In an increasingly interconnected yet uncertain world, the quest for global mobility and financial security has led many high-net-worth individuals to seek second citizenship options. Among these, Caribbean citizenship by investment (CBI) programs stand out for their accessibility, efficiency, and compelling benefits.

What Is Caribbean Citizenship by Investment?

Definition and Key Features

Caribbean citizenship by investment programs allow individuals to obtain full citizenship rights—including passports—by making a qualifying investment or donation to the host country. Unlike traditional naturalization, which often requires years of physical residency, these programs grant citizenship within months without lengthy prior residency or language tests.

These programs are offered by five Caribbean nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. Each provides a legitimate path to second citizenship through a structured, government-approved process.

Why Investors Choose Caribbean Passports

Caribbean passports have become popular "golden passports" for several compelling reasons. They're significantly more cost-effective and faster than European or North American counterparts. While European options like Malta require investments around €690,000 ($750,000) and processing times of 1-3 years, Caribbean programs have standardized minimum investments around $200k-$300k with processing times of just a few months.

Unlike the U.S. or Canada, which only offer residency through investment, Caribbean programs grant direct citizenship that is inheritable and lifelong. The visa-free travel benefits to Schengen Europe, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and other key destinations make these passports particularly valuable.

Comparison with Other Citizenship Programs

European "golden passport" schemes are few and costly. For instance, Malta's citizenship by direct investment requires approximately €750k contribution plus fees and a residency period. Other EU countries mostly offer "golden visas" (residence permits via investment) rather than immediate citizenship.

In North America, neither the USA nor Canada offers direct citizenship-by-investment. The U.S. EB-5 program and Canada's Start-Up Visa provide only residency, requiring years of physical presence and significant investments (over $800k in the U.S.) before potential naturalization.

By contrast, Caribbean CBI programs grant a passport in months without any residency requirement. These nations are generally politically stable Commonwealth countries, which means their citizens enjoy certain perks and dual citizenship is allowed. Overall, Caribbean programs offer a straightforward investment-for-citizenship equation, while European or American pathways demand greater time, money, and personal relocation.

Who Can Apply for Caribbean Citizenship by Investment?

Eligibility Criteria for Investors

Caribbean CBI programs are open to adult investors (typically 18 years or older) who can pass background and due diligence checks and make the required investment. Applicants must have a clean criminal record and demonstrate a legitimate source of funds.

These programs conduct multi-layered vetting using international due diligence firms and law enforcement databases. There are generally no education, language, or business experience requirements, and applicants don't need any prior connection to the country.

Importantly, applications must be submitted through authorized government agents—one cannot apply directly as an individual. This ensures applications are properly prepared and that investors are guided through obtaining police certificates, medical exams, and other required documents.

Family Inclusion: Spouses, Children, and Dependents

A major draw of Caribbean CBI is that family members can be included on a single application. Eligible dependents typically include:

  • Spouse of the main applicant
  • Children (biological or adopted) of the main applicant or spouse, typically up to ages 25-30 if financially supported and unmarried
  • Parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse, generally of a certain age (e.g., over 55) and financially dependent
  • Siblings of the main applicant (in some programs)

Antigua and Barbuda is particularly generous, allowing inclusion of "up to five generations" on one application. While citizenship is for life, citizenship obtained by investment is not automatically passed to future descendants, though most programs allow new dependents to be added later by paying applicable fees.

Restrictions Based on Nationality

All applicants undergo security screening, and some nationalities are restricted or require special approval due to geopolitical concerns. Each Caribbean country publishes a list of nationalities that are barred or conditionally allowed.

For example, Antigua and Barbuda will not accept applications from nationals of Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, or Sudan unless the individual has lived outside those countries for at least 10 years. St. Kitts and Nevis restricts citizens from Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea, Cuba, Russia, and Belarus from its CBI program.

In all cases, applicants must fully comply with due diligence requirements, providing police clearance certificates and proving the lawful origin of their investment funds. Aside from these restrictions, the programs welcome applicants of any nationality, religion, or ethnicity.

8 Main Benefits of the Caribbean Passport

Fast Processing Times

Citizenship Approval in as Little as 2–6 Months

Caribbean CBI is renowned for its speed. Approval and citizenship are often obtained in as little as 3-6 months from application submission. Saint Lucia has advertised an average processing time of 2-3 months. Even with recent due diligence enhancements, most programs still process applications within a few months, far quicker than residency-based routes that take years.

