Caribbean citizenship by investment (CBI) programs offer a unique opportunity for foreign nationals to obtain a second citizenship and Caribbean passport through investments starting from $200,000.
This Caribbean citizenship by investment comparison guide pits the five Caribbean countries offering citizenship programs against each other, providing insights into the following:
Comparing Caribbean Citizenship by Investment
Many foreign nationals wonder if buying Caribbean citizenship and Caribbean passports is possible. Although it’s impossible to buy Caribbean citizenship, five countries in the Eastern Caribbean offer citizenship programs, granting citizenship to foreigners who contribute to their economies.
Caribbean citizenship by investment programs offer several investments, including buying real estate in government-approved projects, donating to a national fund, acquiring government bonds, and investing in an approved business.
Upon meeting the character criteria and investment requirement, successful applicants and their family members acquire Caribbean citizenship and an alternative passport, accessing benefits such the ability to travel visa free destinations worldwide, including Schengen countries in the European Union.
Which Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment?
There are currently five countries in the Caribbean that offer citizenship to foreign investors:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominica
- Grenada
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
Each nation has pros and cons, including affordable investment opportunities, powerful Caribbean passports, political stability, and tax efficiency. The Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Unit of each country in the Eastern Caribbean executes thorough due diligence procedures to ensure CBI applications meet the requirements according to international standards and law.
When choosing Caribbean citizenship by investment, consider aspects like investment cost, citizenship timeline, value for money, visa free destinations, investor requirements, and family inclusion.
Benefits of Caribbean Citizenship
Caribbean citizenship by investment programs allow successful applicants and their family members to unlock a plethora of advantages, including:
Short application process
Foreign nationals can obtain second citizenship in the Caribbean in as little as four months.
Global mobility
Caribbean passport holders enjoy enhanced global mobility, with visa free travel to over 150 countries, including the UK, Hong Kong, and countries in the Schengen Area.
Plan B
Caribbean citizenship by investment is an excellent opportunity to hold multiple citizenships as a Plan B.
Tax benefits
Access to a favorable tax regime, including little to no personal income tax on local or global income and no capital gains, wealth, or inheritance taxes.
Business opportunities
Attractive investment opportunities in these thriving Caribbean real estate, tourism, and business hubs.
Family inclusion
Apply for citizenship for your whole family and transfer Caribbean nationality to future generations.
Tropical lifestyle
Retire in beautiful warm weather all year long and enjoy a good quality of life on a tropical Caribbean island.
Free movement
Caribbean countries with CBI programs are OECS member states, allowing successful applicants to enjoy free movement across six Eastern Caribbean states.
Why opt for Caribbean citizenship by investment?
Caribbean citizenship by investment expands global mobility and economic diversification and reinforces personal security for investors and their families. Each program grants a strong Caribbean second passport through straightforward investments such as a government-approved contribution or Caribbean real estate investment.
These Caribbean passports facilitate visa free or visa on arrival access to many destinations, including the EU’s Schengen Area, the UK, Russia, China, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Hong Kong, and Singapore, making them valuable for business investors and frequent travelers.
Besides enhanced travel access, Caribbean CBI offers financial and lifestyle benefits. Many countries offering Caribbean citizenship are tax-friendly, with no personal income tax, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains tax, contributing to wealth protection.
Additionally, the programs are opportunities to invest in growing economies, particularly in the tourism industry and real estate market, with potential for high returns. The Caribbean’s warm climate, natural beauty, and relaxed atmosphere attract tourists and make it a great place to live or retire in the future. Whether for investment, personal freedom, or building a secure future for your family and future generations, there are valid reasons for securing Caribbean citizenship.
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Caribbean Citizenship Programs Compared
Antigua and Barbuda: The cheapest program for large families
Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program was launched in 2013 and offers diverse investment options to obtain a Caribbean Golden Passport. There are four investment options to choose from and the required investment for a single applicant or family of four starts at $230,000. Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship timeline is four to six months.
Investment options
- Non-refundable donation to the National Development Fund (NDF): $230,000
- Government-approved real estate investment: $300,000
- Non-refundable contribution to the University of West Indies Fund (UWI): $260,000
- Government-approved business investment: $400,000
Antigua and Barbuda pros
- Most affordable Caribbean program for large families of six or more.
