The idea of obtaining Caribbean citizenship in one of five Caribbean countries offering a citizenship by investment program (CBI), including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia, has become increasingly appealing among Americans and foreign investors worldwide.
Amid growing instability and declining citizen-friendly policies in various countries, more individuals are turning to Caribbean jurisdictions and obtaining a Caribbean passport as a plan B against political turbulence, government constraints, and economic unpredictability.
Besides the security of obtaining second citizenship in one of the five Caribbean countries with CBI programs, the growing appeal of Caribbean passports stems from their enhanced visa free access. Five Caribbean countries offer citizenship to foreign investors, and citizens of each of these nations in the Caribbean community can travel to more than 140 visa free countries.
Although only five countries offer citizenship and a Caribbean passport by investment, foreign investors, from high-net-worth individuals to retirees, can choose from affordable investment options to qualify, including purchasing Caribbean real estate or making a non-refundable contribution to a government fund.
Caribbean Passport Visa Free Countries
If your objective is to enhance your travel freedom, a Caribbean passport is a valuable asset. By becoming a Caribbean citizen, you gain visa free access to over 140 countries and overseas territories. Caribbean passport holders from Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis can travel visa free to over 150 destinations worldwide.
Visa free destinations for Caribbean citizens include South Korea, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area. St Kitts and Nevis citizenship offers the most visa free privileges, with easy access to 154 countries, whereas Grenada passport holders have visa free access to China.
The Caribbean community is asserting its influence on the global stage, which is evident in the recent addition of China to the list of countries offering visa-free travel for Antigua and Barbuda passport holders.
An added advantage of becoming a Caribbean passport holder is free movement between Caribbean islands. Citizens of members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) can travel with their national ID card to other member states, which include the following countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominica
- Grenada
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
Additionally, a CARICOM passport from one of the 16 CARICOM nations facilitates ease of doing business across member states and allows CARICOM passport holders possessing a CARICOM Certificate of Skills to live in any member state indefinitely.
Why obtain Caribbean citizenship?
- The flexibility of dual citizenship and a Plan B: A second passport from a Caribbean nation is a safety net that acts as a backup plan should the vagaries of life, politics, and the global economy create instability in your home country’s economy. Caribbean citizenship provides political and economic stability for you, your family, and future generations.
- Visa free travel: A Caribbean passport provides enhanced global mobility with visa free access to over 140 countries. Destinations Caribbean passport holders can travel visa free to include China, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, the UK, Ireland, and Europe’s Schengen Area. Other benefits of passports provided by Caribbean citizenship by investment countries include passport-free travel to other Caribbean countries.
- Diversify your assets: The primary of Caribbean citizenship by investment is second citizenship and a Caribbean passport. Additionally, the investment facilitates asset diversification by providing opportunities for diverse business ventures and investments, such as Caribbean real estate investment, tourism, and other lucrative business investments with growing potential in the Caribbean. A Caribbean citizenship program provides financial security.
- Optimize taxes: All five Caribbean citizenship by investment countries are tax-friendly, allowing residents to optimize their taxes. The tax benefits include no worldwide income taxes or wealth, inheritance, or capital gains tax. Countries like St Kitts do not charge personal income tax.
- Capitalize on Caribbean real estate and tourism: Each of the five Caribbean islands offering Caribbean passport by investment programs presents an option to buy property in the Caribbean to qualify for Caribbean citizenship. These properties predominantly consist of pre-approved tourist accommodations located in prime tourist areas, providing a stable source of rental income.
- Optimal retirement planning: Retiring investors can obtain citizenship and live on a warm, picturesque Caribbean island with stable governance and a lower cost of living. All the countries offering citizenship by investment in the Caribbean provide daily direct flights to the US, with a flight time of just a few hours.
