🇻🇺 Vanuatu vs 🇩🇲 Dominica
Side-by-side comparison of Vanuatu's Development Support Program (DSP) and Dominica's Citizenship by Investment. Investment minimums, processing times, passport strength, stay requirements, work rights, and family inclusion compared.
| 🇻🇺 Vanuatu CBI | 🇩🇲 Dominica CBI | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Type | Citizenship by Investment | Citizenship by Investment |
| Investment Minimum | $130,000 ✓ | $200,000 |
| Processing Time | 1-3 months ✓ | 3-4 months |
| Visa-Free Countries | 88 countries | 145 countries ✓ |
| Path to Citizenship | Direct | Direct |
| Stay Requirement | None | None |
| Work Rights | Yes | Yes |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, Children under 25, Parents over 50 | Spouse, Children under 31, Parents over 65, Grandparents over 65 ✓ |
| Visa Duration | Citizenship (permanent) | Citizenship (permanent) |
✓ indicates the objectively stronger value where a direct comparison is possible.
Vanuatu vs Dominica: Which Is Better?
Vanuatu's Development Support Program (DSP) starts at $130,000, $70,000 less than Dominica's Citizenship by Investment at $200,000. Both are CBI programs, making cost a direct point of comparison.
Dominica provides visa-free access to 145 countries, 57 more than Vanuatu's 88. This is a substantial difference in travel reach. Processing times differ: Vanuatu takes 1-3 months, Dominica takes 3-4 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 $70,000 less than Dominica's $200,000. 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 3-4 months for Dominica. 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 Vanuatu nor Dominica 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, Dominica covers a broader set of dependents (Spouse, Children under 31, Parents over 65, Grandparents over 65) compared to Vanuatu (Spouse, Children under 25, Parents over 50), which matters for applicants bringing extended family.
The Bottom Line
This is a genuinely close comparison with no clear overall winner — both programs score evenly across the key metrics. Your decision should hinge on the factors most relevant to your situation: budget, desired timeline to status, family size, and whether you need work rights or physical presence flexibility. Review each program's fine print on government fees and dependent pricing, as these often break an apparent tie.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Vanuatu or Dominica?
Vanuatu is cheaper at $130,000 compared to $200,000 for Dominica.
Which offers better travel access, Vanuatu or Dominica?
Dominica offers visa-free access to 145 countries compared to 88 for Vanuatu.
Which processes faster, Vanuatu or Dominica?
Vanuatu processes in 1-3 months. Dominica takes 3-4 months. Vanuatu is the faster option.
Can I include my family in the Vanuatu or Dominica program?
Both programs include family members. Vanuatu covers spouse, children under 25, parents over 50. Dominica covers spouse, children under 31, parents over 65, grandparents over 65.
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