A detailed guide to Vanuatu’s Development Support Program, including the Government-published pricing framework and the checks to make before applying.
The Development Support Program (DSP) is Vanuatu's best-known contribution-based citizenship route. It operates within Vanuatu citizenship law and regulations and applications proceed through authorised channels to the Citizenship Commission.
The DSP is often marketed internationally as “Vanuatu citizenship by investment”. More precisely, it is a contribution programme: the prescribed payment is made under the programme rather than being an ordinary private investment that the applicant can later sell or redeem.
Applicants should distinguish the Government's minimum prescribed selling price from any informal or discounted figure advertised online. The Citizenship Office has issued a directive requiring DSP and VCP agents to adhere to Government stipulated pricing.
Official references: Citizenship Office — Fees and Charges and Enforcement of Government Prescribed Fees Directive.
The Citizenship Office fee page currently publishes the following US-dollar pricing for the Development Support Program. Because citizenship fees and regulations can change, verify the official page immediately before signing an agreement or sending funds.
| Application group | Published amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Single applicant | $130,000 |
| Married couple | $150,000 |
| Married couple + 1 child | $165,000 |
| Married couple + 2 children | $180,000 |
| Additional applicant | $10,000 extra according to the current DSP fee schedule |
The route is intended for qualifying applicants who can satisfy the citizenship programme's legal, documentary and due-diligence requirements and make the required contribution. Approval is not automatic and cannot legitimately be guaranteed by an agent.
Nationality-specific restrictions or enhanced scrutiny can change. A designated agent should check current eligibility before the applicant spends money obtaining certified documents.
Confirm the proposed family composition, nationality, background issues, likely documentary requirements and the current prescribed price.
Verify the citizenship agent against the Citizenship Office's current designated-agent information before entering an agreement.
Collect identity, civil-status, police, financial and other supporting evidence. Names, dates and transliterations should be checked for consistency.
The application is subject to the checks and approvals required by the relevant authorities. Requests for clarification should be answered fully and promptly.
Payments should follow the authorised written instructions and the applicable programme stage.
After lawful grant of citizenship and completion of the citizenship requirements, passport issuance is handled under the separate Immigration and Passport Services process.
Is this the current Government-prescribed selling price for my exact family group? Which amounts are Government programme payments and which are separately payable official charges?
What is the exact legal name of the Vanuatu-designated agent handling the application, and can I verify that name with the Citizenship Office?
What happens to each payment if preliminary screening fails, if the Commission requests additional information, or if the application is refused?
Are any passport access claims based on current government sources? Be especially cautious of outdated claims about visa-free UK or EU/Schengen travel.
We encourage applicants to verify programme status, prices and procedures directly. External links open in a new window.
Ask us for factual information at no charge. If you want professional application assistance, we can introduce you to an appropriate Vanuatu Government-designated citizenship agent. Transworld Leisure receives no referral fee or commission for that introduction.