An authorized representative files the application, the main applicant goes through the FIU check, and the Commission makes the decision. The check itself takes about a week, the Commission meets twice a month, and the letter arrives roughly a week after the meeting.
Who is involved in the check
Several parties take part, each with its own role. Knowing these roles answers most questions about where your documents go and who decides.
You cannot file on your own: applications go only through an authorized representative. So documents reach the reviewers not directly from you but as part of a prepared application. You still sign them personally, since there is no power of attorney in this process.
| Who | What they do |
|---|---|
| Applicant and family | Prepare documents and sign them personally |
| Authorized representative | Files the application, as direct filing is not possible |
| FIU | Checks the main applicant |
| Commission | Reviews the application at a meeting and decides |
What actually goes under review
The FIU check is passed by the main applicant, not by each family member separately. Other adults are not left out, though: everyone aged 18 and over provides a police clearance certificate.
The application documents form the basis. Identity is covered by the international passport, a second document and the birth certificate. Background is covered by police clearance from the country of citizenship and residence, and from any country where the person lived for more than a year during the past 10 years. Occupation and money are covered by the employment letter, 6-month statement, bank letter, business letter, statement of assets and proof of source of funds.
Source of funds is mandatory for every application, so this section deserves the most preparation time. It also matters that information across the different documents is consistent.
How long it takes and what follows
The whole program usually takes 2 months, 3 at most. The check is just one stage, and not the longest. The overall timeline is made up of several steps.
Meetings take place twice a month, so the day your application is ready does not always match the next review date. That accounts for the difference between the usual 2 months and the maximum of 3. After a positive letter a separate stretch begins: payment, the oath online by video call and biometrics in person. None of this requires flying to or living in Vanuatu.
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
| Gathering documents | 1-2 weeks |
| Check | About a week |
| Commission meeting | Twice a month |
| Decision letter | Roughly a week after the meeting |
| Payment and oath after approval | 3 months, with a possible 2-month extension on request |
| Passports | 2-4 weeks after biometrics |
What the check costs
The check is paid for with a separate fee that depends on the program. Under the contribution program (DSP) it is $5 000 per application, and under the CIIP fund $8 000 per application. The amount does not depend on headcount: a family of six pays the same fee as one person.
The fee is paid when the contract is signed. It covers the check itself, not a positive outcome, so it is not returned if the application is refused. Other amounts in the event of refusal are handled under the program rules and the contract.
The $3 000 difference between the fees is already reflected in program totals. For four people, for example, the total including the fee is $185 000 under the contribution program and $165 000 under the fund. So comparing programs by fee alone makes little sense: the overall calculation for your family size matters more.
Preliminary check and FIU check are not the same
These are easy to confuse, but they are separate steps. The preliminary check is free, takes 1-2 working days and happens before any contract. It helps you assess your position before you commit and pay the fee.
The FIU check comes after the contract, is paid for by the fee and belongs to the official process. A preliminary result does not replace the Commission's decision and does not guarantee it. What it does is show you the weak spots before any costs arise.
How strict the oversight is
The program matters to the country: in the first half of 2026 it provided about 39% of budget revenue. In 2025 parliament tightened oversight of it. For an applicant this means something simple: take document preparation seriously and expect a careful reading.
Nobody is in a position to promise an outcome in advance. The decision rests with the Commission.
Russian citizenship does not by itself place an application in a special category. In March 2026 the Commission confirmed that Russian citizens are accepted on general terms.
How to prepare for the check
Preparation comes down to a few simple actions. It is best to do them before the contract or right after it, while no meeting date is pressing on you.
- Decide who is the main applicant and who else is on the application.
- List the countries where each adult lived for more than a year during the past 10 years.
- Order police clearance certificates, which are valid for 6 months.
- Gather the financial papers and check that they do not contradict one another.
- Decide in advance which account will pay. The applicant pays personally, and another person's company or card will not go through.
- Avoid planning a vacation in the middle of the process, a common reason for timelines stretching.
Why honesty in the application matters
The check does not close the question of accuracy forever. Citizenship can be revoked for deception in the application or a breach of the law when it was granted, and after a sentence of 10 years or more. An inaccuracy missed during review does not become safe once you hold the passport.
So raise difficult points up front. If you lived in several countries over the past 10 years, or the story of your funds does not fit in a single line, say so during preparation. This is an ordinary working situation, and far easier to handle early than to explain later.
Common questions
Is the whole family checked?
The FIU check is passed by the main applicant. Other adult participants provide a police clearance certificate, which is required from everyone aged 18 and over.
How long does the check take?
The check itself takes about a week. The whole program usually takes 2 months, 3 at most.
Can I apply on my own?
No. Applications can only be filed through an authorized representative.
Is the due diligence fee returned if I am refused?
No, it is not refundable. It is $5 000 under the contribution program and $8 000 under the CIIP fund.
Can I learn about the risks before paying?
Yes. The preliminary check is free, takes 1-2 working days and happens before any contract. It does not replace the Commission's decision.