Whether you’re looking to retire in the Caribbean, own a second home in paradise, start a profitable business, or simply own a second passport without the commitment of living in the Caribbean, look no further. St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Kitts and Nevis all offer citizenship by investment. While the programs are relatively similar, there are key differences, which is precisely why we’ve developed this Caribbean citizenship by investment guide, so you can choose the most suitable investment program for yourself and your family.
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Comparison
If you’re seeking a second citizenship and peaceful abode to retreat to, be it for holidays, retirement, or residency, then consider the Caribbean.
There are currently five Caribbean citizenship by investment programs in operation, offering lucrative incentives to investors looking to diversify their assets and protect their wealth. When thinking about which Caribbean citizenship by investment to pick, consider factors like timeline to acquiring a passport, best value for your money, visa-free travel, and investor requirements.
St. Kitts and Nevis: Quickest path to Caribbean citizenship
St. Kitts and Nevis by far offers the quickest route to Caribbean citizenship. Its special fast-track application option enables investors to obtain a St. Kitts and Nevis passport within 45-60 days. No other Caribbean country offers such an excellent expedited feature in their program.
In addition to getting a St. Kitts and Nevis passport quickly, you can count on this island nation for its:
- An abundance of sun and mesmerizing beaches
- Fast-growing economy
- Platinum standard reputation in the global marketplace of citizenship by investment programs
- Quality offshore banking and a range of insurance services in a tax-friendly environment
- Guarantee of financial privacy for offshore businesses
Antigua and Barbuda: Best value for families
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment offers the best Caribbean Citizenship for large families, ad the best value for a family of four. The main applicant that applies with a spouse and two children must donate at least $100,000 to the National Development Fund to acquire Antigua and Barbuda passports. This equates to $25,000 per family member, not a bad deal if you ask us.
Larger families, with 6 or more members, can obtain citizenship by making a donation of $150,000 to the University of West Indies Fund, and also entitles one member of the family to a one year, tuition only, scholarship at the University of the West Indies.
Why Antigua and Barbuda?
- Unlock visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the UK and the European Union
- The application and approval process takes around 90 days
- Stable democracy with a British parliamentary system
- Dual citizenship is recognized, lifetime citizenship is protected
- Outstanding lifestyle in the tropics with year-round sunshine
Dominica: four times named the best citizenship by investment program in the world
For the fourth year in a row in 2022, Dominica citizenship by investment program was ranked first by the CBI Index — the most prestigious study of citizenship by investment programs in the world.
What makes Dominica’s citizenship program so attractive?
- A minimum donation of $100,000 in Dominica’s Economic Diversification Fund will get you a Dominica passport
- You can also choose to invest $200,000 in pre-approved real estate, granting you a passport and a second home in the tropics
- There are no stay requirements
- The whole family is eligible to apply
Grenada: A route to the USA
Do you have a desire to live and work in the US? Acquiring Grenadian citizenship is a viable first step toward securing your goal. In fact, Grenada is the only Caribbean citizenship by investment program which holds an E-2 Visa Treaty with the USA. What this means is, if you hold a Grenadian passport, you can apply for a US non-immigrant visa and take this opportunity to relocate your family to the USA.
Grenada’s an excellent option if you:
- Want to relocate to the USA
- Want visa-free access to China
- Want your family to benefit from the program too — you can include a spouse, children under 30, unmarried siblings aged 18 and over, parents and grandparents of the main applicant, and spouse
- Prefer to own a passport without the commitment of living in Grenada — there’s no minimum stay requirement
St Lucia: Diverse investment options available
St Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program has a competitive edge over its Caribbean rivalries purely in terms of the breadth of investment options on the table.
Pick from four investment routes to citizenship:
- Make a real estate investment of at least $300,000 from an approved real estate development. The property must be held for at least 5 years
- Partake in an approved enterprise project with a minimum contribution of $3.5 million, plus the generation of no less than three fixed jobs
- A donation of $100,000 to the National Economic Fund
- Invest in non-interest bearing government bonds, which must be held for five years. This must be valued at $500,000. Note, this amount can be reduced to $250,000 if applying under the COVID-19 Relief Bond available until 31 December 2022
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Comparison Table
Caribbean citizenship by investment programs are very attractive and cost-effective, with minimum investment requirements and excellent visa-free travel and tax benefits.
