The Caribbean is a region with a rich history and diverse culture. It is also a region that is increasingly becoming a popular destination for those seeking citizenship by investment. There are several reasons why the Caribbean is the ideal place to obtain citizenship by investment, this includes the region’s political stability, diverse economy, attractive tax laws, and being tourism-friendly. In addition, the Caribbean offers a number of citizenship-by-investment programs that are attractive to investors.

Why is the Caribbean ideal for citizenship-by-investment?

The Caribbean is a popular destination for citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs. There are many reasons why the Caribbean is an ideal location for CBI programs. For one, the Caribbean has a stable political and economic environment. The region is also known for its low crime rates, beautiful beaches, and friendly people. CBI programs in the Caribbean offer investors many benefits, including the ability to live and work in the region, access to quality education and healthcare, and visa-free travel to over 150 countries. In addition, investors can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in the Caribbean and take advantage of the region’s tax-friendly regime.

So, with the countless benefits, it’s no doubt the Caribbean is an ideal location for any interested in citizenship-by-investment.

What are the benefits of obtaining citizenship in the Caribbean?

• Getting a second passport from any of the Caribbean countries guarantees visa freedom to over 150 countries, including the EU and Schengen countries 
• The climate is tropical, which means you can enjoy year-round warm weather.
• The region is relatively stable politically and economically.
• There is a great diversity of cultures and traditions.
• The food is also fantastic.

Ideal countries in the Caribbean with lenient citizenship-by-investment programs

Dominica:

The Dominica Citizenship-by-Investment Program offers two options to get full citizenship. The first involves making a significant economic contribution to the government’s fund and purchasing approved real estate on the island. To qualify for citizenship by investment in Dominica, applicants must make a minimum non-refundable payment of $100,000 to the Dominican Economic Diversification Fund (EDF). The amount of the contribution may increase depending on how many dependents you plan to include in your application.

Another option to become a citizen of Dominica through investment is that you must invest at least $200, 000 in government-approved real estate and hold it for at least 5-years after obtaining citizenship. After five years, you may resell the property. You must also work with an authorized agent, such as CTrust Global. They will handle all government correspondence on your behalf and collect the required documents. Once the documents are submitted, the agent will launch your application with the CBIU. It will take between 60 and 90 days for the application to be approved. The agent will also translate and notarize all required documents. Once you have received your Letter of Approval, you can then proceed to apply for citizenship in Dominica. Once approved, you’ll have free travel to 146 countries.

Grenada

Grenada’s CBI program enables citizens to invest in real estate to secure citizenship. The government holds money in escrow and releases it to developers only after the money is invested and the project is in progress. The Grenada CBI program is a popular investment option and has undergone significant changes over the years. Its investment types and criteria remain the same, however.

The investment amount for government donation is $150,000, with real estate investment going for a minimum of $220,000. For interested investors, a Grenada passport allows you to travel to more than 140 countries without a visa.

Saint Lucia

The Saint Lucia government offers four ways to invest and become a citizen, including real estate and donation, enterprise investment, and government bonds. While you can simply donate a minimum of the non-refundable sum of $100,000 to the Saint Lucia National Economic Fund (NEF) to acquire citizenship, the real estate investment which is recoverable require a minimum investment of $300,000. For citizenship through real estate, the investment must be made in a property approved by the government. Generally, investors must hold the property for 5 years before selling it. Enterprise investment is the most expensive option and requires a minimum investment of $3.5 million and the creation of three permanent jobs.

Once an investor meets the investment requirements and is approved, he or she can apply for a passport in Saint Lucia. The main applicant for citizenship must be over eighteen years old, have no criminal record, and prove that the income from the investment is legal. After the investor receives their passport, other members of the family can also be added to the program. Citizenship for dependents can be granted five years after the investor has received their passport. Newly married couples and newborn children can obtain citizenship, as well.

Antigua and Barbuda

The Citizenship by Investment Program in Antigua and Barbuda is one of the most sought-after programs worldwide. This Caribbean nation is a member of the United Nations, the British Commonwealth, Caricom, the Organization of American States, and many other organizations. The country offers exceptional value creation opportunities, particularly in the high-end Caribbean property market. In particular, the high-end Caribbean property market offers exceptional value creation potential, thanks to the country’s comparatively stable currency values and unprecedented growth in wealth globally. This makes it an ideal location for investors to invest their money.

To become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, you must invest at least $200,000 in real estate, $100,000 donation to the National Transformation Fund, as well as $1.5 million in enterprise investment. The process is can be handled by the authorized CIB agent of the government. Upon completion, you can apply to become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda through the agent which takes not less than 3 months.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Applying for a St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship is easy, as long as you have the right investment in place. You must invest a minimum of $200,000 USD in real estate or donate $150,000 to the country’s Sustainable Growth Fun, and you must pay the necessary application fees.

The money you invest in the real estate is fully recoverable, but the property must remain for five years before you can resell it. The process does not require you to visit the country personally, but you must retain the services of a government-approved intermediary to do so.  One of the major benefits of obtaining a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport is the wide range of opportunities that are available. Citizens of the state can travel to over 156 countries without a visa, and can also spend up to 90 days in each half-year in the Schengen area. The UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore are also open to Saint Kitts and Nevis citizens.