🇸🇻 El Salvador vs 🇻🇺 Vanuatu
Side-by-side comparison of El Salvador's Freedom Visa (Bitcoin Passport) and Vanuatu's Development Support Program (DSP). Investment minimums, processing times, passport strength, stay requirements, work rights, and family inclusion compared.
| 🇸🇻 El Salvador CBI | 🇻🇺 Vanuatu CBI | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Type | Citizenship by Investment | Citizenship by Investment |
| Investment Minimum | $1,000,000 | $130,000 ✓ |
| Processing Time | 2-3 months | 1-3 months ✓ |
| Visa-Free Countries | 134 countries ✓ | 88 countries |
| Path to Citizenship | Direct | Direct |
| Stay Requirement | None | None |
| Work Rights | Yes | Yes |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, Children | Spouse, Children under 25, Parents over 50 ✓ |
| Visa Duration | Citizenship (permanent) | Citizenship (permanent) |
✓ indicates the objectively stronger value where a direct comparison is possible.
El Salvador vs Vanuatu: Which Is Better?
Vanuatu's Development Support Program (DSP) starts at $130,000, $870,000 less than El Salvador's Freedom Visa (Bitcoin Passport) at $1,000,000. Both are CBI programs, making cost a direct point of comparison.
El Salvador provides visa-free access to 134 countries, 46 more than Vanuatu's 88. Processing times differ: El Salvador takes 2-3 months, Vanuatu takes 1-3 months.
Neither program requires physical presence, offering maximum flexibility for globally mobile investors.
Which Program Is Right for You?
Cost Comparison
Vanuatu has the lower headline entry point at $130,000, roughly $870,000 less than El Salvador's $1,000,000. In a like-for-like cost comparison, Vanuatu wins on entry price. However, government fees, due diligence charges, and multi-dependent pricing can close this gap quickly. Always model the all-in cost for your specific family structure before deciding on minimum investment alone.
Timeline and Processing
Vanuatu processes faster at 1-3 months compared to 2-3 months for El Salvador. Both programs offer direct citizenship on approval, so the processing window is the only timeline variable — there is no naturalisation waiting period after approval. Applicants who need status confirmed quickly should prioritise whichever program has faster processing.
Lifestyle Considerations
Neither El Salvador nor Vanuatu requires physical presence — both are designed for globally mobile investors who want immigration status without relocating. Both programs include work rights, giving holders the option to earn locally or build a business presence in either country. On family inclusion, Vanuatu covers a broader set of dependents (Spouse, Children under 25, Parents over 50) compared to El Salvador (Spouse, Children), which matters for applicants bringing extended family.
The Bottom Line
On balance, Vanuatu wins more categories in this comparison — particularly on lower entry cost and faster processing. For most investors, Vanuatu's Development Support Program (DSP) is the stronger starting point. That said, El Salvador remains the better choice if the specific benefits of that program align more closely with your situation. Run the numbers for your family size and consult an immigration specialist before committing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, El Salvador or Vanuatu?
Vanuatu is cheaper at $130,000 compared to $1,000,000 for El Salvador.
Which offers better travel access, El Salvador or Vanuatu?
El Salvador offers visa-free access to 134 countries compared to 88 for Vanuatu.
Which processes faster, El Salvador or Vanuatu?
El Salvador processes in 2-3 months. Vanuatu takes 1-3 months. Vanuatu is the faster option.
Can I include my family in the El Salvador or Vanuatu program?
Both programs include family members. El Salvador covers spouse, children. Vanuatu covers spouse, children under 25, parents over 50.
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