Caribbean Passport: A Citizenship by Investment Guide

As political uncertainty and aggressive tax enforcement continue to affect life in developed countries, a second citizenship has become a strategic priority for high-net-worth individuals. Thanks to their favorable tax regimes, internationally recognized passports, and streamlined immigration programs, Caribbean countries are a strong choice for those seeking a reliable backup citizenship.

In this guide, we’ll explain the quickest way to obtain a Caribbean passport: Caribbean citizenship by investment (CBI). You’ll learn about: 

• The Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs and eligible investments
• The process of obtaining a Caribbean passport by investment
• The benefits of obtaining a Caribbean citizenship and passport

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment: An Overview

In the Caribbean, the countries offering citizenship through an investment-based program are the following five:

1. Antigua and Barbuda
2. Grenada
3. Saint Lucia
4. St. Kitts and Nevis
5. Dominica

Even though their programs are in direct competition with one another, there’s still significant overlap between them, with each offering:

• Similar investment options, such as a donation to a national fund to boost the country’s economy or development, or real estate investment in pre-approved development projects
• A focus on family inclusion, allowing you to add up to three dependents on your application at no increase of the minimum investment requirement, with options to add more at an additional cost
• Short processing times, with initial application review and possible pre-approval in three to six months, depending on the program

Each program also has unique features. Saint Lucia, for example, is the only country offering investment in government bonds as a citizenship pathway, allowing you access to your investment after five years. Antigua and Barbuda has a special pathway for large families that includes a university scholarship, while Dominica offers the least expensive investment options.

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Requirements

When applying for a Caribbean CBI program, you must meet the general criteria. These include:

• A minimum age of 18
• No criminal record or ongoing criminal investigations
• Good health with no illnesses that would pose a public health risk
• A verifiably lawful source of funds

To maintain the integrity of their CBI programs, Caribbean countries have also instituted various disqualifying criteria. These include:

• A previous denial of citizenship in any other country
• A denial of a visa in any country that has a visa-free agreement with a Caribbean country
• Provision of false information during the application process
• Engagement in any activities that might bring disrepute to the country

Having satisfied those conditions, you should also meet the country-specific investment requirements.

Antigua and Barbuda Investment Requirements

Under Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI program, you can choose one of the following methods to make an eligible investment:

Type of Investment	Value
Donation to the National Development Fund (NDF)	USD 230,000
Real estate purchase	USD 300,000
Business investment (sole investor)	USD 1.5 million
Business investment (joint venture)	USD 400,000
Donation to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund	USD 260,000

Here are the additional conditions that need to be met:

• You cannot sell the real estate for five years after you purchase it, unless you acquire a different approved property in the country
• If investing in a joint venture, its total value has to be at least USD 5 million 
• You can only donate to the UWI Fund if your application includes at least five dependents

Grenada Investment Requirements

To apply for the Granadian CBI program, you have to make one of the following investments:

Type of Investment	Value	Government Fee
Donation to the National Transformation Fund (NTF)	USD 235,000	/
Investment in a government-approved real estate project (shared ownership)	USD 270,000	USD 50,000
Investment in a government-approved real estate project (full ownership)	USD 350,000	USD 50,000

If you invest in real estate in Granada, you cannot resell it for five years after obtaining citizenship.

The NTF donation route allows you to first apply for permanent residency, saving the right to apply for citizenship at a later date.

Bonus read: Learn more about the programs in other countries that grant residency to investors, like those in Portugal, Panama, Oman, Greece, and the UAE.

Saint Lucia Investment Requirements

As an applicant for Saint Lucia’s CBI program, you will have one of the following investment options:

Type of Investment	Value	Administrative Fee
Donation to the National Economic Fund	USD 240,000	/
Purchase of National Action Bonds	USD 300,000	USD 50,000
Investment in a government-approved real estate project	USD 300,000	USD 30,000 (minimum)
Investment in a government-approved enterprise project (sole investor)	USD 3.5 million	USD 50,000
Investment in a government-approved enterprise project (joint venture)	USD 1 million	USD 50,000
Investment in a housing, social development, or investment services project (sole investor with up to three dependents)	USD 250,000	USD 30,000

A real estate investment in Saint Lucia must be in high-end, branded hotels, resorts, or boutique properties. As for eligible enterprise projects, they fall under infrastructure and housing development.

St. Kitts and Nevis Investment Requirements

St. Kitts and Nevis’ CBI program requires you to make one of the following investments:

Type of Investment	Value	Application Fee
Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)	USD 250,000	/
Contribution to a Public Benefit Option (PBO)	USD 250,000	/
Purchase of units in approved real estate developments	USD 325,000	USD 25,000 (minimum)
Purchase of a condominium through the Private Real Estate Investment Option	USD 325,000	USD 25,000 (minimum)
Purchase of a single-family home through the Private Real Estate Investment Option	USD 600,000	USD 25,000 (minimum)

Properties purchased through the real estate investment options can’t be resold for seven years after their acquisition. 