- Fast citizenship application process of four to six months.
- Four investment options – the most provided by any Caribbean country with a citizenship by investment program.
- Second strongest Caribbean passport among Caribbean CBI schemes, with visa free travel to 151 countries.
- The only country with an investment option that includes a university scholarship.
- No personal income tax on foreign income, inheritance, or capital gains.
- The lowest corporate tax rate among Caribbean CBI countries.
Antigua and Barbuda cons
- The only Caribbean country with a minimum residency requirement to maintain citizenship status.
- Expensive real estate prices compared to other countries.
Dominica: Named the best economic citizenship program four years in a row
Dominica citizenship by investment was ranked the best in 2022, according to the CBI Index Report. Initiated in 1993, Dominica’s program offers two investment opportunities and the cheapest Caribbean passport cost for single applicants, starting from $200,000. The Dominica citizenship timeline is six to nine months.
Investment options
- Non-refundable donation to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF): $200,000
- Government-approved real estate investment: $200,000
Dominica pros
- The highest-ranking CBI Program in the CBI Index for several years.
- The lowest minimum qualifying contribution of the five Caribbean CBI programs for a solo applicant.
- The most affordable Caribbean real estate estate investment among Caribbean CBI countries to acquire citizenship.
- Dominica’s passport is one of only three Caribbean passports with visa free access to China.
- One of the most rapidly growing economies in the Caribbean
Dominica cons
- Limited to two investments.
- Criticism of the program led to fewer visa free travel options, including no visa free entry to the United Kingdom or Ireland.
Grenada: A route to US residency
Under Grenada’s citizenship by investment program, investors acquire Caribbean citizenship and a Grenada passport. The Grenada citizenship program was launched in 2013 and offers two investment routes. The minimum investment starts from $235,000 for a single applicant or family of up to four. Successful applicants are granted citizenship within six months, on average.
Investment options
- Non-refundable donation to the National Transformation Fund (NTF): $235,000
- Government-approved real estate investment:
- Joint investment: $270,000
- Solo investment: $350,000
Grenada pros
- The only one of five Caribbean citizenship programs providing eligibility for the US E-2 Investor Visa.
- One of two Caribbean countries with visa free access to Saudi Arabia.
- Fast citizenship application process of six months.
Grenada cons
- Limited to two investment routes.
- High minimum investment for real estate as a solo purchase.
St Kitts and Nevis: The longest-running and most respected CBI program
Initiated in 1984, the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program allows investors to obtain a powerful St Kitts and Nevis passport and Caribbean citizenship. The program offers four investment options, including a private real estate purchase. The minimum investment starts at $250,000 for single applicants or families of up to four. St Kitts and Nevis’s citizenship timeline is four months.
Investment options
- Non-refundable donation to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC): $250,000
- Government-approved real estate shares investment: $325,000
- Single-family private home purchase: $600,000
- Non-refundable contribution to the Public Benefit Option (PBO): $250,000
St Kitts and Nevis pros
- Being the oldest CBI program, the country offers the most efficient and streamlined Caribbean citizenship program.
- The highest Caribbean passport ranking among Caribbean CBI countries, facilitating visa free access to 153 countries.
- Achieved the joint-best citizenship program ranking in the 2023 CBI Index report.
- The only Caribbean country to offer buying a single-family private dwelling as a qualifying real estate purchase.
- The fast Caribbean passport by investment, with a four-month citizenship timeline.
St Kitts and Nevis cons
- The longest minimum hold period for qualifying investment property, at seven years.
- The most expensive Caribbean citizenship by investment program
- No option to to include siblings or grandparents as qualified dependents.
St Lucia: The most diverse investment routes
Through the St Lucia citizenship by investment program, foreign nationals obtain Caribbean citizenship and a Caribbean Golden Passport. The program offers four investment options, including a government bonds option, and the minimum investment starts at $240,000 for single applicants or families of up to four. St Kitts and Nevis’s citizenship timeline is 10 to 12 months.
