If you are a global citizen looking to improve your global mobility strategy and optimize your asset portfolio, you should definitely consider acquiring Caribbean citizenship by investment. In this article, we will find out the Caribbean citizenship benefits, the countries that offer Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs, and how Global Citizenship Solutions can help you to find the best Caribbean citizenship for you and your family.
A Caribbean Passport by Investment May Be a Great Option for You If:
- Your current passport allows for limited global mobility. With a Caribbean passport, you have visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the European Union, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and in some cases, Russia and China.
- You are planning to diversify your assets and looking for a place where you can enjoy a number of tax breaks, such as no income tax on worldwide income, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax.
- You want to invest in high-end tourist real estate and benefit from the thriving tourism industry in the Caribbean.
- You are looking for a Plan B for yourself and your family. A second citizenship offers alternatives in instances of global instability.
- You are making plans to retire in a peaceful, sunny paradise. As a Caribbean citizen, you and your family are allowed to live in any of the 15 member states of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).
- You are working towards building a passport portfolio. Caribbean countries recognize multiple citizenships, so you can keep your current nationality and later become a citizen of a third or even fourth country. Becoming a citizen of a European country, such as Portugal or Italy, usually takes years, while a Caribbean passport can be in your hands in less than six months, making it the perfect medium-term alternative and the complement to a global mobility strategy.
What is Citizenship by Investment?
Citizenship by investment programs, also sometimes referred to as economic citizenship or golden visa programs, offer foreign investors the opportunity to receive citizenship of a country in exchange for a contribution to the nation’s development, usually in the form of either a donation to fund government projects or real estate investment.
Some countries offer additional investment routes such as government bonds, contributions to educational institutions, or the creation of business enterprises. Citizenship can be extended to family members and is valid for life, passing down to future generations.
During the application, all documentation provided will go through the due diligence process. This is a vital step in a CBI application, as it means the documents and information will be checked to confirm the identity, financial profile, and security profile of the applicant, as well as all family members aged 16 or over. A solid due diligence process is crucial to guarantee the credibility (and longevity) of a citizenship by investment program.
In the Caribbean region, there are five countries that offer Citizenship by Investment programs, they are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. The five programs have many characteristics in common, such as flexible requirements, short processing time (usually between three to six months), and the possibility of including all the family in the application.
All programs offer two main investment options: to donate to a national fund that supports social initiatives, starting at $100,000 for a single investor; or to purchase real estate that has been pre-approved by the government, with a minimum investment of $200,000. Some specific countries may offer additional investment options, such as buying government funds or business investment.
The right program for each investor depends on the priorities and circumstances of the applicant and their family.
Caribbean Passport Benefits
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is located between the Caribbean sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Tourism represents most of Antigua and Barbuda’s GDP, which is not surprising for such a stunning place with 365 beaches – one for each day of the year.
The country’s citizenship by investment program was created in 2012, offering foreign investors the chance to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment in the country. Foreign investors can choose one of the following options:
- Donation of at least $100,000 to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund
- Purchase of pre-approved real estate or shares of real estate worth a minimum of $200,000, to be held for five years
- Business investment of $400,000 in an enterprise worth $5 million in total, or $1.5 million as a single investor
- Donation of $150,000 or more to the University of the West Indies Fund – this option is available for families of 6 members or more and entitles one person to a one-year scholarship
Residents and citizens of Antigua and Barbuda enjoy relatively relaxed tax conditions. There is no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, income tax, or wealth tax on worldwide income or assets. Antigua passport holders also can enjoy visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the European Union, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Russia.
For more information, visit our Ultimate Guide for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
Dominica
In 2022, for the fourth year in a row, Dominica received the title of “Best Citizenship by Investment Program in the World“, granted by the CBI Index, the most prestigious study of CBI programs in the world. The country’s citizenship program scored the highest of all – together with St Kitts and Nevis – in categories such as affordability, freedom of movement, processing time, and many others. So, if you decide to apply for Dominica citizenship, you can rest assured that this is one solid CBI program.
Dominica ranks in 78th position on the Global Passport Index, granting its citizens visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the European Union, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia, and China. In order to apply for the program and become a Dominica passport holder, you have to choose one of the two available types of investment:
- A donation to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF), starting at $100,000
- Purchase of pre-approved real estate, investing at least $200,000
For more information, check our Dominica Citizenship by Investment – Ultimate Guide
Grenada
Grenada is a stunning island nation, located between the Caribbean sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The country is composed of three main islands: Grenada itself, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique, along with several smaller islands.
Since 2013, foreign investors interested in securing a Caribbean passport from the “Spice Island” can apply for the Grenada citizenship program, and become a Grenada citizen in exchange for a qualifying investment, which can be a donation to a government fund starting at $150,000, or real estate investment from $220,000.