- Affordable and fast second passport: Compared to citizenship programs available in other continents, obtaining citizenship by investment in the Caribbean is one of the quickest and most affordable routes to gain a second passport. Caribbean citizenship by investment programs start with investments from $100,000, and Caribbean citizenship applications take as little as three to six months to process.
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
How to Obtain Caribbean Citizenship by Investment
In the past, a Caribbean passport may have been out of reach of anyone not connected to the islands by birth or marriage. However, with the advent of Caribbean citizenship by investment programs (also known as Caribbean passport by investment programs), a second passport from a Caribbean country is more easily attainable.
A passport or citizenship by investment scheme allows individuals and their families to acquire citizenship in exchange for financial investment into the country’s development. A Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Unit oversees CBI programs and requires foreign nationals to make one of several investments to qualify for a Caribbean country’s citizenship program. Available investment options typically include:
- Purchasing real estate
- Making a non-refundable contribution
- Establishing a local business
Certain Caribbean countries offer alternative investment options to qualify for citizenship; St Lucia provides the option to invest in the country’s infrastructure. Antigua and Barbuda has an option to donate to the University of the West Indies Fund.
Minimum investment amounts begin with donations of $100,000 or real estate purchases of $200,000 and above.
Caribbean citizenship eligibility requirements
To qualify for a Caribbean citizenship program, applicants must:
- Be over 18 years old
- Possess an eligible nationality
- Demonstrate outstanding character
- Be in good health
- Have a clean criminal record
- Pass a comprehensive background check
Caribbean Passport by Investment Program Comparison
The following table gives you an overview of essential factors when considering before acquiring a second passport from one of the five Caribbean countries offering citizenship by investment.
Country | Investment Requirement | Processing Time | Number of Visa Free Countries |
Antigua |
| Three to six months | 151 |
Dominica |
| Three to six months | 147 |
Grenada |
| Three to six months | 147 |
St Kitts |
| Four to six months | 154 |
St Lucia |
| Three to six months | 151 |
Take a Look at Our Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Guide
Antigua and Barbuda Passport
Unique benefits
- Antigua and Barbuda has the second strongest passport of the ‘Caribbean CBI Five’. Its holders can travel visa-free to over 150 countries. As a result, it currently ranks 59th in the Global Passport Index, which is determined based on factors such as quality of life and enhanced mobility.
- If you are concerned about individual tax liability, you need not worry. Antigua and Barbuda is known as a tax haven in the Caribbean. There is no personal income tax for citizens, residents, or non-residents since income tax was abolished in 2015. This decision by the government followed the establishment of the citizenship by investment program and was intended to make the country more attractive to prospective foreign investors.
Investment options
Investors may select one of four possible investment options:
- National Development Fund (NDF):
A non-refundable donation to the fund is used to finance government projects that support development in the island nation. The minimum qualifying investment for this option is $100,000 for a single applicant or family of four and $125,000 for a family of five or more. - Real estate investment:
Applicants may invest in shares of pre-approved resorts, guest villas, or other tourist accommodation projects. The minimum investment is $200,000 and investors are allowed to sell the property after five years. - University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund:
This option is exclusively for families of six or more. A minimum donation of $150,000 to the university fund also secures a one-year tuition scholarship for one family member to the University of the West Indies. - A local business investment:
The government has a list of approved enterprises in various sectors, including tourism and engineering, in which you can invest a minimum of $1,500,000 as a solo investor or $400,000 in a joint venture worth $5,000,000.
Dominica Passport
Unique benefits
- Dominica is one of a mere two Caribbean passports that come with visa-free travel to China in addition to its already impressive visa-free access to over 140 countries.
- It enjoys one of the lowest corporate tax rates among its CBI counterparts at 25 percent.
Investment options
Investors may select one of two available investment options:
- Economic Diversification Fund (EDF):
This non-refundable investment funds socio-economic development projects. The minimum donation starts at $100,000 for a single applicant and increases based on the number of family members in the application. - Real estate investment:
The second option is a minimum investment of $200,000 in government-approved real estate, which takes the form of shares in upscale tourist accommodations. Properties can only be resold after a minimum of three years. That retention period increases to five years if the buyer is applying for citizenship by investment.