Express Processing Options

Some programs offer expedited processing for an extra fee. Notably, St. Kitts and Nevis' Accelerated Application Process (AAP) promises approval within 60 days. Under the AAP, the government processes the case in two months for a premium fee of US$25,000 for the main applicant.

This means investors can go from application to holding a new passport in hand in a matter of months, providing a rapid solution for those needing increased mobility or a Plan B on short notice.

Comparatively Low Investment Requirements

Cost-Effective Alternative to European Citizenship

Caribbean CBI programs are significantly more cost-effective than European alternatives. As of 2024, the minimum investment (donation) amounts have standardized around $200,000-$300,000 depending on the country and family size.

These figures, though recently increased, are still a fraction of the cost of EU citizenship programs (Malta's ~€690k ≈ $720k minimum). Investors often view Caribbean passports as "good value for money," obtaining full citizenship rights at a price point that competes even with some residence-by-investment schemes.

Minimum Investment Thresholds for Each Country

Current minimum investment requirements are:

  • Dominica: $200,000 (donation) for a single applicant
  • Grenada: $235,000 (donation) for a family of up to four
  • Saint Lucia: $240,000 (donation) for a family of up to four
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis: $250,000 (donation) for a single applicant; $300,000 for a family of four
  • Antigua and Barbuda: $230,000 (donation) for a family of up to four

Additionally, real estate investment options (typically $200,000-$400,000) provide a path to potentially recoup some of the investment, making the net cost even lower.

Remote Application Procedures

No Need for Residency or Physical Presence

All Caribbean CBI programs allow investors to apply entirely remotely, meaning you don't need to travel to or reside in the country to obtain or maintain citizenship. This is a huge convenience factor, especially for busy global entrepreneurs.

None of the Caribbean CBI countries require any prior or post-approval stay as a condition of citizenship, except Antigua, which historically required a 5-day visit within the first 5 years (though this has been effectively waived in practice for many).

Online and Secure Processing

Application documents are typically submitted through licensed agents electronically or by courier, and after approval, passports are couriered to you. No interview or language test is required in most cases (though Antigua and Barbuda introduced a one-time interview in 2023 for due diligence, it can be done virtually).

Everything from initial inquiry to passport issuance can be handled online or via an agent, making the process secure, online, and convenient. This remote accessibility is particularly valuable for investors with busy international schedules.

140+ Visa-Free Destinations

Schengen Zone Access

All five CBI passports permit visa-free entry to the entire Schengen Area of europe (26 countries) for short stays. This means Caribbean citizens can freely travel throughout most of continental europe for business or leisure without the hassle of obtaining visas.

The Schengen visa-free access is one of the most valuable aspects of Caribbean citizenship, allowing seamless travel across european borders. This is particularly beneficial for business people who need to attend meetings or conferences in multiple european countries.

Visa-Free Travel to the UK and Other Key Destinations

As Commonwealth nations, Caribbean passport holders enjoy visa-free access to the United Kingdom for up to 6 months. They also have visa-free access to Hong Kong, Singapore, and other Asian hubs, and most of Latin America.

For example, a Dominica or St. Kitts passport grants visa-free travel to about 150 countries, nearly matching the mobility of much more expensive european passports. Additionally, Grenada has visa-free access to china – a unique benefit among Caribbean nations.

This broad visa-free coverage eliminates the hassle of obtaining separate visas for each trip, allowing travelers to board a plane on short notice to much of the world.

10-Year US Visas for Caribbean Passport Holders

B1/B2 Visas for Business and Tourism

While Caribbean passports do not qualify for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, citizens of these countries are typically eligible to obtain long-duration multiple-entry visas to the United States. In practice, Caribbean passport holders can get a 10-year B1/B2 visitor visa (for tourism and business) relatively easily.

The U.S. often issues the maximum validity visa (120 months) to nationals of friendly countries like Antigua, Grenada, St. Lucia, etc. This means with a Caribbean passport, an investor can secure a visa allowing visits to the US anytime over a decade, with stays up to 6 months each trip.

How Caribbean Citizens Benefit from US Visa Policies

By contrast, some nationalities are granted much shorter U.S. visas or face heavy scrutiny. The 10-year U.S. visa is a big advantage for businesspeople or families who want the freedom to travel to america for conferences, meetings, or holidays.

Additionally, Grenada's passport stands out because Grenada is one of the few countries whose citizens are eligible for the U.S. E-2 Treaty Investor visa. With Grenadian citizenship, an individual can apply for an E-2 visa to reside in the U.S. by investing in a business there – a pathway not open to other Caribbean nationalities.

