The Caribbean region 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 Caribbean 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
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
Dominica- $200,000 minimum investment in the Economic Diversification Fund
- $200,000 minimum investment in pre-approved real estate
Grenada
Grenada- $235,000 minimum investment in the National Transformation Fund
- $270,000 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
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
St Lucia- $240,000 minimum contribution to the National Economic Fund
- $300,000 minimum investment in pre-approved real estate
- $3.5 million minimum investment in a local enterprise as a solo investor
- $250,000 investment in a joint $6 million enterprise
- $300,000 minimum contribution government bonds
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.
Take a look at out Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Comparison Guide
Why use a Caribbean Immigration Service
Once you’ve made the decision to relocate to the Caribbean, a seasoned Caribbean immigration consultant 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 Caribbean visa consultant 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
Retirement Services
Business Banking
Business Incorporation
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
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 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.
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
Why should I use a Caribbean immigration service?
We recommend using Caribbean immigration agencies or immigration services as they have expert, up-to-date knowledge of the requirements, will provide impartial advice tailored to your circumstances, and help you navigate the complexities of the application process.
When pursuing Caribbean citizenship by investment, applicants are legally required to work with a local authorized agent licensed to market and promote the country’s citizenship by investment program by its Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
Do Caribbean immigration agencies assist with document preparation and submission?
Yes, a Caribbean citizenship authorized agency can provide a list of reputable Caribbean immigration law firms to provide legal assistance and advise on the required documents, review your application prior to submission, and submit your citizenship application for you.
Can a Caribbean immigration agency help me with family-based immigration matters?
Yes, a Caribbean immigration law firm can help you include family members on your citizenship application and advise on the requirements they need to meet.
What retirement services do Caribbean immigration agencies offer?
Retirement services offered by a Caribbean immigration service typically include:
- Legal assistance with residency or citizenship by investment applications
- Navigating the legal requirements for retirees in specific Caribbean countries.
- Guidance on selecting the most suitable healthcare options
Guidance might also include detailed information on the cost of living, pension transfers, and tax planning.
How can immigration services simplify the process of relocating to the Caribbean?
A Caribbean immigration service offers comprehensive assistance throughout the entire immigration process. They can provide insight into suitable pathways based on individual needs and circumstances and facilitate connections with trusted professionals for legal assistance, real estate agents, and other essential service providers.
What is the difference between an immigration law firm and an immigration agency in the Caribbean?
Caribbean immigration law firms are typically legal practices staffed by qualified attorneys specializing in immigration law, offering legal advice, assistance with visa applications, and representation in legal matters related to immigration in the Caribbean.
On the other hand, Caribbean immigration agencies are government-approved enterprises providing support services to foreigners seeking immigration to the Caribbean. Although they offer assistance with paperwork, document preparation, and guidance on immigration procedures, they do not provide legal advice or representation. Instead, immigration agencies act as intermediaries between clients and government immigration authorities, helping streamline the application process.
What services can I expect from a Caribbean immigration law firm?
The services you can expect from Caribbean immigration law firms include:
- A deep understanding of the Caribbean nation’s immigration laws, helping to navigate its intricacies successfully
- Legal advice and representation regarding Caribbean visas, residence permits citizenship
- Preparation of immigration applications and legalization of the relevant documents, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations of Caribbean countries
- Legal representation in Caribbean immigration-related matters, such as appeals, hearings, or disputes with immigration authorities
What is the easiest Caribbean island to get residency?
St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda are three of the easiest countries to get Caribbean residency due to their citizenship by investment programs, which you can apply for through a licensed Caribbean investment migration agency. These Caribbean immigration programs allow investors to gain citizenship by investing a minimum sum in their economies.
How do Caribbean immigration services assist with visa applications?
The top Caribbean immigration service assists with visa applications by providing comprehensive support throughout the entire immigration process. They guide applicants on the specific visa requirements for each Caribbean country, helping gather the necessary documents and complete visa application forms accurately. These relocation services through a Caribbean immigration advisor often include consultations to assess the best Caribbean visa options based on the applicant’s needs and eligibility. Additionally, they can facilitate communication with Caribbean immigration authorities.
