The five Caribbean nations offering citizenship by investment – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia – have announced significant amendments to their programs over the last year. The alterations include a compulsory interview for Caribbean CBI programs, a more refined due diligence procedure, and revisions to their fee structures.
This article will analyze these modifications and evaluate their implications for the Caribbean economic citizenship landscape.
Program Antigua & Barbuda Dominica Grenada St Kitts & Nevis St Lucia Mandatory Interview Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Interview Fee (USD) $1,500 per application $1,000 per person aged 16 and above $1,000 per person Included in due diligence fees Included in the main applicant due diligence fee
Interview Format Virtual Virtual Virtual (automated) In-person or virtual In-person or virtual
Age requirement 16 and above 16 and above 17 and above N/A Main applicant only Due diligence fee (USD) N/A N/A N/A $10,000 for main applicant, $7,500 for dependents aged 16 and over $8,000 (main applicant)
Interview Language Options N/A Multiple options Multiple options N/A N/A
Extra Information Post-due diligence process Separate conditions for Iranian citizens N/A Independent firm conducts interviews N/A
Citizenship by Investment Interview Changes by Country
Antigua and Barbuda
Effective 15 December 2023, applicants of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program and dependents aged 16 and above must undergo mandatory virtual interviews to fulfill the due diligence process. There is a $1,500 fee per application.
Dominica
Applicants and dependents aged 16 and above must undergo mandatory interviews conducted virtually to fulfill the due diligence process. There is a $1,000 fee per applicant.
Applicants must attend the interview without the presence of a licensed agent or promoter and ensure identification and supporting documents are readily available.
Grenada
Effective 4 September 2023, applicants of the Grenada citizenship program aged 17 and older must undergo mandatory interviews. There is a $1,000 fee per family member. The mandatory interview is conducted virtually; applicants can choose their preferred language. The interview is virtual, and the process is automated, with instructions provided via email.
Take a look at our comparison between St Kitts vs Dominica Citizenship by Investment
St Kitts and Nevis
There is a mandatory interview requirement by the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) for applicants aged 16 and above. The mandatory interview cost is included in the due diligence fee, adjusted to $10,000 for the main applicant and $7,500 for dependents aged 16 and above.
St Kitts and Nevis allows virtual or in-person interviews conducted by the CIU or an independent professional firm appointed by the CIU.
St Lucia
Effective 4 September 2023, the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit requires main applicants to undergo mandatory interviews as part of the CBI program’s due diligence process. The due diligence fee includes the interview fee, which has increased to $8,000. The main applicant and family members can complete the interview virtually or in person.
What the Enhanced Interview Process Means for Caribbean CBI Programs
These new mandatory interview requirements and adjustments signify significant progression in Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI), highlighting the paramount importance of enhanced security and due diligence processes before granting Caribbean citizenship.
These revisions play a crucial role in solidifying the reputation and trustworthiness of Caribbean programs on the global stage, upholding stringent standards, and securing their ongoing existence.
The commitment to excellence by each country’s Citizenship by Investment Unit benefits Caribbean countries offering citizenship by investment programs. It provides greater assurance and value to the applicants and their family members, who benefit from the security of CBI programs and continued cooperation between these nations in the Caribbean region and others worldwide.
Applicants must be prepared for the new mandatory interview requirements, extra due diligence processes, and due diligence fees when considering Caribbean citizenship programs.
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Get in touch with a Caribbean Citizenship by Investment specialist
Frequently Asked Questions about Caribbean Citizenship by Investment New Interview Requirements
Applicants must submit their identity documents and supporting documents in mandatory interviews to obtain second citizenship by investment. The documents will vary depending on the investment program they are applying to.
Caribbean countries are introducing mandatory interviews for Caribbean CBI programs to minimize risks and enhance due diligence processes, validating provided information, promptly rectifying any missing information, and opening an honest communication line between applicants and government authorities.
Authorized agents cannot attend personal interviews with applicants. You must prepare your ID and supporting documents beforehand. Additionally, you can prepare the following information that is likely to be discussed during the interview:
- Verify identification and familial ties
- Ensure financial documents provided align with the Caribbean nation’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards
- Background and criminal history
- Family members’ financial dependence on the main applicant or spouse
- Travel history
- Reason for applying for citizenship
The questions asked in Antigua and Dominica CBI interviews or any other program will differ. Typically, expect to be asked about your motivations for obtaining citizenship and details of your investment plans for eligible investment options, as well as questions to assess your understanding of the program’s terms and conditions, your source of income and funding, and your personal and professional background.
Each citizenship unit has policies regarding the interview process, but you should generally be able to reapply after a certain period. You may be required to present additional supporting documentation.
While there are language and cultural differences between the five Caribbean countries, mandatory interviews for Caribbean citizenship by investment programs do not have language requirements. Foreign nationals seeking dual citizenship can conduct the Caribbean immigration interview in their preferred interview language.
During a Caribbean citizenship interview, applicants undergo a series of inquiries and evaluations by a designated government official who will ask about the applicant’s background, personal history, reasons for seeking citizenship, and understanding of the country’s laws, values, and culture. It should be noted that all citizenship interviews are unique and each Caribbean country will have its own specific procedures and requirements for conducting the interview.
