Getting citizenship by investment in a Caribbean is straightforward process. A country offers you a passport and the accompanying rights and privileges in exchange for your investment in the country.
It’s a win-win for both you and them.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the popular Caribbean countries in which you can apply for a citizenship through investment program, so that you can get a second citizenship, earn tax breaks, and much more.
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Contents
Key Takeaways
- Obtaining a Caribbean passport is the easiest way to acquire a second passport.
- Antigua and Barbuda is our personal choice, as it only requires a US$230,000 investment.
- Dominica is another good option, but be cautious about becoming a tax resident.
- The St. Kitts and Nevis program is currently much more expensive than other programs.
- The wait time for all programs is similar, ranging from 3-6 months.
- Licensed agents are required to apply for these programs.
- To start your application or to find out more, please reach out to us.
Why Caribbean Countries?
Caribbean countries have a lot of great citizenship through investment opportunities. The biggest two incentives to are that they’re inexpensive and fast. Also, many of these countries are highly recommended for a second passport.
Compared to other nations, Caribbean countries have the cheapest passport through investment programs that can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Most other countries have a multiple-year waiting time. However, Caribbean countries that offer citizenship through investment programs all have wait times of less than six months. But there are many other reasons to choose a Caribbean country.
In general, they have a straightforward procedure when it comes to processing citizenship applications. They require little-to-no residency in the country and have few other conditions.
You just have to provide a criminal background record, be of sound mind and health, and have a high net worth or steady income stream.
Lastly, people who choose to do a citizenship through investment program in Caribbean countries can travel visa-free or with a visa-upon-arrival to over a hundred different countries.
Having said all that, let’s look at some specific Caribbean countries and the citizenship by investment programs they offer.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is a nation of two large islands along with several small islets. Antigua is a more developed island and is a greater draw for tourists, who make up about 60 percent of its GDP.
With over 350 beaches, this lush island paradise is an attraction for tourists from the United States, Canada, and much of Europe. Barbuda is full of beaches and flat lands that lay relatively low.
Antigua and Barbuda are part of the Commonwealth of Nations, allowing privileges in the U.K. and other member nations. Moreover, there are excellent airports with several destinations throughout Europe.
Passport Benefits
An Antigua and Barbuda passport would let you travel visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival to 150 destinations around the world, including the United Kingdom, the European Schengen area, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Africa.
In addition, there’s no wealth tax, inheritance tax, and income tax in Antigua and Barbuda.
Investment Requirements
Antigua and Barbuda are among the cheapest investment options.
- A donation of at least US$230,000 to the National Development Fund (NDF)
- A donation of at least US$260,000 to the University of the West Indies
There are many different options for obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda. In addition to the donation option already mentioned, you can invest in real estate.
- Requirements include a minimum investment of US$300,000, and the property must be located in an approved development area and must be held for at least five years.
- Another option is to invest at least US$1.5 million in an approved company. That company has to be either a proposed company or an existing company approved by the Citizens by Investment Unit. Most of the qualifying companies are focused on real estate and tourism.
Downside
The only real downside to obtaining a passport by investment through Antigua and Barbuda is the residency requirement. You need to live in Antigua and Barbuda for at least five days every five years to maintain the conditions of your citizenship.
Should I Get It?
Antigua and Barbuda are among the cheapest options for citizenship by investment in the Caribbean and the world.
With the large variety of places that can be visited with a passport from Antigua and Barbuda and the accessible flights to many locations, this island nation is a favorite with those looking for a passport by investment.
Find out more: Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program Review
Dominica
Dominica is often confused with the Dominican Republic, another Caribbean nation. The Dominican Republic does not have a citizenship by investment program. Dominica, on the other hand, does.
It’s one of the most beautiful countries in the Caribbean and has an ideal climate, especially during the cooler period between December and March.
This island is about 750 square kilometers with a population of over 72,000. Three thousand of those people are the last surviving native Carib people in the Caribbean.
Moreover, there is very little crime in Dominica. Even though agriculture makes up the majority of their economy, tourism is a growing market on the island.
Passport Benefits
A citizenship through investment program with Dominica allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 144 nations. Citizenship can even be passed on to children and grandchildren. Dominica has no restrictions on dual citizenship and it grants you the right to live, work, and study in Dominica.
Investment Requirements
Dominica’s citizenship through investment program has two investment options:
- US$200,000 in a real estate investment, which must be held for at least three years.
- US$200,000 donation to the Economic Development Fund for a single applicant or US$250,000 donation for a family of four.
The real estate option is particularly attractive as it is the least expensive in the Caribbean and requires the shortest holding period. After three years, you can sell the property to another buyer.
On the other hand, the donation route is a great option for families and is also more straightforward than the real estate route.
Regardless of which option you choose, the process can take as little as three months. About halfway through the process, you have to either donate your set amount or make your real estate investment.
Downside
A major downside of Dominica is that if you live in Dominica for more than 183 days a year, you are considered a tax resident and are subject to up to 35% tax on your worldwide income.
Should I Get It?
If you are looking for an affordable and quick way to obtain a Caribbean passport without any residency requirement, Dominica can be a good option.
However, you should be careful about becoming a tax resident here, as the rates can be very high. And it’s for your worldwide income.
Find out more: The Complete Review of the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program
Grenada
Grenada is another Caribbean island nation that offers a citizenship by investment program. It’s called spice island because they produce nutmeg and mace. Despite this misnomer, Grenada’s main economy is based on tourism, in part, because it’s a frequent cruise ship destination.
Passport Benefits
A passport from Grenada has the benefit of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 144 countries, including the U.K., Europe’s Schengen area, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
This is the only Caribbean passport by investment program that lets you apply for a non-immigrant visa with the U.S., allowing successful applicants and their families the right to enter, live, work and study in the country.
