There are just five Caribbean countries that provide citizenship through investment: Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. To obtain Caribbean citizenship and a passport, you can either make a donation or invest in real estate, with costs starting from $100,000.
Whether you’re looking to retire by the beach, own a second home in paradise, start a profitable business, or simply own a second passport without the commitment of living abroad, look no further. Caribbean countries offer citizenship with all these advantages and more. 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 Caribbean nationality for yourself and your family.
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Comparison
If you’re seeking a second citizenship and a peaceful abode to retreat to, be it for holidays, retirement, or residency, then consider the Caribbean. Caribbean countries make excellent plan B options thanks to their favorable Caribbean tax environments, promising business opportunities, profitable real estate, and laidback lifestyles.
A common question asked by many is, Can I buy Caribbean citizenship? or Can I buy a Caribbean passport? While it is not possible to buy a passport – Caribbean or otherwise – various countries offer citizenship programs that provide foreign investors with routes to obtaining citizenship in exchange for direct investment into the country’s economy. These routes typically include a real estate purchase, investment in a government fund, purchasing government bonds, or making a business investment. Once you satisfy the requirements and make the minimum investment, you will be granted citizenship and be able to enjoy the benefits of your new passport.
There are currently five Caribbean citizenship by investment programs in operation, offering lucrative incentives and relatively affordable investments to investors looking to diversify their assets and protect their wealth. The Caribbean citizenship by investment unit of each Caribbean country conducts thorough due diligence checks to ensure each CBI application meets the necessary requirements. When thinking about which Caribbean citizenship by investment to pick, consider factors like the timeline to acquiring a passport, the best value for your money, Caribbean passport visa-free countries, and investor requirements.
Caribbean Citizenship Benefits
No worldwide income taxes, including corporate international income, nor 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
St Kitts and Nevis: The longest-running CBI program
St Kitts and Nevis offers the longest-running Caribbean citizenship program, having launched in 1984. Investors will have their submissions processed and receive their approval letters within 120 days. Investment options are a non-refundable contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC), a real estate investment, or the Public Benefit Option.
In addition to getting a St Kitts and Nevis passport through an established investment program, 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
- No foreign income tax to reduce tax obligations
- Guarantee of financial privacy for offshore businesses
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Antigua and Barbuda: The best value for families
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
offers the best Caribbean Citizenship for large families and the best value for a family of four. The main applicant who applies with a financially dependent 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, which is not a bad deal if you ask us.
Larger families with six 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, and 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’s 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 and country in the Caribbean region that holds an E-2 Visa Treaty with the USA. What this means is that 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 is 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, dependent 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
Take a look at our Grenada Citizenship Ultimate Guide by local experts
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 $200,000 from an government-approved real estate development. The property must be held for at least five years.
- Partake in an approved enterprise project with a minimum contribution of $1 million in a project worth at least $6 million.
- A donation of $100,000 to the National Economic Fund.
- Purchase government bonds worth at least $300,00, which must be held for five years.
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Comparison Table
Caribbean citizenship by investment programs – sometimes referred to as Caribbean golden visa or economic citizenship 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. The investment route to Caribbean nationality enables you to live or own a second home in an exotic Caribbean nation in the West Indies while still earning 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, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Russia |
 St. Kitts and Nevis | $250,000 | $350,000 | Spouse, children, and, dependent parents | 4 months | 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 |
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
Why use Global Citizen Solutions?
Global Citizen Solutions is a multidisciplinary firm offering bespoke residence and citizenship solutions in Europe and the Caribbean. In a world where the economy and politics are unpredictable, having a second citizenship opens up opportunities and creates flexibility for you and your family.
So, why work with Global Citizen Solutions to obtain Caribbean citizenship?
- Global approach by local experts: We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean CBI 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.
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 About Caribbean Citizenship Programs
What is the best Caribbean citizenship to acquire in 2024?
While the best Caribbean countries offering citizenship by investment in the Caribbean community 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: Which is 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 Caribbean passports give visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the EU, Hong Kong, and Singapore. A Dominica Caribbean passport holder, however, can also travel visa-free to China and Russia. If you opt for the Caribbean real estate investment, both CBI programs require a minimum investment of $200,000 in addition to government fees.
St Kitts and Nevis vs Dominica passport: Which is better?
When comparing the St Kitts and Nevis passport 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, you must prove you have the necessary funds to make the respective investment, pass a detailed background check, and be in good health and of good character. Once you have made the required investment you must send proof that you have made it to the Citizenship by Investment Unit with the required documentation.
What Caribbean citizenship by investment countries exist?
At present, the Caribbean nations 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 become Caribbean citizens by making an investment in the country of your choice.
What’s the best Caribbean passport in terms of global ranking?
The 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 passport – provide Caribbean people with excellent global mobility, including visa free access to over 140 countries such as the EU, the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
What is the easiest Caribbean island to get citizenship in 2024?
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 a clean criminal record
- Make an investment in the country, starting at $100,000 or $250,000 depending on the program
Recent modifications to the St Lucia citizenship by investment program offers a more streamlined application process, making St Lucia citizenship potentially the most accessible to become a Caribbean citizen. These changes have notably reduced the required documentation from eight to four, simplifying the application procedure.
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 CBI ranking, we can assure you that applying for any of these Caribbean passports is a sound decision.
Are there any variations in the application process or requirements among the Caribbean programs?
The Caribbean citizenship programs generally follow the same application process: Applicants must gather the required documents and have an Authorized Agent submit their application on their behalf; the country’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) will assess the application and issue an ‘approved in principle’ letter to approved applicants, and the required minimum contribution amounts must be paid. As part of their due diligence processes, Dominica, Grenada, and St Kitts and Nevis require the main applicants and dependents (16 and older for Dominica and St Kitts, 17 and older for Grenada) to partake in mandatory interviews.
Can I maintain dual citizenship if I acquire Caribbean citizenship through investment?
Yes, all of the Caribbean countries offering a CBI program recognize dual citizenship. They have no requirements for applicants to give up their first citizenship to obtain Caribbean nationality and a Caribbean passport. It is important to check whether the country you hold citizenship of has any rules regarding obtaining a second citizenship.
What is the Caribbean passport price?
The cost of acquiring a second passport in the Caribbean varies depending on the CBI program and investment option you choose. For example, a single applicant to Dominica’s program will pay less than $110,000 when donating to the Economic Diversification Fund, while a family of six or more will need to contribute at least $150,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund.
What are common misconceptions about Caribbean citizenship by investment programs?
Some common misconceptions about Caribbean citizenship by investment programs include the following:
- Investors can submit independent citizenship by investment applications.
All applications for Caribbean CBI programs must be submitted through a licensed Authorized Agent.
- Successful applicants must reside in the country to obtain Caribbean citizenship.
There are no residency requirements to qualify for Caribbean nationality programs.
- Caribbean CBI programs lack security.
Caribbean governments offering citizenship by investment take security seriously, continuously implementing measures aligning with requirements from governing bodies like the US Treasury and OECD to ensure the safety of their citizens and maintain their program’s integrity. This is proven by the recent signing of the Caribbean citizenship Memorandum of Understanding between the leaders of the countries offering the five Caribbean citizenship programs.
- Citizenship by investment in the Caribbean is exclusively designed for wealthy individuals.
Caribbean programs are designed to attract individuals with varying financial backgrounds, providing routes such as property investment with the option to earn rental income.
- You obtain Caribbean ethnicity
There is no singular Caribbean race, ethnicity, or nationality. Upon acquiring citizenship in one of the Caribbean islands, individuals gain the nationality of a specific Caribbean country.
