How to Apply for the Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP): A Comprehensive 2026 Guide

In a world where global mobility is synonymous with opportunity, the Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP) has solidified its position as the fastest route to a second citizenship. For high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs based in hubs like Singapore or Hong Kong, the ability to secure a “Plan B” in under 60 days is a powerful advantage.

The DSP is not just a donation; it is a strategic entry into the Asia-Pacific region, offering a tax-friendly environment and a secure sanctuary. As we move into 2026, the application process has been refined to meet stricter international standards while maintaining its hallmark speed. This guide provides an authoritative walkthrough of how to navigate the DSP application successfully.

What Is the Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP)?

The Development Support Program (DSP) was established by the Vanuatu government under the Citizenship Act [CAP 112]. It is a citizenship-by-investment initiative designed to attract foreign capital to support national development and infrastructure projects.

Unlike the CIIP (Capital Investment Immigration Plan), which focuses on specific sector investments like cocoa, the DSP is a direct contribution to the national treasury. In exchange, the investor and their family are granted full honorary citizenship for life. It is widely recognized as the fastest second passport program in the world.

[Link to: guide on citizenship by investment basics]

Key Benefits of the Vanuatu DSP

Unrivaled Processing Speed: Achieve full citizenship status in as little as 45 days.
Zero Personal Income Tax: Vanuatu has no personal income, capital gains, or inheritance tax for non-residents.
Total Privacy: The application process is confidential, and Vanuatu does not notify your country of origin.
Family Security: Include your spouse, children up to age 25, and parents over 50 in a single application.
Remote Efficiency: There is no requirement to live in, or even visit, Vanuatu to obtain your passport.

How to Apply for Vanuatu Development Support Program DSP Citizenship

The 2026 application landscape emphasizes transparency and robust background checks. Understanding the “how” requires a look at the interplay between financial contribution and legal compliance.

Preliminary FIU Clearance

The first hurdle is the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) check. This is a mandatory pre-screening process where the government investigates your background for any criminal history or financial irregularities. You cannot proceed to the full application without an FIU Clearance Letter.

Minimum Donation Requirements 2026

The DSP operates on a tiered donation structure. These figures are fixed by the government and represent the core “cost” of the citizenship:

Application Type	Donation Amount (USD)
Single Applicant	$130,000
Married Couple	$150,000
Family of 3 (Couple + 1 Child)	$165,000
Family of 4 (Couple + 2 Children)	$180,000

Note: Each additional dependent beyond a family of four typically adds $15,000 to the donation requirement.

Timeline: From Submission to Passport

Weeks 1-2: FIU Due Diligence and Clearance.
Weeks 3-5: Full application submission and review by the Citizenship Commission.
Week 6: “Approval in Principle” granted.
Week 7: Completion of final investment payment.
Week 8: Oath of Allegiance and Passport issuance.

The 2026 Document Checklist

To ensure your application is not delayed, you must provide:

Valid Passport: Certified color copies of all pages.
Police Clearance: From your country of birth and any country you’ve resided in for over 12 months in the last decade.
Medical Certificate: Confirmation of good health from a licensed practitioner.
Proof of Wealth: Bank statements showing a minimum of $250,000 USD in global assets.
Professional References: A comprehensive CV and employment history.

[Link to: contact page or consultation page]

Step-by-Step Application Process

Selection of Authorized Agent: By law, you must apply through a licensed Vanuatu DSP representative.
Initial Deposit & FIU Check: Pay the $5,500 due diligence fee to initiate the background check.
Document Gathering: Collect all certified documents as per the 2026 checklist.
Full Submission: Your agent files the complete dossier with the Citizenship Commission.
Payment of 25% Fee: A portion of the donation is often paid at this stage to cover administrative costs.
In-Principle Approval: Receive official notification that your application has been approved.
Final Transfer: Settle the remaining 75% of the donation amount.
The Oath Ceremony: Take the Oath of Allegiance via video call or at a Vanuatu consulate.
Passport Delivery: Your passport and naturalization certificate are delivered via secure courier.

Costs, Fees, and Hidden Charges

While the donation is the largest part of the expense, total “all-in” costs include:

FIU Due Diligence: $5,500 (per application).
Processing Fees: Approximately $2,000–$3,000 for government admin.
Agency Service Fees: Typically range from $10,000 to $20,000 for professional advisory.
Oath Ceremony Fees: $1,000–$2,500 depending on location (Singapore, Dubai, or remote).

Risks, Compliance, and Common Misconceptions

Is it legitimate? Yes, the DSP is enshrined in the Vanuatu Constitution. It is a legal, government-run program.
The EU Visa-Free Status: Prospective applicants should be aware that visa-free access to the Schengen area is currently suspended. However, many investors prioritize the passport for tax planning, banking access, and a South Pacific base rather than just EU travel.
Source of Funds: Vanuatu has increased scrutiny on “Source of Wealth.” You must clearly demonstrate how your investment funds were earned.

Is the Vanuatu DSP Right for You?

Ideal for:

Investors needing a fast legal second citizenship.
High-income earners looking to legally minimize tax exposure.
Individuals seeking a secure “Plan B” outside of Europe or North America.

Not ideal for:

Those seeking immediate visa-free travel to the UK or EU (until current negotiations conclude).
Applicants with a significant criminal record or “Red Notice” history.

How qom.sg Can Help You

At qom.sg, we specialize in assisting Singapore-based and international HNWIs with the nuances of the Vanuatu DSP. We don’t just process paperwork; we provide a strategic assessment of your global portfolio.

Licensed Expertise: We work directly with authorized Ni-Vanuatu representatives.
Asian Context: We understand the specific banking and compliance needs of investors in Singapore and Hong Kong.
Post-Citizenship Support: Assistance with renewal, tax ID registration, and offshore banking.

[Link to: contact page or consultation page]

Conclusion

The Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP) remains the premier choice for speed and efficiency in the citizenship-by-investment market. By following the 2026 requirements and working with a transparent advisor, you can secure your future in less than two months.

Ready to start your application? Contact qom.sg today for a confidential eligibility assessment.

FAQs

1. Can I include my adult children in my DSP application?

Yes, children up to the age of 25 can be included, provided they are unmarried and in full-time education.

2. Do I need to visit Vanuatu to get the passport?

No. The entire process, including the Oath of Allegiance, can be completed remotely or at a consulate near you.

3. Is the donation refundable if I change my mind?

No. Once the “Approval in Principle” is granted and the final funds are transferred, the donation is non-refundable.

4. Does Vanuatu allow me to keep my current citizenship?

Yes, Vanuatu recognizes dual citizenship. However, you should check if your current country of citizenship has any restrictions on holding a second passport.

5. What is the minimum net worth required to apply?

You must be able to prove a net worth of at least $250,000 USD to satisfy the program requirements.

QOM