Access to Education Abroad

University Enrollment in the UK, EU, and Canada

Having a Commonwealth Caribbean citizenship can indirectly benefit those seeking education opportunities in the UK, EU, or canada. As citizens of Commonwealth nations, students from Antigua, Dominica, etc., may be eligible for certain Commonwealth scholarships or tuition assistance programs in the UK.

More practically, a second passport from a Caribbean country makes it easier to obtain student visas or residence permits in many countries compared to passports with travel restrictions. Parents often pursue CBI so their children can study in europe or america without bureaucratic hurdles.

Tuition Benefits for Caribbean Citizens

With visa-free access to Schengen and the UK, a Caribbean passport-holding student can travel for university interviews or summer programs freely. Some Caribbean CBI programs (like Antigua's university of the west indies Fund option) even provide one year of tuition at the University of the West Indies for a family member.

In canada and the EU, having a Commonwealth citizenship doesn't grant domestic tuition fees (those are usually based on residency), but it can simplify the process of enrolling and staying during studies since the student can secure visas more easily.

Banking and Financial Flexibility

Opening Accounts at European Banks

A second citizenship can greatly enhance one's banking and financial options. Caribbean citizenship often makes it easier to open bank accounts in foreign jurisdictions, including europe and Asia, by providing an alternate set of KYC documents.

Caribbean passport holders benefit from reduced bureaucratic hurdles when opening accounts in europe, as they come from politically neutral, low-risk countries. Some international banks that might be wary of a client from a sanctioned or high-risk country are far more welcoming if the client also holds a St. Kitts passport.

Offshore Banking Advantages

Within the Caribbean, new citizens can also bank locally; the process to open personal or corporate accounts is straightforward and fast. Many Caribbean countries are known financial centers, so as a citizen, it may be easier to establish offshore trusts or businesses.

Moreover, Caribbean governments encourage foreign investment and offer financial privacy – stable banking with strong confidentiality laws. With a Caribbean passport, one can also sign up with european brokers or payment services that might not accept certain nationalities.

Beneficial Taxation Systems

No Global Income Taxation

Caribbean countries are well known for their tax-friendly regimes. Most of the CBI-offering states impose no global income tax on their citizens. This means that simply obtaining citizenship does not make you liable for taxes on your worldwide income (unlike U.S. citizenship).

In fact, unless you actually take up residence in the Caribbean country and generate local income, there is generally no tax filing obligation at all. For example, St. Kitts and Nevis has zero personal income tax; Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda tax income on a territorial basis only (foreign income is not taxed).

Zero Tax on Capital Gains, Inheritance, and Wealth

All five Caribbean CBI countries have no estate or inheritance taxes and typically no gift taxes either. They also generally have no capital gains taxes or wealth taxes. This makes them ideal for wealth preservation and estate planning.

An investor can keep their existing tax residency structure and simply enjoy that their second citizenship does not add any tax burden. Additionally, becoming a citizen could open local tax residency benefits if one ever chose to relocate – e.g., a citizen living in Nevis can enjoy a very low-tax environment legally.

Financial Requirements and Time Frames for Obtaining Caribbean Passports

Investment Options for Each Caribbean Country

Government Donation vs. Real Estate Investment

All five Caribbean programs offer at least two main investment routes to qualify for citizenship:

Government Fund Donation: This is the simplest and most popular route – a one-time contribution to a national fund. It's non-refundable. After recent updates, a single applicant must donate around $200k-$250k and families of four around $230k-$300k.

Real Estate Investment: Each country designates government-approved real estate projects in which CBI applicants may invest. Typically, the minimum purchase price is $200,000-$400,000, and the investor must hold the property for a mandated period (usually 5 years, or 7 years in some cases).

After the hold period, the investor can sell the property (and potentially recoup the investment) without losing citizenship. Real estate investments also incur government fees (e.g., St. Kitts charges $35k for the main applicant).

Bonds and Business Investment Options

Government Bonds (Saint Lucia only): Saint Lucia offers a unique government bond investment option. An applicant can invest $300,000 in special government bonds which must be held for 5 years, after which the full amount is returned without interest.

Business Investment: A couple of programs allow investing in an approved enterprise or business venture as a path to citizenship. Antigua and Barbuda has an option where one can invest $1.5 million into a business (or $400k as part of a joint $5 million investment with others). Saint Lucia similarly lists an "Enterprise Project" option.

Additionally, Antigua and Barbuda has a special University of West Indies (UWI) Fund option: a $150,000 contribution for a family of 6, which also grants one family member one year of tuition at the university.

