Citizenship by investment (CBI) programs in the Caribbean are a legal and fast way to obtain a second passport. They give investors and their families greater personal freedom, opportunities for living and doing business, and enhanced security. By investing in the economy of one of the Caribbean nations, you can receive citizenship recognized worldwide.
In 2025, Caribbean CBI programs remain a few of the most affordable and fastest options. Processing takes 4–10 months, and the passport offers visa-free entry to more than 140 countries, including the United Kingdom, the Schengen Area, and Singapore. This is a convenient solution for those who want to protect themselves from political risks and travel freely across the world.
Currently, official programs operate in five countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. Since the mid-2010s, investors have obtained more than 100,000 passports through these programs. Rejections are rare — around 3% of applications, which reflects strong due diligence and trust in the systems.
Overview of Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs
The main advantage of citizenship by investment programs is their simplicity. In most cases, participation is fully remote through a licensed agent. The process is transparent: collecting documents, due diligence, transferring the investment, and receiving the passport. The standard document package includes identity documents, health and financial certificates, police clearances, and birth certificates.
Evolution of CBI Programs
The first CBI program was launched in St Kitts and Nevis in 1984, setting a model for others. In 1991, Dominica introduced a structure combining donations and real estate investments. In the 2010s, other countries added new investment routes — business, funds, government bonds. In recent years, the rules have tightened: more attention is now paid to source-of-funds verification and due diligence.
Comparison: Caribbean vs European Investment Citizenship
Europe does not offer direct citizenship by investment programs. Typically, an investor first receives a residency permit or permanent residency and can apply for citizenship only after 5–10 years, passing a language exam and proving integration.
In the Caribbean, the process is much simpler: investors obtain citizenship immediately, with no residency period and no long waiting times. For those who value mobility and speed, the Caribbean route is more advantageous.
Detailed Overview of Caribbean Programs
Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda CBI program, launched in 2013, is family-oriented and offers flexible investment routes, moderate requirements, and educational benefits. Processing starts from 4 months, and to maintain citizenship you must visit the country for just 5 days within the first 5 years. The passport provides visa-free access to 151 countries.
Investment options:
- Donation to the National Development Fund (NDF): from $230,000 for single applicants, $245,000 for families of up to 4
- Donation to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund: from $260,000 for families of 6 or more (one family member receives a one-year university scholarship)
- Real estate: from $300,000 in approved projects
- Business investment: from $1,500,000 in approved sectors
Eligible dependants: spouse, children, parents
St Kitts and Nevis
St Kitts and Nevis is the founder of the CBI concept, having launched the first program in 1984. It is known for its high processing speed (from 3 months) and one of the strongest passports in the region, offering visa-free access to 154 countries.
Investment options:
- Donation to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC): from $250,000
- Donation to an approved community project: from $250,000
- Real estate: from $325,000 in approved developments
Eligible dependants: spouse, children, parents (with some limitations)
Grenada
Grenada offers a unique advantage — the ability to apply for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, which allows doing business in the United States. The program is also known for strict due diligence and its focus on sustainable investment. Processing starts from 8 months.
Investment options:
- Donation to the National Transformation Fund: from $235,000
- Real estate: from $270,000 in approved projects
Eligible dependants: spouse, children, parents, grandparents, siblings
The Grenadian passport provides visa-free access to 144 countries. The program suits investors interested in U.S. business opportunities, broad family inclusion, and long-term strategies.
St Lucia
Launched in 2016, St Lucia’s program is one of the most flexible and modern. It offers three investment routes and requires a 5-year asset holding period. Processing starts from 6 months. The passport provides visa-free access to 142 countries.
Investment options:
- Donation to the National Economic Fund: from $240,000
- Government bonds: from $300,000 (5-year holding requirement)
- Real estate: from $300,000 in approved projects
Eligible dependants: spouse, children, parents, siblings
Dominica
Dominica’s program is one of the most affordable in the Caribbean. Operating since 1991, it offers a simple path to citizenship with a focus on ecological and sustainable development. Processing starts from 4 months, and the passport provides visa-free access to 141 destinations.
Investment options:
- Donation to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF): from $200,000
- Real estate: from $200,000 in approved projects
Eligible dependants: spouse, children up to age 30, parents, grandparents
New Options: St Vincent and the Grenadines
The NDP party has promised to launch a CBI program if it wins the November 2025 elections. Investment thresholds and criteria have not been announced yet, but the principles outlined include transparency and socio-economic development. The passport currently offers visa-free access to 150+ countries, including the EU and the UK.
How to Obtain Citizenship
Applications are submitted through an accredited agent. The agent helps collect documents, complete forms, process payments, and submit the application. The entire process typically takes 4–6 months, from submission to passport issuance. Everything can be done remotely.
Main Requirements for Applicants
The applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have no criminal record
- Have legal sources of funds
All applicants undergo mandatory due diligence, which is standard across the region.
Required Documents
Required documents include: passport, birth certificates, police clearances, medical certificates, financial documents, and supporting records for dependants. The agent checks all documents and submits the full package to the authorities.
Additional Processes and Support
Due diligence includes several stages: national security checks, international database screening, and reviews by independent firms. If the source of funds is not verified, the application is rejected. The agent helps prepare necessary evidence in advance.
After approval, the investor transfers the funds to an escrow account or directly to the government. All transactions are processed through licensed banks, reducing risks and simplifying tax reporting.
Benefits of Caribbean Citizenship
Caribbean citizenship allows for visa-free travel, tax flexibility, asset protection, and the ability to pass citizenship to future generations. The passport provides the right to live and study on the islands, run a business, and access regional healthcare. For investors, it is an effective way to diversify risks and secure personal and financial safety.
Program Updates in 2025
In spring 2025, Caribbean countries signed an agreement to create the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA). It will introduce unified standards and due diligence procedures to enhance trust. Expected changes include shared quotas, a centralized applicant database, and updated transparency rules.
Is Caribbean Citizenship Right for You?
CBI programs attract entrepreneurs, investors, and families who value mobility, safety, and tax optimization. In 2025, Caribbean citizenship remains one of the fastest and most reliable ways to secure a second passport.
Aston works with all available Caribbean citizenship by investment programs.
Submit a request for a free consultation — our experts will explain every detail, help you choose the optimal option based on your goals and budget, and guide you through each stage of the process.
