Caribbean Citizenship by Investment 2024: Obtain Caribbean Nationality

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 find the best Caribbean citizenship for you and your family.

Why choose a Caribbean passport by investment?

• Your current passport allows for limited global mobility. With Caribbean nationality and 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 are 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 Caribbean paradise. As a Caribbean citizen, you and your family have the opportunity 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 dual citizenship and 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: 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 4 to 12 months), and the possibility of including family members in the application.

Each Caribbean citizenship by investment program offers 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 starting at $200,000. Some specific countries may offer additional investment options, such as buying government funds or a business investment.

The right program for each investor depends on the priorities and circumstances of the applicant and their family.

Caribbean Passport Benefits

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs

In this section, we’ve provided an overview of the five Caribbean citizenship programs, outlining their minimum investment amounts, investment options (which range from fund donation to government-approved real estate investment), the time it takes to obtain a Caribbean passport in each Caribbean country, and more.

Antigua and Barbuda Investment Program

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 Antigua and Barbuda 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 for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Program:

• 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

Processing time for Caribbean citizenship: Four to five months

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 150 countries, including the European Union, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Russia.

Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program

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 Dominica 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.

The Dominica ranks in 78th position on the Global Passport Index, granting its citizens visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the European Union, 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 $200,000
• Purchase of pre-approved real estate, investing at least $200,000

Processing time for Caribbean citizenship: Six to nine months

Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program

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 the Grenada National Transformation Fund starting at $235,000, or real estate investment from $270,000.

Processing time for Caribbean citizenship: Nine months

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.

St Kitts and Nevis Investment Program

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 $250,000, foreign investors and their families can obtain a passport in just four 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 for the Saint Nevis Citizenship Program:

• Make a non-refundable contribution to the country’s Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) – which replaced the Sustainable Growth Fund in 2023 – starting at $250,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four.
• Make a minimum investment of $400,000 in a pre-approved real estate development, usually luxury condos or shares in luxury resorts; invest a minimum of $400,000 in a condominium unit; or invest at least $800,000 in a single-family private dwelling, pre-approved by the government.
• Contribute at least $250,000 to one of the Public Benefit Projects approved by the government.

Processing time for Caribbean citizenship: 12 months

As stated above, the citizenship process takes four months (120 days) months to be concluded, and St Kitts and Nevis no longer offers a “fast-track” option that enables applicants to receive the approval letter from the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) in under 60 days.

To find out more, check our St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide.

 

St Lucia Investment Program

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 $200,000. 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 $240,000 (single applicant or main applicant and up to three family members). It’s possible to add family members for $10,000 or $20,000 each.
• Investment in pre-approved real estate projects worth a minimum of $300,000
• 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 $250,000 in a joint venture worth at least $6 million in total

Processing time for Caribbean citizenship: 10 to 12 months

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 of 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 Lucia Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide.

More about the Caribbean

Caribbean islands and nations

The Caribbean consists of over 700 islands, islets, reefs, and cays. The list of Caribbean countries is extensive and comprises 16 Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Bahamas, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba, and – of course – the five countries that offer economic citizenship programs: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia.

30 territories also influence Caribbean nationality and comprise a number of the region’s 700 islands, belonging to the Netherlands, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Caribbean territories include the British Virgin Islands, Martinique, Curaçao, and the US Virgin Islands.

Cultural identity

Its historical context and background have had an impact on Caribbean nationality and Caribbean people today. The Caribbean region was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples known as Amerindians, including various Taino and Kalinago groups who formed the Caribs. During the Atlantic slave trade and European colonization, the region’s indigenous population was decimated.

Modern Caribbean society is characterized by its remarkable diversity, encompassing various ethnic groups including Afro-Caribbean people, descendants of indigenous peoples, European Caribbeans, and Indian and Southeast Asians. The Caribbean race is a mix of English, Spanish, Dutch, French, Indian, and African influences, forming the region’s cultural identity.