The Grenada Citizenship by Investment program provides investors and their family members with a second passport (ranking 76th in the Global Passport index) that allows visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the UK, EU Schengen countries, China, Russia, and Singapore. Grenada citizens can also apply for the USA E2 visa.
Find out more in our Ultimate Guide of Grenada Citizenship by Investment.
St Kitts and Nevis
St Kitts and Nevis, in the East Caribbean, has the longest-running Citizenship by Investment program in the world, launched in 1984. For an investment starting at $125,000, foreign investors and their families can obtain a passport in just two months. Fast, reliable, and affordable, this immigration scheme has been a success, significantly boosting the country’s economy.
The list of St Kitts and Nevis visa-free countries for passport holders includes over 140 countries worldwide, such as the European Union, the United Kingdom, and many more. St Kitts and Nevis citizens also benefit from a favorable tax regime, with no income, inheritance, or gift tax.
As an investor, you can choose one of three investment options:
- Make a non-refundable contribution to the country’s Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF), starting at $125,000 for a single applicant (this is limited time offer from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023. Regular investment starts at $150,000)
- Make a minimum investment of $200,000 in pre-approved real estate projects, usually luxury condos or shares in luxury resorts, or invest a minimum of $400,000 in private sale homes, pre-approved by the government.
- Contribute with at least $175,000 to one of the Public Benefit Projects approved by the government
The citizenship process usually takes a few months to be concluded, but St Kitts and Nevis offers a “fast-track” option, that guarantees you will receive the approval letter from the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) in under 60 days. For those in a hurry, that’s a significant advantage. This is the shortest guaranteed processing time among all Caribbean citizenship programs.
To find out more, check our St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide.
St Lucia
Since 2015, the country has had its very own St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program, which allows investors and their families to be granted citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment of at least $100,000. In just three months, you can obtain a St Lucia passport which allows visa-free access to more than 140 countries, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, and more.
The program is a great opportunity for those who are looking for diversification of assets, with four different investment routes available:
- Donation to the National Economic Fund of at least $100,000 (single applicant) or $150,000 (main applicant plus up to three family members). It’s possible to add family members for $15,000 or $25,000 each.
- Investment in pre-approved real estate projects, worth a minimum of $200,000
- Investment in non-interest bearing Government Bonds of at least $300,000, held for five years
- Investment in an Enterprise Project. Minimum investment of $3.5 million for a sole investor, or $1 million in a joint venture worth at least $6 million in total
Famous for its impressive Piton mountains, lush rainforest, and first-class white sandy beaches, this mesmerizing island has always been a favorite among tourists. To attract foreigners, the country has built many new infrastructures such as an international airport, hospitals, top accommodations, and marinas, which eventually led to the development of a flourishing real estate market. Due to its unique combination between luxury and tranquility, the island has attracted many retirees and expat families seeking to relocate to its shores.
All the details about the program are available in our St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide.
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 CBI programs.
- 100% 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.
To see the full list of reasons why to work with Global Citizen Solutions for your Caribbean citizenship application, click here.
If you want to know more about citizenship and residence by investment countries, the following articles may also be of interest to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caribbean Citizenship
Which Caribbean Country Is the Easiest to Get Citizenship by Investment?
It’s not possible to single out which one is the easiest Caribbean island to get citizenship, because the five Caribbean countries that offer CBI programs have similar requirements. But if you have a large family, Antigua and Barbuda will probably be the best option, whereas if you want a fast process, the Accelerated Application Process (AAP) of St Kitts and Nevis may be a good choice.
What’s the Fastest Citizenship by Investment Program in the Caribbean?
All fine programs are very fast, meaning you and your family can have Caribbean passports in your hands in three to six months. St Kitts and Nevis, however, is the only one offering an Accelerated Application Process (AAP), that guarantees that once you submit the application, you will receive the approval letter by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) in less than 60 days.
Should I Apply for a Citizenship Program in the Caribbean?
Caribbean citizenship by investment may be an excellent option for you and your family if you are looking for a second citizenship. With a Caribbean passport, you can travel visa-free to over 140 countries and enjoy tax benefits. There are no residency requirements to apply for the Caribbean CBI programs, and all five countries accept dual citizenship.
Which countries offer Citizenship by Investment in the Caribbean?
There are five countries that offer Caribbean citizenship programs, they are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. The right Caribbean country and Caribbean passport will depend on your and your family’s needs and priorities.
What is the cheapest Caribbean citizenship?
Two countries, St Lucia and Dominica, offer the cheapest way to obtain Caribbean citizenship for those applying as a single person: to make a donation of $100,000 to the national development fund of the country. If you are applying with a family, then the cheapest Caribbean citizenship program is Antigua and Barbuda. A family of four can obtain citizenship by making a donation of $100,000 to the national fund, plus a government fee of 30 thousand dollars.