Grenada Passport
Unique benefits
- A Grenada passport opens the door to eligibility for the US E-2 investor visa, which allows individuals to invest in and work for a business in the United States. This visa is only available to select countries and Grenada is the only such country in the Caribbean.
- Like Antigua and Dominica, Caribbean citizens from Grenada enjoy visa free access to China.
Investment options
- National Transformation Fund (NTF):
This is a non-refundable contribution to Grenada’s economic development and will be used to improve national infrastructure, healthcare, education, and tourism sectors. The minimum investment starts at $150,000 for a single applicant, becoming $200,000 for a family of four. - Real estate:
By investing a minimum of $200,000 in real estate approved by the government, you can secure your own shares in a resort, hotel, or guest villa, or invest $350,000 as the sole owner. The property can be resold in five years.
St Kitts and Nevis Passport
Unique benefits
- The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment takes the prize for offering strongest passport of Caribbean citizenship by investment countries, affording its citizens visa free travel to 154 countries and ranking 53rd in the Global Passport Index.
- Another Caribbean tax haven, St Kitts and Nevis hasn’t had personal income tax since it was removed in 1980. All personal income, whether earned locally or abroad, is exempt from tax.
Investment options
- Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC):
This non-refundable contribution is channeled into the country’s social and economic development in the areas of green energy, sustainability, food production, economic diversification, and social programs. The smallest investment amount is $250,000 for a single applicant.
- Real estate investment:
A minimum investment of $400,000 in luxury villas and resorts or the purchase of a single-family dwelling for at least $800,000. The house, condo, or resort can be resold only after seven years.
- Public Benefit Option (PBO):
As the name implies, this is an investment in government projects for public benefit, and the minimum donation is $250,000.
St Lucia Passport
Unique benefits
- St Lucia has the lowest consumption tax on goods and services, making it more attractive to those seeking to reside there. Value Added Tax (VAT) is fixed at 12.5 percent compared to higher rates of 15 or 17 percent in the other four islands. What this means is that the cost of living will generally be lower.
- The St Lucia government added a new investment option, allowing foreign nationals to invest $100,000 in the country’s infrastructure to qualify for a Caribbean passport.
- Besides introducing a new investment route, St Lucia’s program has been streamlined, allowing investors to complete the due diligence process by providing five key documents instead of the eight previously required.
Investment options
- National Economic Fund (NEF):
This government fund was established to sponsor development projects. Financial contributions are non-refundable and start with a minimum of $100,000 for a single applicant, increasing with the addition of family members.
- Real estate investment:
For those preferring a return on their investment, there is the option to purchase property. The property in question must have been previously approved by the government, and these are usually high-end tourist accommodations such as resorts or villas. Once purchased, the property must be held for at least five years before it can be sold.
- Enterprise investment:
Investing in a local business enterprise is another option that can provide a return on investment. These must fall into specific categories determined by the government. They are:
- Specialty restaurants
- Agro-processing plants
- Cruise ports and marinas
- Ports, bridges, roads and highways
- Pharmaceutical products
- Offshore universities
- Research institutions and facilities
- If you apply as a solo investor, the minimum investment is $3,500,000. If the investment is part of a joint venture, it must be worth $6,000,000, and your minimum investment should be $1,000,000. The new “Infrastructure Option” falls under enterprise investment and has a qualifying investment amount of just $100,000.
- Government bonds:
One of the more straightforward and popular investments is government bonds, which ensure full recovery of your initial outlay after five years. These National Action Government Bonds (NAB) are non-interest-bearing bonds, and your minimum bond investment is $300,000.
