Five Caribbean countries offer government-approved citizenship by investment (CBI) programs, allowing foreign nationals to obtain a Caribbean passport in exchange for contributing to the country’s economic development.
These programs start from $200,000 and issue passports within 6 to 12 months. This guide will take you through the process of getting a Caribbean passport by investment, including:
Differences Between Caribbean Passport Programs
The five Caribbean CBI programs are relatively similar, owing to agreements made within the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding Agreement. However, there are some differences between the programs regarding:
- Minimum investment amounts
- Investment options
- Citizenship timelines
- Visa free travel benefits
The cheapest Caribbean passport fee starts at $200,000, but the minimum investment threshold to obtain Caribbean citizenship ranges from $200,000 to $250,000. Qualifying investments include two to five options. The citizenship timeline, including the entire application process, is 6 to 12 months. The number of visa free countries offered is between 135 and 154 destinations.
Country | Minimum Investment | Investment Options | Citizenship Timeline | Visa Free Countries | Passport Validity |
Dominica | $200,000 | 2 | 6 to 9 months | 135 | 10 years |
St Kitts and Nevis | $250,000 | 4 | 4 to 6 months | 154 | 10 years |
Grenada | $235,000 | 2 | 7 to 9 months | 148 | 5 years |
St Lucia | $240,000 | 4 | 10 to 12 months | 148 | 5 years |
Antigua and Barbuda | $230,000 | 4 | 6 months | 151 | 5 years |
Take a look at our Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Comparison Guide
Nine Benefits of a Caribbean Passport
- Fast issuance: The fastest obtainment period for a Caribbean passport is six months.
- Affordable investment: The minimum Caribbean passport cost when investing in the Caribbean starts at $200,000, making it cheaper than alternative CBI programs.
- Increased global mobility: Enjoy visa free travel to over 150 countries, including countries in the EU Schengen Area, the UK, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
- Tax optimization: Caribbean taxes are favorable, including no personal income tax, inheritance, wealth, or capital gains tax.
- Remote processing: There are no residency requirements to be granted citizenship and apply for a passport.
- Family inclusion: You can apply for citizenship and a Caribbean passport for your whole family, including, a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings.
- Second passport: Caribbean nations allow dual citizenship, allowing investors to hold a Caribbean second passport.
- Education opportunities: Caribbean citizens can access excellent education opportunities, including reduced tuition fees and the right to study abroad.
- US visa eligibility: Caribbean passport holders can apply for a US visitors visa, which is valid for ten years.
Why is Caribbean citizenship by investment popular?
Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program was initiated in 2013. The minimum investment starts at $230,000, minus due diligence fees, and the main applicant has four investment routes to choose from. The citizenship program offers the fastest application process, granting investors a Caribbean passport within six months. Applicants can obtain an Antigua and Barbuda passport for their spouse, children under 18 or who are physically/mentally challenged, parents or grandparents over 55, and unmarried siblings.
Investment options:
- National Development Fund non-refundable contribution: $230,000
- Real estate investment: $300,000
- University of the West Indies Fund non-refundable contribution: $260,000
- Approved business investment: $400,000
Dominica
The Dominica citizenship by investment program was introduced in 1993. The minimum investment starts at $200,000, making it the cheapest Caribbean program. There are two investment options and investors can obtain a Dominica passport for their children under 18, under 30 if in fulltime education, or who are mentally or physically challenged, dependent parents and grandparents. The application process takes between six to nine months.
Investment options:
- Economic Diversification Fund non-refundable contribution: $200,000
- Approved real estate investment: $200,000
Grenada
The Grenada citizenship by investment program was launched in 2013. There are three investment options, with the minimum investment requirement starting at $235,000, excluding processing fees. Applicants can obtain a Grenada passport for their children under 18, dependent children under 29, or children who are physically or mentally challenged, dependent parents, grandparents, and unmarried siblings over 18.
Investment options:
- National Transformation Fund non-refundable contribution: $235,000
- Approved real estate shares investment: $270,000
- Approved sole real estate purchase: $350,000
St Kitts and Nevis
The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program was launched in 1984, making the country the first to offer an economic citizenship program. As the most renowned and respect program, applicants enjoy the most Caribbean passport visa free countries. There are four investment options with the minimum investment requirement starting at $250,000. Applicants can obtain a St Kitts and Nevis passport for their children under 18, dependent children under 25 in full-time education, children who are physically or mentally challenged, and dependent parents over 55.
Investment options:
- Sustainable Island State Contribution non-refundable contribution: $250,000
- Approved real estate shares investment: $325,000
- Approved sole private home purchase: $600,000
- Public Benefit Option non-refundable contribution: $250,000
St Lucia
The St Lucia government introduced the St Lucia citizenship by investment program in 2016. There are four investment options with the minimum investment requirement starting at $240,000, excluding processing fees. Applicants can obtain a St Lucia passport for their children under 21, dependent children under 30, or children over 21 who are physically or mentally challenged, dependent parents and grandparents over 55, and unmarried siblings under 18.
Investment options:
- National Economic Fund non-refundable contribution: $240,000
- Approved real estate investment: $300,000
- Approved enterprise investment: $250,000
- Government bonds acquisition: $300,000
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Which Caribbean passport is best for you?
