Nauru, Vanuatu, and São Tomé and Príncipe each run citizenship‑by‑investment (CBI) schemes that promise relatively low entry costs and fast processing times. The three programs differ in launch dates, investment requirements, family eligibility, processing speed, and passport strength, which can affect which option best matches an applicant’s priorities.
Program at a glance
| Feature | Nauru | Vanuatu | São Tomé & Príncipe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program launch | November 2024 | 2017 | August 2025 |
| Minimum investment | $115,000 (donation) – $90,000 until 30 Jun 2026 | $130,000 (donation) – $165,000 for CIIP or $200,000 for real‑estate | $90,000 (donation) |
| Investment type | Donation only | Donation (DSP $130k, CIIP $165k) or real‑estate ($200k+) | Donation only |
| Processing time | 3–5 months | 2–4 months | 1–3 months |
| Visa‑free destinations | 100+ (incl. UAE, Russia, Singapore, Hong Kong) | 100+ (incl. Russia, Singapore, Hong Kong) | 60+ (incl. Singapore, Hong Kong, Ghana) |
| Family eligibility | Spouse, children, parents, grandparents, siblings (no age limits) | Spouse, children (under 18 or under 25 if full‑time students), parents & grandparents (over 50) | Spouse/partner, children (under 30), parents & grandparents (over 55) |
Nauru – Discreet, donation‑only program
- Launch: November 2024, part of the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program.
- Investment: $115,000 non‑refundable donation (reduced to $90,000 for single applicants until 30 Jun 2026).
- Eligible dependents: Spouse; children (any age); parents & grandparents (any age); siblings (any age).
- Fees (single applicant):
- Application $5,000
- Due‑diligence $6,000
- Passport $500
- Wire transfer $1,200
- Total cost (single applicant): $127,700 (or $102,700 with the limited‑time discount).
- Pros: High confidentiality; no age limits for dependents; only donation option; Nauru passport grants visa‑free entry to the UAE.
- Cons: Small diplomatic network; longest processing time among the three; program stability may be affected by climate challenges; limited investment avenues beyond the donation.
Vanuatu – Most established program
- Launch: 2017; first CBI scheme in Oceania.
- Investment options:
- Development Support Program (DSP) – $130,000 donation.
- Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) – $165,000 donation, $50,000 refundable after five years (effective cost $115,000 for a family of up to four).
- Real‑estate – minimum $200,000 property purchase.
- Eligible dependents: Spouse; children (under 18, or under 25 if full‑time students); parents & grandparents (over 50).
- Fees (single applicant):
- Application $40 (or $250 for CIIP)
- Due‑diligence $5,000
- Certificate + passport $280
- Total cost (single applicant): $135,820.
- Pros: Longest track record; partially refundable investment options; zero personal income tax jurisdiction; strong Asia‑Pacific connectivity.
- Cons: Highest overall cost; requires a bank balance of at least $250,000; family fees increase total expense substantially.
São Tomé and Príncipe – Lowest‑cost entry
- Launch: August 2025; second CBI program on the African continent.
- Investment: $90,000 non‑refundable donation (single applicant) or $95,000 for a family of up to four.
- Eligible dependents: Spouse/partner; children (under 30); parents & grandparents (over 55).
- Fees (single applicant):
- Application $5,000
- Certificate + passport $750
- Total cost (single applicant): $95,750.
- Pros: Cheapest passport; fastest processing (1–3 months); potential EU access via the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) framework; early‑stage investment environment.
- Cons: Limited global recognition; still in development phase; donation‑only structure; fewer visa‑free destinations; fewer authorized agents.
Cost comparison (single applicant)
| Program | Minimum investment | Application fee | Due‑diligence | Certificate + passport | Other fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nauru | $115,000 | $5,000 | $6,000 | $500 | $1,200 | $127,700* |
| Vanuatu | $130,000 | $40 | $5,000 | $280 | – | $135,820 |
| São Tomé & Príncipe | $90,000 | $5,000 | – | $750 | – | $95,750 |
* With the temporary $25,000 discount (valid until 30 Jun 2026), Nauru’s total drops to $102,700.
Cost comparison (family of four)
| Program | Minimum investment | Application fee | Due‑diligence | Certificate + passport | Other fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nauru | $119,000 | $11,000 | $12,000 | $2,000 | $1,700 | $145,700* |
| Vanuatu (CIIP) | $165,000 | $1,000 | $5,500 | $1,120 | – | $172,620 (effective $122,620 after $50,000 refund) |
| São Tomé & Príncipe | $95,000 | $5,000 | – | $3,000 | – | $103,000 |
* With the $25,000 discount, Nauru’s family total reduces to $120,700.
Passport strength (2025 Global Passport Index)
| Passport | Visa‑free countries | GPI rank |
|---|---|---|
| Nauru | 100+ (incl. UAE, Russia, Singapore, Hong Kong) | 97th |
| Vanuatu | 100+ (incl. Russia, Singapore, Hong Kong) | 111th |
| São Tomé & Príncipe | 60+ (incl. Singapore, Hong Kong, Ghana) | 139th |
Choosing the right program
| Preference | Recommended program |
|---|---|
| High discretion, no age limits for dependents | Nauru |
| Established track record, zero‑tax environment, strong Asia‑Pacific access | Vanuatu |
| Lowest cost, fastest processing, early‑stage investment potential, possible EU linkage | São Tomé & Príncipe |
Each scheme requires thorough due‑diligence checks and the use of an authorized agent or lawyer. Applicants should weigh the total financial outlay, processing timeline, passport utility, and long‑term stability before deciding.
Source article: www.globalcitizensolutions.com
