Caribbean Immigration Services – A Helpful Guide to Relocation

The Caribbean has an unmistakable allure because of its tropical climate, pristine natural beauty, culture, and easygoing pace, so it‘s no wonder that people from all over the world gravitate there.

Caribbean immigration services can be extremely beneficial in helping you navigate your immigration journey. Relocating can be stressful, and figuring out which Caribbean territory or nation to move to, your immigration route, the documents needed, the application process, and more can quickly become overwhelming. With the help of a Caribbean immigration law firm, however, the immigration process becomes straightforward and hassle-free.

Discover everything you need to know about employing a Caribbean citizenship by investment authorized agency and relocating to the stunning Caribbean with this ultimate guide.

Why immigrate to the Caribbean?

Quality of life

If you’re looking for a change of pace and scenery, the Caribbean can offer exactly that. The beautiful weather, unpolluted natural environment, slower pace, safety, and security provide a better quality of life. With a wealth of locations to choose from, you’ll find a variety of lifestyles, cultures, languages, activities, and more to your needs and interests. From hiking in luscious rainforests to surfing at some of the world’s best beaches, you’ll discover a new way of life when moving to the Caribbean.

Retirement

Regarding the best places to retire in the Caribbean, the region offers a variety of options for retirees looking to spend their golden years on a sandy beach, enjoying fantastic weather and a laidback lifestyle. With various cultures and cuisines, friendly locals, and breathtaking and diverse landscapes, the Caribbean has something for everyone seeking the perfect retirement destination.

Work

More than a tourist paradise, the Caribbean is a thriving hub for various industries. Expatriate workers are drawn to opportunities in sectors ranging from hospitality to finance. Exploring the world as a digital nomad is another popular route for many, as it allows you to live in different countries while you work remotely under their digital nomad visas. In the Caribbean, popular destinations for digital nomads include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, and Dominica.

Business opportunities

The Caribbean is a fertile ground for business, and investment opportunities abound. Entrepreneurs and investors will find the thriving real estate and tourism sectors particularly lucrative. Newer burgeoning industries include renewable energy and high-tech agribusiness. Favorable tax incentives, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and offshore financial services also create an environment conducive to profitable enterprise.

Cost and standard of living

The favorable currency exchange rates (EC$2.70 = US$1) and the Caribbean taxation structure make the cost of living in the region comparatively lower for expats earning foreign income. This affordability makes enjoying a high-quality standard of living in this attractive destination possible.

Citizenship by investment

Several Caribbean islands offer a citizenship by investment scheme whereby individuals and their families can employ employ a Caribbean citizenship by investment agent to obtain second citizenship and a second passport in exchange for a capital investment in the island’s development. The investment programs vary from island to island and usually include a non-refundable donation to a government fund, real estate investment, business enterprise, or government bonds. The participating Caribbean islands are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia, all allowing dual citizenship.

How to Immigrate to the Caribbean

Visa and citizenship

To immigrate to the Caribbean, you must first obtain residency rights. There are a few ways to do this:

• Obtain a digital nomad visa
• Find a local job or start a business
• Obtain citizenship

Investment is one of the most popular ways to obtain second citizenship in the Caribbean. As mentioned above, five Caribbean islands offer Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. 

Besides giving holders the right of permanent residency, Caribbean passports provide additional perks, such as visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the European Union, Singapore, and Hong Kong. You can also pass down the dual citizenship benefits to future generations.

Caribbean investment programs

Antigua and Barbuda

• $100,000 minimum contribution to the National Development Fund
• $200,000 minimum investment in pre-approved real estate
• $150,000 minimum contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund
• $1,500,000 minimum contribution to a business venture as a solo investor
• $400,000 minimum contribution in a joint $5,000,000 enterprise

Dominica

• $100,000 minimum investment in the Economic Diversification Fund
• $200,000 minimum investment in pre-approved real estate

Grenada

• $100,000 minimum investment in the National Transformation Fund
• $220,000 minimum investment in pre-approved real estate shares
• $350,000 minimum investment in pre-approved real estate as the sole owner

St Kitts and Nevis

• $250,000 minimum contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
• $400,000 minimum investment in a unit in an Approved Development
• $400,000 minimum investment in a condominium unit
• $800,000 minimum investment in a single-family private dwelling
• $250,000 minimum investment in an approved Public Benefit Project

St Lucia

• $100,000 minimum contribution to the National Economic Fund
• $200,000 minimum investment in pre-approved real estate
• $3,500,000 minimum investment in a local enterprise as a solo investor
• $1,000,000 investment in a joint $6,000,000 enterprise
• $300,000 minimum contribution government bonds

You can learn more in our Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Comparison Guide.

