Caribbean citizenship has emerged as an incredibly popular choice for individuals seeking second passports or residency options. The region’s allure can be attributed to several key factors.
Firstly, many Caribbean countries offer attractive citizenship by investment programs, providing a relatively straightforward pathway to acquiring second citizenship through a financial contribution or Caribbean real estate investment. Additionally, these nations boast stable political systems, robust economies, and favorable tax regimes, including income tax reductions and no taxes on capital gains.
The Caribbean’s stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and access to international travel further enhance its appeal, making it a sought-after destination for those seeking dual citizenship or additional citizenship. That’s why many cosmopolitans choose Caribbean countries to obtain a second citizenship through a citizenship by investment program to travel freely around the world.
This article gives you a complete overview of why is Caribbean Citizenship so popular. We’ll also break down everything you need to know about Caribbean citizenship, including the benefits, the different pathways to gain citizenship and a Caribbean passport, and the investment costs, so you have an idea of how much money you’d need to invest.
Overall, Caribbean citizenship programs are attractive and cost-effective and offer many benefits that distinguish them from their competitors’ programs.
How many countries can you visit visa free with a Caribbean passport?
A passport from one of the five Caribbean countries with a citizenship program is popular for those looking for a second passport. The most powerful Caribbean passports offer visa free travel to over 150 countries worldwide, depending on the country you obtain citizenship in.
The St Kitts and Nevis passport allows the holder to travel visa free to most destinations, providing access to 153 countries. Passports from Antigua and Barbuda and St Lucia are equally popular, with visa free travel to 150 and 148 countries, respectively.
If visa free travel to China could be useful for you, consider becoming a citizen of Grenada or Dominica, which offer access to 147 and 146 countries, respectively, including one of the world’s biggest economies. Antigua and Barbuda Caribbean passport holders were recently added to China’s visa free entry list.
Grenada is also a popular choice for obtaining Caribbean citizenship if you wish to strengthen your ties with the USA. Grenada citizens have an enhanced opportunity to travel visa-free and to live in the US. Investors have the option to obtain the E2 Business Visa for themselves and their families, granting them unlimited entry to the country, the ability to live and work there, and the privilege of enrolling their children in American schools and universities.
Holders of a Grenada passport are eligible for the E2 Visa to the USA, which can be valid for up to five years, providing an advantageous route for business opportunities and personal development in the United States.
What’s more, citizenship in Caribbean countries (with the exception of Cuba) offers the additional advantage of a faster application process to get a US visitor visa. With Caribbean citizenship, individuals can obtain a visa at a US consulate within a relatively short period.
In contrast, foreigners without Caribbean citizenship may experience significantly longer wait times to secure a US visa. This accelerated visa process further highlights the appeal and convenience of Caribbean citizenship for those seeking to visit or establish connections in the United States.
Other Benefits of Caribbean Citizenship
As most foreigners considering investing in the Caribbean are aware, five Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment programs, and there are some additional benefits to having Caribbean citizenship that contribute to its popularity, including personal and business opportunities:
- Your whole family can obtain Caribbean citizenship.
- Affordable Caribbean citizenship programs, with the minimum investment amount starting from $200,000.
- You can easily register a company and also do business internationally.
- The opportunity to optimize taxes through no worldwide income taxes, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance taxes.
- Access to renowned British education: Citizens of the Caribbean community are members of the Commonwealth of Nations and, therefore, have advantages when applying to UK universities.
- Caribbean countries provide a plan B in a stable political environment.
- Benefit from a region with higher projected economic growth than the US and Europe, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), through strategic business investments and Caribbean real estate purchases.
- Caribbean citizenship programs allow future generations to benefit from dual citizenship.
How to Obtain Caribbean Citizenship
There are several ways to acquire Caribbean citizenship, such as naturalization or marriage to a citizen. However, the quickest route is through investment.
The lowest investment amount varies depending on the chosen program and investment route. For instance, Antigua and Barbuda offers the lowest investment requirement for individual investors: You can gain citizenship and a Caribbean passport by contributing $200,000 to a state fund or government fund.
