CIIP vs DSP: Which Vanuatu Citizenship Program Is Right for You?

April 2026 · 5 min read · Updated for current gazette rates

Vanuatu offers two primary citizenship by investment pathways: the Development Support Program (DSP) and the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP). Both grant identical citizenship rights and the same biometric e-passport. But the cost structure is fundamentally different — and choosing the wrong one could cost your family tens of thousands of dollars.

DSP: The Established Route

The DSP has been Vanuatu's flagship CBI program since 2017. It involves a non-refundable donation to the government's Development Support Fund. Pricing scales by family size:

• Single applicant: USD $130,000
• Couple: USD $150,000
• Family of 3: USD $165,000
• Family of 4: USD $180,000

The DSP is straightforward: you donate, you get citizenship. No investment to manage, no LLC to form, no fund to track. For single applicants, it remains the most cost-effective option at $130,000.

CIIP: The Family-Friendly Alternative

The CIIP, governed by Government Order No. 8 of 2023, takes a different approach. The total cost is USD $155,000 — flat rate — regardless of whether you're a single applicant, a couple, or a family of four.

Of that $155,000:

• $105,000 is a non-refundable government contribution
• $50,000 is invested in the Cocoa Sustainable Development Fund

The $50,000 fund investment is redeemable after 5 years, making the effective net cost approximately $105,000 for up to a family of four. That's a remarkable value proposition.

The Maths: When CIIP Wins

For a family of 4, the DSP costs $180,000 (all non-refundable). The CIIP costs $155,000 with $50,000 redeemable — an effective saving of $75,000 compared to DSP.

For a single applicant, the DSP costs $130,000 versus CIIP at $155,000. Even with the $50,000 redemption, the DSP is cheaper upfront and simpler.

Key Differences

CIIP requires formation of a local Vanuatu LLC as part of the application process. This adds a small administrative step but is handled by your agent. Both programs require the same due diligence ($5,500), biometric enrollment, and processing timeline (60–90 days).

Our Recommendation

Single applicants or couples: DSP is typically the better choice — lower total cost, simpler structure, no LLC requirement.

Families of 3 or 4: CIIP is substantially better value. The flat-rate pricing and redeemable fund make it the most cost-effective family CBI program available globally in 2026.

All pricing is in USD and subject to change by the Government of Vanuatu. Due diligence, biometrics, and professional fees are additional. This article is for information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.