Investment options
- Non-refundable donation to the National Economic Fund (NEF): $240,000
- Government-approved real estate investment: $300,000
- Approved enterprise investment: $250,000
- Government bonds acquisition: $300,000
St Lucia pros
- St Lucia offers the most flexible investments among Caribbean citizenship by investment programs, with four investment options.
- The cheapest Caribbean citizenship program for a family of four, including government fees, with a total investment requirement of $265,000.
- The only Caribbean citizenship program offering a fully guaranteed investment through the government bond option.
St Lucia cons
- Few government-approved real estate projects to choose from.
- No visa free access to China or Russia.
- Relatively high Caribbean Golden Passport cost for single applicants
- Longest application process
Get in touch with a Citizenship by Investment Specialist
Our team of industry-leading experts will help you with everything from filing your immigration application to providing professional legal and tax advice. We are wholly committed to your success.
Joe Rice
Head of Caribbean Unit
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Comparison Table
Five Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment with attractive and cost-effective investments that qualify for second citizenship and a Caribbean passport.
The investment route to Caribbean citizenship enables you to acquire a second passport and enjoy enhanced visa free travel to destinations worldwide, including free movement across many Caribbean countries.
The table below compares the specifics of each Caribbean citizenship by investment program, including the minimum investment, investment routes, eligible family members, and the strength of each Caribbean passport to help you determine the best citizenship program for you.
Antigua and Barbuda | Dominica | Grenada | St Kitts and Nevis | St Lucia | |
Visa Free Countries | 151 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Qatar, Russia | 135 countries including EU, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Russia, Thailand | 147 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, China, Russia | 154 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia Russia, Taiwan | 148 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan |
Investment Cost (Single Applicant) | $230,000 | $200,000 | $235,000 | $250,000 | $240,000 |
Investment Cost (Family of Four) | $250,000 | ||||
Time to Citizenship | 4-5 months | 6-9 months | 6 months | 4-6 months | 10-12 months |
Family Eligibility | -Spouse -Children -Parents -Grandparents -Siblings | -Spouse -Children -Parents -Grandparents | -Spouse -Children -Parents -Grandparents -Siblings | -Spouse -Children -Parents | -Spouse -Children -Parents -Grandparents -Siblings |
Residency Requirements | Five day in first 5 years of obtaining citizenship | None | None | None | None |
Estimated Caribbean passport cost for a single applicant and family of four
Here is an example of the estimated Caribbean dual citizenship cost of each program for a single applicant and a family of four, including government fees. The example includes a principal applicant, a spouse, and two children aged 9 and 17.
Single Applicant | |||||
Cost | Antigua and Barbuda | Dominica | Grenada | St Kitts and Nevis | St Lucia |
Investment Requirement | $230,000 | $200,000 | $235,000 | $250,000 | $240,000 |
Processing/Application Fee | $10,000 | $1,000 | $3,000 | $250 | $2,000 |
Due Diligence Fee | $8,500 | $7,500 | $7,500 | $10,000 | $8,000 |
Interview Fee | $1,500 | $1,000 | $1,000 | – | – |
Passport Fee | $300 | – | – | $350 | $500 |
Total | $250,300 | $209,500 | $246,500 | $260,600 | $250,500 |
Family of Four | |||||
Cost | Antigua and Barbuda | Dominica | Grenada | St Kitts and Nevis | St Lucia |
Investment Requirement | $230,000 | $250,000 | $235,000 | $250,000 | $240,000 |
Processing/Application Fee | $20,000 | $4,000 | $10,000 | $1,000 | $5,000 |
Due Diligence Fee | $15,500 | $15,500 | $22,500 | $25,000 | $18,000 |
Interview Fee | $4,500 | $3,000 | $3,000 | – | – |
Passport Fee | $1,200 | – | – | $1,400 | $2,000 |
Total | $271,200 | $272,500 | $270,500 | $277,400 | $265,000 |
Caribbean Citizenship and Investment Properties
Purchasing real estate is a lucrative option to qualify for Caribbean citizenship by investment. All five Caribbean citizenship programs offer the option to purchase approved real estate.
Eligibility for this route generally requires foreign nationals to invest in shares of government-approved real projects with a minimum purchase price.