Caribbean languages include:

• Chinese in Caribbean nations home to a large Chinese diaspora, such as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic
• Dutch and Dutch creoles in the Dutch Caribbean, including Aruba, Curaçao, and the former Dutch colony of Suriname
• English and English creoles in British Overseas Territories and former British colonies, including Anguilla, the Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and St Kitts and Nevis.
• French and French creoles in the French Caribbean and former French colonies, including Haiti, Guadeloupe, and Martinique
• Spanish and Spanish creoles in former Spanish colonies, including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and the US territory of Puerto Rico
• Hindustani and Indonesian (Javanese) in for Dutch and English colonies, including Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago
• Maroon languages in former European colonies with Maroon communities, including Saramaccan in Suriname

This diversity of the Caribbean’s ethnic groups and indigenous people is reflected in notable literary works by Caribbean authors. The numerous festivals, including the famous Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, sports events, and other cultural exchange events that take place throughout the year highlight the vibrant diversity and rich history of Caribbean nationality on the international stage. Music is also a large party of the Caribbean’s cultural identity, with Reggae music, Calypso, Soca music, and salsa heard throughout the Caribbean and around the world.

Caribbean nationality percentage by country

Tourism and international relations

The region’s tourism and travel industry is booming, with tourism being one of the Caribbean’s major economic sectors. In fact, Statista notes that the travel and tourism industry contributed over $60 billion to the region’s GDP in 2022. Organizations like the Caribbean Community (CARISOM) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have helped to strengthen regional cooperation across Caribbean nations while also creating global partnerships that allow for meaningful exchanges and continued development.

Foreign investors interested in obtaining citizenship can do so through a Caribbean citizenship program and become Caribbean citizens, with investment opportunities (Caribbean real estate investment, state fund contribution, business investment, etc.) helping to further develop the region.

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 Caribbean Nationality by Investment

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. Antigua is also the best if you want a fast process, with Antigua’s application processing time being four to five months.

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. As St Kitts and Nevis no longer offers an Accelerated Application Process (AAP), Antigua and Barbuda has the fastest application processing time of four to five months.

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 nation and Caribbean passport will depend on your and your family’s needs and priorities.

What is the cheapest Caribbean citizenship?

Antigua and Barbud offers the cheapest way to obtain Caribbean citizenship for those applying as a single person by making 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 also Antigua and Barbuda’s. A family of four can obtain citizenship by making a donation of $100,000 to the national fund, plus a government fee of $30,000.

Who is considered Caribbean?

People born in the Caribbean region, people of Caribbean descent living outside the Caribbean, and people inhabiting the region are considered Caribbean. You can acquire Caribbean nationality by descent, marriage, naturalization, or investment.

Today, Caribbean people tend to further identify by their own specific ethnic ancestry, which constitutes various subgroups such as Afro-Caribbean, Hispanic/Latino-Caribbean (people from the Spanish-speaking Caribbean), and more.

What are the benefits of having Caribbean nationality?

There are many benefits to having Caribbean nationality. For example, you can live in the Caribbean, a region made up of many beautiful islands with untouched natural landscapes. Other benefits of Caribbean citizenship include greater visa-free travel with a Caribbean passport, higher rates of visa acceptance, offshore banking opportunities, and exceptional tax benefits.

A popular route to obtain Caribbean citizenship is through one of the Caribbean citizenship by investment programs. Five Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment programs: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. All of these Caribbean countries recognize dual citizenship.

What are the rights and responsibilities of a Caribbean national?

Having Caribbean nationality affords you certain rights as well as responsibilities. For example, you have the Right to Life, the Right to Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion, the Right to Freedom from Inhuman Punishment or Treatment, the Right to Freedom of Movement, etc.

The responsibilities of having Caribbean citizenship include respecting and following federal, state, and local laws, respecting the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others, paying income and taxes honestly, and more.

Is Caribbean real estate a good investment?

There are several Caribbean real estate investment opportunities that can prove quite profitable, particularly when investing in the tourism sector. A real estate purchase is also a route to obtaining citizenship in the Caribbean through a Caribbean citizenship by investment program. By making a minimum investment and meeting the program requirements, you can become a Caribbean citizen and enjoy the benefits of being a Caribbean passport holder.