Programme Overview

The Principal
Citizenship Pathway

The Development Support Programme is Vanuatu’s principal citizenship pathway. A single contribution of USD $135,000 provides full Vanuatu citizenship and a passport for the principal applicant. Spouses, children and dependent parents are added at published per-head fees during the application.

Average processing time is 60 days. The application is 100% remote — no travel required. (Biometric centre attendance is required for passport issuance.) Your citizenship is permanent, hereditary, and carries no ongoing fees or obligations.

$135K

60

100%

Investment Breakdown

Transparent Cost Structure

Component

Amount (USD)

Vanuatu Government contribution
$130,000
Government due diligence
$5,000
Stanford Knight service fee
Included (paid by Vanuatu Government)
Single applicant total
$135,000

Adding family members during the application:

Family member

Additional Cost

Spouse (added during application)
$20,000
Spouse (added after application is complete)
$50,000
Child under 18
$20,000
Child 18–25 (in full-time education)
$25,000
Dependent parent (over 55)
$25,000

Example family configurations:

Illustrative examples — use the Cost Calculator to model your configuration

Single applicant

$135,000

Married couple

$155,000

Couple + 1 child under 18

$175,000

Couple + 2 children under 18

$195,000

All costs are complete and all-inclusive. Stanford Knight charges no additional agent fees — we are paid directly by the Vanuatu government. To model any specific family configuration, use the interactive Cost Calculator.

Payment can be made by bank transfer in USD or in digital assets — we accept USDT, USDC, and most major cryptocurrencies, at no additional cost.

Timeline

60 Days on Average from Application to Passport

Day 0

Initial Consultation

Free, confidential consultation with a senior adviser. We assess your eligibility, recommend the right programme, and outline next steps.

Days 1–14

Document Collection

We guide you through document preparation — identification, financial references, background information. Our team reviews everything before submission.

Days 14–21

Due Diligence

Government conducts background checks, financial verification, and international sanctions screening. Our team is available to respond to any government queries same-day.

day 21

Application Preparation

Formal application compiled by our team. Every document checked, formatted, and prepared to government standards.

Days 21–55

Government Submission

Application submitted directly to the Citizenship Commission of Vanuatu by our Port Vila team.

Days 50–60

Approval & Oath

Approval received. Oath of allegiance administered (can be done remotely or at an embassy / consulate).

Days 60–70

Passport Issued

Vanuatu passport issued and delivered securely to you.

Eligibility

Who Qualifies for DSP?

You are eligible if you:

  • Are 18 years of age or older.
  • Have a legitimate, verifiable source of funds.
  • Have a clean criminal record (no serious convictions).
  • Are in good financial standing (no bankruptcy, no outstanding judgements).
  • Can provide professional and financial references.

Dependent family members:

  • Dependent children can be included at published rates.
  • Dependent parents (over 55) can be included for an additional fee.

You may face additional assessment if:

  • You have a complex business background (multiple jurisdictions, corporate structures).
  • You have minor historical legal issues that require explanation.
  • You are from a country with enhanced due diligence requirements.

You are likely ineligible if:

  • You have serious criminal convictions.
  • You are subject to international sanctions.
  • Your source of funds cannot be verified as legitimate.
  • You are currently under active criminal investigation.
Book Your Consultation

Not sure where you stand? Book a consultation. We assess eligibility candidly and confidentially.

KEY BENEFITS

What You Receive

Full Vanuatu Citizenship

Not residency. Not a visa. Full, permanent, irrevocable citizenship with all rights of a Vanuatu national.

Vanuatu Passport

Visa-free access to 100+ countries. Recognised internationally. Valid for 5 years, renewable indefinitely.

Family Inclusion

Spouse, children and dependent parents can be included on a single application at published rates. One process, one timeline, one outcome.

Zero Personal
Income Tax

No income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax in Vanuatu.

Hereditary Citizenship

Passes to your children and their descendants. A multigenerational asset.

No Residency Requirement

Citizenship carries no obligation to live in or visit Vanuatu. Entirely your choice.

100% Remote Process

No travel to Vanuatu required. The entire application is managed remotely. (Biometric centre attendance required for passport issuance) Passport delivered to your door.

Programme Comparison

DSP vs CIIP — Which Is Right for You?

Current Viewing

DSP

From
USD $135,000 (Single Applicant)
Choose DSP if

you are a single applicant or small family seeking the lowest single-applicant entry point ($135,000), and you do not need the Impact Fund’s redemption feature.

Alternative

CIIP

From
USD $165,000 (Principal + spouse + two children)
Choose CIIP if

you are a couple or family that benefits from the all-included $165,000 base for principal + spouse + two children under 18, and you value the redemption of $50,000 plus any investment returns after 4 years.

Document Requirements

Exactly What You’ll Need — Nothing More, Nothing Less

Vanuatu’s programme is regulated, and the document set protects both you and the Citizenship Commission. Most clients already have around 80% of what is required. We tell you precisely what is needed up front and prepare the four key forms ourselves so you are never left to interpret them on your own.
01

Identity and background

For every person on the application

02

Principal applicant additions

Including the Asset Report and supporting statements

03

Spouse documents

With a tailored short list

04

Children & Senior dependents

Children under 18, dependent children 18–25 in education, and senior dependents — each with a tailored short list

05

Bank compliance (MT103 + Source of Funds)

For the application fee transfer

Stanford Knight prepares for you — delivered within 24 hours of engagement

Nomination Forms Asset Report Form Sample medical certificate Full document checklist
FAQ

DSP-Specific FAQs

See all FAQ

Is DSP a donation or an investment?

Can I include my parents in my DSP application?

Can I include my children in my DSP application?

What if I need to process faster than 60 days?

Is the $135,000 paid in one lump sum?