#1. You get citizenship, not residency
Programs offering legal residency or citizenship in exchange for investments are commonly referred to as ‘Golden Visa’ programs.
Participating in one of the European Golden Visa Programs can grant you a residence permit or permanent residency. Under these programs, eligibility for citizenship application arises only after a residency period of 5—10 years. Requirements also include language proficiency and history knowledge tests.
Caribbean Golden Visa programs present a more direct path. They offer the opportunity to obtain citizenship immediately, bypassing the extended residency and testing prerequisites. This direct approach makes Caribbean Golden Visas an attractive option for those seeking expedited citizenship.
#2. Short obtaining period
Obtaining EU citizenship is a lengthy process, often stretching over several years. While Spain and Greece boast the quickest residency programs in Europe, taking 3 months to half a year, further there's a substantial wait for citizenship – over 7 years of residing with a residence permit.
Caribbean nations offer a significantly faster route, granting citizenship within a mere 3 to 7 months.
#3. Investment requirements start at $100,000
Caribbean Golden Visa programs offer an accessible entry threshold, with investments ranging from $100,000 to $250,000. In contrast, acquiring Malta citizenship requires a significantly higher investment, starting at a minimum of €690,000. For residence permits in other EU countries, the investment range varies between €100,000 and €500,000.
#4. Visa-free travel to the EU and the UK
Holding a Caribbean passport enables visa-free travel across the European Union and the United Kingdom, akin to possessing an EU residence permit but with the added benefits of full citizenship. While EU residents require a visa to enter the UK, Caribbean citizens enjoy the privilege of spending up to 180 days per year in the UK without a visa.
Here we list Caribbean countries and the number of visa-free destinations their passports offer:
- St Kitts and Nevis — to 153 countries.
- Antigua and Barbuda — to 152 countries;
- Grenada — to 148 countries;
- St Lucia — to 147 countries;
- Dominica — to 145 countries;
#5. Long-term visas to the USA
Caribbean passport holders can apply for long-term B-1/B-2 visitor visas to the US. It allows them to travel across the country, attend business meetings and visit friends.
This type of visa is valid for 10 years for Caribbean citizens and allows them to spend up to 180 days yearly in the US.
#6. Tax optimisation
Caribbean countries have different taxation rules, but residents generally have no taxes on foreign capital, income and dividends.
Main tax rates for residents of Caribbean countries
| St Kitts and Nevis | Grenada | St Lucia | Antigua and Barbuda | Dominica |
| No taxes on income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains | No taxes on income earned outside Grenada, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains 10 or 28% — on personal income earned in Grenada | No taxes on income earned outside St Lucia, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains 0 to 30% — on personal income earned in St Lucia | No taxes on income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains | No taxes on dividends, inheritance, or capital gains; 15 to 35% — on personal income |
| 25% — on corporate profits | 28% — on corporate profits | 30% — on corporate profits | 25% — on corporate profits | 25% — on corporate profits |
| Up to 0.3% — an annual property tax | Up to 0.5% — an annual property tax | 0.25 to 0.4% — an annual property tax | Up to 0.5% — an annual property tax | 1.25% — a municipal property tax |
#7. Safe haven in the Caribbean
Caribbean nations not only permit dual citizenship but also do not impose obligations for permanent residency. This flexibility means you aren't required to reside continuously in the country, offering the convenience of relocating there quickly should the need arise.
#8. Banking opportunities
Securing a Caribbean passport simplifies the process of opening an account with European banks, reducing bureaucratic hurdles. This streamlined banking access enables investors to deposit funds, secure loans, and conduct currency transactions with greater ease.
#9. Preferential education in the UK
Being members of the Commonwealth of Nations, the five Caribbean countries offer an educational advantage for investors' children. They become eligible for preferential terms at certain schools and universities in the UK.
The Association of Commonwealth Universities has over 500 member institutions in over 50 countries across the Commonwealth, including over 80 universities in the UK.
Conditions for obtaining Caribbean citizenship
Caribbean citizenship programs offer various investment options. As a rule, it can be a non-refundable contribution to state funds, the purchase of real estate or bonds, or business investments.
The most frequently chosen route is the non-refundable contribution, favoured for its lower investment threshold. However, investing in real estate can be more financially beneficial in the long term. This option allows for the potential to generate rental income and offers the flexibility to sell the property after 3 to 7 years, all while retaining citizenship.
All Caribbean programs allow you to add your family members to the application. The full cost of participation depends, among other things, on the number of applicants.
St Kitts and Nevis citizenship: investments — $250,000+. You can add in your application a spouse, children under 25, and parents of the main applicant or the spouse over 65. Adult family members must financially depend on the main applicant.
The investment for a single investor starts at $250,000 for a non-refundable contribution. For those opting to purchase real estate, the minimum investment begins at $400,000.
The citizenship-obtaining period is 4—6 months.
