The Caribbean has five citizenship programmes: St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada and St Lucia. Between them they have set the standard for the industry for forty years. Vanuatu is the only established alternative outside the Caribbean at a comparable price point, and it is roughly half the cost and a quarter of the time.
The trade-off is Europe. The Caribbean passports still have it; Vanuatu’s does not. This guide sets out everything else that differs, so you can decide whether Europe is worth what it costs.
The Caribbean five at a glance
Since 2024 the five programmes have coordinated minimum pricing: $200,000 for Dominica, $230,000 for Antigua, $235,000 for Grenada, $240,000 for St Lucia and $250,000 for St Kitts, all as non-refundable donations, before due diligence, processing and agent fees. CitizenX’s all-in figures for a single applicant run from around $243,000 (Dominica) to $288,000 (St Kitts). All five now require an interview. Real-world timelines have lengthened: Grenada and St Kitts around six months, Dominica nine, Antigua eighteen, St Lucia up to two years.
Their passports reach 143–154 destinations, including the Schengen Area. All except Dominica retain UK access. Grenada additionally has China visa-free and a US E-2 treaty.
Vanuatu at a glance
$135,000 on the DSP for a single applicant, or $165,000 on the CIIP for anyone from a single applicant to a family of four with $50,000 returned after four years. No agent fees. As little as 45 days from application to passport. No interview. Fully remote with biometric attendance for passport issuance only. 100+ countries and territories including Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao, Malaysia, Russia and most of the Caribbean, Pacific, Africa and Asia; no Schengen, no UK.
Where the Caribbean wins
Passport strength. Around 150 destinations against Vanuatu’s 100+, and the difference is almost entirely Europe and the UK. If you travel there regularly, this is decisive.
Perception. Forty years of history and a track record with banks and border agencies. Vanuatu’s is thirteen, and its EU and UK losses are recent.
Real estate routes. All five offer a property option if you want an asset rather than a donation, though prices are often inflated and resale thin.
China and the US (Grenada only). Grenada’s China visa waiver and E-2 treaty are unique in the market.
Where Vanuatu wins
Cost. Around $150,000 cheaper for a single applicant. For a family of four the gap widens, because the CIIP includes four people at one price while the Caribbean charges per dependant.
Refundability. The CIIP returns $50,000. No Caribbean programme returns anything on the donation route.
Speed. As little as 45 days against six months to two years.
Process. No interview, no visit, no agent fee, direct lodgement with the Commission by a Master Agent whose office is next door.
Tax and business. Both regions are zero personal income tax. Vanuatu adds no corporate tax for local companies, an established offshore financial centre and explicitly regulated digital assets, with stablecoin payment accepted.
Asia-Pacific mobility. For travel through Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Gulf and the Pacific, the two are equivalent.
The decision
Ask one question first: do you need to enter the Schengen Area or the UK without a visa?
If yes, choose a Caribbean programme. Which one depends on speed (Grenada or St Kitts), price (Dominica) or specific features (Grenada for China and E-2). Vanuatu cannot help you.
If no, Vanuatu delivers the same core benefits, a second citizenship with hereditary rights, a zero-tax jurisdiction, banking optionality and a Plan B, for half the money and in a fraction of the time, with $50,000 of it returned if you choose the CIIP.
Some investors hold both, using Vanuatu for speed and the Pacific and a Caribbean passport for Europe. At a combined cost still below many European residency schemes, that is not unreasonable.
Side by side
Frequently asked questions
Is Vanuatu cheaper than Caribbean citizenship?
Yes, by around $150,000 for a single applicant and more for families.
Which is faster?
Vanuatu, at as little as 45 days. The Caribbean ranges from six months to two years.
Which passport is stronger?
The Caribbean passports, because they retain Schengen access.
Can I hold both?
Yes. All permit dual citizenship.
Next step
If Europe is not the reason you want a second passport, use the cost calculator to see what Vanuatu costs your family. If it is, book a consultation anyway; we will tell you which Caribbean programme fits, because that is more useful than selling you the wrong one.
