Programme comparison · 2026
Vanuatu DSP vs CIIP
Both routes grant identical Vanuatu citizenship and the same passport. The difference is price structure and whether part of the capital is returnable.
Quick Answer
Should I choose the Vanuatu DSP or the CIIP?
Last verified: September 2026
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | DSP | CIIP |
|---|---|---|
| Single | US$130,000 | US$165,000 |
| Couple | US$150,000 | US$165,000 |
| Family of 3 | US$165,000 | US$165,000 |
| Family of 4 | US$180,000 | US$165,000 |
| Additional dependant | US$20,000 | US$25,000 |
| Returnable component | None | US$50,000 |
| Holding period | N/A | 5 years |
| Processing | 30-45 days | 30-45 days |
| Citizenship rights | Same | Same |
| Passport | Same | Same |
Which programme suits your situation
Totals include the US$5,500 due diligence fee and statutory fees. The CIIP effective figure subtracts the returnable capital component, which is claimable after the 5-year holding period subject to programme terms.
| Profile | DSP total | CIIP total | CIIP effective | Which suits, and why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single applicant | US$138,500 | US$172,500 | US$122,500 | DSP. CIIP charges a flat family rate you would not use. |
| Married couple | US$160,500 | US$174,500 | US$124,500 | DSP is usually cheaper on total outlay. CIIP only wins if the returnable component matters more than upfront cost. |
| Family of three | US$177,500 | US$176,500 | US$126,500 | Close call on cash out. CIIP is the flat rate and carries the returnable component, so the effective cost is lower. |
| Family of four | US$194,500 | US$178,500 | US$128,500 | CIIP. The flat rate covers all four and part of the capital is returnable. |
| Family of four plus two dependent parents | US$238,500 | US$232,500 | US$182,500 | CIIP, provided the parents meet the dependency test. Compare the per-dependant rates before deciding. |
| Business owner needing the lowest upfront cash | US$138,500 | US$172,500 | US$122,500 | DSP. Lowest cash out for a single applicant, no holding period to track. |
| Applicant prioritising returnable capital | US$194,500 | US$178,500 | US$128,500 | CIIP. Part of the contribution is returnable after the holding period, subject to programme terms. |
Vanuatu Advance practical guidance
There is no universal winner. The decision turns on how many people you include and whether you are willing to leave capital in place for the holding period. Run your own numbers in the cost calculator before committing.
Which Vanuatu programme is cheaper for one person?
DSP. A single applicant contributes US$130,000 under DSP, against US$165,000 under CIIP.
Which Vanuatu programme is better value for larger families?
Generally CIIP, depending on exact family composition and associated fees, because the CIIP contribution is flat for up to four qualifying family members and includes a returnable capital component.
Read the full DSP guide, the CIIP guide, current pricing, eligibility, who can apply, the application process, how to apply or the FAQ.
Family pricing
Vanuatu citizenship cost by family size
Government contribution, due diligence and statutory fees for each family scenario. DSP adds US$20,000 per additional dependant beyond a family of four. CIIP adds US$25,000 per additional dependant and includes a US$50,000 returnable capital component, subject to programme terms and successful completion of the five-year holding period.
- Single applicant
DSP total payable
US$138,500
Contribution US$130,000 · due diligence US$5,500 · statutory fees US$3,000
CIIP total payable
US$172,500
Contribution US$165,000 (flat fee, up to four qualifying family members) · due diligence US$5,500 · statutory fees US$2,000
Includes US$50,000 returnable after the 5-year holding period, subject to programme terms and conditions. Effective cost if returned US$122,500.
- Married couple
DSP total payable
US$160,500
Contribution US$150,000 · due diligence US$5,500 · statutory fees US$5,000
CIIP total payable
US$174,500
Contribution US$165,000 (flat fee, up to four qualifying family members) · due diligence US$5,500 · statutory fees US$4,000
Includes US$50,000 returnable after the 5-year holding period, subject to programme terms and conditions. Effective cost if returned US$124,500.
- Family of 3
DSP total payable
US$177,500
Contribution US$165,000 · due diligence US$5,500 · statutory fees US$7,000
CIIP total payable
US$176,500
Contribution US$165,000 (flat fee, up to four qualifying family members) · due diligence US$5,500 · statutory fees US$6,000
Includes US$50,000 returnable after the 5-year holding period, subject to programme terms and conditions. Effective cost if returned US$126,500.
- Family of 4
DSP total payable
US$194,500
Contribution US$180,000 · due diligence US$5,500 · statutory fees US$9,000
CIIP total payable
US$178,500
Contribution US$165,000 (flat fee, up to four qualifying family members) · due diligence US$5,500 · statutory fees US$8,000
Includes US$50,000 returnable after the 5-year holding period, subject to programme terms and conditions. Effective cost if returned US$128,500.