Grenada citizenship: investments — $150,000+. Your application can include your spouse, children under 30, parents, grandparents, and unmarried siblings over 18, with the condition that adult family members are financially reliant on the main applicant.
The contribution for a single applicant is $150,000, and the real estate can be purchased for a minimum of $220,000.
The passport-obtaining period is 3—6 months.
St Lucia citizenship: investments — $100,000+. You can add into your application a spouse, children under 30, parents over 55, and unmarried siblings under 18, provided they have parental consent.
The contribution for a single applicant is $100,000. An alternative option involves investing in real estate, starting at $200,000. Another refundable investment option is buying government bonds for $300,000.
The passport-obtaining period is 3—4 months.
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship: investments — $100,000+. You can add a spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 55, and unmarried siblings into your application. Financial dependency of adult family members is mandatory.
The contribution for a single applicant is $100,000; the real estate can be purchased for a minimum of $20,000. Families of six or more can make a contribution of $150,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund and get a year of free study for one of the family members.
The passport-obtaining period is 3—6 months.
Dominica citizenship: investments — $100,000+. You can add into your application a spouse, children under 30 and parents over 65 if they are financially dependent on you.
A non-refundable contribution to the state fund starts at $100,000. For those opting for real estate investment, the minimum is set at $200,000.
The passport-obtaining period is 3—6 months.
How to choose a Caribbean country for citizenship by investment
When deciding on a citizenship by investment program, it's crucial to consider individual requirements such as budget, timelines, and specific goals.
For those seeking the most cost-effective option, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica offer programs with an investment starting point of $100,000.
If you want to get citizenship for the whole family, check Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda programs. They allow the application of spouses, children under 30, parents, grandparents, and siblings.
If you are interested in tax optimisation, explore the Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis Golden Visa Programs. These two countries levy no taxes on personal income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains. Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis have the lowest taxes on business profits — 25%.
The view of Roseau in Dominica. With a Dominica passport, you can come to the country anytime, even if its borders are closed to tourists
How to get citizenship in the Caribbean
The exact process depends on the country and chosen option. Here we consider the standard process step-by-step.
If you require assistance in selecting the right program, feel free to reach out to Immigrant Invest. Our expert consultants will guide you in choosing the program that best suits your needs, providing detailed information about each option’s conditions.
Our certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer will meticulously review your documents to identify any potential issues. This crucial step significantly reduces the risk of rejection to just 1%. Rest assured, the process is entirely confidential and requires only your passport for initiation.
Together with your lawyer, you will gather the necessary documents, the specifics of which vary depending on the country and program chosen. Once all forms are duly signed, your lawyer will handle the translation, notarization, and submission of these documents to the appropriate authorities.
Upon receiving your documents, the CBI unit initiates a thorough Due Diligence process for you and any family members included in your application to ensure all information complies with the program’s terms and conditions.
Once your application is approved, the next step is to meet the investment requirements: either contributing to a state fund or purchasing real estate, as per the stipulations of your chosen program.
The naturalisation certificates and passports will be securely delivered to you via courier.
Instead of conclusion
- Five Caribbean countries allow you to get citizenship in return for investments.
- They are popular because of the short obtaining period and reasonable price. The minimum investment amount is $100,000, and the obtaining period is 3 to 6 months. It is faster and cheaper than akin programs in Europe.
- A Caribbean passport gives you a high level of travel freedom. Citizens can visit 145 to 153 countries visa-free, depending on their nationality.
- Permanent residing in the country is not required, providing flexibility to relocate swiftly if needed.
- The Caribbean is favourable in terms of taxation. In most cases, there are no taxes on foreign-earned income, and residents often benefit from preferential tax rates.
- Should you require assistance in selecting a citizenship-by-investment program that aligns with your needs, our team is ready to provide expert guidance and support.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on your aims. It can fit you if you need a second passport in a short period at a reasonable price.
The most attractive point of a Caribbean passport is that you can get travel freedom with a minimum amount of investments and a short period of time. Caribbean citizens can visit 145 to 153 countries visa-free, depending on the nationality; the minimum investment amount is $100,000; the obtaining period is 3 to 6 months.
These countries have moderate tax rates for residents, which is advantageous for tax optimisation. And you don’t have a duty to live in the country permanently.
You can live in the country that issued you a passport and travel visa-free to the EU, the UK and other countries.
Choosing the right program depends on your personal criteria. St. Kitts and Nevis offer access to the largest number of visa-free countries. If including a broad range of family members is your priority, Antigua and Barbuda, as well as Grenada, provide the most inclusive options. For individuals seeking favourable taxation terms, Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis stand out as particularly attractive.
The most attractive taxation for individuals is in Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis. There are no taxes on personal income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains. Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda have the lowest taxes on business profits — 25%.
Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis do not have taxes on personal income, while Dominica, Grenada and St Lucia levy taxes only on the income earned from local sources. None of these countries has wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes.
For a minimum investment of $100,000, it is possible to obtain citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and St Lucia. In each case, the cheapest option is a non-refundable contribution to a government fund.