Processing Time and Application Steps

Due Diligence and Background Checks

The application process involves thorough due diligence. The CIU and its partners verify the applicant's information, run criminal database checks, check for interpol notices, verify source of funds, and may ask for additional information.

Due diligence fees range roughly from $7,500 for the main applicant to $4,000 for dependents over 16. These are non-refundable and cover the cost of background checks by third-party agencies.

Some countries now conduct a virtual or in-person interview with the main applicant to discuss their background (Antigua has implemented this). The applicant themselves usually does not need to travel; interviews can be done via video call.

Approval Timelines for Each Program

Once an application is submitted, the typical processing time is about 3 to 6 months for most Caribbean CBI programs. Some applicants have seen approvals in as fast as ~2.5 months, whereas others might take closer to 6 months if background checks are extensive.

St. Kitts and Nevis offers an Accelerated Application Process for an additional fee, which guarantees processing within 60 days. After receiving evidence of the investment, the government issues a Certificate of Naturalization for each new citizen.

From start to finish, most cases conclude in well under half a year. The approval rate is high for applicants who are transparent and meet requirements – rejections are rare and usually due to undisclosed issues found in due diligence.

Overview of Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

Minimum Investment Requirements

Antigua and Barbuda's program offers several investment options:

  • Donation: US $230,000 to the National Development Fund (for a family of up to 4)
  • Real Estate: US $300,000 minimum in an approved project, to be held for at least 5 years
  • Business Investment: Either $1.5 million invested directly in a qualifying local business, or a joint investment of $5 million (with each investor contributing at least $400k)
  • University Fund (UWI) option: $150,000 contribution (flat amount) but only available for families of 6 or more

Unique Benefits of Antigua & Barbuda Passport

Antigua and Barbuda stands out for its inclusive definition of dependents – one can include spouse, children up to 30, parents and grandparents 55+, and unmarried siblings of any age. This makes it possible to acquire citizenship for an extended family in one go.

Antigua also allows adding dependents after citizenship approval for a fee, without needing a new investment. Another benefit is the country's prestige and travel access: the Antigua passport has visa-free access to over 150 countries including the UK, EU Schengen, hong kong, singapore, etc.

Grenada Citizenship

E-2 Visa Treaty with the US

Grenada is the only Caribbean CBI country with an active E-2 Investor Visa treaty with the United States. This is a game-changer for those who want to live and do business in america. The E-2 visa allows Grenadian citizens to invest in a business in the US and move there to manage it, typically issued as a 5-year renewable visa.

Nationals of countries like china, russia, India (which do not have E-2 treaties) can use Grenadian citizenship as a bridge to U.S. residency through entrepreneurship. No other CBI passport offers this direct route to the US.

Key Investment Routes

Grenada adjusted its pricing in 2024 to meet the new OECS standards:

  • Donation: US $235,000 to Grenada's National Transformation Fund (NTF) for a single applicant or a family of up to four
  • Real Estate: US $270,000 minimum investment in a government-approved real estate project, plus a non-refundable fee of $50,000 (for up to 4 family members)

Additionally, Grenada has visa-free access to china, as well as russia and all the Schengen states. The China access is unique – Grenadian citizens can enter China visa-free for 30 days, beneficial for businesspeople with dealings in China.

Dominica Citizenship

Most Affordable Caribbean Citizenship Option

Dominica's program has consistently been rated as the top CBI program in the world for its affordable pricing and efficient processing. In August 2024, Dominica agreed to raise its prices slightly under the OECS harmonization:

  • Donation: US $200,000 for a single applicant (or married couple)
  • For a family of up to 4 (main applicant + 3 dependents), the contribution is $250,000

This is still the lowest entry cost among the five programs for a single person.

Real Estate and Donation Pathways

Real Estate: US $200,000 minimum in an approved real estate project. Dominica did not change the property threshold – it remains $200k, which is typically a share in a resort. However, Dominica introduced a hefty government fee on real estate: an extra $75,000 fee for the main applicant plus $25k per additional family member (up to 3).

Dominica's key selling point has always been value for money. Even after the price update, it remains very competitive, especially for single applicants or couples. The Dominica passport offers visa-free access to about 145 countries, including the UK, EU Schengen, singapore, hong kong, and recently added china (visa-free for 21 days) as of 2023.

St Lucia Citizenship

Government Bonds Investment Option

Saint Lucia offers a unique government bond investment option. An applicant can invest $300,000 in non-interest-bearing Treasury Bonds, to be held 5 years. After 5 years, the $300k is returned to the investor.

