The choice between the two programmes depends on your goal: travel, family security, speed, cost or the conditions of your application. This article sets out the main differences based on official sources and Royal Golden's contracts. The sources were checked in October 2026.
Who decides
- Dominica: the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) reviews and recommends the decision to the government.
- Vanuatu: the Vanuatu Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) reviews and the authorities of Vanuatu decide.
The investment
- Dominica: a contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund from US$200,000 for a single applicant, or approved real estate with a minimum of US$200,000 plus government fees from US$75,000 per applicant. The CBIU publishes these figures.
- Vanuatu: a financial contribution to the government programme. In October 2026 we had no access to the Government of Vanuatu's official fee table, so we do not give a government figure here.
- In both programmes, Royal Golden's contract price covers all the agreed costs of the application. Both tables are on the "Programmes" page and in the cost calculator.
The interview
- Dominica: an online interview is mandatory for every applicant aged 16 and over.
- Vanuatu: the recitals of Regulation (EU) 2025/11 state that applicants are not interviewed in Vanuatu's application process.
Timing
- Dominica: the CBIU usually states three to four months to approval in principle. Our contract has no fixed term.
- Vanuatu: our contract sets a term of 110 days from signing to the delivery of the passport. The authorities of Vanuatu set their own timing independently.
Payment stages in Royal Golden's contracts
- Dominica: 20 per cent at signing and 80 per cent after the CBIU's approval in principle, within 365 days of our notice.
- Vanuatu: 40 per cent at signing and 60 per cent after the FIU's approval, with at least 40 days from our notice.
If the application is refused
- Dominica: after an official refusal, the amounts paid are not refunded, and the official refusal letter is handed to you.
- Vanuatu: after an official refusal, everything received is refunded in full, without any deduction, within 72 hours.
Restricted nationalities
- Dominica: nationals of Russia, Belarus and northern Iraq are not accepted, and applications from Yemen are suspended. Nationals of Iran, North Korea and Sudan are accepted only on three strict conditions, and enhanced due diligence is carried out for Iranian applicants at a separate cost.
- Vanuatu: each applicant's eligibility is reviewed before starting.
Travel
- Dominica: according to October 2026 data, short stays in the Schengen area without a visa. The United Kingdom, the United States and Canada need a visa.
- Vanuatu: since Regulation (EU) 2025/11 a visa is needed for the Schengen area. Since July 2023 a visa is also needed for the United Kingdom.
In short
- If visa-free travel to Europe matters to you, Dominica is, as things stand, the closer option.
- If a clear timeline and a full refund after an official refusal matter to you, weigh the terms of the Vanuatu contract.
- For Iranian nationals, review Dominica's strict conditions and the cost of enhanced due diligence before any decision.
The site's "Which programme suits me?" tool compares the two programmes for you with a few questions about nationality, family and priorities.
This article is general information and not legal or financial advice. Rules may change.
Sources
- CBIU Dominica: FAQ, how to apply, investment options, banned nationalities and enhanced due diligence — https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/ (checked on 24 October 2026)
- Regulation (EU) 2025/11 of 19 December 2024 — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/11/oj/eng (checked on 24 October 2026)
- UK Government, visa requirement for Vanuatu nationals — https://www.gov.uk/government/news/visa-requirement-for-ni-vanuatu-nationals-visiting-uk (checked on 18 October 2026)
- Royal Golden's service contracts and the questions and answers published on the site (checked on 24 October 2026)