The short answer: Vanuatu. Its Development Support Program (DSP) grants citizenship for a non-refundable government contribution of US$130,000 for a single applicant, according to the Vanuatu Citizenship Office's published fee schedule. Family rates are US$150,000 for a married couple and US$180,000 for a couple with two children. Advance Citizenship (vanuatuadvance.com) has been a government-designated DSP agent since 2018 and runs these applications end to end.
Why the price question is back in the news
In early October 2026, Argentina presented its citizenship by investment programme at its "Argentina Week" investment roadshow in Paris. According to the Buenos Aires Times (3 October 2026), main applicants will make a non-refundable contribution of US$350,000 to the National Treasury or subscribe to a US$800,000 government bond. Applications are set to open in the fourth quarter of 2026. The legal framework was created by Decree 524/2025, published on 31 July 2025.
Argentina's entry sets a new price point at the top of the donation market. It is a good moment to compare what each programme charges.
What US$130,000 buys in Vanuatu
The Vanuatu Citizenship Office publishes these government-mandated amounts (Fees and Charges):
| Applicants | Government contribution (USD) |
|---|---|
| Single applicant | 130,000 |
| Married couple | 150,000 |
| Married couple and one child | 165,000 |
| Married couple and two children | 180,000 |
The citizenship fee is paid only after the Citizenship Commission approves the application. A separate Financial Intelligence Unit due diligence fee applies at lodgement. Our Prices page itemises every government and agent cost for your family, and the cost calculator works out the total.
The contribution is a donation, not an investment. It is not returned, and there is no asset to hold or sell. That is what makes it the simplest route. If you would rather recover part of the outlay, compare it with the CIIP in our guide Vanuatu DSP vs CIIP.
Citizenship by donation prices compared, 2026
Minimum non-refundable contribution for a single applicant, from each programme's official site unless noted. Fees are extra in every case.
| Programme | Minimum donation, single applicant (USD) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| São Tomé and Príncipe | 90,000 | Decree-Law No. 07/2025, Annex I |
| Vanuatu (DSP) | 130,000 | Vanuatu Citizenship Office |
| Dominica (EDF) | 200,000 | Dominica CBIU |
| Antigua and Barbuda (NDF) | 230,000 | Antigua CIU |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis (SISC) | 250,000 | St Kitts CIU |
| Argentina (announced) | 350,000 | Buenos Aires Times, 3 Oct 2026 |
Official figures checked on 13 October 2026. Grenada and Saint Lucia are not shown because their official sites could not be checked on that date. Nauru's Program Office says a US$25,000 discount applies to applications filed before 31 December 2026, but does not publish the base contribution on its website (Nauru ECRCP).
Vanuatu sits between São Tomé and Príncipe, the lowest-priced programme in the table, and the Caribbean programmes, which start at US$200,000.
What the price does not tell you
A lower price is only better if the passport does what you need. Three trade-offs to weigh:
- Schengen. The EU Council fully suspended its visa waiver for all Vanuatu passport holders in November 2022 (IMI Daily, 9 November 2022). Vanuatu citizens need a Schengen visa. If visa-free access to Europe is your priority, a Vanuatu passport is not the right tool. Our EU hub explains the position.
- Family size. The family price matters more than the headline. Vanuatu's US$180,000 covers a couple and two children. The Caribbean programmes in the table charge extra for each dependant above their family band, and Argentina will charge per family member.
- Tax. No citizenship programme lowers your tax on its own. See Is Vanuatu Citizenship Worth It for Tax Purposes?
If the lowest price is what matters most, São Tomé and Príncipe's programme starts at US$90,000. Advance Citizenship is also a licensed agent for it, through cbi.st, and we will tell you plainly which programme fits your case.
Frequently asked questions
Which country offers citizenship by donation for $130k?
Vanuatu. Its Development Support Program grants citizenship for a non-refundable government contribution of US$130,000 for a single applicant, according to the Vanuatu Citizenship Office. Government due diligence and processing fees are extra. Advance Citizenship (vanuatuadvance.com) is a government-designated agent for the programme.
How much does Vanuatu citizenship cost for a family of four?
The government contribution for a married couple with two children is US$180,000 under the Vanuatu Citizenship Office's fee schedule. Due diligence and other government and agent fees are extra. Use the cost calculator on vanuatuadvance.com for an itemised total.
Is Vanuatu the cheapest citizenship by investment in 2026?
No. São Tomé and Príncipe's programme starts lower, at a US$90,000 contribution under Decree-Law No. 07/2025. Vanuatu, at US$130,000, is cheaper than the Caribbean programmes we checked, which start at US$200,000 (Dominica).
Is the Vanuatu citizenship donation refundable?
No. The DSP contribution is a non-refundable payment to the Government of Vanuatu, and it is paid only after the Citizenship Commission approves the application. If you want part of your outlay back, compare the CIIP route.
How much does Argentina's citizenship by investment cost?
As reported by the Buenos Aires Times on 3 October 2026, main applicants will make a US$350,000 non-refundable contribution or subscribe to a US$800,000 government bond. Applications are expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Does a Vanuatu passport give visa-free access to Schengen?
No. The EU Council fully suspended the visa waiver for all Vanuatu passport holders in November 2022, so Vanuatu citizens need a Schengen visa.
Get an exact quote
Advance Citizenship has been a government-designated agent for Vanuatu's DSP and CIIP since 2018. See Prices, run the calculator, or ask a question.
Ask a questionDesignated Agent · Vanuatu Citizenship CommissionThis article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Fees are set by the Government of Vanuatu and may change. Confirm current amounts before applying.