Published 8 July 2026 · Updated 4 November 2026 · 8 minute read
Every programme advertises a starting price. Almost nobody pays it. Due diligence, government fees and family members push the real number up, sometimes by a lot.
Here is what the cheapest second passports actually cost in 2026, ranked, with the trade-offs that come with each.
The ranking
| Rank | Country | Headline price | Realistic all-in, 1 person | Visa-free Schengen? | Visa-free UK? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | São Tomé and Príncipe | $90,000 | About $100,000 | No | No |
| 2 | Vanuatu | $130,000 | About $155,000 to $166,000 | No | No |
| 3 | Dominica | $200,000 | About $220,000 to $230,000 | Yes | No |
| 4 | Antigua and Barbuda | $230,000 | About $255,000 to $270,000 | Yes | Yes |
| 5 | Grenada | $235,000 | About $255,000 to $270,000 | Yes | Yes |
| 6 | St Lucia | $240,000 | About $260,000 to $275,000 | Yes | No |
| 7 | St Kitts and Nevis | $250,000 | About $275,000 to $295,000 | Yes | Yes |
| 8 | Turkey | $400,000 property | About $420,000 to $430,000 | No | No |
All-in figures are estimates for a single applicant including typical government, due diligence and professional fees. They move with family size and route. Always get a written quote.
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1. São Tomé and Príncipe: lowest price, limited travel
Launched in 2025, this is the cheapest citizenship by investment programme on the market. You contribute to the National Transformation Fund: $90,000 for one person, $95,000 for a family of two to four, and $5,000 for each extra dependant. A $5,000 submission fee applies.
The catch: of its roughly 93 destinations, only about 24 are truly visa-free. The rest are visa on arrival. You still need visas for Schengen, the UK and the US. It suits people who want a low-cost second nationality and a Plan B, not travel freedom.
2. Vanuatu: fast, but no Europe
Vanuatu's Development Support Program starts at $130,000 for one person and around $180,000 for a couple with two children. Passports often arrive within a few months.
The catch: the EU permanently removed Vanuatu's visa-free Schengen access in December 2024, and the UK has required visas since 2023. Biometrics are now mandatory, so you need to attend a collection point such as Dubai.
3. Dominica: cheapest route to Schengen
At $200,000 for a single applicant, Dominica is the cheapest passport that still gets you into the Schengen area without a visa. Families pay $250,000 for up to four people. You only pay the donation after approval.
The catch: UK visas have been required since 2023, and the US restricted most visas for Dominica nationals from January 2026.
4 to 7. The rest of the Caribbean
Antigua ($230,000), Grenada ($235,000), St Lucia ($240,000) and St Kitts and Nevis ($250,000) sit close together on price. The differences are in family pricing, UK access and extra benefits. We compare them side by side in which Caribbean passport is best.
All five Caribbean programmes face an EU request to close by June 2028. Read what that means before you commit.
8. Turkey: expensive, but you keep an asset
Turkey costs more upfront, but you buy property worth at least $400,000 that you can sell after three years. Done right, much of the money comes back. Add 4% to 6% for purchase costs and an official valuation report.
How to keep costs down
- Price the whole family, not one person. Antigua, Grenada and St Kitts cover up to four people for the same headline price. For a family, they can be cheaper than Dominica.
- Ask for the fee schedule in writing. Due diligence is charged per person, and older children and parents cost more.
- Do not chase the lowest number. A passport that does not get you where you need to go is not good value.
The bottom line
If travel to Europe matters, Dominica is the cheapest entry point and the four-person bundles in Antigua, Grenada and St Kitts are the best value for families. If you only need a second nationality at the lowest cost, São Tomé and Príncipe is hard to beat.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest passport you can buy in 2026?
São Tomé and Príncipe, from $90,000 for one person and $95,000 for a family of up to four, plus a $5,000 submission fee and other costs.
What is the cheapest Caribbean passport?
Dominica, from $200,000 for a single applicant through its Economic Diversification Fund. A regional minimum of $200,000 was agreed by the five Caribbean programmes in 2024.
Are there hidden costs?
Not hidden, but rarely shown upfront. Expect due diligence fees per person, government processing fees, passport fees, legal and agent fees, translations and courier costs. Budget an extra 10% to 25% on top of the headline price.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Programme rules change often, so confirm the current position before you act.