The government must approve real estate comprising units or suites in tourism-focused projects. The real estate purchase contracts are signed upfront, but validity is contingent upon the application’s approval, meaning the funds transfer is not required until after the investor’s application has received pre-approval.
Here is an outline of approved property investment thresholds to get Caribbean citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda
Real estate investment worth at least $300,000
Dominica
Real estate investment worth at least $200,000
Grenada
- Joint real estate investment worth at least $270,000
- Solo real estate investment valued at least $350,000
St Kitts and Nevis
- Investment in real estate shares or a condominium unit worth at least $325,000
- Solo private home purchase worth at least $600,000
St Lucia
Real estate investment worth at least $300,000
A consistent requirement to maintain citizenship in Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and St Lucia is that investment properties must be held for at least five years before resold. St and Nevis has a minimum holding period of seven years.
Obtaining a Caribbean Passport
While the process of getting a Caribbean passport varies based on the specific citizenship program, generally, all five Caribbean states require the following:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Prove a legitimate source of funds
- Pass a strict background check
- Be in good health and have a good character
- Make a qualifying investment
- Swear an oath of allegiance
Caribbean CBI Application Process
All applicants must submit their Caribbean citizenship applications through a licensed agent approved by the Citizenship by Investment Unit of the the country.
- Choose your investment country: Decide which Caribbean nation and investment program best aligns with your objectives.
- Choose your investment option: Determine which option is most appropriate for you and your financial goals.
- Select an Authorized Agent: From the CIU’s list of licensed Authorized Agents, pick one to submit your citizenship application.
- Complete all application forms: Complete all the citizenship forms and necessary papers as provided by your Authorized Agent.
- Submit your application: Your dedicated Authorized Agent will submit the citizenship application to the CIU on your behalf.
- Take the citizenship interview: As part of the CBI process, you must take the mandatory Caribbean citizenship interview, which can be done remotely.
- Receive CIU approval: You will receive a confirmation letter with the status ‘Approved in Principle.’
- Make your investment: Fulfill the investment requirement and send proof to the CIU.
- Become a citizen: Take the oath of allegiance in the country or at an Embassy, High Commission, or Consular Office overseas, and become a Caribbean citizen.
Caribbean Passport Power Ranking Comparison
When assessing Caribbean citizenship programs, foreign nationals often come across “Passport Power Rankings” from various international indexes, including the Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index. These rankings of nations and their passports are predominantly based on their travel freedom, measured by visa free, visa on arrival, eVisa, and eTA access to foreign jurisdictions.
Should the number of visa free destinations factor into your decision to acquire a Caribbean passport, this table summarizes each Caribbean passport’s strengths.
Country | No. of Visa Free Countries | GPI Ranking | Key Visa Free Countries |
Antigua and Barbuda | 151 | 51st | Schengen zone, UK, Ireland, Russia, China, Singapore, Qatar, South Africa |
Dominica | 135 | 76th | Schengen zone, Russia, China, Singapore, Thailand |
Grenada | 148 | 71st | Schengen zone, UK, Ireland, Russia, China, Singapore, Saudi Arabia |
St Kitts and Nevis | 154 | 45th | Schengen zone, UK, Ireland, Russia, Taiwan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia |
St Lucia | 148 | 70th | Schengen zone, Singapore, UK, Ireland, Taiwan |
Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?
- Global approach by local experts. We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean citizenship programs.
- 100 percent approval rate. We have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial free-of-charge due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
- Independent service and full transparency. We will present to you all the investment options available, and all expenses will be discussed in advance, with no hidden fees.
- An all-encompassing solution. A multidisciplinary team of immigration lawyers, investment specialists, and tax experts will take into consideration all your and your family's mobility, tax, and lifestyle needs.
- Confidential service and secure data management. All private data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
Get in touch with a Caribbean Citizenship by Investment specialist
Frequently Asked Questions about Caribbean Citizenship Programs
Five Caribbean nations offer citizenship by investment programs, but determining the best Caribbean citizenship program will ultimately depend on the applicant‘s individual needs and goals. However, arguably, the Dominica citizenship by investment program may be the best among Caribbean citizenship programs because it combines international reputation, low investment threshold, and a short timeline to receiving a second passport.
