What Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment?
Grenada, Dominica, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda have Citizenship by Investment programs, CBI. These government initiatives aim to boost economic growth, especially in tourism.
Caribbean citizenship programs allow investors to purchase real estate and obtain passports. Since 2018, purchasing real estate has become an increasingly popular choice among foreign investors.
Dominica is one of the most affordable options, with a minimum real estate investment of $200,000.
Other countries have the following price requirements:
- $270,000 in Grenada;
- $300,000 in Antigua and Barbuda;
- $300,000 in St Lucia;
- $325,000 in St Kitts and Nevis.
To be eligible for citizenship, investors can buy government-approved properties such as hotels, resorts, villas, apartments, or infrastructure like marinas. This option not only grants citizenship but also provides an asset that may generate income.
After a few years, the property can be sold. The investor keeps their citizenship even after the sale if they meet the required conditions, such as maintaining the property’s primary use for the intended purpose.
11 benefits of Caribbean citizenship
1. Global travel freedom. Caribbean passports grant visa‑free or visa-on-arrival access to over 130 countries. These include popular destinations like Singapore and the Schengen Area. Grenada and Dominica also allow visa-free entry to China.
2. Long-term US visas. Caribbean citizens can apply for a 10-year US B-1/B-2 visa. It allows multiple stays of up to six months for tourism, business, or family visits.
Grenada citizens are also eligible for the US E-2 Investor Visa. It enables relocation and business ownership in the US without a job offer or minimum net worth.
3. CARICOM benefits. Caribbean citizens can live and work in all CARICOM member states, not only in countries with CBI programs. This includes, for instance, Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.
They can also apply for a CARICOM Skills Certificate. It helps get recognition of their qualifications across the region.
Through the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, citizens can invest, trade, and access services across member states with fewer restrictions.
4. UK access. As Commonwealth citizens, Caribbean passport holders can apply for UK scholarships. These include Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships that often cover tuition and living costs.
They are also entitled to consular support from the UK when abroad, such as help during emergencies or legal issues.
5. Remote process. Applicants can complete Due Diligence and receive their passports without visiting the island. Their names and original citizenships are kept confidential, ensuring privacy throughout the process.
6. Family inclusion. Investors can include close family members, depending on the country. This can include a spouse, children, siblings, parents, and grandparents.
7. No integration required. Citizenship is granted without the need for a language proficiency test or residency requirement, making the process straightforward.
8. Favourable tax policies. Caribbean countries offer tax‑friendly regimes with no wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes. Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis have no personal income tax. Other countries tax only income earned within their borders.
9. Real estate profit. Investors can earn rental income from luxury properties, especially in tourist areas. In Grenada, annual returns can reach 4—5%.
After a few years, the property can be sold. Caribbean real estate prices grow by around 4% per year.
10. Foreign bank account. Caribbean citizens can open bank accounts in the region’s countries. This allows them to hold funds in different currencies, facilitate international transactions, and access loans and credit services.
11. Healthy and sunny lifestyle. Caribbean islands offer warm weather year-round, with average temperatures of +25…30°C. Residents enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and water sports.
The region’s fresh produce, including tropical fruits, vegetables, and seafood, supports a healthy diet.
Caribbean passport power comparison
Visa-free travel. Caribbean passports provide access to many countries without a visa:
- 147 in St Kitts and Nevis;
- 143 in Antigua and Barbuda;
- 140 in St Lucia;
- 138 in Grenada;
- 134 in Dominica.
Plan “B”. This ranking helps identify safe countries for second citizenship. It considers political stability, the rule of law, and the time needed to obtain citizenship.
Out of 151 countries, Caribbean nations rank as follows:
- St Lucia — 5th;
- St Kitts and Nevis — 10th;
- Dominica — 39th;
- Grenada — 43rd;
- Antigua and Barbuda — 107th.
Family inclusion. All Caribbean citizenship programs allow family members to be included. The eligible family members vary by country:
- Grenada: spouse, children under 30, parents, grandparents, siblings;
- Antigua and Barbuda: spouse, children under 30, parents, grandparents, siblings;
- Dominica: spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 65;
- St Lucia: spouse, children under 30, parents, siblings;
- St Kitts and Nevis: spouse, children under 25, parents.
Citizenship inheritance. Citizenship obtained in Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and Dominica can be passed down to future generations.
Statistics on issued Caribbean passports. Since 2014, over 100,000 foreign nationals have obtained Caribbean citizenship by investment.
Dominica leads with nearly 50,000 passports issued. St Kitts and Nevis follows with over 35,000. Antigua and Barbuda has issued more than 8,500, while Grenada has granted over 6,000 passports.
Between 2015 and 2024, St Lucia received over 7,000 applications. The number of issued passports has not been disclosed.
