4 Flags Worth Planting Through Caribbean CBI

If you’re considering a citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program, there’s a lot more to it than the cost of the investment – you’ll also want to pin down the best place to live.

With its white sandy beaches, glorious tropical weather, tax benefits and good medical care, the Caribbean is an ideal location for those who want a laid-back lifestyle for at least part of the year. 

Having a Caribbean passport is also the key to unlocking new business opportunities and visa-free travel all over the world. 

But still, where should you go?

The Nomad Capitalist team has taken the time to explore some of the best opportunities in the Caribbean where you can grow your wealth and live the kind of life you deserve. 

Below is an outline of four of the best places in the Caribbean islands where you can become a citizen through investment and live right now.

Already know you’re interested in pursuing Caribbean CBI for yourself? Nomad Capitalist has helped 1,500+ high-net-worth clients from around the world. Find out how here.

How to Get Caribbean Citizenship

There are three main ways to gain Caribbean citizenship: through marriage, naturalisation or investment. 

Unless you’re married to someone from the Caribbean or have lived there for an extended period, citizenship by investment is the most obvious route. 

The required investment amount is generally between USD$250,000 and US$300,000, but it can quickly pay itself off in tax savings. For example, you’ll pay no income tax in Antigua and Barbuda, the Cayman Islands or St Kitts and Nevis. 

Generally speaking, you’ll also pay no dividends, interest or royalties taxes. 

To become a naturalised citizen in the Caribbean, you must be resident there for a set number of years before you’re eligible. 

Citizenship by investment doesn’t work like that.

In most Caribbean nations that offer CBI, you need not even set foot there to get a passport. Of course, you might want to, as the Caribbean is a fantastic place to visit, but you don’t need to pack your bags and move there permanently. 

Best Places in the Caribbean to Plant Your Flag 

Planting flags is an integral part of going where you’re treated best. Having a passport from a country you don’t plan to live in can be beneficial for various reasons. 

Holding a passport through Caribbean citizenship by investment can be a cost-effective and enjoyable way to start planning your global citizen strategy. 

While many CBI programs exist in the Caribbean, here are four of the best countries to live in.

1. Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is a tropical paradise in the Eastern Caribbean, home to luxury resorts, volcanic beaches, reef-diving sites and picturesque fishing villages. Its CBI program is one of the least expensive in the Caribbean.  

Several investment options exist, including a one-time donation of US$240,000, investing US$300,000 in pre-approved real estate or investing US$300,000 in its National Action Bond (NAB).

In January 2023, the NAB replaced a Covid-19 Relief Bond option. The only investment of its kind in the Caribbean, the NAB is a refundable government bond with a non-refundable admin fee of US$50,000. The bond is held for five years and can include any number of dependents. 

There’s also an enterprise project investment, by far the most complex option, with a minimum investment of US$3,500,000 into an approved enterprise such as research, tourism, education or agriculture.

For more information, see our Ultimate Guide to Saint Lucian Citizenship.

2. Grenada 

Grenada comprises a main island and smaller surrounding islands known as the Spice Isles. The island nation is known for its beaches, waterfalls, nutmeg plantations and colourful Georgian buildings. 

As the southernmost of the windward islands, it’s located about 100 miles off the coast of Venezuela and a convenient four-hour flight from Miami. 

The Grenada passport can be yours by either donation or investing in a pre-approved property. The minimum donation for an individual is US$235,000, which can also cover three dependents. 

The real estate investment option is more expensive, and you must hold the property for five years before selling. 

The minimum property value is US$270,000 – US$350,000, depending on whether you’re a single or joint investor, plus a government fee of US$50,000 and costs for due diligence and making the application. 

A passport for Grenada offers visa-free travel to more than 136 countries, including the United Kingdom, Russia and China. 

For more information on this excellent passport opportunity with benefits to pass down to your children, see our Ultimate Guide for Citizenship in Grenada.

3. Dominica

Arguably the most beautiful Caribbean island, Dominica is known for its mountains, tropical rainforests and volcanically heated springs. The official language is English, which can make settling in easy. 

Going through the naturalisation process typically takes seven years, but as a faster route, you can get a Dominica passport by investing in real estate or making a donation. 

For real estate, an investment of at least US$200,000 is required. However, the simplest option is to make a donation, starting at US$200,000 and increasing as you include a spouse or children.  

A Dominica passport offers visa-free travel to 133 nations, including the EU countries, the UK, Russia and most of Southeast Asia and Latin America.

You can find out more in our Ultimate Guide for Dominican Citizenship. 

4. Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is an independent Commonwealth state made up of twin islands. It’s known for rainforests, reef-lined beaches, resorts and yachting facilities.

Antigua and Barbuda is one of the cheapest options in the Caribbean for a family passport. For the same investment price of US$230,000, you get citizenship for a spouse and two kids — plus additional fees of US$10,000 for each additional dependent. 

You can contribute US$260,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund, but only families of six persons or more can apply for this fund. This option entitles one family member to a one-year scholarship. 

Other CBI routes include:

• Purchase property valued at least US$300,000 in an approved area or development project
• An investment of US$1,500,000 in an approved business
• A minimum of two persons to make a joint investment totalling at least US$5,000,000, each required to contribute US$400,000 to the joint investment. 

The Antiguan passport is one of the best in the Caribbean, with access to 142 countries (98 visa-free). Read our Ultimate Guide to Antigua and Barbuda CBI for all the details. 

Best Place to Live in the Caribbean: FAQs

Best Caribbean Flags to Plant for You

Choosing the right Caribbean island can transform your lifestyle and open up many global opportunities. 

Whether you’re after family perks, scenic retreats or an easygoing lifestyle, there’s a slice of paradise for everyone. Best of all, these attractive, tax-friendly destinations all offer passports for relatively low investments.

With options for every need and budget, the Caribbean has more than beaches – it’s a gateway to a fulfilling, globally connected life.

Nomad Capitalist is a turnkey solution for offshore tax planning, dual citizenship, asset protection and global diversification. If you’re interested in going where you’re treated best, find out more here.