The added benefit is that, under a single application, the investor’s family members, including their spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings, can also obtain citizenship. The country and investment option determines the cost of their participation in an investment program.
Other citizenship programs have additional requirements, such as language or history exams, obtaining a residence permit, or visiting the country. A benefit of choosing one of the Caribbean CBI programs described in this article is that the investor and their family do not need to fulfill these obligations to receive passports.
However, there is one exception in the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program, where investors are required to visit the island state for at least five days within the first five years. In all countries, the programs entail a mandatory due diligence check. Nevertheless, Antigua and Barbuda provides the option to donate to the University of the West Indies Fund (UWI) to qualify for citizenship.
Take a look at our Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Comparison Guide
Step-by-step Process for Obtaining Citizenship in the Caribbean
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) application processes can be time-consuming and stressful if you’re unfamiliar with the steps involved. Caribbean countries offering economic citizenship have implemented the services of Authorized Agents licensed to handle the citizenship applications on the investor’s behalf. To apply for Caribbean citizenship by investment, you must submit your application through a licensed agent.
-
Preliminary due diligence
Your authorized agent will run preliminary checks ahead of the due diligence checks conducted by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), the government authority tasked with overseeing and approving citizenship applications. The requirements include having a clean criminal record, which is necessary for all Caribbean citizenship programs, and getting a Caribbean passport.
-
Preparation of documents
Your authorized agent will collate and prepare all necessary documents for your application.
-
Due diligence
The CIU conducts the official due diligence check on the investor and any additional applicants. Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia all include a mandatory virtual citizenship interview for applicants as part of their due diligence process.
-
Approval and fulfillment of investment condition
To fulfill the investment condition, the investor must now make the required contribution to a fund, enterprise investment, real estate purchase, or investment in government bonds.
Important note: If you’re participating in the Antigua and Barbuda investment program, you will have to go through another step before citizenship and a Caribbean passport is granted. The investor and all included adult applicants have to take an oath during a video conference, in a consulate, or when they visit the country.
How much should I invest to get Caribbean citizenship?
Getting citizenship in countries of the Caribbean is, in comparison to other countries that offer citizenship by investment, a lot cheaper. From just a $200,000 minimum investment, you can obtain Caribbean citizenship and Caribbean passport like a St Lucian passport within 10 to 12 months.
In contrast, to become a citizen of Cambodia via the CBI program, you’ll have to donate around $244,000 to the government or invest a minimum of $305,000 into a government project. To become a citizen of Malta through their CBI program, you’ll have to make an even higher financial commitment with a minimum investment of $756,000 and additionally have a residence permit for one to three years.
Comparison of program conditions in Caribbean countries
The table below gives an overview of some Caribbean islands and their individual CBI stipulations:
Country | Minimum Investment Requirements | Time to Citizenship |
Antigua and Barbuda | - From $230,000: a non-refundable contribution to the state fund - From $260,000: a non-refundable contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund (for families of six or more people) - From $300,000: purchase of real estate - From $400,000: business investment | 6 months |
Dominica | - From $200,000: a non-refundable contribution to the state fund - From $200,000: purchasing real estate | 6 to 9 months |
Grenada | - From $235,000: a non-refundable contribution to the state fund - From $270,000: purchasing real estate | 9 months |
St Kitts and Nevis | - From $250,000: a non-refundable contribution to the state fund - From $325,000: purchase of real estate | 4 to 6 months |
St Lucia | - From $240,000: a non-refundable contribution to the state fund - From $300,000: purchase of real estate - From $300,000: purchase of government bonds - From $250,000: business investment in a joint enterprise | 10 to 12 months |
The above donations or investment amounts are exclusive of additional fees the investor has to pay. In addition to this, investors have to pay the following:
- State and administrative fees
- Cost of due diligence checks
- Immigration lawyer fees for preparing documents
These fees vary depending on the applicant’s choice of citizenship program as well as the total number of people included in the application.
