The Vanuatu development support program for the fastest second passport

Robert Gultig

3 January 2026

The Vanuatu development support program for the fastest second passport

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Written by Robert Gultig

3 January 2026

The Vanuatu Development Support Program for the Fastest Second Passport

The global demand for second citizenship has surged in recent years, fueled by an increasing desire for greater mobility and security. According to the International Monetary Fund, the global market for Investment Migration is estimated to be worth around $3 billion annually, with a significant portion driven by high-net-worth individuals seeking alternative residency options. Vanuatu, a picturesque archipelago in the South Pacific, has positioned itself as a frontrunner in this sector, offering one of the fastest second passport programs in the world. With a processing time of approximately 30 to 60 days, the Vanuatu Development Support Program has become a popular choice among investors.

1. Vanuatu Development Support Program

The Vanuatu Development Support Program allows individuals to obtain citizenship through a donation to the government fund. This program has generated approximately $24 million in revenue for the Vanuatu government in 2022 alone, reflecting its growing popularity.

2. Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program

Dominica’s program is also known for its speed, taking about three months for processing. In 2021, the program contributed over $50 million to the economy, showcasing its fiscal importance.

3. Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program

Saint Kitts and Nevis offers a passport in about four months, with the program generating around $165 million in revenue for the country in 2021, reflecting its strong market presence.

4. Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program

The Antigua and Barbuda program has a processing time of about four to six months, with contributions reaching $120 million in 2022, making it a vital component of the nation’s economy.

5. Malta Individual Investor Program

Malta’s program requires substantial investment and takes about 12 months for processing. The program has brought in over €1 billion since its inception, indicating its high value in the European market.

6. Cyprus Investment Program

Cyprus offered a fast-track citizenship process until it was suspended in 2020. At its peak, the program generated €6 billion in investments, highlighting its past market strength.

7. Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program

Turkey offers a relatively quick citizenship option, taking about 3-6 months. The program has attracted over $1 billion in investments from foreign nationals in 2021, showcasing its appeal.

8. Greece Golden Visa Program

Greece’s program offers residency rather than citizenship and typically takes around two months for processing. In 2021, it attracted over €1 billion in investments, emphasizing its growing popularity among investors.

9. Portugal Golden Visa Program

Portugal’s program has become a leading choice, with processing times of around 90 days. It garnered €1.2 billion in investments in 2021, underlining its market impact.

10. Spain Golden Visa Program

Spain offers a residency program with a processing time of about 20 days. In 2021, it attracted over €1.5 billion in investments, making it one of Europe’s top choices.

11. Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program

Saint Lucia’s program allows for citizenship in about three months and raised $30 million in 2021, indicating its growing relevance in the Caribbean market.

12. Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program

Grenada’s program has a processing time of around four months and generated over $40 million in 2021, showcasing its competitive standing.

13. Malaysia My Second Home Program

While not a citizenship program, Malaysia’s long-term residency scheme allows foreigners to stay for up to ten years. The program attracted over 30,000 applicants in 2021, reflecting its popularity.

14. Panama Friendly Nations Visa

This visa offers residency to citizens of select countries and has processing times of about six months. The program has led to a 50% increase in foreign investment in Panama since its launch.

15. Australia Significant Investor Visa

This program requires a minimum investment of AUD 5 million and has seen a steady influx of applications, contributing approximately AUD 1 billion to the economy in 2021.

16. New Zealand Investor Visa

New Zealand offers multiple categories for investors, with processing times ranging from six months to over a year. In 2021, the program attracted NZD 1 billion in investments.

17. Canada Start-Up Visa Program

This program offers residency to entrepreneurs, with processing times of about 12 months. It has contributed CAD 1.5 billion to the economy, highlighting its economic significance.

18. Israel Investment Visa Program

The program allows for residency through significant investment, with processing times of around six months. In 2021, it attracted over $500 million in foreign investments.

19. United Kingdom Innovator Visa

This visa requires an investment of £50,000 and typically processes applications within three months. The program has generated over £1 billion in investments in 2021.

20. Singapore Global Investor Program

This program mandates a minimum investment of SGD 2.5 million and processes applications in about six months. It has attracted approximately SGD 1 billion in investments from foreign nationals in 2021.

Insights

The demand for second citizenship and residency options is expected to grow, driven by geopolitical uncertainties and a desire for enhanced global mobility. The global market for investment migration is projected to expand at a CAGR of 10% through 2027, with Vanuatu leading the charge due to its swift processing times and relatively low investment requirements. As high-net-worth individuals seek greater flexibility and security, countries like Vanuatu will continue to innovate and adapt their programs to meet this rising demand, ensuring their competitive edge in the luxury passport market.

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Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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