Caribbean passports comparison
| Country | Visa-free countries | Plan “B” place out of 151 | Family inclusion | Citizenship inheritance |
| St Kitts and Nevis | 147 | 10 | Spouse, children under 25, parents | Yes |
| Antigua and Barbuda | 143 | 5 | Spouse, children under 30, parents, grandparents, siblings | No |
| St Lucia | 140 | 107 | Spouse, children under 30, parents, siblings | No |
| Grenada | 138 | 43 | Spouse, children under 30, parents, grandparents, siblings | Yes |
| Dominica | 134 | 39 | Spouse, children under 30, parents, grandparents over 65 | Yes |
Real estate requirements for obtaining Caribbean citizenship
Eligible real estate. Under the Caribbean CBI programs, only government-approved properties can be purchased. These include shares in hotel complexes, apartments, villas, and even yacht berths.
The properties must align with the country’s economic goals and be located in high-demand tourist areas or regions designated for economic development. Immigrant Invest offers investors a range of carefully selected, suitable property options.
Investors are particularly drawn to real estate developed by reputable builders with a proven track record, such as those affiliated with renowned hotel brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Kempinski. These developers ensure high-quality construction and reliable property management, making their projects more appealing to investors seeking long-term value.
Minimum ownership period. To obtain citizenship in a Caribbean country, an investor must hold the property for a specified period, as outlined by the chosen program.
In Dominica, real estate resale is permitted after 3 years of citizenship. However, the new property owner can only participate in the CBI program if the previous owner held the property for at least 5 years. This requirement affects the property’s liquidity, so most investors in Dominica tend to retain ownership for five years.
The Saint Kitts and Nevis program allows property resale after 7 years of ownership.
Other Caribbean citizenship programs, which are St Lucia, Grenada, and Antigua & Barbuda, require a minimum property ownership period of 5 years.
Subsequent resale. Properties can be used in investment programs twice, meaning the first investor can sell the property to another program participant. This approach helps maintain high demand for real estate.
Saint Lucia is an exception: real estate can only be used in the program once.
On average, property prices in the Caribbean grow at an annual rate of 4%, driven by strong tourism demand and limited property supply.
How to choose real estate under the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment program
Investors choose real estate to reduce risks, earn rental income, enjoy a vacation home, build a family legacy, or invest in yacht moorings. Below are the key objectives and examples of eligible properties.
1. Minimising the risk of investment loss to zero. To lower risk, investors often buy completed properties in operational hotels. These include shares, apartments, or villas backed by established developers.
For instance, in Antigua and Barbuda, investors can buy luxury beachfront real estate. A hotel share starts at $300,000.
Investment properties for sale in Antigua and Barbuda
2. Getting the maximum profit. Investors seeking higher returns often choose properties under construction, such as hotel apartments or villas. Some projects allow buyers to purchase half of a property, reducing entry costs.
Once completed, the property’s value usually rises. Caribbean real estate grows by 3—5% annually, and rental income adds to the return.
When choosing such properties, the developer’s reputation matters. Investors favour brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Kempinski. In Dominica, several under-construction projects by these brands are located along the coast.
Investment properties for sale in Dominica
3. Investing in luxury vacation homes for rent. Investing in luxury vacation homes provides a profitable opportunity and also allows investors to enjoy exclusive holidays in their own properties. Eligible investments include high-end villas with private beaches, ocean piers, and other premium amenities, offering both comfort and financial returns.
Grenada offers a variety of premium properties, with villa prices ranging from $2.5 to 7 million. Owners of luxury real estate in Grenada can enjoy personal use of their properties while also earning an annual rental return of 3—5%. This combination of investment and holiday benefits makes luxury real estate an attractive option for those seeking both leisure and financial growth.
Investment properties for sale in Grenada
4. Creating a family legacy. Investing in property is not just about financial returns—it’s also about securing a lasting legacy for future generations. By purchasing high-value real estate, investors can provide future generations with a valuable asset.
In Saint Lucia, for example, investors can acquire properties worth $300,000 or more, which offer both the potential for significant capital appreciation and the opportunity to enjoy memorable family vacations.
Investment properties for sale in St Lucia
5. Securing a premium waterfront asset. Investing in yacht moorings or marina access provides an exclusive opportunity to own a premium waterfront property, offering both luxury and the potential for rental income.
In Saint Kitts and Nevis, Christophe Harbour offers a unique opportunity to purchase yacht berths ranging from 14 to 37 m², priced between $1.8 and 7 million. Unlike traditional rental models, Christophe Harbour provides freehold ownership, allowing owners to rent out their property whenever they choose.
Investment properties for sale in St Kitts and Nevis
Caribbean citizenship investment expenses
Caribbean citizenship by investment programs require a minimum real estate investment, which varies by country. This amount applies regardless of how many family members are included in the application.
In addition to the property cost, investors must pay several fees: government fees, legal fees, Due Diligence checks, bank fees, passport processing fees, and document transfer costs. These fees increase with the number of family members, typically by
While the investment threshold remains fixed, the overall cost depends on the size of the family and the selected country.
