Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs offer investors the opportunity to gain a second citizenship in exchange for a significant economic contribution. These programs have grown increasingly popular among American investors seeking global mobility, asset protection, and a secure Plan B. This guide compares all five active CBI programs in the Caribbean and provides a comprehensive analysis of their requirements, benefits, and strategic advantages.
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment is not a transactional purchase. It is a strategic partnership between investors and sovereign island states. By participating in a CBI program, you gain a second passport and the opportunity to support the development and resilience of emerging island economies.
Choosing the right Caribbean CBI program depends on your personal goals, family size, business interests, and mobility needs. Contact a licensed agent to create a tailored plan and take the first step toward your second citizenship.
What to Discover in This Guide?
- Key Features of Caribbean CBI Programs
- What is Caribbean Citizenship by Investment
- Benefits of Caribbean Citizenship
- Which Caribbean Countries Offer Citizenship by Investment
- Requirements for Caribbean Citizenship by Investment
- Programs Comparative Table: Caribbean CBI Programs (2025) Country Highlights
- Details of Due Diligence Costs in Caribbean CBI Programs
- Best Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs: Which Country Features for Different Needs
- Best Features of Each Caribbean Country
- Best Caribbean Citizenship Program by Family Size
- Best Caribbean Passport for Americans
- Is Caribbean Real Estate a Good Investment
- Passport Strenght Comparison
- Pros and Cons of Caribbean Citizenship by Investment
- Get Golden Visa: How Can We Help You
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Features of Caribbean CBI Programs
- No residency requirement for most programs
- Full family inclusion (spouse, children, parents, grandparents, siblings)
- Dual citizenship allowed
- Notable for being the fastest citizenship by investment program in the Carribean, the process typically takes three to six months.
- Fast processing: from 1 month (Vanuatu) to 15 months (St. Lucia)
- Investment options: donation, real estate, government bonds, business
- Tax-friendly regimes (no wealth, inheritance, or global income tax)
- Lifetime citizenship, transferable to future generations
- Remote application process possible
- US E-2 Visa access (Grenada only)
What is Caribbean Citizenship by Investment?
CBI is not about purchasing a passport. Instead, it is a government-regulated process where foreign nationals contribute to a nation’s development in exchange for full citizenship rights. It serves as a strategic partnership between global investors and sovereign island nations seeking economic growth and resilience. CBI programs fund crucial public infrastructure such as hospitals, education, tourism, and green energy projects.
Benefits of Caribbean Citizenship
A Caribbean passport provides an opportunity for high-net-worth individuals to obtain second citizenship and enjoy the luxury benefits that come with it, including but not limited to:
- Visa-free travel to over 150 countries, including the Schengen Area and the UK
- Citizenship for the whole family
- Tax-friendly benefits, often with no inheritance or capital gain taxes
- Dual citizenship allowed
- Access to global education opportunities
Which Caribbean Countries Offer Citizenship by Investment?
As of 2025, five Caribbean nations run official CBI programs:
Each program offers its own set of investment options, family inclusion rules, and visa-free travel benefits.
Requirements for Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs
In addition to making the necessary investment or donation, applicants must meet several standard criteria across all five programs:
- Good health and good character
- A clean criminal record
- Proof of funds and financial documentation
Additional family requirements, due diligence fees, and background checks vary by country.
Comparative Table: Caribbean CBI Programs (2025)Country Highlights
Details of Due Diligence Costs in Caribbean CBI Programs
As part of the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment process, applicants must undergo strict due diligence checks to ensure their background aligns with international security and compliance standards. Due diligence costs vary depending on the applicant type-main applicant, spouse, or dependent family members-and differ slightly across each Caribbean program.
Main Applicant: Due diligence fees for the principal applicant are the highest, reflecting the depth of background screening.
Spouse: Spouses are also subject to separate checks, typically at a reduced fee compared to the main applicant.
Dependent Children (12-17 years): Some programs waive fees for minors, while others apply a nominal charge.
Dependent Adults (18+ years): Fees for adult dependents are usually similar to those charged for spouses.
Importance: A clean criminal record, financial transparency, and full disclosure are critical for successful application approval.
Best Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs: Which Country Features for Different Needs?
Choosing the best Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program depends heavily on your family size, investment goals, and mobility needs. Each country offers distinct advantages tailored to different types of investors. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the best features of each Caribbean CBI program in 2025:
Best Features of Each Caribbean Country
St. Kitts & Nevis: Fastest Caribbean Program and Strongest Passport
- The oldest and most prestigious Caribbean CBI program (since 1984).
- Fastest approval times (4–6 months) among all Caribbean options.
- Highly respected passport with visa-free access to 147+ countries.
- Strong for single applicants and small families seeking speed and prestige.
- No residency requirement.
Antigua & Barbuda: Best for Large Families
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The most cost-effective choice for families of six or more through the University of West Indies (UWI) Fund.
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Unique scholarship benefit included for one family member.
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Requires just five days of visit in five years.
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Extensive family inclusion: spouse, kids under 30, parents, grandparents, and siblings.
Dominica: Most Affordable for Single Applicants and Small Families
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Lowest total cost for single investors and couples.
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Very streamlined and fast process (6–9 months).
