Citizenship by Investment (CBI) originated in the Caribbean as a response to economic challenges. These programs have since become essential tools for attracting foreign capital and supporting development.
The history of Caribbean Citizenship by Investment started in 1984 in St. Kitts and Nevis, following the decline of its sugar industry. The initiative aimed to drive foreign direct investment and diversify the economy. Inspired by its success, other Caribbean nations introduced similar programs to support infrastructure, tourism, and public services.
Dominica followed with its own program in 1993, and Grenada briefly introduced one in 1997 before relaunching it in 2013. Antigua and Barbuda joined the CBI landscape in 2013, and Saint Lucia launched its program in 2016. As global demand for second citizenship increased, so did scrutiny. This led to stronger vetting processes, improved regulation, and international cooperation to combat misuse.
In recent years, heightened international attention has pushed Caribbean CBI programs to adopt stricter due diligence and raise investment thresholds. Caribbean nations continuously strengthen their programs, implementing rigorous background checks and making the process more streamlined and transparent. Below is a brief snapshot of the current CBI programs in the Caribbean:
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s Golden Passport program lets applicants either donate US$230,000 to a state fund or invest in real estate starting at US$325,000. It’s a family-friendly option, with business investment opportunities and both joint and individual options available. The process is simple, typically taking 3-4 months. New citizens must spend just five days in the country within the first five years.
Dominica
Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment program allows you to donate US$200,000 or make an equivalent real estate investment. The process takes around 3-4 months, and there’s no requirement to live in the country, making it a hassle-free option.
Grenada
Grenada’s citizenship program provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries. To qualify, you can donate US$235,000 or invest in real estate, including investment in promising pre-approved high quality real estate projects in Grenada. Applications are processed smoothly in 4-6 months, and investments are made only after approval. Physical residency is not required.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment program allows access to over 140 countries without a visa or with visa-on-arrival. You can qualify with a US$240,000 donation or a US$300,000 real estate investment. The application process, which takes 4-6 months, has no physical residency requirement.
St. Kitts and Nevis
In St. Kitts and Nevis, you can qualify with a US$250,000 donation or a real estate investment starting at US$400,000. There’s no physical residency requirement, and approval typically takes 4-6 months.
