As we enter 2026, Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program stands at a important moment. Following two years of comprehensive reforms, technical modernization, and regulatory refinement, the program is now operating within the strongest governance framework in its history. This update covers everything prospective applicants need to know about the current state of the program.
Current Program Options
Vanuatu currently offers multiple pathways to citizenship by investment:
Development Support Program (DSP): The flagship and most popular option. Government contribution starts at $130,000 for a single applicant, $150,000 for a couple, and $15,000 per dependent child. Processing time remains 30 to 45 days — the fastest in the global CBI industry.
Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP): Reopened in May 2025 following regulatory updates. The CNO Future Fund pathway requires $115,000 contribution plus $50,000 redeemable investment. Processing time is 60 to 90 days.
Additional fees: Due diligence fee of $5,000, National ID card fee of $2,500, biometric enrollment fee of $500 (Vanuatu) or $1,500 (Dubai/Hong Kong/Nouméa).
Key Changes from Previous Years
Several important changes have taken effect since 2024:
Biometric ePassports: All new Vanuatu passports are now electronic passports with embedded biometric data, meeting ICAO international standards. This represents a significant upgrade in passport security and international credibility.
Mandatory biometric enrollment: All applicants must provide biometric data at an authorized center in Vanuatu, Dubai, Hong Kong, or Nouméa. This in-person requirement replaces the previous remote enrollment system.
Birth certificates and ID cards: Mandatory for all applicants since July 2025, adding approximately $1,500 per applicant and two weeks to the timeline.
EU visa status: The Schengen visa waiver was permanently revoked in December 2024. Vanuatu passport holders now require a Schengen visa for EU travel. However, the program continues to provide visa-free access to 90+ countries including Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia, and much of Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
Our Outlook for 2026
We anticipate continued strong demand for Vanuatu citizenship throughout 2026, driven by the Caribbean price increases, ongoing global instability, and Vanuatu’s unmatched combination of speed and value. The program’s enhanced governance framework positions it well for long-term sustainability and potential future visa-waiver negotiations with the EU.
“2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Vanuatu citizenship. The reforms of the past two years have created the strongest program foundation we’ve ever seen. Clients applying today are getting a more secure passport, a more credible program, and a faster process than at any point in the program’s history — all at the same $130,000 price point that was established years ago. For anyone who has been considering Vanuatu citizenship, the combination of program maturity and competitive pricing makes this an optimal time to proceed.”
— Manpreet Kataria, CEO, Alpha Immigration Associates
Ready to begin your 2026 application? Schedule a free consultation with our expert team today.