This is unique to Saint Lucia; no other Caribbean CBI currently offers a guaranteed refund instrument. It appeals to those who can park funds for a few years – essentially a "0% loan" to the government in exchange for citizenship.

Fast-Track Processing Advantages

Saint Lucia's program, being newer, has administrative efficiency – it has been known to approve applications in around 3 months (some as fast as 2 months), thanks to a relatively small backlog and a streamlined unit. They also have a digital application system which speeds up processing.

The passport of st. lucia grants visa-free travel to ~146 countries, essentially the same list as Dominica/St. Kitts, including Schengen, UK, singapore, etc. St. Lucia also maintains good international relations, though it is the only CBI country that recognized Taiwan.

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship

Oldest and Most Established CBI Program

St. Kitts and Nevis is the pioneer of citizenship by investment, established in 1984, making it the world's longest-running program. Often called the "platinum standard" of CBI, St. Kitts built a reputation as the most established CBI passport.

With 40 years of history, it has the largest alumni network of CBI citizens worldwide. Many banks, governments, and agencies are familiar with st. kitts and nevis passports held by investors, which can sometimes smooth verification processes.

Unique Benefits for Investors

St. Kitts and Nevis undertook major reforms in 2023-2024, including raising investment thresholds and tightening due diligence. The current requirements are:

  • Donation: US $250,000 contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) for a single applicant
  • For a family of up to four, the contribution is US $300,000
  • Real Estate: US $400,000 minimum investment in an approved real estate property

St. Kitts offers an Accelerated Application Process (AAP) for an additional fee, which guarantees processing within 60 days. This is a unique benefit for those who need citizenship quickly.

Alternative Option – Vanuatu Citizenship

How Vanuatu Compares to Caribbean Programs

Investment Requirements and Processing Time

While not in the Caribbean, vanuatu – a South Pacific island nation – offers a citizenship-by-investment program often considered alongside Caribbean CBIs.

vanuatu's Citizenship Development Support Program (DSP) is a donation-only program, requiring a contribution of about USD $130,000 for a single applicant (or $150,000 for a married couple, and around $180,000 for a family of four).

vanuatu's big selling point has been speed. It is often advertised as "the world's fastest citizenship," with approval in as quick as 1 month and passport delivered within 1-2 months. This is considerably faster than the 3-6 month timeline in the Caribbean.

Key Benefits and Drawbacks

vanuatu's key benefits include:

  • Fast and simple process
  • Relatively lower cost
  • Remote and no residency requirement
  • Tax haven status

However, vanuatu's program has faced significant international pushback due to concerns over its due diligence standards. In May 2022, the european union suspended visa-free travel for Vanuatu passport holders. In December 2024, the EU fully revoked Vanuatu's visa waiver agreement – the first time the EU has ever canceled visa-free access for a country explicitly over a "golden passport" scheme.

Furthermore, the united kingdom re-imposed visa requirements on Vanuatu citizens in 2022 as well. These moves drastically reduced the travel usefulness of a vanuatu passport, removing two of the most important visa-free regions (EU and UK).

How to Choose the Right Caribbean Citizenship Program

Which Caribbean Citizenship Program Suits Your Needs Best?

Best Options for Business and Global Mobility

If your priority is business opportunities and global mobility, consider these factors:

For U.S. migration options, Grenada is the clear choice. Its citizenship allows application for a US E-2 visa – something nationals of the other Caribbean countries cannot do. This is invaluable for those planning to set up business in america.

For visa-free travel, all five Caribbean passports cover the main travel regions, but only Grenada (and now Dominica to some degree) have china visa-free. St. Kitts, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Lucia all claim roughly 140-150 visa-free destinations.

Choosing Based on Cost and Processing Speed

If speed is your priority, St. Kitts and Nevis is the fastest in the Caribbean, especially with the 60-day Accelerated Application Process. For an extra fee, you can have a st. kitts passport in hand in about two months.

For minimizing cost, Dominica currently has the lowest donation for a single person at $200,000. For families, Antigua and Barbuda can be very cost-effective – at $230k for up to 4 family members.

If you have a large or atypical family, Antigua and Barbuda shines. It is the only program that readily allows siblings of the main applicant (or spouse) to be included of any age, as well as adult children's spouses in some cases.

Examples of Investment Properties in Caribbean Countries

Real Estate Options for Citizenship Applicants

In Dominica, you could invest $220,000 in a share of the acclaimed Jungle Bay Eco Resort (an approved project). Dominica has several high-end eco-resorts that have garnered international awards.

