Updated on October 21, 2025

Caribbean citizenship by investment

Five Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment. While thresholds and requirements vary, the process of obtaining citizenship in these states is similar.

Citizens of Caribbean countries enjoy greater global mobility, business opportunities, and a relocation plan B if needed.

What is Caribbean citizenship by investment?

Caribbean citizenship by investment, CBI, programs are a legal way for foreign nationals to obtain citizenship by making a qualifying financial contribution. Instead of years of residence or ancestry, applicants can donate to a state fund, buy real estate, or invest in bonds or business ventures.

Investment thresholds vary by country and option, starting at $200,000 in Dominica.

The process takes about 6—8 months and requires no physical residence or citizenship tests. 

Investors gain full citizenship rights, including visa-free travel to over 140 countries, favourable tax benefits, and the ability to pass citizenship to future generations.

Where to buy citizenship in the Caribbean

Five Caribbean countries offering CBI

Why choose Caribbean citizenship by investment?

  • 1

    140+ countries visa-free

    Caribbean passports provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to most states, including the Schengen Area countries, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

  • 2

    10-year US visa

    Caribbean citizens can get long-term B‑1/B‑2 US visas to visit the USA for 180 days a year.

    Grenada maintains an E‑2 Treaty with the US, which enables citizens to obtain special visas and residence permits if they plan to run a business there.

  • 3

    3—5% annual yield

    Real estate purchased under a CBI programme generates rental income, along with potential capital appreciation.

  • 4

    0% taxes

    Caribbean nations generally offer favourable tax regimes, with no tax on worldwide income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains.

  • 5

    Plan B for relocation

    Citizenship serves as an insurance policy against political or economic instability in the applicant’s home country. Families gain the right to live and settle in the Caribbean at any time.

  • 6

    Business expansion

    Caribbean citizenship makes it easier to register companies abroad, open bank accounts, and transfer funds globally.

    Citizens of Caribbean Community member states also enjoy regional business privileges, including simplified trade and free movement within the region.

  • 7

    Citizenship for future generations

    Caribbean citizenship is lifelong and can be passed on to descendants, which provides future generations with the same mobility, security, and tax advantages.

Who may benefit from Caribbean citizenship?

Caribbean citizenship appeals to a wide range of individuals, including citizens of developing countries seeking greater travel freedom, assets protectors, family-focused investors, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists looking to make a positive impact.

1. Emerging countries nationals

Citizens of developing countries often have limited visa-free travel and may face political or economic instability at home. Caribbean citizenship offers greater freedom of movement and the security of living in a stable, peaceful environment. 

Holders of Caribbean passports can travel visa-free to more than 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.

2. Assets protectors

High-net-worth individuals seeking to secure and diversify their assets can benefit from Caribbean citizenship. These countries offer favourable tax regimes, with no taxes on worldwide income, inheritance, or capital gains. 

Citizenship also enables investors to hold assets in multiple jurisdictions, reducing exposure to economic or political risks in their home country.

3. Family-oriented investors

Caribbean programs allow applicants to include close family members such as spouses, children, parents, and sometimes siblings. This ensures a secure future for loved ones, with access to quality education, healthcare, and global mobility. Second citizenship gives families the freedom to travel together without visa restrictions.

4. Business people

Entrepreneurs benefit from visa-free access to major business hubs such as the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Grenadian citizens can also apply for the US E‑2 Treaty Investor Visa[1], allowing them to live and operate a business in the United States.

Citizens of the Caribbean Community member states enjoy regional privileges for trade, business, and movement, expanding their professional reach across the entire region.

5. Philanthropists

Many investors see Caribbean citizenship as a way to contribute to national development. Investments through CBI programs fund education, healthcare, and environmental initiatives. 

Philanthropic applicants can combine personal mobility with meaningful social impact, supporting local communities while gaining the benefits of citizenship.

Compare the Caribbean citizenship by investment programs

Compare the Caribbean citizenship by investment programs

  • Step-by-step procedure

  • Requirements for applicants

  • Required documents

  • Answers to frequently asked questions

Download practical guide
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5 best Caribbean citizenship by investment programs

Caribbean CBI programs are considered among the best in the world. They are recognised for their strict Due Diligence, ease of processing, and reasonable timeframe for obtaining a passport, as well as for their strong international reputation, travel freedom, and high standard of living in the country.

kn-flag St Kitts and Nevis

St Kitts and Nevis, offers three investment options: non-refundable contribution, purchase of real estate, and support of Public Benefit Projects. Real estate can be sold after 7 years.

The citizenship obtaining process takes 4+ months.

Full program conditions

$250,000+

Fund contribution

+ 2 more options in a guide

dm-flag Dominica

Dominica offers two investment options: non-refundable contribution and real estate purchase. The property can be sold after 3 or 5 years, depending on who it is sold to.

