Vanuatu vs Dominica
Vanuatu vs Dominica: side-by-side comparison
Dominica's CBI is one of the longest-running and best-priced programs in the Caribbean, often compared directly with Vanuatu on value. Both grant full citizenship without residency or a visit. The decisive differences are processing speed (Vanuatu wins), visa-free reach (Dominica wins), and regional positioning.
Direct CBI
Vanuatu
Development Support Program / CIIP
Direct CBI
Dominica
Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship by Investment
Program & cost
| Criterion | Vanuatu | Dominica |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | CBI (DSP / CIIP) | CBI (EDF / Real estate) |
| Minimum cost — single | US$130,000 (DSP)✓ Edge | US$200,000 (EDF contribution) |
| Minimum cost — family of 4 | US$180,000 (DSP) / US$165,000 (CIIP)✓ Edge | US$250,000 (EDF contribution) |
| Real-estate option | Not required | US$200,000 minimum (3- to 5-year hold) |
| Due diligence fee per adult | US$5,500 | US$7,500 (main applicant) |
Process & timeline
| Criterion | Vanuatu | Dominica |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | ~45 days✓ Edge | 3–6 months |
| Residency required | None — fully remote | None |
| Visit required | Not required (Oath via video) | Mandatory interview since 2024 |
| Oath delivery | Virtual or in-person | In-person interview |
Citizenship & travel
| Criterion | Vanuatu | Dominica |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-free/visa-on-arrival destinations | ~88 | ~140+ (UK & Schengen included)✓ Edge |
| Visa-free UK access | ETA required (suspended since 2023) | Yes (currently)✓ Edge |
| Visa-free Schengen access | Suspended | Yes (currently)✓ Edge |
| Dual citizenship | Yes — fully recognised | Yes |
| Citizenship for life | Yes — hereditary | Yes — hereditary |
Tax & living
| Criterion | Vanuatu | Dominica |
|---|---|---|
| Personal income tax | Zero personal income, capital gains, inheritance or wealth tax | No worldwide income tax for non-residents |
| Inheritance / wealth tax | None | None |
| Language | English / French / Bislama (official) | English (official) |
The bottom line
Which program suits you?
Choose Vanuatu if…
- Processing speed matters — Vanuatu's ~45 days is the fastest available.
- You prefer a Pacific time zone and proximity to Asia and Australia.
- You want to avoid any in-person interview requirement.
Choose Dominica if…
- Visa-free UK and Schengen access is essential.
- You want the option of a real-estate investment (with eventual exit) rather than a pure donation.
- Caribbean basing or proximity to the Americas is preferable.
Frequently asked
Vanuatu vs Dominica — questions answered
Which is cheaper, Vanuatu or Dominica citizenship?
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Vanuatu is cheaper at every family size. A single applicant pays US$130,000 under Vanuatu DSP versus US$200,000 under the Dominica EDF route. The gap narrows for larger families but Vanuatu remains lower-cost overall.
Is Vanuatu faster than Dominica?
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Yes. Vanuatu typically issues passports within ~45 days of formal submission, while Dominica processing runs 3–6 months and now requires a mandatory interview.
Does Dominica give better visa-free travel than Vanuatu?
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Currently yes. Dominica retains visa-free access to the UK and Schengen Area, both of which were suspended for Vanuatu in 2023–2024.
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