process takes 1–2 months, and it can be completed entirely remotely.
Dominica still holds the status of the most affordable program by the official investment threshold: from 100,000 USD per applicant. However, in practice, the final costs turn out to be higher due to mandatory government fees and application processing fees.
For example, the main amount is supplemented by so-called processing fees, payment for Due Diligence, notary expenses, and document processing for family members. Therefore, the total amount for an individual investor usually reaches about 120,000–130,000 USD, making it comparable to Vanuatu but with a longer processing time.
The citizenship program of Nauru is less known, but in 2025 it is gaining popularity among wealthy investors. The minimum non-refundable contribution is 130,000 USD for a single applicant, 137,500 USD for a family of 2-4 people, and 145,000 USD for a family of five or more members.
Administrative fees and document verification costs may be added to the specified amounts.
Overall, all three programs are in the same price range; however, Vanuatu stands out as the simplest, fastest, and most transparent solution with minimal hidden costs. Dominica wins in terms of the initial amount but requires consideration of additional fees, while Nauru is suitable for those seeking rare, prestigious citizenship.
Processing speed: how quickly will you receive your passport?
Vanuatu remains the fastest citizenship by investment program in the world. The average processing time is only 6 to 8 weeks, including Due Diligence checks and the issuance of the citizenship certificate. This is an ideal solution for investors who urgently need a passport. The program operates on an “all-inclusive” principle: the process is entirely remote, with no mandatory visits to the country. Thanks to a clear procedure and direct interaction with Vanuatu’s government authorities, clients are guaranteed speed and transparency at every stage.
Dominica offers a traditional but reliable approach. The average time for obtaining citizenship ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the verification process and the family composition. This process requires thorough preparation of documents and interaction with government-accredited official agents. Although the procedure takes more time, Dominica is considered one of the most stable and respected jurisdictions in the Caribbean region, and its passport provides visa-free access to more than 140 countries, including the United Kingdom and Schengen.
Nauru remains one of the least predictable programs. Due to the lack of a formalized procedure and limited administrative practice, processing times can be uncertain: from several months to several years. Moreover, the process may stop without explanation, and the funds contributed are not always refundable.
For investors who value achieving real results within a reasonable timeframe, Nauru carries a high risk of wasting time and financial resources.
The process of submission: simplicity and convenience
The Vanuatu citizenship program is considered one of the most convenient and technologically advanced in the world. The entire application process is carried out completely remotely. The investor is not required to personally visit the country either before or after obtaining the passport. All documents are submitted through a licensed government agent, who handles the case on behalf of the applicant, submits the package to the government department, and receives confirmation of citizenship issuance.
Dominica is traditionally considered a strict and stable program; however, in 2024, changes were introduced aimed at strengthening control. Now every applicant is required to undergo a mandatory interview. Most often, it takes place online, which simplifies the process but still adds an additional step. The process remains predominantly remote: documents are submitted through an accredited agent who interacts with government structures, but the investor must be prepared to answer questions about the origin of funds and the purposes of obtaining citizenship.
Thus, in terms of simplicity, Dominica is slightly inferior to Vanuatu.
The citizenship program of Nauru remains the least structured and predictable of all. The country lacks a clearly regulated application procedure: requirements may change depending on individual decisions of government authorities.
Applicants often find it difficult to know in advance which documents will be required, how long the review will take, and what additional conditions may be imposed. All this creates uncertainty, stress, and increased risks for investors. That is why most consultants recommend approaching Nauru programs with particular caution.
Visa-free access: where can you go?
The Dominica passport remains one of the “strongest” among all citizenship-by-investment programs. Its holders can travel visa-free to more than 140 countries worldwide, including key destinations: all Schengen Zone states, the United Kingdom (entry for up to 6 months), and even China, with which there is a unique visa-free agreement. This combination makes the Dominica passport a strategic tool for businessmen working with partners in Europe and Asia.
The Vanuatu passport provides visa-free or simplified entry to more than 95 countries worldwide, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, and the UAE. Despite the fact that since 2022 Vanuatu citizens have been temporarily deprived of visa-free access to the Schengen zone, the passport retains high value due to access to rapidly developing Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
Although the Nauru passport is not very common, it provides visa-free or simplified entry to a number of key jurisdictions, including Hong Kong (SAR China), Singapore, UAE, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and South Korea.
These directions cover the most important logistical and financial hubs of Asia and the Middle East, making the Nauru passport a practical choice for investors with global business. However, due to the limited diplomatic network and an unestablished citizenship program, the processing remains less predictable.
Tax advantages: where is better for your capital?
When choosing a citizenship by investment program, experienced investors are increasingly considering not only visa-free access or the speed of processing but also the tax environment of the new jurisdiction. Tax burden optimization is a legal tool for preserving capital, allowing investors to flexibly manage their assets, income, and business structures worldwide.
Vanuatu is rightfully considered one of the most advantageous jurisdictions in the world for capital protection. The state adheres to the principle of complete tax neutrality, making it a true tax haven for individuals and international companies. There is no tax on worldwide income, profits, capital gains, inheritance or gifts, and even wealth. Additionally, there is no corporate tax in Vanuatu, provided that the company does not conduct activities within the country’s territory. Thanks to this, investors can create international holding structures, manage assets, and own companies without facing double taxation.
Dominica applies the territorial principle of taxation, which makes it attractive for those who earn income outside the country.
All income earned abroad is exempt from taxation, whereas domestic income sources are taxed at the applicable rates. This approach allows investors to conduct international activities without tax obligations in Dominica while maintaining compliance with international transparency standards. However, unlike Vanuatu, Dominica does have taxes on local profits, VAT, and corporate fees for companies operating within its territory. Therefore, this model can be characterized as moderately preferential but not completely tax-free.
Nauru, although less known in the investment community, is developing itself as a regional hub for companies working with digital assets and fintech projects. Significant tax incentives are provided here:
- There is no capital gains tax;
- Income received abroad is not taxed;
- There is no tax on digital operations for registered international companies.
This makes Nauru an attractive destination for financial technology startups, blockchain companies, and online businesses that require flexible and loyal tax policies.
What to choose in 2025?
In 2025, the citizenship by investment market became more transparent, competitive, and focused on real benefits for investors. Each of the considered options has its strengths, but the key decision always depends on personal and business goals.
If you are focused on speed, simplicity, and maximum tax freedom, Vanuatu remains the absolute leader. It is the only program where a passport can be obtained in 1.5–2 months entirely remotely, without a personal visit, with zero taxation on global income and a full set of financial benefits.
Dominica is an excellent choice for those who value reputation, stability, and recognition in Europe. Visa-free access to the Schengen Zone and China makes it attractive for international entrepreneurs and private investors who prioritize business connections in these regions.
Nauru, on the contrary, remains a niche for digital and innovative projects, where companies in the fintech and online business sectors can take advantage of tax incentives and strategic location for global operations.
The choice depends on what priorities are in front of you:
- Financial optimization and confidentiality – Vanuatu
- Wide visa-free access and prestige – Dominica
- Digital flexibility and low business load – Nauru
Whatever strategy suits you best, it is important that the registration process is conducted legally, safely, and under the supervision of experienced specialists. Our team will help assess the benefits of each program, prepare the documents, and go through all stages of registration without the risk of rejection. Contact us as soon as possible to receive a personalized cost estimate for your family and start the process today. We will help make an investment that will change your future with maximum benefit and minimal difficulties.