St. Kitts and Nevis has the longest history of CBI real estate – resorts like the Park Hyatt where many CBI investors bought shares that have since paid dividends and have resale markets.

Antigua and Grenada also have luxury projects (Antigua has a Kempinski under construction, and Grenada has the Kimpton Kawana Bay, Six Senses in development, etc.).

Resale Potential and ROI in the Caribbean

After the mandatory hold period (typically 5 years), investors can sell their property without losing citizenship. Some programs allow buybacks or developer resale guarantees.

For example, St. Kitts has introduced developer buyback programs making the investment potentially fully recoverable after the hold period. Some St. Kitts developers offer repurchase at full price after 5-7 years, which gives peace of mind.

However, remember that real estate should not be viewed as a pure profit venture in CBI – the primary return is the passport. Any rental yield (often 2-5% annually in best cases) or eventual resale is a bonus.

Conclusion

Summary of Benefits of Caribbean Citizenship by Investment

Obtaining a Caribbean citizenship through investment offers numerous benefits:

  • Fast-track second citizenship in a matter of months
  • Expansive visa-free travel to europe, UK, and more
  • The security of a Plan B nationality
  • Financial benefits like zero global taxation
  • Access to new markets and business opportunities

With recent harmonization, the programs are now more aligned in standards, making the Caribbean as a whole an attractive hub for investment migration.

Next Steps for Investors Interested in Caribbean Passports

For an interested investor, the next steps would typically be:

  1. Research & Decide on a Program: Weigh the factors discussed and select the country that best meets your needs
  2. Engage an Authorized Agent: All Caribbean CBI applications must be submitted by a locally authorized agent
  3. Prepare Documents & Funds: Gather required paperwork and ensure you have liquid funds ready
  4. Submit Application: Your agent will compile your application package and submit it to the government's CBI unit
  5. Await Approval: The waiting period is usually a few months
  6. Complete Investment & Receive Citizenship: Upon approval, you'll finalize the investment and receive your citizenship certificate and passport

How to Get Started with the Application Process

New citizens should remember to renew their passports every 5-10 years as required (the citizenship itself is permanent). It's also courteous to maintain a connection with the country – many new citizens visit for vacations, invest further in local business or property, or become ambassadors for the islands globally.

Caribbean CBI programs present a win-win: investors secure a valuable second citizenship for themselves and their families, and the countries receive crucial investments for development. For those seeking greater freedom, security, and opportunity, these programs offer a viable and proven route to becoming a true global citizen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Get Caribbean Citizenship Without Traveling?

Yes. All the Caribbean CBI programs allow you to obtain citizenship 100% remotely without ever visiting. There is no residency requirement before or after citizenship is granted. You work through an authorized agent who handles the submission. Even the oath of allegiance (if required) can often be taken abroad before a notary or embassy official.

Which Caribbean Country Has the Fastest Processing Time?

Currently, St. Kitts and Nevis offers the fastest route if you use their Accelerated Application Process (AAP) – you can get approval in 60 days (2 months). Without acceleration, standard processing times across countries range ~3 to 5 months. Historically, Dominica and St. Lucia have been among the quickest, often around 3 months.

How Much Do I Need to Invest for a Caribbean Passport?

The required investment depends on the country and whether you choose a donation or other route. As of 2025, the minimum donations (single applicant) are: $200,000 for Dominica, $235,000 for Grenada, $240,000 for St. Lucia, $250,000 for St. Kitts and Nevis, and $230,000 for Antigua and Barbuda (which actually covers up to a family of 4).

Do Caribbean Citizens Pay Taxes in Their New Country?

Simply obtaining citizenship does not subject you to local taxes unless you actually move there or have local income. All Caribbean CBI countries have very favorable tax regimes and no taxation on worldwide income. In fact, Antigua, St. Kitts, Dominica, St. Lucia, and Grenada do not tax non-resident citizens at all.

What Are the Risks of Citizenship by Investment?

While Caribbean CBI programs are legal and government-backed, there are a few risks and considerations:

  • Policy changes to visa agreements could affect travel benefits
  • Due diligence could lead to rejection if issues are found
  • Real estate investments carry financial risks
  • Unauthorized agents or scams exist in the industry
  • Some circles might scrutinize purchased citizenships
  • Programs could theoretically be suspended in the future

In practice, tens of thousands of individuals have obtained Caribbean citizenship by investment safely. The programs are structured to protect both the country's and the applicant's interests.