These programs are only getting more popular, particularly among high net worth families and individuals, and it’s easy to see why. Citizenship by investment enables you to live or own a second home in an exotic country, while still pulling income on the side. What’s not to like about that?
| Country | Investment cost [single applicant] | Investment cost [family of 4] | Family eligibility | Time until Citizenship | Visa-free travel countries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Antigua and Barbuda | $100,000 | $100,000 | Spouse, children, dependent parents, grandparents and siblings | 3-4 months | Over 140 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia |
 St. Lucia | $100,000 | $150,000 | Spouse, children, dependent parents and siblings | 3-4 months | Over 140 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong |
 Dominica | $100,000 | $175,000 | Spouse, children, dependent parents, grandparents | 2-3 months | Over 140 countries including EU,UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Russia |
 St. Kitts and Nevis | $150,000 | $195,000 | Spouse, children, dependent parents, grandparents and siblings | 3 months or 45-60 days if fast-track application (extra fee) | Over 140 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia |
 Grenada | $150,000 | $200,000 | Spouse, children, dependent parents, grandparents and siblings | 3- 4 months | Over 140 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Russia |
Caribbean Citizenship Benefits
There are plenty of Caribbean citizenship benefits, making for a convincing case to apply for one of the Caribbean’s five citizenship by investment programs.
Top Five Caribbean Citizenship Benefits Include:
No taxation on international income, no wealth, inheritance, gift or capital gains tax
Little to no residency requirement, meaning you don’t need to relocate
Attractive investment opportunities in the bustling tourism sector
Turquoise blue waters offering an idyllic lifestyle under the sun
Visa-free travel to over 140 destinations
How to get a Caribbean passport?
While how to get a Caribbean passport depends on what citizenship by investment program you apply for, generally speaking, all five Caribbean nations request the following:
- You must prove you have the capital to make the investment
- You must pass a detailed background check
- Be in good health and have a good character
- You must make the qualifying investment and prove you’ve made it with the necessary paperwork
- You must swear an oath of allegiance
Pick a Caribbean Citizenship Program That Suits You Best
Depending on your personal needs, requirements, and family situation, Global Citizen Solutions can consult you on the most suitable program. There are a myriad of choices; every Caribbean passport has its own advantage. Choose what’s most important to you, and we’ll help guide you onto a successful path toward citizenship.
Don’t forget to check our other Caribbean comparison articles:
- St Lucia vs Dominica Citizenship
- St Kitts and Nevis vs Dominica Passport
- Grenada vs St Kitts Citizenship
- Grenada vs St Lucia Citizenship
- St Kitts vs St Lucia Citizenship
- Grenada vs Dominica Citizenship
- Antigua vs St Lucia Citizenship
- Antigua vs St Kitts Citizenship
- Antigua vs Dominica Citizenship
- Antigua vs Grenada Citizenship
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the best Caribbean citizenship to acquire?
While the best Caribbean country CBI program depends on your individual needs and objectives, generally speaking, Dominica offers the best citizenship program in terms of its low investment threshold, timeline to a passport, and high-standing international reputation.
St Lucia vs Dominica passport: what’s better?
When comparing the merits of a St Lucia vs Dominica passport, St Lucia ranks 75th in the Global Passport Index, whereas Dominica ranks 78th. Both passports give visa free access to over 140 countries including the EU, the UK, Hong Kong and Singapore. Dominica passport holders, however, can also travel visa-free to China and Russia. If opting make a real estate investment, Dominica citizenship is the most affordable option, with the required minimum investment at $200,000, while in St Lucia it’s $300,000.
St Kitts and Nevis vs Dominica passport: what’s better?
When comparing the St Kitts and Nevis vs Dominica passport, St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment is more expensive than Dominica’s passport program.
How to get a Caribbean passport?
How to get a Caribbean passport depends on the investment program you pick. Generally speaking though, you must prove you have the necessary funds to make the respective investment, you must pass a detailed background check, be in good health and of good character, as well as make the qualifying investment and prove you’ve made with the required documentation.
What Caribbean citizenship by investment countries exist?
At present, the Caribbean countries that have citizenship by investment programs are St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, and St Kitts and Nevis. You and your family members can obtain Caribbean citizenship by making an investment in the country of your choice.
What’s the best Caribbean passport in terms of global ranking?
St Kitts and Nevis passport ranks 55th in mobility in the Global Passport Index, the highest position of the five Citizenship by Investment programs in the Caribbean. But all five passports – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia – provide excellent global mobility, with visa-free access to over 140 countries including the EU, the UK, Singapore and Hong Kong.
What is the easiest Caribbean island to get citizenship?
The main requirements for applying for one of the five Caribbean citizenship by investment programs – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia – are:
- Be over 18 years old
- Have no criminal record
- Make an investment on the country, starting at $100,000 or $150,000 depending on the program
Is there a Caribbean passport ranking 2022?
According to the CBI Index report of 2022, Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis share the first position as the Best CBI programs of the year. Right after them are, in order: St Lucia, Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda. Considering the five Caribbean passport countries occupy the leading places in the global ranking, we can assure you that applying for any of these Caribbean passports is a sound decision.