Citizenship in Grenada is transferable to new spouses, future children, and grandchildren.
Investment Requirements
There are two ways to qualify for a second passport by investment in Grenada: real estate investment and donation.
- US$270,000 Real Estate Investment + US$50,000 donation: You must purchase from a government-approved project. You can sell it at any time after purchase or hold it for five years if bought from another investor.
- US$235,000 Donation to the National Transformation Fund (NTF).
You can obtain up to four passports through either investment option.
Downside
If you’re considering Grenada for a second passport, you’ll be happy to know there’s no tax on wealth earned from foreign investments. However, if you earn money within Grenada, you’ll need to pay local taxes.
- Non-residents pay a flat 15% tax on income earned in Grenada.
- Tax residents are subject to a progressive tax rate of up to 30%.
Since tax rates can change, it’s always a good idea to check with the Grenada Inland Revenue Division or consult a tax professional to stay updated.
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis are part of the Lesser Antilles island chain that sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It’s known for beaches and mountains enshrouded in clouds. The former sugar plantations are now quaint inns or scenic ruins.
St. Kitts is the more developed of the two islands, while Nevis is less cultivated. Tourism, some light industry, and banking make up the economy of this small nation. St. Kitts and Nevis is known for being the smallest sovereign nation in both landmass and population.
Passport Benefits
St. Kitts and Nevis is a great passport to have for travelers, as it allows for either visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 156 counties, including the U.K, the European Schengen area, Singapore, Russia, and Hong Kong.
It offers the most countries that can be traveled to by a Caribbean passport of all of the citizenship by investment programs in that area.
Citizenship in this country can be passed down to both children and grandchildren. St. Kitts and Nevis is a part of the Commonwealth of Nations, which garners certain privileges in the U.K. and other member countries.
There are a number of flights available to Europe and North America from St. Kitts and Nevis as well. Dual citizenship is allowed in this dual-island nation. There is no minimum amount of time that you must stay in the country to obtain either a passport or citizenship.
Moreover, you can include your siblings in the citizenship through investment program.
Investment Requirements
St. Kitts and Nevis offers two options to obtain a passport by investment — donation and real estate. Donations can be made to the country’s Sustainable Growth Fund.
- The donation amount starts at US$250,000, an additional US$50,000 for a spouse or for each additional dependent.
- The second option involves buying a piece of government-approved real estate. There is the option to invest at least US$325,000 in a condominium or US$600,000 in a private estate and hold it for at least seven years.
Downside
Obtaining a St. Kitts and Nevis passport is becoming more expensive. Currently, you need to invest at least US$250,000, making it the most expensive option among Caribbean countries.
Read our review on the St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program for more info.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia is a scenic island destination in the Caribbean that’s known for its two volcanic mountain peaks, the Pitons. Recognized for its beaches and dramatic scenery, St. Lucia is often a destination for cruise ships and yachts.
It’s home to just over 180,000 people and is largely a tourism-based economy with 70 percent of its GDP being generated by the services sector. Their official language is English.
Passport Benefits
A passport from St. Lucia lets you travel visa-free or visa-on-arrival to 146 nations. There is no residence or visitation requirement for a passport from Saint Lucia. Saint Lucia allows for dual citizenship for those pursue it.
You are able to include a spouse, siblings under the age of 18, dependents under the age of 31, and parents 56 years and older in your citizenship application.
Investment Requirements
St. Lucia boasts four different options when it comes to securing a passport through investment:
- US$240,000 donation to the National Economic Fund + US$20,000 per dependent (or US$10,000 if the dependent is under 18).
- US$250,000 investment in an approved enterprise or project.
- US$250,000 real estate investment, which must be held for at least five years.
- US$300,000 investment in non-interest-bearing government bonds + US$50,000 administrative fee. The bonds must be held for at least five years.*
*St. Lucia is the only Caribbean country to offer a citizenship by investment option for investing in bonds.
Downside
Since St. Lucia is not a well-known country, immigration officers may take extra time checking your passport. You will also face challenges traveling to China and Russia with it.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Program | Antigua and Barbuda | Dominica | Grenada | St. Kitts and Nevis | St. Lucia |
| Investment for one person | US$230,000 | US$200,000 | US$235,000 | US$250,000 | US$240,000 |
| Estimated Investment for a family of four | N/A | US$250,000 | US$235,000 | US$400,000 | US$320,000 |
| Processing time | 3 to 4 months | 3 months | 4 months | 6 months | 3 months |
| Real estate option | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Real estate requirements | US$300,000 for five years | US$200,000 three years | US$270,000 with US$50,000 donation, can be sold immediately. | US$325,000 in a condominium or US$600,000 in a private estate for seven years | US$250,000 for five years |
| Residency requirement | 5 days in five years | 0 days | 0 days | 0 days | 0 days |
| Countries can travel to | 150 | 144 | 144 | 156 | 146 |
Which Caribbean Passport Should I Get?
The Caribbean is a stunning region with several citizenship by investment options. But before making a decision, it’s important to take the time to choose the one that best fits your needs.
- For a single applicant, Antigua and Barbuda is a great choice. It has one of the lowest investment requirements, a streamlined process, and no tax on worldwide income.
- For a family of four, Grenada offers the most affordable option.
- For real estate investment, Dominica requires the lowest amount.
- For visa-free travel, St. Kitts and Nevis offers access to the most countries.
- For flexibility, St. Lucia provides the most options for obtaining citizenship by investment.
Please keep in mind that this is just a starting point. Choosing the right citizenship by investment program depends on several factors, and the best option for you may not be the same as someone else’s.
To find the perfect fit based on your personal situation, it’s best to speak with an expert. Fill out the form below, and an immigration specialist will guide you through the process helping you make the smartest choice for your future.
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