Over the past year, the five Caribbean countries offering Citizenship by Investment Programs – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia – have announced significant updates to their Caribbean citizenship programs. These changes include a mandatory Caribbean citizenship interview, adjustments to their due diligence processes, and updates to their fee structures.
In this article, we’ll break down these changes and assess what they mean for the Caribbean citizenship by investment landscape.
To start us off, the following table provides a summary of the recent changes:
Program | Antigua & Barbuda | Dominica | Grenada | St Kitts & Nevis | St Lucia |
Mandatory Intervieaw | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Interview Fee (USD) | $1,500 per application | $1,000 per person aged 16 and over | $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/virtual | In-person/virtual |
Age requirement | 16 and older | 16 and over | 17 and older | 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 |
Caribbean Citizenship Interview Changes by Island
In this section, we’ll discuss the changes outlined above by country.
Antigua and Barbuda
Since 15 December 2023, applicants and dependents aged 16 and older of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program must submit to virtual mandatory interviews as part of the due diligence process. The interview fee is $1,500 per application.
Take a look at our Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment ultimate guide
Dominica
Applicants and dependents aged 16 and over must of Dominica’s Caribbean CBI program partake in virtual mandatory interviews as part of the due diligence process. The cost is $1,000 per person being interviewed.
No agents or promoters may be present during the interview, and applicants must have their IDs and supporting documents ready. The interview can be conducted in the applicant’s preferred language.
Take a look at our Dominica Citizenship by Investment ultimate guide
Grenada
Since 4 September 2023, there are mandatory interviews for applicants, including the main applicant and applicants aged 17 and older of Grenada’s citizenship by investment program. The Grenada Citizenship Unit charges an interview fee of $1,000 per family member, and applicants can choose their preferred interview language. The interview is virtual, and the process automated with instructions provided via email.
Take a look at our Grenada Citizenship by Investment ultimate guide
Saint Kitts and Nevis
The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) requires mandatory interviews for applicants aged 16 and older. The interview fee is included in the due diligence fee, which has been increased to $10,000 for the main applicant and $7,500 for dependents aged 16 and older.
The interviews to obtain citizenship can be conducted virtually or in person, either by the CIU itself or an independent professional firm appointed by the CIU.
Take a look at our Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment ultimate guide
Saint Lucia
Since 4 September 2023, the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit has required the main applicant of the country’s CBI program to participate in a mandatory interview. The interview fee is included in the due diligence fee, which has increased to $8,000, and the interview can be conducted virtually or in person.
Take a look at our Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment ultimate guide
What does this mean for the future of Caribbean CBI programs?
These changes mark a notable shift in the Caribbean’s CBI programs, underscoring the importance of enhanced security and due diligence processes. Mandatory interviews help strengthen the reputation and credibility of CBI programs on the global stage, maintaining high standards and ensuring their longevity.
This commitment to excellence by each country’s Citizenship by Investment Unit benefits the nations offering these programs and provides greater assurance and value to the applicants, who benefit from the security of the programs and continued cooperation between these nations and others around the world.
It is important for applicants to be prepared for these extra processes and fees when planning their citizenship applications.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Interview
What is the purpose of the Caribbean citizenship interview?
The mandatory interview requirements for Caribbean CBI programs are intended to mitigate risk and improve due diligence processes to ensure the information provided by an applicant is valid, address any missing information in real time, and open a clear and honest communication line between the applicant and the government.
What documents are required for the Caribbean citizenship interview?
Applicants applying for citizenship in the Caribbean region must provide their identity documents and supporting documents. These will vary depending on the program they are applying to.
How can I prepare for the Caribbean citizenship interview?
Caribbean nations will not allow your licensed agent to attend the interview with you, so you will need to prepare your ID and supporting documents beforehand. Additionally, you can prepare the following information that is likely to be discussed during the interview:
- Validate identification and familial ties
- Ensure financial information provided aligns with the nation’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards
- Background and criminal record
- Family members’ financial dependence on the main applicant or spouse
- Travel history
- Reason for obtaining citizenship
What are the common questions asked during the Caribbean citizenship interview?
The questions asked for each country’s CBI program will differ. Generally, the interview requirement relate to your motivations for seeking dual citizenship and details of your investment plans, questions to determine your understanding of the program’s terms and conditions, and questions about your source of income and funds, and your personal and professional background.
What happens if I fail the Caribbean citizenship interview?
Each program has its policies regarding the interview process for main applicants and eligible family members, but you should generally be able to reapply after a certain period.