The citizenship obtaining process takes 6+ months.

Full program conditions

$200,000+

Fund contribution

+ 1 more option in a guide

ag-flag Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda offers four options: contribution to a state fund, contribution to a higher education institution, real estate purchase, and business investment. The property can be sold after 5 years.

The obtaining process takes 6+ months. To maintain citizenship, investors must spend 5+ days in the first 5 years in the country.

Full program conditions

$230,000+

Fund contribution

+ 3 more options in a guide

gd-flag Grenada

Grenada offers two investment options: non-refundable contribution and real estate purchase. The property can be sold after 5 years.

The citizenship obtaining process takes 5+ months.

Full program conditions

$235,000+

Fund contribution

+ 1 more option in a guide

lc-flag St Lucia

St Lucia offers five options: contribution to a state fund, real estate purchase, investment in infrastructure projects, purchase of government bonds, and business investment. The property or bonds can be sold after 5 years.

The citizenship obtaining process takes 6+ months.

Full program conditions

$240,000+

Fund contribution

+ 4 more option in a guide

Caribbean citizenship programs compared

Compare the best Caribbean citizenship by investment programs by key terms — investment threshold, processing time, residency requirements, and family inclusion.

Citizenship by investment in the Caribbean: key criteria

Criteria

Minimum investment

kn-flag

St Kitts and Nevis

$250,000

dm-flag

Dominica

$200,000

ag-flag

Antigua and Barbuda

$230,000

gd-flag

Grenada

$235,000

lc-flag

St Lucia

$240,000

Criteria

Obtaining period

kn-flag

St Kitts and Nevis

4+ months

dm-flag

Dominica

6+ months

ag-flag

Antigua and Barbuda

6+ months

gd-flag

Grenada

8+ months

lc-flag

St Lucia

6+ months

Criteria

Physical presence

kn-flag

St Kitts and Nevis

To collect passports

dm-flag

Dominica

Not required

ag-flag

Antigua and Barbuda

5 days within the first 5 years

gd-flag

Grenada

Not required

lc-flag

St Lucia

Not required

Criteria

Family inclusion

kn-flag

St Kitts and Nevis

Spouse, children under 25, parents over 55

dm-flag

Dominica

Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 65

ag-flag

Antigua and Barbuda

Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 55, siblings

gd-flag

Grenada

Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents, siblings over 18

lc-flag

St Lucia

Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 55, siblings under 18

Criteria

Unique benefit

kn-flag

St Kitts and Nevis

The oldest CBI program, established in 1984

dm-flag

Dominica

Investment return after 3 years

ag-flag

Antigua and Barbuda

Special option for families of 6+ people: $260,000+

gd-flag

Grenada

Eligibility for the E‑2 Visa in the US

lc-flag

St Lucia

Purchase government bonds option, redeemable in 5 years

Criteria

kn-flag

St Kitts and Nevis

dm-flag

Dominica

ag-flag

Antigua and Barbuda

gd-flag

Grenada

lc-flag

St Lucia

Minimum investment

$250,000

$200,000

$230,000

$235,000

$240,000

Obtaining period

4+ months

6+ months

6+ months

8+ months

6+ months

Physical presence

To collect passports

Not required

5 days within the first 5 years

Not required

Not required

Family inclusion

Spouse, children under 25, parents over 55

Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 65

Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 55, siblings

Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents, siblings over 18

Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 55, siblings under 18

Unique benefit

The oldest CBI program, established in 1984

Investment return after 3 years

Special option for families of 6+ people: $260,000+

Eligibility for the E‑2 Visa in the US

Purchase government bonds option, redeemable in 5 years

What are the main requirements for Caribbean citizenship applicants?

The main requirements for obtaining Caribbean citizenship by investment include the following:

  • age of at least 18;

  • clean criminal record;

  • financial capability — the investor must prove sufficient funds from legal sources;

  • good character and reputation — applicants must not be subject to international sanctions or restrictions.

The main applicant can include close family members in the application, such as a spouse in an official marriage, dependent children, and parents. Some countries also allow inclusion of grandparents and siblings.

Investment options for Caribbean citizenship

1. Fund contribution. This is the most affordable but non-refundable route. Applicants invest $200,000—250,000 in a state fund that supports national projects such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

2. Purchase of bonds. In St Lucia, applicants can invest in government bonds, which are fully refundable after a 5-year holding period.

3. Business investment. Antigua and Barbuda and St Lucia allow direct investment in businesses that create local jobs and contribute to the economy. Applicants may invest individually or as part of a group; in the latter case, the required investment is lower.

4. Real estate purchase. Applicants may buy shares in government-approved hotels, resorts, or villas, or opt for full ownership. Minimum investments range from $200,000 to 325,000 depending on the country, and the property must be held for 3—7 years before resale.

Investors can rent out their real estate and earn around 3—5% per annum during ownership.