Having a Caribbean citizenship agency and professional immigration law firm, like Global Citizen Solutions, provide legal assistance and guide you through each step can be extremely helpful. Not only will we provide an expert Caribbean immigration service based on our in-depth knowledge of Caribbean immigration, but we will also help to streamline the immigration process by ensuring you know exactly what is required from you. We will also carefully review your application before submitting it – ensuring compliance and the best chance of success.

Benefits of a Caribbean Immigration Service

Once you’ve made the decision to relocate to the Caribbean, a seasoned Caribbean immigration agency can help make your immigration process as smooth as possible.

Immigration services simplify the process

A Caribbean immigration law firm will have expert knowledge of the requirements you need to meet and can advise on the best route for immigration for your individual circumstances. They will also ensure that you do not make any costly mistakes that can delay your application.

The company deals directly with the country you are immigrating to, rather than you having to do it alone. For example, when choosing the citizenship by investment route, Global Citizen Solutions will liaise with the Citizenship by Investment Unit on your behalf.

Functions of an immigration services provider

Whether you’re a retiree, an investor, or even a family, using the services of a Caribbean immigration law firm can make for a more efficient, simplified process. You can generally expect the following relocation and immigration services:

• Preliminary discussion and proposal tailored to your circumstances
• Onboarding services
• Application review
• Documentation checking
• Application submission
• Liaising with the relevant Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Unit

Benefits of using immigration services in the Caribbean

There are several advantages to using a Caribbean immigration service, including:

• Compliance and accuracy – the firm will check your documents to ensure they are notarized and legalized as necessary and meet the requirements.
• Application submission – the firm will submit your application to the relevant immigration unit, ensuring a streamlined process. In the case of citizenship by investment applications, these must be submitted by a registered Caribbean citizenship agent on your behalf.
• Tailored advice and guidance – the firm will analyze your individual case and provide advice tailored to your circumstances, helping to make the process as stress-free as possible.
• Expert knowledge – the firm will have expert knowledge of the immigration law specific to your chosen destination in the Caribbean. As such, they will provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding the requirements you need to meet and the application process. Their expertise is multidisciplinary, encompassing complementary areas such as business, taxation, and real estate either in-house or through collaboration with specialist partners.

Caribbean Immigration Agencies: Additional Services

Real estate services

Immigration agencies can help you find and make the perfect real estate investment to help you obtain Caribbean citizenship. For example, Global Citizen Solutions uses statistical data from market transactions, real estate intelligence, and trusted partners to provide you with personalized property investment services.

Retirement services

If you plan to retire to the Caribbean, immigration agencies can help you with the following:

• Goal-setting: Creating realistic financial goals that will enable you to live your ideal life in the Caribbean.
• Tax efficiency: Steps to take to ensure you benefit from the tax systems in the Caribbean.
• Legacy planning: Preparing financial strategies in accordance with the tax laws of the Caribbean to ensure your family is looked after.

Business banking

Ensuring you are aware of the available options for onshore and offshore financial services and the accompanying rules and regulations regarding businesses that operate in the Caribbean.

Business incorporation

Ensuring you are aware of the process of setting up a business in the Caribbean, as well as the rules and regulations that need to be complied with.

Choosing the Right Caribbean Immigration Service

Factors to consider

Ensure that the immigration service provider is an Caribbean citizenship by investment authorized agent licensed to market and promote the country’s Citizenship by Investment Program by their Citizenship by Investment Unit. Global Citizen Solutions has been granted licenses for St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda.

Evaluating experience, expertise, and track record: You can speak to the company by phone, email, or video call about their experience handling cases like yours.

Reviewing customer testimonials and references: Visit their website and read reviews from former clients. You can also search for company reviews online, for example, on Facebook immigration groups, or speak to former clients.

Ensuring compliance with immigration laws and regulations: You can ask the company for proof of their registration as a Caribbean citizenship authorized agent, look for this evidence on their website, or look for proof of their compliance on official Caribbean immigration websites.

Transparency in fees and services: Ask for an invoice or quote at the start of your application process that details all the fees you must pay. Ensure that this includes service fees for the immigration services in addition to the cost of the actual application.

Why use Global Citizen Solutions?

Global Citizen Solutions is a team of professional immigration lawyers with decades of experience in Caribbean immigration. We provide expert advice considering freedom, mobility, taxation, and security. As an independent firm, we have no hidden costs, middlemen, or secret agendas, and our specialist team uses a strategic approach to ensure a seamless and successful application process, guiding our clients through each step.

Your Caribbean immigration application submission must be made by a registered agent, such as Global Citizen Solutions, which is why it is essential to work with a professional Caribbean citizenship by investment consultant.

You may find these articles useful:

• 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 a Caribbean Immigration Service