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Residency and citizenship by investment programmes that are currently open, with the qualifying routes for each country.
Head-to-head Comparison
UAE Golden Visa vs Vanuatu Citizenship
UAE Golden Visa vs Vanuatu Citizenship: compare cost, processing time, passport strength and family rules side by side, with a quick verdict.
Quick verdict
Vanuatu has the lower minimum investment ($130,000 against AED 2,000,000 for UAE). UAE is usually quicker to process, 7–10 working days (Dubai) against 30–60 days. UAE reaches more visa-free destinations (180 against 75), and both include a spouse and dependent children.
UAE
Min. Investment
AED 2,000,000
Processing
7–10 working days (Dubai)
Visa-Free
180 countries
Family
Included
Vanuatu
Min. Investment
$130,000
Processing
30–60 days
Visa-Free
75 countries
Family
Included
| Dimension | UAE | Vanuatu |
|---|---|---|
| Min. investment | AED 2,000,000 | $130,000 |
| Processing time | 7–10 working days (Dubai) | 30–60 days |
| Visa-free countries | 180 | 75 |
| Family included | Yes | Yes |
| Tax benefit | Yes | Yes |
| Citizenship pathway | After residency | Direct |
Citizen Sure verdict
UAE offers a golden visa (residence permit) from AED 2,000,000; Vanuatu offers citizenship by investment from $130,000. Processing is listed at 7–10 working days (Dubai) for UAE and 30–60 days for Vanuatu. Listed visa-free reach is 180 destinations for UAE and 75 for Vanuatu. Only Vanuatu grants citizenship directly; the other route gives residence. Figures are the published minimums as of October 2026; check them with the relevant authority and speak to an advisor about your case.
Pick UAE when…
- Shorter listed processing time (7–10 working days (Dubai))
- Wider listed travel reach (180 destinations)
- No minimum stay requirement
Pick Vanuatu when…
- Lower published minimum ($130,000)
- You want citizenship and a passport rather than a residence permit
- No minimum stay requirement
Trade-offs to know
- Minimum stay: UAE none; Vanuatu none.
- UAE is a golden visa (residence permit) and Vanuatu is citizenship by investment, so the end result differs as well as the price.
- Published minimums exclude government and due diligence fees; see each programme page for the official costs.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is better, UAE or Vanuatu?
It depends on what matters most to you. Vanuatu has the lower minimum investment ($130,000 against AED 2,000,000 for UAE). UAE is usually quicker to process, 7–10 working days (Dubai) against 30–60 days. UAE reaches more visa-free destinations (180 against 75), and both include a spouse and dependent children. UAE offers a golden visa (residence permit) from AED 2,000,000; Vanuatu offers citizenship by investment from $130,000. Processing is listed at 7–10 working days (Dubai) for UAE and 30–60 days for Vanuatu. Listed visa-free reach is 180 destinations for UAE and 75 for Vanuatu. Only Vanuatu grants citizenship directly; the other route gives residence. Figures are the published minimums as of October 2026; check them with the relevant authority and speak to an advisor about your case.
UAE vs Vanuatu: what is the cost difference?
UAE starts at AED 2,000,000; Vanuatu starts at $130,000. The cheaper headline doesn't always reflect total cost, recoverable investments (Turkey, some real-estate routes) net out differently from non-recoverable donations.
UAE vs Vanuatu: which has the shorter processing time?
UAE processes in 7–10 working days (Dubai); Vanuatu processes in 30–60 days. Verify current timing with a senior advisor, published windows assume clean diligence files.
Can family members be included?
UAE includes spouse and dependent children. Vanuatu includes spouse and dependent children. Inclusion of parents and siblings varies, see each programme's detail page.
{{a}} vs {{b}} passport strength: which has more visa-free access?
UAE grants visa-free access to 180 countries; Vanuatu grants visa-free access to 75. Reach is a moving target, check current bilateral status before relying on it for travel planning.
Do these programmes lead to citizenship?
Golden Visa is residency, the citizenship pathway depends on naturalisation rules. Citizenship is direct citizenship.
Can I compare other programmes as well?
Yes. Open the compare tool to add up to five programmes side by side, or browse the other pair pages linked below.
Are the figures on this page up to date?
Each row is drawn from our programme records, which are reviewed when governments publish changes. Check the programme page and the changes log for the latest updates before you decide.
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