Dominica Investment Requirements

The two types of investments offered by Dominica’s CBI programs are:

Type of Investment	Value	Government Fee
Donation to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)	USD 200,000 (USD 250,000 for up to three dependents)	/
Purchase of real estate in a government-approved project	USD 200,000	USD 75,000 (minimum)

Real estate purchased for meeting the program requirements has to be held for:

• Three years, when resold to a non-CBI buyer 
• Five years, when sold to a CBI applicant

How To Get a Caribbean Passport Through Investment

The process of obtaining a Caribbean passport by investment varies little among the countries and can be completed entirely remotely. Here are the general steps you will need to follow: 

1. Choose a program and the investment pathway
2. Contact a local agent and prepare the documentation
3. Apply for approval in principle
4. Make your investment and apply for a passport

Choose a Program and the Investment Pathway

All countries that offer Caribbean CBI programs are members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The Organization also includes Montserrat and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as full member states. 

Citizenship in one OECS country gives you full freedom to move and reside in other member states, with some offering the right to work and apply for residency. 

This affords you the freedom to choose a CBI program and pathway that’s most financially advantageous to you. You can, for example, acquire citizenship in Saint Lucia with a government bond investment and spend most of your time in Dominica. You can also consult global mobility experts to see what other options a Caribbean passport affords you.

Contact a Local Agent and Prepare the Documentation

Caribbean CBI programs require you to hire local agents to manage the application process for you. Each program maintains a list of available agents on its site (as well as a list of blacklisted agents), complete with their contact information. 

A local agent should be able to advise on the specifics of each investment option, and they should also help you gather the supporting documents. In general, you should expect your application to include:

• An application form 
• A copy of your current passport
• A birth certificate 
• A police record certificate
• A medical certificate
• Proof of funds
• Passport-sized photos of yourself

You will also have to submit proof of investment later in the process. 

Apply for Approval in Principle

Your local agent will submit the application for you, which is the standard procedure for all Caribbean CBI programs. They will also advise you on fee scheduling, as some may be due after the application is approved. 

Your application will undergo strict due diligence and vetting before the governing bodies can issue a decision. The process may also involve an interview, though you won’t be required to attend in person, as programs offer an online option. 

Note that you’re not required to make the investment before you get the approval. If you choose the real estate route, you will have to sign a purchase agreement, but you won’t be required to make the actual payment until you learn the outcome of your application.

Make Your Investment and Apply for a Passport

After receiving the approval in principle, you will be able to finalize your investment and pay any remaining fees. 

Some programs will require you to make the investment through an authorized agent. Your agent should also submit proof of investment, bringing the citizenship application process to a close. 

Once you’ve been awarded citizenship, your local agent will apply for a Caribbean passport on your behalf.

Caribbean Passport and Citizenship Benefits

The Eastern Caribbean countries with CBI programs are largely politically and economically stable, offering a safe haven in case of turbulent times. They also allow multiple citizenships, letting you keep your original citizenship as long as you need to.

While the countries’ tax codes differ, they are more permissive, with no wealth, capital gains, or inheritance taxes. Their personal income tax policies range from no personal income tax in Antigua and Barbuda to a system that taxes income earned in the country by residents and non-residents alike, as in Saint Lucia.

The Caribbean countries also have strong passports, with no visa agreements with up to 140 countries, including the UK and EU countries. Even though their passports are sometimes seen as low-value and transactional, in practice, they offer significant travel options. 

Even if you don’t plan to physically reside or become a tax resident of a Caribbean country, holding a Caribbean passport can be a valuable addition to a global mobility strategy. To learn which opportunities the passport can offer you in third countries and how to utilize it fully, contact Nomad Capitalist.

Get Your Caribbean Passport With Nomad Capitalist

Nomad Capitalist is an advisory company specializing in wealth protection and global mobility solutions. We’ve helped more than 1,500 clients achieve their financial and lifestyle goals by securing second passports and reducing their tax footprint.

Our core service is the creation of an Action Plan, a document outlining the exact steps required to achieve our clients’ objectives. When building each Plan, we take the client’s situation and needs into account to create the most direct and realistic path to their desired outcome.

Here’s what working with us looks like:

1. We will ask you to fill out a form to help us determine whether we’re a good match
2. We will schedule a 45-minute onboarding call to learn more about your circumstances and goals
3. Our agents will create the Action Plan and present it to you for approval
4. We will implement the Plan over a 12-month period
5. You will continue receiving support from us even after the Plan is implemented

We can help you choose the best Caribbean passport for your overall global mobility strategy, taking into account the possibilities each passport offers. We can also advise you on the most efficient route to get your desired passport and ensure it opens all the doors you need.