Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Comparison Guide

This Caribbean citizenship by investment comparison guide comprises five Caribbean countries that provide citizenship through investment: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. To obtain Caribbean citizenship and a passport, you can either make a donation or invest in real estate, with costs starting from $200,000.

Whether you’re looking to retire by the beach, own a second home in paradise, start a profitable business, or simply own a second passport without the commitment of living abroad, look no further. Caribbean countries offer citizenship with all these advantages and more. While the programs are relatively similar, there are key differences, which is precisely why we’ve developed this Caribbean citizenship by investment guide, so you can choose the most suitable Caribbean nationality for yourself and your family.

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Comparison

If you’re seeking a second citizenship and a peaceful abode to retreat to, be it for holidays, retirement, or residency, then consider the Caribbean. Caribbean countries make excellent plan B options thanks to favorable Caribbean taxes, promising business opportunities, profitable real estate, and laidback lifestyles.

A common question asked by many is, Can I buy Caribbean citizenship? or Can I buy a Caribbean passport? While it is not possible to buy a passport – Caribbean or otherwise – various countries offer citizenship programs that provide foreign investors with routes to obtaining citizenship in exchange for direct investment into the country’s economy. These routes typically include a Caribbean real estate purchase, investment in a government fund, purchasing government bonds, or making a business investment. Once you satisfy the requirements and make the minimum investment, you will be granted citizenship and be able to enjoy the benefits of your new passport.

There are currently five Caribbean citizenship by investment programs in operation, offering lucrative incentives and relatively affordable investments to investors looking to diversify their assets and protect their wealth. The Caribbean citizenship by investment unit of each Caribbean country conducts thorough due diligence checks to ensure each CBI application meets the necessary requirements. When thinking about which Caribbean citizenship by investment to pick, consider factors like the timeline to acquiring a passport, the best value for your money, Caribbean passport visa free countries, and investor requirements.

Caribbean Citizenship Benefits

Caribbean CBI Programs Compared

St Kitts and Nevis: The longest-running CBI program

St Kitts and Nevis offers the longest-running Caribbean citizenship program, having launched in 1984. Investors will have their submissions processed and receive their approval letters within 12 months. The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program has three investment options: a $250,000 non-refundable contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC), a $325,000 real estate investment, or a $250,000 fund contribution to the Public Benefit Option.

What makes St Kitts and Nevis passport through investment program so attractive?

• An abundance of sun and mesmerizing beaches
• Fast-growing economy
• Platinum standard reputation in the global marketplace of citizenship by investment programs
• Quality offshore banking and a range of insurance services
• No foreign income tax to reduce tax obligations
• Guarantee of financial privacy for offshore businesses

Antigua and Barbuda: The best value for families 

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment offers the best Caribbean Citizenship for large families and the best value for a family of four.

The main applicant who applies with a financially dependent spouse and two children must donate at least $230,000 to the National Development Fund to acquire Antigua and Barbuda passports. This equates to $57,500 per family member, which is not a bad deal if you ask us.

Larger families with six or more members can obtain citizenship by making a donation of $260,000 to the University of West Indies Fund. Antigua and Barbuda offers the only Caribbean citizenship program that entitles one member of the family to a one-year, tuition-only scholarship at the University of the West Indies.

Why Antigua and Barbuda?

• Unlock visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the UK and the European Union
• The application and approval process takes around 90 days
• Stable democracy with a British parliamentary system
• Dual citizenship is recognized, and lifetime citizenship is protected
• Outstanding lifestyle in the tropics with year-round sunshine

Dominica: Four times named the best citizenship by investment program in the world

For the fourth year in a row in 2022, Dominica’s citizenship by investment program was the best Caribbean citizenship by investment scheme according to its ranking by the CBI Index — the most prestigious study of citizenship by investment programs in the world.

What makes Dominica’s citizenship program so attractive?

• A minimum donation of $200,000 in Dominica’s Economic Diversification Fund will get you a Dominica passport
• You can choose to invest $200,000 in pre-approved real estate projects, granting you a passport and a second home in the tropics
• There are no stay requirements
• The whole family is eligible to apply

Grenada: A route to the USA

Do you have a desire to live and work in the US? Acquiring Grenada citizenship by investment from $235,000 is a viable first step toward securing your goal.

