Looking to expand your travel, business, and personal freedom? Gaining citizenship in one of the Caribbean countries could be the solution that offers freedom of movement and financial flexibility.
Caribbean nations attract investors from around the world not only with their picturesque landscapes and favorable climate but also with the opportunity to obtain citizenship through investment. This program allows you to enjoy life on tropical islands while granting access to benefits such as visa-free travel to over 150 countries, tax advantages, and a high level of privacy.
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Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIP)
Caribbean passports are becoming increasingly popular among high-net-worth individuals seeking additional opportunities for freedom of movement and asset protection. Investors are actively considering passports from Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, and Dominica.
Let's explore the investment benefits of each country
| Grenada | St. Kitts and Nevis | Antigua and Barbuda | St. Lucia | Dominica | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Donation Amount | from $235 000 | from $250 000 | from $230 000 | from $240 000 | from $200 000 |
Real Estate Investment | + | + | + | + | + |
Minimum Investment Amount in Real Estate | from $270 000 | from $400 000 | from $300 000 | from $300 000 | from $200 000 |
Minimum Holding Period for the Asset (for real estate) | 5 years | 7 years | 5 years | 5 years | 3 years |
Number of Visa-Free Countries | 146 | 152 | 140 | 140 | 145 |
Schengen Area | + | + | + | + | + |
Residence or Visit Requirements | - | - | + (needs to visit the country for 5 days after obtaining the passport) | - | - |
Visa-Free Entry to China | + | - | + | - | + |
Entry by eVisa to the UAE | + | + | + | + | + |
E-2 Visa Agreement with the USA | + | - | - | - | - |
Long-Term USA Visa | + | + | + | + | + |
Special Preferential Entry Conditions for Canada | - | + | + | + | - |
Possibility to Include Siblings in the Application | + | - | + | + | - |
Possibility to Include Parents Over 55 Years Old in the Application | + | - | + | + | - |
Citizenship is Inherited | + | + | + | + | + |
St. Kitts and Nevis
Launched in 1984, the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment program allows investors to obtain citizenship through investments in real estate, contributions to sustainable island development, or public projects. Foreign investors can qualify for citizenship by making one of the following investments:
- Federal Consolidated Fund (from $250,000)
A non-refundable contribution to the Federal Consolidated Fund supports the sustainable development of the island nations. These funds are allocated to areas such as local food production, green energy, economic diversification, sustainable industries, creative economy, post-COVID recovery, and social protection. The investment strengthens the economy and improves the quality of life, including infrastructure development.
- Real Estate Investment (from $400,000)
Investments in government-approved real estate projects such as hotel shares, villas, and condominiums. You are required to hold the property for a specified period, after which it can be sold to another citizenship applicant. A return on investment is possible after 7 years, with potential capital growth of up to 3%, though this is not guaranteed. Applicants can also qualify for citizenship through investments in approved private real estate.
- Donation to Public Causes (from $250,000)
A non-refundable donation for state-approved social projects in St. Kitts and Nevis. The funds support community-benefiting programs, including infrastructure development, healthcare, and education. This contribution helps in constructing public facilities on state-owned lands and maximizes local employment opportunities.
Antigua and Barbuda
Launched in 2013, the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program has become one of the most affordable options in the Caribbean. Here are the four main ways to obtain citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda:
- National Development Fund Contribution (from $230,000)
A one-time non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund of Antigua and Barbuda. The funds are allocated to strengthen the economy, improve living standards, and enhance the island's infrastructure.
- Real Estate Investment (from $300,000)
Investment in government-approved real estate projects offers two options. The first is individual ownership of property with a minimum investment of $400,000. The second is joint investment with another individual, with a minimum contribution of $300,000 per investor. These investments provide opportunities for permanent residency or full ownership of the property.
- Business Investment (from $400,000)
Government-approved business investments offer two paths. The primary applicant can invest at least $1,500,000 in a business. Alternatively, a group of two or more investors can jointly invest $5,000,000 in an approved business, with each individual contributing at least $400,000.
- University of the West Indies Fund Contribution (from $300,000)
A one-time non-refundable donation to the University of the West Indies Fund is popular among larger families. One family member will receive a year of free education at the university. This investment option is ideal for families who want to support regional development and secure educational opportunities for their children while obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.
Grenada
Launched in 2013, the Grenada Citizenship by Investment program offers investors and their families the opportunity to obtain Grenadian citizenship through economic contributions to the country. There are two main paths to citizenship:
- National Transformation Fund Contribution (from $235,000)
The investment amount varies depending on the number of family members included in the application. The funds are directed toward strengthening the economy and improving living standards, including the country's infrastructure development.