- Family of 5
DSP total payable
US$216,500
Contribution US$200,000 · due diligence US$5,500 · statutory fees US$11,000
CIIP total payable
US$205,500
Contribution US$190,000 · due diligence US$5,500 · statutory fees US$10,000
Includes US$50,000 returnable after the 5-year holding period, subject to programme terms and conditions. Effective cost if returned US$155,500.
- Family of 6
DSP total payable
US$238,500
Contribution US$220,000 · due diligence US$5,500 · statutory fees US$13,000
CIIP total payable
US$232,500
Contribution US$215,000 · due diligence US$5,500 · statutory fees US$12,000
Includes US$50,000 returnable after the 5-year holding period, subject to programme terms and conditions. Effective cost if returned US$182,500.
- Family of 7
DSP total payable
US$260,500
Contribution US$240,000 · due diligence US$5,500 · statutory fees US$15,000
CIIP total payable
US$259,500
Contribution US$240,000 · due diligence US$5,500 · statutory fees US$14,000
Includes US$50,000 returnable after the 5-year holding period, subject to programme terms and conditions. Effective cost if returned US$209,500.
- Family of 8
DSP total payable
US$282,500
Contribution US$260,000 · due diligence US$5,500 · statutory fees US$17,000
CIIP total payable
US$286,500
Contribution US$265,000 · due diligence US$5,500 · statutory fees US$16,000
Includes US$50,000 returnable after the 5-year holding period, subject to programme terms and conditions. Effective cost if returned US$236,500.
- Family of 4 plus 2 dependent parents
DSP total payable
US$238,500
Contribution US$220,000 · due diligence US$5,500 · statutory fees US$13,000
CIIP total payable
US$232,500
Contribution US$215,000 · due diligence US$5,500 · statutory fees US$12,000
Includes US$50,000 returnable after the 5-year holding period, subject to programme terms and conditions. Effective cost if returned US$182,500.
- Additional dependant
DSP US$20,000 each beyond a family of four
CIIP US$25,000 each beyond four qualifying family members
| Scenario | DSP contribution | DSP due diligence | DSP statutory fees | DSP total payable | CIIP contribution | CIIP due diligence | CIIP statutory fees | CIIP total payable | CIIP returnable | CIIP effective cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single applicant | US$130,000 | US$5,500 | US$3,000 | US$138,500 | US$165,000 | US$5,500 | US$2,000 | US$172,500 | US$50,000 | US$122,500 |
| Married couple | US$150,000 | US$5,500 | US$5,000 | US$160,500 | US$165,000 | US$5,500 | US$4,000 | US$174,500 | US$50,000 | US$124,500 |
| Family of 3 | US$165,000 | US$5,500 | US$7,000 | US$177,500 | US$165,000 | US$5,500 | US$6,000 | US$176,500 | US$50,000 | US$126,500 |
| Family of 4 | US$180,000 | US$5,500 | US$9,000 | US$194,500 | US$165,000 | US$5,500 | US$8,000 | US$178,500 | US$50,000 | US$128,500 |
| Family of 5 | US$200,000 | US$5,500 | US$11,000 | US$216,500 | US$190,000 | US$5,500 | US$10,000 | US$205,500 | US$50,000 | US$155,500 |
| Family of 6 | US$220,000 | US$5,500 | US$13,000 | US$238,500 | US$215,000 | US$5,500 | US$12,000 | US$232,500 | US$50,000 | US$182,500 |
| Family of 7 | US$240,000 | US$5,500 | US$15,000 | US$260,500 | US$240,000 | US$5,500 | US$14,000 | US$259,500 | US$50,000 | US$209,500 |
| Family of 8 | US$260,000 | US$5,500 | US$17,000 | US$282,500 | US$265,000 | US$5,500 | US$16,000 | US$286,500 | US$50,000 | US$236,500 |
| Family of 4 plus 2 dependent parents | US$220,000 | US$5,500 | US$13,000 | US$238,500 | US$215,000 | US$5,500 | US$12,000 | US$232,500 | US$50,000 | US$182,500 |
The CIIP returnable capital component is subject to programme terms and successful completion of the five-year holding period. It is not a guaranteed refund, interest or investment return. All fees are payable in USD by bank transfer.
Reviewed by Selina Kolthek, Founder & Managing Director, Government Designated Agent. Last verified September 2026.
Official sources
- Vanuatu Citizenship Office — Government of Vanuatu
Programme administration, designated agent register and application requirements.
- Government of Vanuatu official portal
Ministries, legislation and official announcements.
- Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit
Due diligence and anti-money-laundering clearance.
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