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Family-friendly structure allowing inclusion of spouse, kids, and parents (up to 65+ years).
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No residency requirement and high reputation for transparency.
Grenada: Best for US Access and Sibling Inclusion
The only Caribbean CBI program offering eligibility for the US E-2 Investor Visa.
Sibling inclusion possible, rare among Caribbean programs.
Strong real estate investment opportunities with potential rental income.
Strategic location with strong ties to the Americas.
St. Lucia: The Most Flexible Investment Routes
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Wide variety of options: donation, real estate, and government bonds (only bond option in the Caribbean).
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Best for investors wanting future flexibility (bond resale, diversified investments).
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Growing international reputation and expanding business environment.
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Very straightforward remote process, although the approval time has extended to 12–15 months.
Vanuatu: Fastest Citizenship Program Worldwide
The fastest CBI program globally, with approvals in just 1–2 months.
Simple donation option starting from approximately USD 130,000.
Remote processing: no need to visit or reside.
Powerful travel mobility: visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 90+ countries.
Attractive for those seeking a quick and straightforward second citizenship.
Best Caribbean Citizenship Program by Family Size
If you’re trying to choose based on the number of people applying, here’s the quick breakdown:
- Best for Single Applicants: Dominica
(Lowest total cost, fast process, minimal fees.) - Best for Couples: Dominica
(Adding a spouse remains very affordable compared to other programs.) - Best for a Family of 4: Antigua & Barbuda
(National Development Fund donation option is extremely competitive; large family discounts.) - Best for Families of 6 or More: Antigua & Barbuda (UWI Fund Option)
(One-time fixed donation covering six people, plus a scholarship benefit.) - Best for Applicants Wanting US Access: Grenada
(US E-2 Visa eligibility via Grenadian citizenship.) - Fastest Program: St. Kitts & Nevis
(Approval within 4–6 months, smooth process.)
Fastest Program in the Caribbean: St. Kitts & Nevis
(Approval within 4–6 months, smooth process.)Fastest Program Worldwide: Vanuatu
(Approval within 1–2 months, entirely remote process.)
Best Caribbean Passport for Americans
For American investors, Grenada often ranks as the top Caribbean option due to its access to the E-2 Visa Treaty with the United States. This treaty allows Grenadian citizens to apply for a US residency visa through business investment, a benefit not available with other Caribbean passports.
However, depending on personal priorities, other programs also offer outstanding advantages:
Vanuatu offers the fastest approval time globally (1–2 months), making it ideal for those seeking urgent second citizenship.
Dominica provides the lowest entry cost among Caribbean options, excellent for single applicants and couples.
St. Kitts and Nevis boasts the most powerful passport in terms of visa-free travel, especially across Europe and Asia.
Antigua and Barbuda is the best option for large families, particularly through the cost-effective University of West Indies (UWI) Fund.
Each program offers unique advantages based on speed, cost, visa privileges, or family structure flexibility.
Is Caribbean Real Estate a Good Investment?
Real estate under CBI programs remains a viable and strategic path to securing citizenship while acquiring tangible assets. Key benefits include:
Potential rental income from luxury resort projects.
Property appreciation over the mandatory holding period.
Guaranteed returns or buyback options offered by select developers.
Resale opportunities after 3 to 7 years depending on the country.
Among Caribbean nations, Grenada and St. Kitts & Nevis feature particularly strong real estate portfolios with high-end resort developments.
In Vanuatu, while the standard CBI process currently focuses on donation rather than real estate, real estate investment opportunities outside the CBI framework are growing rapidly, especially in tourism hotspots like Port Vila and Espiritu Santo.
Passport Strength Comparison
Pros and Cons of Caribbean Citizenship by Investment
Pros:
- Fast-track second citizenship in 3–6 months
- Visa-free travel to 130+ countries
- Inclusion of family members
- No residency requirement
- Potential ROI via real estate
- Favorable tax regime for non-residents
Cons:
- Non-refundable donations
- Real estate comes with holding period
- Application costs can rise for large families
- Limited physical consular support abroad
Get Golden Visa: How Can We Help You?
Interested in obtaining Caribbean citizenship through investment? At Get Golden Visa, we specialize in helping clients select the most suitable CBI program for their individual needs. Whether you are a single applicant, a couple, or a large family, we will guide you through every step-from choosing the right investment option to securing your citizenship and passport.
Contact us today to learn more about your Caribbean Citizenship by Investment options and start your journey toward a brighter, freer future.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment?
Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, Vanuatu, and Saint Lucia.
In which Caribbean country is it easiest to get citizenship?
Dominica and St. Lucia are considered the easiest in terms of cost and document requirements. Vanuatu is fastest in terms of processing.
Can I buy a passport in the Caribbean?
No. CBI is a legal process involving investment and government approval. You cannot simply purchase a passport.
Which is the best Caribbean country for Citizenship by Investment?
Grenada for US access, Dominica for low cost, Antigua for large families, St. Kitts for passport strength, and Vanuatu for speed.
Why is the Caribbean passport so strong?
Visa-free access to the UK, Schengen Zone, Singapore, and more. Some programs also include China and Russia.
How can you rent out real estate under CBI?
Most resorts manage rentals and pay dividends to shareowners. Titled properties can be leased independently.