Cost Calculation Example for a Caribbean Citizenship Program
Besides the required investment, specific government fees are associated with applying for Caribbean citizenship by investment, including due diligence fees. The Caribbean passport cost may also require making additional donations when applying for family members. The table below breaks down examples of the cost to apply for St Kitts citizenship by investment.
Costs | Single Applicant | Applicant + Spouse | Family of Four (spouse + children under 18) | Family of Four + Additional Dependent Over 18 |
Minimum Donation | $250,00 | $300,00 | $350,00 | $425,00 |
Due Diligence Fee | $10,00 | $7,500 for each family member aged 16 or over |
| |
Application Form | $250 |
| ||
Passport Fee | $350 |
| ||
Total Cost | $260,60 | $318,70 | $377,40 | $460,00 |
Caribbean Passport by Investment - Step by Step
Step 1
Choose a Caribbean country and investment route
Step 2
Complete Caribbean citizen application forms
Step 3
Submit all documents using an authorized agent
Step 4
Receive Caribbean CBIU approval
Step 5
Make the investment and submit proof to the Caribbean CBI Unit
Step 6
Receive your second passport
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
Key Takeaways about the Caribbean Passport
The process of obtaining Caribbean citizenship by investment is meticulously designed to cater to individual needs. From single applicants to individuals applying for their whole family, each application is considered with utmost care, ensuring that the benefits of dual citizenship extend to additional family members, including a spouse and dependent Children.
Several Caribbean countries allow adult family members to apply for second citizenship, including the main applicant and spouse’s parents, grandparents, and even and even siblings.
Aspiring Caribbean citizens are often required to fulfill detailed background checks, proving their good character and financial standing. This is a principle adopted to protect the integrity of the Caribbean citizenship by investment program, ensuring that it remains the platinum standard in the realm of second citizenship.
The beauty of Caribbean citizenship lies in its ability to cater to different ways of life and aspirations. Whether it’s for the entrepreneur looking to expand their business horizons or a whole family seeking a safe haven with a high standard of living, the Caribbean offers a plethora of options.
The process, from application to obtaining citizenship, typically involves detailed paperwork and legal processes, but the outcome – a machine-readable passport with enhanced visa free access that opens a world of opportunities – is worth the effort.
Finally, Caribbean citizenship by investment programs are more than just a means to a second passport; they are a gateway to a life of freedom, opportunity, and financial prosperity. With each Caribbean island offering its unique charm and advantages, the choice ultimately boils down to personal preferences and investment goals. Whether it’s through a real estate purchase, making a contribution to government funds, or exploring the myriad of business opportunities, the Caribbean beckons with open arms and a promise of a brighter, more liberated future.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Caribbean Passport
The five passports available through Caribbean citizenship by investment programs belong to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia.
The easiest and fastest way to obtain a Caribbean passport is via a Caribbean citizenship by investment (CBI) program. It requires you to meet the eligibility requirements and then make a minimum qualifying investment to the country of your choice. In the Caribbean, CBI programs are offered by Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia.
Caribbean passports are popular because of the wide range of benefits they afford the holder, including visa free travel to over 140 countries, favorable taxation systems, and a fast, straightforward citizenship by investment process.
St Kitts and Nevis offers the best Caribbean citizenship by investment program for investors seeking the most powerful Caribbean passport. The country offers the strongest Caribbean passport, ranking 53rd in the Global Passport Index and providing visa free travel to 154 destinations.
Yes. A Caribbean passport can be quite beneficial to the holder, as Caribbean second citizenship gives visa free travel perks with access to over 140 countries, tax advantages, and provides a route to obtaining residency in the United States. The Caribbean passport price is also lower than other countries offering citizenship by investment, starting from a qualifying investment of $100,000.
Caribbean passport requirements don’t typically include a stay requirement. Of the five Caribbean citizenship by investment countries, only Antigua and Barbuda has a stay requirement to maintain dual citizenship. A one-time minimum five-day stay within the first five years of receiving your Caribbean passport is required in order to maintain citizenship.