The following cost application example looks at the fees payable in addition to an applicant’s state contribution of $230,000 if they apply for citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda:
- Fees for a single investor and a family of up to four people: $30,000 (each additional member costs $15,000)
- Due diligence fees: $7,500 for spouses; $2,000 for each child; $4,000 for each dependent over the age of 18
- Administrative fees: up to $600 per applicant
Example of cost calculation for participation in the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program
The table below shows a costing exercise for a family of four and a family of six who applies for the CBI to Antigua and Barbuda, making a non-refundable contribution to the state fund.
Fee | Family of Four: Spouse and two children below 18 years of age | Family of Six: Spouse, two children under the age of 18, plus investor’s parents |
Processing Fee | $30,000 | $50,000 |
Due Diligence Fee | $19,000 | $27,000 |
Passport Fee | $1,200 | $1,800 |
Investment | $230,000 | $245,000 |
Total | $280,200 | $323,800 |
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
How to Invest in Caribbean Real Estate and Get Your Money Back in Five Years
One of the most popular investment options to become a Caribbean citizen and get a Caribbean passport is through investing in government-approved real estate. Generally, this means that applicants have to buy shares or apartments in hotel complexes.
Share prices vary from $200,000 to $325,000, but apartments can cost more, up to millions of dollars. Prices per square meter for an apartment in a hotel can cost between $5,000 to $8,000.
Investors have to own their real estate for three to seven years, after which they can sell real estate bought to obtain citizenship and realize a return on their initial investment. An exception is Dominica, where investors can sell their property or government bonds after only three years. However, the investment object cannot be sold to another investor and is only allowed to re-enter the Caribbean citizenship program after five years.
Examples of Caribbean real estate
The Caribbean holds an abundance of real estate, from very affordable villas to million-dollar properties. Prices depend on the country, the location and amenities of the property, as well as the condition and size. Below are some examples of real estate in the Caribbean islands:
Country | Type of Real Estate | Cost |
Antigua and Barbuda | Three-bedroom villa with garden, sea-views, located in a resort | $525,000 |
Dominica | Luxury eco-friendly villas with views of the Caribbean Sea | $255,000 |
Grenada | Four-bedroom bungalow, two acres of gardens, stunning views | $550,000 |
St Kitts and Nevis | Four-bedroom bungalow, two acres of gardens, stunning views | $375,000 |
St Lucia | Six-bedroom villa with five bathrooms, mature private garden, and swimming pool | $525,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Why Caribbean Citizenship is so Popular
What are the main benefits of Caribbean citizenship?
Some benefits of Caribbean citizenship and a Caribbean passport include visa free access to over 150 countries, including the European Union, access to a favorable tax environment, attractive investment opportunities, the potential for stable rental income through property investment, and the ability to live and work in the Caribbean region.
Why should I get citizenship by investment in a Caribbean country?
Getting citizenship by investment in a Caribbean country offers advantages such as visa free travel, potential tax benefits, access to a desirable lifestyle, business opportunities, and the ability to secure a second passport for personal and financial flexibility. What’s more, in comparison to other countries, the minimum investment is low, starting from $200,000.
How does Caribbean citizenship enhance travel freedom?
Citizenship in the Caribbean enhances travel freedom by facilitating visa free and visa on arrival access to key destinations worldwide. The St Kitts and Nevis program offers a passport that provides access to the UK, Taiwan, and Schengen countries visa free, whereas Grenada and Dominica passport holders have visa free entry to China.
How does the Caribbean's political stability attract citizenship applicants?
The Caribbean draws citizenship applicants through secure and predictable environments for investment and residency. Many Caribbean nations have long-standing democratic governments, robust legal systems, and a commitment to the rule of law, providing confidence to foreign investors seeking a plan B for their assets and families.
What lifestyle benefits are associated with Caribbean citizenship?
The Caribbean region is known for its unmatched natural beauty, featuring pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, year-round warm weather, and lush rainforests. These factors create an idyllic setting for Caribbean citizens to live a relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle. The long-standing political stability of most Caribbean nations offers citizens a sense of security. Furthermore, the region’s rich and diverse cultural heritage provides depth and excitement to everyday life.