Dominica and Antigua citizenship are the cheapest dual citizenship programs. The cheapest investment option for a single applicant to obtain citizenship in the Caribbean islands is $200,000 in Dominica. Antigua also the cheapest overall citizenship by investment program for families when accounting for applicable due diligence and administration fees.
The easiest Caribbean passport to get varies based on individual circumstances and the specific requirements of each Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Unit. Generally, Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica Caribbean citizenship programs have lower investment thresholds, making them potentially more accessible. St Lucia has become one of the easiest Caribbean countries to get citizenship as its citizenship program has been simplified, now requiring fewer documents during the application process.
St Kitts and Nevis’s citizenship by investment program has the fastest Caribbean citizenship by investment processing times, taking four to six months for completion.
According to the Global Passport Index, the best Caribbean passport by investment among the five Caribbean Golden Visa countries is St Kitts and Nevis, which ranks 53rd, followed by Antigua and Barbuda at 59th.
Between 2023 and 2024, Caribbean citizenship by investment programs have experienced significant modifications and reforms. A significant amendment includes an enhanced due diligence process through mandatory remote interviews to ensure thorough vetting of applicants and maintain program integrity.
Furthermore, the five Caribbean nations with citizenship programs—Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis—signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU seeks to dispel the perception of Caribbean countries selling citizenship and improve the integrity of all programs by establishing the first standardized framework for regulating Caribbean economic citizenship, including minimum investment thresholds.
Due diligence and background check processes across Caribbean citizenship programs generally comprise a uniform approach involving thorough assessments of applicants’ personal, financial, and criminal histories. The due diligence process will include a mandatory interview; however, all five nations allow the interview to be conducted virtually.
An imminent milestone in Caribbean CBI programs, resulting from the recent endorsement of the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), involves the implementation of standardized regulations across all Caribbean programs operated by Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis.
The five nations have committed to joint efforts encompassing pricing, transparency, due diligence, and regulation of authorized agents.
The Bahamas offers the highest-ranking Caribbean passport, offering visa free access to 154 countries. Of the five countries offering a Caribbean Golden Visa (citizenship by investment), St Kitts and Nevis has the most valuable passport.
Five countries in the Caribbean community offer foreign nationals the opportunity to obtain Caribbean nationality through a direct investment, including:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominica
- Grenada
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
Some common untruths about Caribbean citizenship by investment programs include the following:
1. Investors can apply directly with the government.
An Authorized Agent must submit all citizenship applications for Caribbean CBI programs on the investor’s behalf.
2. Successful applicants must live in the country to obtain citizenship.
There are no minimum residency requirements to obtain Caribbean citizenship by investment.
3. Caribbean CBI programs are a security risk.
The governments of Caribbean countries offering CBI programs take security seriously, continually enforcing measures aligning with governing bodies’ requirements to ensure the safety of their citizens and maintain their programs’ integrity.
4. Citizenship by investment in Caribbean countries is exclusively designed for affluent individuals.
Caribbean programs are designed to attract individuals with differing financial backgrounds, provided they can contribute significantly to sustainable economic growth.
5. You acquire Caribbean ethnicity
The Caribbean does not have a singular race, ethnicity, or nationality. Obtaining citizenship in one of the Caribbean islands means you gain the nationality of a specific Caribbean country.
6. Successful applicants have limited citizenship rights
Successful applicants of Caribbean citizenship programs enjoy the same citizenship rights as natural-born citizens, including the right to vote, hold public office, obtain a Caribbean passport, and pass citizenship down to future generations.
Caribbean Golden Passports are obtained by investing in one of five Caribbean CBI countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. These investment citizenship programs allow foreign nationals to contribute to their economies by donating a government fund or buying approved real estate, obtaining a Golden Passport in return. The phrase “Golden Passport” refers to the advantages that come with it, including increased global mobility, financial opportunities, and diplomatic security.
A Caribbean golden passport has become increasingly popular as it provides visa free, visa on arrival, and eVisa access to key destinations worldwide, including the EU’s Schengen Area, the UK, China, Russia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong. Additionally, Caribbean Golden Passport Holders enjoy favorable taxes, including no global income tax, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance taxes.
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