- Real Estate Investment (from $270,000)
Investments in government-approved real estate projects offer the potential for profit during the ownership period. A limited number of approved real estate options reduce the risk of delays or bankruptcy, ensuring a smooth transaction. Investors are allowed to reside in the purchased property for approximately 1-2 weeks per year.
Dominica
Launched in 1993, Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment program is considered one of the most attractive and fastest in the world, with an average passport processing time of just 4-6 months. The program consistently proves to be highly cost-effective for individual applicants, offering visa-free access to 145 countries globally.
Investment options for obtaining citizenship include:
- Government Fund Contribution (from $200,000)
Funds contributed to the government fund are used by the Dominican government to strengthen the economy and improve living standards on the island, including infrastructure development. The amount of the contribution depends on the number of people included in the citizenship application.
- Real Estate Investment (from $200,000)
A limited number of government-approved real estate options ensure smooth transactions without delays or bankruptcy risks. Investors are allowed to reside in the purchased property.
St. Lucia
Launched in 2015, the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment program offers the opportunity to gain citizenship through investments in government-approved projects such as real estate, sustainable development funds, and public projects.
- National Economic Fund Contribution (from $240,000)
A straightforward way to obtain citizenship that supports the country's infrastructure and public services. The contribution amount depends on the number of applicants. This option offers the lowest additional fees among the available investment methods, requires no property management, and involves no complex agreements, ensuring simplicity and confidentiality.
- Investment in Government Bonds (from $300,000)
Applicants for St. Lucian citizenship can purchase zero-interest government bonds (National Action Bond), which must be held for 5 years. This investment option guarantees the return of funds and does not require finding a buyer, as with real estate, or management, as with business projects.
- Enterprise Projects Donation (from $250,000)
These projects may include various enterprises such as hotels, factories, and other commercial initiatives approved by the government. By choosing this option, you contribute to the development of the country's economy and secure citizenship.
- Real Estate Investment (from $300,000)
Investments in government-approved real estate projects. A full return of the investment is possible after 5 years of ownership.
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment: Investment Options Comparison
For investors choosing a non-refundable donation, the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program offers an excellent cost-to-benefit ratio, especially for families with children. Dominica provides the most affordable citizenship option in the Caribbean, offering the most economical route through donation. It is the optimal choice for a single applicant due to its lower overall costs and faster processing time.
The table below presents the non-refundable donation amounts for various Caribbean citizenship programs based on family size. This data will help you compare the costs of obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia to select the most suitable option.
Non-Refundable Donation Amounts for Various Caribbean Citizenship Programs:
| Antigua and Barbuda | Dominica | Grenada | St. Kitts and Nevis | St. Lucia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Single Applicant | $230 000 | $200 000 | $235 000 | $250 000 | $240 000 |
Applicant and Spouse | $230 000 | $250 000 | $235 000 | $250 000 | $240 000 |
Married Couple with 2 Children | $230 000* | $250 000 | $235 000* | $250 000* | $240 000* |
Married Couple with an Adult Child and 2 Parents | $230 000 | $290 000 | $260 000 | $300 000 | $260 000 |
*Cost of Non-Refundable Donation for a Couple and Children Under 16 Years
For real estate investments, the results are similar. Dominica’s program requires the lowest investment level for a single applicant. At the same time, Antigua and Barbuda and St. Lucia are the best options for families of four or more.
Real Estate Investment Amounts for Various Caribbean Citizenship Programs
| Antigua and Barbuda | Dominica | Grenada | St. Kitts and Nevis | St. Lucia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Minimum Investment Threshold for One or Multiple Investors | $300 000 | $200 000 | $270 000 | $400 000 | $300 000 |
Holding Period for the Asset | 5 years | 3 years | 5 years | 7 years | 5 years |
Get a personalized investment calculation for your family from Migronis experts. We will help you compare all available options and select the best solution that matches your goals and preferences.
Deciding to invest in real estate can be a complex process. When comparing Caribbean islands, it's important to note that Grenada is distinguished by its safer geographical location, as it is less prone to severe hurricanes compared to other islands in the region. This makes real estate investments in Grenada more stable.
When choosing between Antigua and Barbuda or St. Kitts and Nevis, note that Antigua and Barbuda is the only Caribbean country requiring investors to fulfill a minimum residency requirement: five days within the first five years after obtaining citizenship. While the processing times for citizenship applications in the region are generally short, they range from 6 to 10 months.
CARICOM passports offer significant freedom for international travel, but there are slight differences among them. The advantage of St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship over Dominica, St. Lucia, and Grenada is the greater number of countries and territories that can be visited visa-free—152. According to the current Henley Passport Index, the St. Kitts and Nevis passport has one of the highest rankings among Caribbean passports.
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