Vanuatu vs Antigua
Vanuatu vs Antigua & Barbuda: side-by-side comparison
Antigua & Barbuda is one of four Caribbean CBI programs and is notable for its low family-of-four pricing and its 5-day residency requirement in the first five years. Vanuatu offers a faster, fully remote alternative with no residency requirement at any stage.
Direct CBI
Vanuatu
Development Support Program / CIIP
Direct CBI
Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
Program & cost
| Criterion | Vanuatu | Antigua |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | CBI (DSP / CIIP) | CBI (NDF / UWI / Real estate / Business) |
| Minimum cost — single | US$130,000 (DSP)✓ Edge | US$230,000 (NDF contribution) |
| Minimum cost — family of 4 | US$180,000 (DSP) / US$165,000 (CIIP)✓ Edge | US$245,000 (NDF) including govt fees |
| Real-estate option | Not required | US$300,000 (5-year hold) |
| Due diligence fee per application | US$5,500 | US$7,500 (main applicant) |
Process & timeline
| Criterion | Vanuatu | Antigua |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | ~45 days✓ Edge | 3–6 months |
| Residency required after grant | None✓ Edge | 5 days in Antigua during first 5 years |
| Visit required during application | Not required (Oath via video) | Oath in person or at consulate |
Citizenship & travel
| Criterion | Vanuatu | Antigua |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-free/visa-on-arrival destinations | ~88 | ~150+ (UK & Schengen included)✓ Edge |
| Visa-free UK access | ETA required (suspended since 2023) | Yes (currently)✓ Edge |
| Visa-free Schengen access | Suspended | Yes (currently)✓ Edge |
| Citizenship for life | Yes — hereditary | Yes — hereditary, subject to 5-day residency |
Tax & living
| Criterion | Vanuatu | Antigua |
|---|---|---|
| Personal income tax | Zero personal income, capital gains, inheritance or wealth tax | No personal income tax |
| Inheritance / wealth tax | None | None |
| Language | English (official) | English (official) |
The bottom line
Which program suits you?
Choose Vanuatu if…
- You cannot or will not commit to any residency requirement, even a token 5 days.
- Processing speed is critical (45 days vs 3–6 months).
- Cost is a primary driver, especially for single applicants.
Choose Antigua if…
- Visa-free travel to the UK and Schengen Area is essential.
- You're a larger family — Antigua's flat NDF pricing is competitive past four people.
- Caribbean lifestyle and proximity to the US is preferable.
Frequently asked
Vanuatu vs Antigua — questions answered
Does Antigua require residency after citizenship?
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Yes. Antigua & Barbuda requires citizens-by-investment to spend at least 5 days in the country during the first 5 years after grant. Vanuatu has no residency requirement at any stage.
Is Vanuatu cheaper than Antigua?
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At single-applicant level, yes — US$130,000 vs US$230,000 minimum. For larger families the gap narrows because Antigua offers competitive flat NDF pricing.
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