In fact, Grenada is the only Caribbean citizenship by investment program and country in the Caribbean region that holds an E-2 Visa Treaty with the USA.

What this means is that if you hold a Grenadian passport, you can apply for a US non-immigrant visa and take this opportunity to relocate your family to the USA.

Why is Grenada’s citizenship program  an excellent option?

• Want to relocate to the USA
• Want visa free access to China
• Want your family to benefit from the program? You can include a spouse, children under 30, unmarried siblings aged 18 and over, dependent parents and grandparents of the main applicant, and spouse.
• Prefer to own a passport without the commitment of living in Grenada — there’s no minimum stay requirement

St Lucia: Diverse investment options available

St Lucia’s citizenship by investment program has a competitive edge over its Caribbean rivalries purely in terms of the breadth of investment options on the table. A sole investor or a main applicant and up to three financially dependent family members can acquire citizenship from $240,000.

St Lucia’s four investment routes to citizenship

• Make a real estate investment of at least $300,000 from a government-approved real estate development. Investment properties must be held for at least five years.
• Partake in an approved enterprise project with a minimum contribution of $250,000 in a project worth at least $6 million. 
• A donation of $240,000 to the National Economic Fund.
• Purchase government bonds worth at least $300,000, which must be held for five years.

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Comparison Table

Caribbean citizenship by investment programs – sometimes referred to as Caribbean golden visa or economic citizenship programs – are very attractive and cost-effective, with minimum investment requirements and excellent visa-free travel and tax benefits. 

These programs are only getting more popular, particularly among high-net-worth families and individuals, and it’s easy to see why. The investment route to Caribbean nationality enables you to live or own a second home in an exotic Caribbean nation in the West Indies while still earning income on the side. What’s not to like about that?

Country	Investment cost [single applicant]	Investment cost [family of 4]	Family eligibility	Time until Citizenship	Visa-free travel countries
Antigua and Barbuda	$230,000	$230,000	Spouse, children, dependent parents, grandparents, and siblings	4-5 months	Over 150 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia
St Lucia	$240,000	$240,000	Spouse, children, dependent parents, and siblings	10-12 months	Over 140 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong
Dominica	$200,000	$250,000	Spouse, children, dependent parents, grandparents	6-9 months	Over 140 countries including EU, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Russia
St Kitts and Nevis	$250,000	$250,000	Spouse, children, and, dependent parents	12 months	Over 150 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia
Grenada	$235,000	$235,000	Spouse, children, dependent parents, grandparents and, siblings	9 months	Over 140 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Russia

How to get a Caribbean passport?

How to get a Caribbean passport depends on what citizenship by investment program you apply for, but generally speaking, all five Caribbean nations request the following:

• You must prove you have the capital to make the investment
• You must pass a detailed background check
• You must be in good health and have a good character
• You must make the qualifying investment and prove you’ve made it with the necessary paperwork
• You must swear an oath of allegiance

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.

Don’t forget to check our other Caribbean comparison articles:

• 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 Caribbean Citizenship Programs

What is the best Caribbean citizenship to acquire in 2024?

While the best Caribbean countries offering citizenship by investment in the Caribbean community depends on your individual needs and objectives, generally speaking, Dominica offers the best citizenship program in terms of its low investment threshold and timeline to a passport.

St Lucia vs Dominica passport: Which is better?

When comparing the merits of a St Lucia vs Dominica passport, St Lucia ranks 75th in the Global Passport Index, whereas Dominica ranks 78th. Both Caribbean passports give visa free access to over 140 countries, including the EU, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

A Dominica Caribbean passport holder, however, can also travel visa free to China and Russia, where are St Lucia passport holders have visa free access to the UK and Ireland. If you opt for the Caribbean real estate investment, the Dominica citizenship program is the cheapest Caribbean citizenship program, requiring a minimum investment of $200,000 in addition to government fees vs $300,000 in St Lucia.

St Kitts and Nevis vs Dominica passport: Which is better?

When comparing the St Kitts and Nevis passport vs Dominica passport, the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment cost is more expensive than Dominica’s passport program. However, St Kitts and Nevis’ passport offers more visa free countries, with 153 vs 146 in with Dominica’s.

