Vanuatu’s Development Support Program (DSP) citizenship by investment ranks among the fastest citizenship programs globally, with processing times of 4–8 weeks. For families considering this option in 2026, understanding the complete cost structure—including government fees, dependent pricing, and additional expenses—is essential for accurate budgeting. This guide breaks down the exact costs for families of various sizes applying for Vanuatu citizenship.
Base Government Fees for the Main Applicant
The starting point for any Vanuatu citizenship application under the DSP program is the main applicant’s government contribution and due diligence fee:
- Government contribution: $130,000 USD
- Due diligence fee: $5,000 USD
- Base total: $135,000 USD
This base investment covers a single applicant only. All family members must be added separately with additional contributions. The due diligence process is mandatory and non-refundable, covering background checks conducted by Vanuatu’s Financial Intelligence Unit and international partners.
Additional Costs for Family Members
Vanuatu’s DSP program allows main applicants to include multiple family members in a single application, with tiered pricing based on relationship and age:
Spouse
Adding a spouse to the application requires an additional government contribution of $25,000 USD. This covers full citizenship rights for the spouse, including passport issuance.
Children Under 18
Each dependent child under 18 years of age costs an additional $10,000 USD. There is no limit to the number of minor children who can be included.
Dependent Children Aged 18–25
Children between 18 and 25 years old who are enrolled in full-time education can be included at $15,000 USD per dependent. Proof of enrollment is required.
Dependent Parents
Parents of the main applicant or spouse who are 65 years or older may be included at $25,000 USD each. Financial dependency must be demonstrated through supporting documentation.
Professional Service and Processing Fees
Beyond government fees, applicants must budget for mandatory professional services and document processing:
- Legal and agent fees: $15,000–$25,000 USD (varies by authorized agent)
- Document apostille services: $500–$2,000 USD (depending on number of documents and countries of origin)
- Translation services: $200–$500 USD (for non-English documents)
- Passport production: Included in government fees
These fees cover the professional preparation of your application, liaising with government authorities, document verification, and submission. Only authorized agents approved by Vanuatu’s Citizenship Commission can process applications—working with unauthorized representatives will result in application rejection.
Total Investment: Family Scenarios and Pricing
To provide clarity on real-world costs, here’s a detailed breakdown for common family compositions:
| Family Composition | Government Fees | Service Fees (Est.) | Total Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single applicant | $135,000 | $15,000–$25,000 | $150,000–$160,000 |
| Couple (no children) | $160,000 | $17,000–$27,000 | $177,000–$187,000 |
| Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children under 18) | $180,000 | $20,000–$30,000 | $200,000–$210,000 |
| Family of 5 (2 adults + 3 children under 18) | $190,000 | $22,000–$32,000 | $212,000–$222,000 |
| Couple + 2 children + 2 parents (over 65) | $230,000 | $25,000–$35,000 | $255,000–$265,000 |
These figures represent complete, all-inclusive costs. For detailed pricing specific to your family situation, visit our citizenship pricing page.
Alternative Program: CIIP Business Investment Option
Vanuatu also offers the Citizenship Investment Immigration Program (CIIP), which requires a higher government contribution starting from $155,000 but includes a business investment component. This program suits applicants interested in establishing or investing in a Vanuatu-based business while obtaining citizenship. The total investment is higher but provides potential returns through business operations.
Payment Methods and Options
Vanuatu’s citizenship program accepts multiple payment methods to accommodate international applicants:
- International bank wire transfer: Standard method accepted by all authorized agents
- Cryptocurrency: Select authorized agents accept USDT and Bitcoin payments
- Payment schedule: Typically split into initial retainer, due diligence payment, and final payment upon approval
All payments are made to government accounts or authorized agent escrow accounts, never to individuals. Ensure your agent provides official receipts for all transactions.
Important Post-Citizenship Considerations
One of Vanuatu citizenship’s most attractive features is the absence of ongoing fees:
- No annual renewal fees: Citizenship is permanent with no recurring costs
- No taxation requirements: Vanuatu has no income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax
- Automatic citizenship for future children: Any children born after you receive Vanuatu citizenship automatically inherit citizenship rights
- Passport renewal: Standard passport renewal fees apply every 10 years (approximately $200–$300)
This makes Vanuatu citizenship a one-time investment with lifetime benefits for your entire family line.
Next Steps: Getting Accurate Pricing for Your Family
Every family’s situation is unique, and additional factors such as the number of documents requiring apostille, complexity of due diligence, and choice of authorized agent can influence final costs. For a detailed cost assessment based on your specific family composition and circumstances, contact our citizenship advisors for a personalized quote and timeline.
The investment in Vanuatu citizenship provides visa-free access to over 130 countries, including the UK and Schengen Area, alongside a stable second residency option in the Pacific. For families prioritizing speed, simplicity, and long-term value, the DSP program remains one of the most competitive citizenship by investment options available in 2026.