The 5 Cheapest Second Passports in 2026
The citizenship by investment landscape has shifted significantly in 2025–2026. Malta's program was effectively ended following an EU Court ruling. Vanuatu lost Schengen access. New programs have emerged. Here's how the most affordable options compare right now.
1. Dominica — From USD $100,000
Dominica is currently the cheapest CBI program globally for a single applicant. The $100,000 contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund grants full citizenship with Schengen, UK, and 140+ country visa-free access. Processing takes 4–6 months. Family pricing scales up. No Schengen suspension risk currently.
Best for: Investors who prioritise European and UK access above all else.
2. Vanuatu CIIP — Net Cost ~USD $105,000
Vanuatu's CIIP is $155,000 upfront but $50,000 is redeemable after 5 years, making the effective net cost approximately $105,000 for up to a family of four. That's the cheapest family CBI program in the world. Processing is 60–90 days. No Schengen access, but 100+ countries including Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE remain visa-free.
Best for: Families seeking the fastest, most affordable path to a second passport with Asia-Pacific focus.
3. Vanuatu DSP — From USD $130,000
The DSP remains Vanuatu's most popular program. $130,000 single applicant, non-refundable. World's fastest processing at 60–90 days. Zero income tax. Same passport as CIIP.
Best for: Single applicants who want speed and simplicity above all.
4. St Lucia — From USD $100,000
St Lucia's National Economic Fund requires a $100,000 contribution for a single applicant. Full Schengen and UK access. Processing takes 4–6 months. Less established than St Kitts or Dominica but competitive on price.
Best for: Budget-conscious investors wanting Caribbean CBI with EU access.
5. Antigua and Barbuda — From USD $130,000
Antigua requires a $130,000 contribution to the National Development Fund plus a brief 5-day residency requirement within 5 years. Full Schengen and UK access. Family-friendly pricing.
Best for: Families willing to make a brief visit in exchange for strong global mobility.
The Bottom Line
If you need Schengen + UK access, Dominica at $100,000 is the price leader. If you need speed + zero tax + Asia-Pacific access, Vanuatu is unmatched. For families, Vanuatu's CIIP at a net cost of ~$105,000 for four people is extraordinary value.
Many sophisticated investors don't choose one — they combine a Vanuatu passport (speed, tax, Asia) with a Caribbean passport (Europe, UK) for complete global coverage.
Which Program Is Right for You?
We advise across Vanuatu, Dominica, St Kitts, and Grenada programs. Get a personalised comparison.
Request Free Assessment →All prices in USD and subject to change. Due diligence, biometrics, and professional fees additional. This article is for information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.