Examples of properties eligible for St Kitts and Nevis citizenship

https://iminblog.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/snimok-ekrana-2020-07-03-v-12.28.45.jpg
location icon

St Kitts & Nevis, Frigate Bay

$325,000 — $4,000,000

Share in a villa and apartments in a luxury hotel complex

square icon58 m² — 426 m²
bed icon1—3
bathroom icon1—4
https://iminblog.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/birdview_copy_0.jpg
location icon

St Kitts & Nevis, Nevis

$425,000 — $550,000

Share or apartment in a residential complex

square icon69 m² — 116 m²
bed icon1—2
bathroom icon1—2
https://iminblog.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/schermata-2020-08-27-alle-15.20.00-e1598534732523.jpg
location icon

St Kitts & Nevis, Basseterre

$2,575,000+

Villa with pool in a landscaped park

square icon379 m²
bed icon4
bathroom icon4

Required documents for a Caribbean citizenship application

To ensure smooth processing, applicants must prepare a complete set of supporting documents. While exact requirements vary by country, the following are commonly requested:

  • valid passport copies;

  • birth certificates;

  • marriage or divorce certificates, if applicable;

  • national identity cards;

  • police clearance certificates from countries of residence;

  • affidavit of support for dependants;

  • bank statements and reference letters;

  • proof of source of funds, such as sale of property, business income, or inheritance;

  • employment or business ownership records.

All documents must be notarised, translated into English if originally in another language, and apostilled or legalised as required by the specific country’s regulations.

Step-by-step guide to obtaining Caribbean citizenship

In Immigrant Invest experience, obtaining Caribbean citizenship takes at least 4 months, depending on the chosen country and investment option. Lawyers accompany applicants throughout the entire process.

1

1 day

Preliminary Due Diligence

Immigrant Invest begins with a confidential pre-check to make sure the applicant has no restrictions that would prevent them from participating in the CBI program. Preliminary Due Diligence increased the approval rate up to 99%.

If everything is clear, Immigrant Invest signs a service agreement with the client to guide them through all further steps.

2

2+ weeks

Preparation of documents

Lawyers prepare a detailed list of required documents. All personal documents must be properly notarised, apostilled, and translated into English if necessary. 

Immigrant Invest assists with translations, certifications, and completing official government forms.

3

3+ months

Due Diligence

Lawyers submit an application to the relevant Citizenship by Investment Unit. Authorities then conduct rigorous Due Diligence to verify the applicant’s background, financial standing, and source of funds. If additional information is requested, the legal team responds on the applicant’s behalf.

During the Due Diligence process, every investor must attend an interview. It is conducted online in the applicant’s preferred language.

4

Up to 3 months

Fulfilment of investment conditions

After Due Diligence, the government issues a decision. If the application is approved, the investor fulfils the chosen investment option.

5

2+ weeks

Issuance of passports

The applicant receives a Certificate of Naturalisation and is issued a Caribbean passport, which grants full citizenship rights and international mobility.

Which citizenship is the best choice in my case?

Best Caribbean citizenship in your case depends on your budget, preferences, and long-term goals.

Zlata Erlach, an expert at Immigrant Invest, shares her insights on how to choose the best Caribbean citizenship by investment option. Zlata has been advising investors for more than 10 years and has helped over 500 families worldwide obtain their second citizenship.

Zlata Erlach

Zlata Erlach,

Head of the Austrian office

If reputation and reliability are priorities, St Kitts and Nevis is the clear leader. It’s the oldest citizenship by investment program, established in 1984, and it remains one of the most today.

For affordability, Dominica stands out. It offers one of the lowest entry points, $200,000, and a straightforward application process suitable for single applicants and small families.

Big families should consider Antigua and Barbuda. Under its University of the West Indies Fund option, families of up to six people can obtain citizenship with a single $260,000 contribution. It’s the most cost-effective solution for large households who want to secure a second passport together.

Entrepreneurs often choose Grenada because of its unique business advantages. Grenadian citizens are eligible for the US E-2 Investor Visa and enjoy visa-free access to China — a rare benefit in the Caribbean.

For investors who want more choice and control, St Lucia offers several investment routes, including refundable government bonds.

Overall, Caribbean citizenship is a smart and reliable investment in personal freedom. It offers fast processing, moderate costs, and stability. Whether your goal is mobility, asset protection, or family security, there’s a Caribbean program that fits perfectly.

Real success stories from Caribbean citizenship applicants

Your peace of mind starts with our credibility

Investors cannot apply for Caribbean citizenship on their own — applications must be filed through a licensed agent.

Immigrant Invest is licensed by the governments of all 5 countries — Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia — making us eligible to guide and represent investors throughout the entire passport application process.

Our team also includes members of the Investment Migration Council, IMC, the world’s leading association for immigration and citizenship by investment.