Caribbean citizenship by investment is highly popular for individuals looking for a second passport with excellent advantages. Caribbean passport benefits include visa free access to more than 140 countries worldwide, including places like the EU Schengen zone and the UK.
Business investors often choose the Grenada or St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program as these countries are known and respected in the business community. A Dominica or Antigua and Barbuda passport often appeals to those looking for the most affordable Caribbean second passport.
Besides dependent parents, the Grenada, St Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda citizenship programs allow applicants to obtain citizenship and CARICOM passports for their grandparents and siblings, subject to eligibility.
The Dominica citizenship program offers the most affordable investment route for a single applicant contributing to the government fund or purchasing real estate. Antigua and Barbuda is the most affordable second citizenship program for a main applicant to include their family members.
Country | Visa Free Countries | Key Visa Free Destinations | Shortest Processing Time | Personal Income Tax | Qualified Dependents |
St Kitts and Nevis | 154 | Schengen Area, UK, Ireland, Russia, Taiwan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia | 4 to 6 months | No | Children, parents |
Antigua and Barbuda | 151 | Schengen Area, UK, Ireland, Russia, China, Singapore, Qatar, South Africa | 6 months | No | Children, parents, grandparents, siblings |
St Lucia | 148 | Schengen Area, Singapore, UK, Ireland, Taiwan | 10 months | Yes | Children, parents, grandparents, siblings |
Grenada | 148 | Schengen Area, UK, Ireland, Russia, China, Singapore, Saudi Arabia | 7 months | Yes | Children, parents, grandparents, siblings |
Dominica | 135 | Schengen Area, Russia, China, Singapore, Thailand | 6 months | Yes | Children, parents, grandparents |
Step-by-Step Application Process to Obtain a Caribbean Passport
1. Choose your citizenship program: Determine which Caribbean citizenship by investment program and passport you'd like to apply for. |
2. Choose your investment route: Decide which investment route best aligns with your goals |
3. Select an Authorized Agent: From the country's list of approved Authorized Agents, choose one to submit your citizenship application. |
4. Complete all application forms: Complete all the forms and necessary documents as provided by your Authorized Agent. |
5. Submit your application: Your dedicated Investment Migration Specialist will submit the citizenship application on your behalf. |
6. Take the citizenship interview: As part of the citizenship process, you must complete the mandatory interview requirement, which can be done virtually. |
7. Receive the CIU approval of application: You will receive a confirmation letter with the status 'Approved in Principle.' |
8. Make your investment: Make the required investment and send proof to the CIU. |
9. Become a citizen: Take the oath or affirmation of allegiance at an Embassy, High Commission, or Consular Office and become a citizen. |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Caribbean Passport
What is a Caribbean passport?
A passport from the Caribbean is a document that allows a citizen to freely enter any state with a visa-waiver agreement with your Caribbean country of citizenship. 20 Caribbean countries belong to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), meaning a passport from any of them is also a CARICOM passport.
What are the five Caribbean citizenship programs?
Five Eastern Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment programs: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia.
How do I get a Caribbean passport?
Foreign nationals can obtain new passports in the Caribbean by making the required qualifying investment (either through a non-refundable contribution to a national fund, Caribbean real estate investment, or another available route) and meeting eligibility criteria.
Which Caribbean passport is the strongest?
Among the five countries that offer Caribbean citizenship programs, the St Kitts and Nevis passport is the strongest passport. The country ranks 53rd on our Global Passport Index based on enhanced visa free travel, quality of life, and economic investment, and passport holders can travel to 154 countries, including EU countries, the UK, Russia, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia.
Can I live in the UK with a Caribbean passport?
Caribbean passports, such as Dominica or Antigua and Barbuda passports, do not include the right to live in the UK. Caribbean (CARICOM) passport holders from one of these countries must obtain the necessary residence permit to live there. However, Caribbean passport holders from Caribbean countries like the Cayman Islands and Anguilla are British Overseas Territories Citizens, granting them the right to establish residency in the United Kingdom.
Do US citizens need a passport for the Caribbean?
US passport holders typically need their passport to visit Caribbean countries, but this may not be required if you are an American citizen traveling to a US territory or arriving on a closed-loop cruise.
Why are Caribbean passports powerful?
Caribbean (CARICOM) passports are powerful due to their extensive visa free travel options, including the option to travel without a visa, obtain an eVisa or visa on arrival, or qualify for a visa waiver program. Key countries that allow Caribbean citizens to travel without a tourist visa include the UK, EU countries without and outside the Schengen Area, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Singapore, and Taiwan.
How much does the Caribbean passport cost?
The cost to apply for a Caribbean passport depends on which Caribbean country you choose to obtain second citizenship. The cheapest Caribbean passport price starts at $200,000 and the most expensive one starts at $250,000. Obtaining Caribbean citizenship also requires payment due diligence and other processing fees.
Can I enter the US with a Caribbean passport?
Caribbean passport holders require a tourist visa to enter the United States as no countries in the Caribbean Community are members of the US visa waiver program.