Minimum expenses for buying Caribbean real estate under citizenship programs
| Expenses | Dominica | Antigua and Barbuda | Grenada | St Lucia | St Kitts and Nevis |
| Minimum investment | $200,000 | $300,000 | $270,000 | $300,000 | $325,000 |
| Due Diligence | $7,500 | $8,500 | $5,000 | $8,000 | $10,000 |
| State fee | $75,000 | $10,000 | $50,000 | $30,000 | $25,000 |
| Other fees | $3,300 | $2,400 | $4,500 | $3,100 | $661 |
| Total | $285,800 | $320,900 | $329,500 | $341,100 | $360,661 |
Process of obtaining Caribbean citizenship through real estate purchase
The process of obtaining Caribbean citizenship by real estate investment is similar across the region. It includes Due Diligence, document collection, property selection, application submission, and meeting investment terms.
From gathering documents to receiving passports, the entire process takes at least 6 months, based on Immigrant Invest’s experience.
Immigrant Invest lawyers conduct a confidential check based on the investor’s passport. This helps identify risks that could lead to rejection. The risk of refusal is reduced to 1%. If needed, we suggest alternative solutions.
Lawyers provide a list of required documents and help complete the necessary forms. They guide the investor in gathering personal and financial papers. Once ready, the documents are submitted to the Citizenship by Investment Unit.
Only government-approved properties qualify. Licensed agents help investors select options, arrange remote viewings, and assist in drafting the sales and purchase agreement.
The CBI Unit begins Due Diligence once it receives the application. This includes checking personal data and financial background.
An interview is conducted online with an authorised officer, in the investor’s chosen language.
After passing Due Diligence, the CBI Unit notifies Immigrant Invest about the application approval.
After selecting a property, the investor pays a 10—15% deposit. The property is then reserved during the citizenship application processing period.
Once citizenship is approved, the investor pays the remaining amount. The agreement can be signed in person or remotely via a representative with power of attorney.
Ownership is then recorded in the country’s public registry.
After the investment is complete, the CBI Unit prepares the documents. The passport and naturalisation certificate are issued within 4 weeks and delivered by courier.
Assistance with applying for Caribbean citizenship from Immigrant Invest
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for Caribbean government programs. Our team of experts is committed to helping you choose the most profitable option. We also work to minimise the risk of citizenship denial, ensuring a smooth process for investors.
Since 2006, the company has successfully assisted over 1,500 investors and their families in obtaining citizenship through real estate investment.
To sum up: what you should know about Caribbean real estate
- Five Caribbean countries—Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia—offer citizenship by investment by the purchase of real estate.
- Dominica is the most affordable option, with a minimum real estate investment of $200,000. Grenada requires at least $270,000, while Antigua and Barbuda and St Lucia both set the minimum at $300,000. St Kitts and Nevis has the highest threshold, starting at $325,000.
- The required ownership period varies by country and ranges from 3 to 7 years. During this time, investors can rent out the property and earn annual returns of 3—5%.
- Caribbean citizenship by investment offers many advantages, such as visa‑free access to over 130 countries and long‑term US visas.
- The process is remote, family members can be included, and there are no language or integration requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Caribbean country should you choose to earn a high rental income?
Caribbean real estate grows by 3—5% annually. Investors also earn rental income from properties. Dominica is a good option, offering government-approved projects with trusted hotel brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Kempinski. The minimum investment is $200,000.
How many times can a property participate in the citizenship program?
In most countries, real estate can be used in the program twice. Both the first and second owners can apply for citizenship. St Lucia is an exception, as only the first owner can qualify for citizenship through that property.
Is it possible to get a passport of a Caribbean country faster than indicated in the terms of the citizenship program?
No, it is not possible to obtain a Caribbean passport faster than the terms outlined in the Citizenship by Investment program. The processing time takes at least 6 months.
Which Caribbean country should you choose if you plan to open a business in the United States or China?
All Caribbean countries provide long-term US B-1/B-2 visas, allowing multiple stays of up to 6 months for business, tourism, or family visits. Additionally, Grenada stands out by offering the US E-2 Investor Visa, which enables relocation, business ownership, and residence in the US without requiring a minimum net worth or job offer.
Grenada and Dominica offer the added benefit of visa-free entry to China, simplifying business operations.
Which Caribbean country has the most developed tourist infrastructure?
Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis have the most developed infrastructure. They offer luxury resorts, villas, marinas, and a strong hospitality sector.
How much to invest in the Caribbean to get citizenship?
The investment threshold is $200,000 in Dominica. Investors can rent out their properties and resell them after 3 to 5 years.
Which Caribbean islands are best for dual citizenship?
All five Caribbean countries—Grenada, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda—allow dual citizenship. Investors can retain their original nationality while obtaining a second passport through their respective citizenship by investment program.
What are the tax benefits of Caribbean citizenship?
Caribbean countries offer favourable tax regimes, with no taxes on wealth, inheritance, or capital gains. Notably, Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis impose no personal income tax, while the other countries only tax income generated within their borders.
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