Trust your future to a reliable agent

Experienced

Being in the industry since 2006, we can handle it all, from Due Diligence to investment, and resolve issues fast.

Diligent

Our in-house compliance team runs thorough checks upfront to ensure eligibility and protect you from rejection risks.

Dedicated

From the first consultation to obtaining citizenship, we will support you at every step and answer all, even the trickiest, questions.

Confidential

We protect your trust with strict confidentiality, securing your data and investment details under an NDA agreement.

Your citizenship team

Our legal team comprises 70 professionals dedicated to identifying the most suitable citizenship solution for you and ensuring you receive your passport quickly and smoothly.

Among our experts are members of the International Migration Council, IMC, the leading global association for immigration and citizenship by investment. We also have certified Anti-Money Laundering Officers, ensuring your journey meets the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and integrity.

Elena Ruda

Elena Ruda

Chief Development Officer at Immigrant Invest

Zlata Erlach

Zlata Erlach

Head of the Austrian office

Vladlena Baranova

Vladlena Baranova

Head of Legal & AML Compliance Department, CAMS, IMCM

Lyle Julien

Lyle Julien

Investment programs expert

Get more than a second passport

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Support

We help conclude lease agreements, obtain a driver’s license, change your name, or secure additional documents in the respective country.

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Unity

We help you obtain citizenship for your family, including children born after you receive your passport.

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Future

Caribbean passports are valid for 5—10 years. We assist with renewal or replacement in case of loss or damage.

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Property

We help you select real estate, complete the purchase, and sell it after 3—7 years, if required.

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Finance

We help open bank accounts and obtain a tax ID number in your chosen country.

Our clients’ reviews

All reviews

Clients’ names and photos have been changed to comply with a non-disclosure agreement.

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Schedule a meeting

Let's discuss the details

Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.

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Frequently asked questions

  • What are the full costs of Caribbean citizenship by investment beyond the minimum investment amount?

    The total additional expenses beyond the investment amount to around $15,000. This includes Due Diligence, interview, and government fees of about $10,000, as well as document preparation costs of around $4,000.

    With a minimum investment of $200,000, you can expect the total cost of citizenship to start at around $215,000.

  • Do I need to attend an interview or give biometrics for a Caribbean citizenship application?

    Yes, you do. Undergoing an Interview is a mandatory step under all Caribbean citizenship by investment programs. It is conducted remotely in the investor’s preferred language. Dependants aged 16 and over may also be required to participate.

    Biometrics submission is necessary, but applicants do not need to visit the country to provide them.

  • Do I have to live in the country to maintain my Caribbean citizenship?

    No, you do not need to reside in the country to maintain your Caribbean citizenship. However, new citizens of Antigua and Barbuda are required to spend at least 5 days in the country within the first 5 years.

  • How long must CBI real estate be held before resale and are there program differences?

    In most Caribbean countries, the real estate must be held for at least 5 years before resale. However, in Dominica, it can be reduced to 3 years if the property is sold to a non-CBI program participant. In other cases, the holding period is also 5 years. In St Kitts and Nevis, real estate can be sold after 7 years.

  • What are the long-term benefits beyond visa-free travel, such as taxation and family inheritance?

    Beyond visa-free travel, the long-term benefits can include:

    • tax optimisation — most Caribbean countries have no taxes on foreign income, inheritance, or wealth;
    • wealth and estate planning — second citizenship facilitates smoother asset transfer to heirs and protects family wealth;
    • business opportunities — Caribbean citizenship provides access to international markets, global banking, and company formation options;
    • security and stability — Caribbean citizenship serves as an insurance policy during political or economic uncertainty.
  • How can I verify that a citizenship by investment agent is legitimate?

    To verify a citizenship by investment agent, check whether they hold a licence from the respective country, as only government-approved agents are authorised to submit applications. This information can be found on the official CBI unit websites of each country.

    Immigrant Invest is licensed by the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia.

  • Will ETIAS change how Caribbean passport holders visit the Schengen Area and when will it start?

    Yes, ETIAS[2] will change the way Caribbean citizens visit the Schengen Area. It is not a visa but a pre-travel authorisation valid for three years, and Caribbean citizens will need to apply for it in advance. The online application is expected to take only a few minutes to complete.

Video guide about Caribbean investment citizenship

Watch our 2-minute video about Caribbean citizenship by investment programs and learn all their benefits and specifics.

Are the Caribbean programs worth the investment? Revealing their benefits in the video

Sources

  1. Source: Requirements for the E-2 Visa on the US Citizenship and Migration Services website.

  2. Source: All the essential information about ETIAS on the official ETIAS website.

Schedule a meeting

Let’s discuss the details

We will develop an individual solution, select a country and status that will solve your problems, and accompany the entire process.

Zlata Erlach
Zlata Erlach

Head of the Austrian office

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