Vanuatu vs Greece
Vanuatu vs Greece: side-by-side comparison
Greece runs Europe's most popular Golden Visa, granting residency in exchange for a property investment of €250,000–€800,000 depending on the region. It does not grant citizenship — citizenship requires 7 years of residency and a language test. Vanuatu is full citizenship in 45 days with no property commitment.
Direct CBI
Vanuatu
Development Support Program / CIIP
Residency → Citizenship
Greece
Greece Golden Visa
Program & cost
| Criterion | Vanuatu | Greece |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | Direct CBI | Residency by real-estate investment |
| Minimum investment | US$130,000 (DSP) | €250,000 / €400,000 / €800,000 (region-dependent) |
| What you receive | Lifelong citizenship + passport | 5-year renewable residence permit |
| Property required | None | Yes — must be maintained to keep status |
Process & timeline
| Criterion | Vanuatu | Greece |
|---|---|---|
| Time to residence permit | n/a (direct citizenship) | ~3–6 months |
| Time to citizenship | ~45 days✓ Edge | 7 years residency + naturalisation |
| Physical presence | None | Not required to maintain Golden Visa; required for citizenship |
| Language requirement | None | Greek language test for citizenship |
Citizenship & travel
| Criterion | Vanuatu | Greece |
|---|---|---|
| EU citizenship at end of process | No | Yes — after 7 years residency✓ Edge |
| Schengen short-stay rights from day 1 | Suspended | Yes (residency)✓ Edge |
| Visa-free destinations of final passport | ~88 | ~190 (EU passport)✓ Edge |
Tax & living
| Criterion | Vanuatu | Greece |
|---|---|---|
| Personal income tax | Zero personal income, capital gains, inheritance or wealth tax | Standard Greek tax; non-dom flat €100k/year regime available |
| Property tax | None | ENFIA annual property tax applies |
The bottom line
Which program suits you?
Choose Vanuatu if…
- You want citizenship, not residency.
- You don't want to buy or hold European property.
- You're not prepared to spend ~7 years on a citizenship track.
Choose Greece if…
- You want a foothold in the EU and Schengen short-stay rights.
- You want exposure to Greek real estate.
- EU citizenship is the eventual goal and a 7-year horizon is acceptable.
Frequently asked
Vanuatu vs Greece — questions answered
Does the Greek Golden Visa give citizenship?
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No, not directly. It grants a 5-year renewable residence permit. Greek citizenship is only possible after 7 years of legal residency, a Greek language test, and a naturalisation interview.
Is Vanuatu cheaper than Greece Golden Visa?
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Comparable at entry level if you choose the €250,000 region tier in Greece, but Vanuatu gives a passport for that price — Greece gives only a residence permit. Greece's main tier is now €400,000–€800,000 depending on region.
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