Which country gives the fastest citizenship by investment?

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program issues the fastest Caribbean passport by investment. Obtaining citizenship through this Caribbean CBI program takes four to five months, provided the principal applicant fulfills the investment and citizenship applications and due diligence process without inconsistencies.

What Caribbean citizenship by investment countries exist?

At present, the Caribbean nations that have citizenship by investment programs are St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, and St Kitts and Nevis. You and your family members can become Caribbean citizens by making an investment in the country of your choice. 

What’s the best Caribbean passport in terms of global ranking?

The St Kitts and Nevis passport ranks 55th in mobility in the Global Passport Index, the highest position of the five Citizenship by Investment programs in the Caribbean. But all five passports – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia passport – provide Caribbean passport holders with excellent global mobility, including visa free access to over 140 countries such as the European Union, the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

What is the easiest Caribbean island to get citizenship in 2024?

The main requirements to apply for one of the five Caribbean citizenship by investment programs – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia – are:

• Be over 18 years old
• Have a clean criminal record
• Make an investment in the country, starting at $200,000 to $250,000, depending on the program

Antigua and Barbuda are among the easiest countries in the Caribbean to get citizenship due to straightforward application processes, low investment requirement, and fast processing time of four to five months.

Is there a Caribbean passport ranking 2022?

According to the CBI Index report of 2022, Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis share the first position as the Best CBI programs of the year. Right after them are St Lucia, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda. Considering the five Caribbean passport countries occupy the leading places in the global CBI report, we can assure you that applying for any of these Caribbean passports is a sound decision.

Are there any variations in the application process or requirements among the Caribbean programs?

When applying for a Caribbean passport by investment, regardless of the program, applicants must invest in an approved property or enterprise or donate to a government fund via an Authorized Agent such as Global Citizen Solutions. Applicants must gather the required documents and have an Authorized Agent submit their application on their behalf; the country’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) will assess the citizenship application and issue an ‘approved in principle’ letter to approved applicants, and the required minimum contribution amounts must be paid.

As part of their due diligence processes, Dominica, Grenada, and St Kitts and Nevis require the main applicants and dependents (16 and older for Dominica and St Kitts, 17 and older for Grenada) to partake in mandatory interviews.

Can I maintain dual citizenship if I acquire Caribbean citizenship through investment?

Yes, all of the Caribbean countries offering a CBI program recognize dual citizenship. They have no requirements for applicants to give up their first citizenship to obtain Caribbean nationality and a Caribbean passport. It is important to check whether the country you hold citizenship of has any rules regarding obtaining a second citizenship.

What is the Caribbean passport price?

The cost of acquiring a second passport in the Caribbean varies depending on the CBI program and investment option you choose. For example, a single applicant to Dominica’s program will pay less than $210,000 when donating to the Economic Diversification Fund, while a family of six or more will need to contribute at least $260,000 to Antigua and Barbuda’s University of the West Indies Fund. The minimum Caribbean passport cost in Grenada is $235,000.

What are common misconceptions about Caribbean citizenship by investment programs?

Some common misconceptions about Caribbean investment citizenship programs include the following:

1. Investors can submit independent citizenship by investment applications.

All applications for Caribbean CBI programs must be submitted through a licensed Authorized Agent.

2. Successful applicants must reside in the country to obtain Caribbean citizenship.

There are no residency requirements to qualify for Caribbean nationality programs.

3. Caribbean CBI programs lack security.

Caribbean governments offering citizenship by investment take security seriously, continuously implementing measures aligning with requirements from governing bodies like the US Treasury and OECD to ensure the safety of their citizens and maintain their program’s integrity. This is proven by the recent signing of the Caribbean Citizenship Memorandum of Understanding between the leaders of the countries offering the five Caribbean citizenship programs.

4. Citizenship by investment in the Caribbean is exclusively designed for wealthy individuals.

Caribbean programs are designed to attract individuals with varying financial backgrounds, providing routes such as property investment with the option to earn rental income.

5. You obtain Caribbean ethnicity

There is no singular Caribbean race, ethnicity, or nationality. Upon acquiring citizenship in one of the Caribbean islands, individuals gain the nationality of a specific Caribbean country.