The content of the article
- Caribbean countries with investment citizenship programs
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Comparing Caribbean Citizenship by investment
- Benefits of Caribbean citizenship
- How to get a Caribbean Passport
- Requirements for the applicant
- The cost of registration
- Applying for a Caribbean passport
- Caribbean Passport Online
- Caribbean passport rating and visa-free countries
- Dual citizenship of Caribbean countries
Citizenship—by-investment programs in the Caribbean, or the so-called “golden passports,” are especially relevant in 2025. They provide access to visa-free travel, international banking instruments and provide a reliable alternative in case of instability. The countries of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and Grenada offer to apply for a second citizenship from 4 to 12 months, subject to investments in real estate, public funds or approved commercial projects. The programs are in demand from investors from all over the world due to the simplicity of the process, lack of accommodation requirements and complete remote registration.
Caribbean countries with investment citizenship programs
Caribbean citizenship provides ample opportunities for visa-free travel to more than 140 countries, tax optimization and access to international financial infrastructure, while registration is carried out remotely without the requirement of residence. These programs are considered by investors as an effective tool for diversifying personal and corporate risk.
Antigua and Barbuda
The Golden Passport of Antigua and Barbuda is one of the most accessible for family applicants. With an investment of $ 230,000 or more in the National Development Fund, an investor can include his partner and relatives in the application for a descending and ascending line. The application review period is up to six months. The visa-free regime covers more than 140 countries, including the EU, the British Isles and Singapore.
Tax benefits
Antigua does not levy taxes on inheritance, gift, dividends and capital gains in other countries. Corporate tax exists, but it can be optimized with the right structure. The country is suitable for tax residence due to the absence of taxation of foreign sources of income.
Accommodation requirements
After obtaining citizenship, it is required to spend at least 5 days in the country during the first 5 years, otherwise the passport will not be renewed. This condition is formal, but it must be fulfilled.
Dominica
Dominica supports one of the most stable and low-cost programs on the market. The minimum contribution to the State Fund starts from $200,000 per applicant. The procedure is completely remote, the registration period is 3-5 months. The Dominica Passport provides access to over 140 countries and is suitable for individual investors focused on confidentiality and flexibility.
Tax benefits
Dominica also exempts new citizens from taxes on global income, profits, inheritance and donations. Local taxes apply only to income earned in the country.
Accommodation requirements
Missing. The applicant does not need to visit the country either before or after obtaining a passport. The process is completely remote, and passport renewal does not require attendance.
Grenada
Among all Caribbean programs, Grenada’s citizenship stands out as a unique opportunity to obtain an E-2 visa to the United States (on a separate application), which makes it particularly in demand. The applicant is offered two investment options: either a non-refundable contribution to the state fund of $ 235,000 or the purchase of real estate in the amount of $ 300,000. An additional advantage is visa—free access to China, which is rare for passports in the region.
Tax benefits
Grenada has a transparent tax system and allows for the creation of international companies with tax advantages. Citizens of the country may not pay taxes on income in other countries, as well as when transferring inheritance or as a gift.
Accommodation requirements
It is not necessary to stay on the island before or after obtaining citizenship. The investor may never visit the country and, nevertheless, retain the status.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Operating since 1984, the Saint Kitts and Nevis program is considered the longest-running of all citizenship-by-investment initiatives. In 2025, the minimum contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund is set at $250,000, reflecting stricter requirements. Obtaining a passport takes from 4 months to six months. The program is based on the British legal model and is characterized by a high level of institutional trust.
Tax benefits
There are no taxes on global income, capital gains, inheritance, gift and dividends. For tax purposes, citizens can apply for the status of a tax resident under certain conditions.
Accommodation requirements
Complete absence of stay requirements. You can obtain citizenship remotely and use your passport without having to physically stay in the country.
Saint Lucia
The Saint Lucia program provides for both individual and family applications, while offering flexible terms of participation. The minimum contribution to the National Economic Fund is $240,000. One of the key differences is the ability to invest in government bonds, an option available exclusively under this program. Citizens of Saint Lucia can travel without a visa to more than 146 countries around the world.
Tax benefits
Local taxes apply only to income generated by Saint Lucia itself.
Accommodation requirements
There is no need to visit or live on the island before, during or after obtaining citizenship. The entire process is carried out remotely through a licensed agent.
Comparing Caribbean Citizenship by investment
A country |
Minimum contribution |
Alternative: real estate |
Date of receipt |
Visa-free entry |
Features |
Antigua and Barbuda |
$230,000 (NDF Fund) |
From 300,000 dollars |
from 6 months |
140+ countries (Schengen, UK, Singapore) |
Suitable for families, low fees for additional family members |
Dominica |
200,000 dollars (EDF Foundation) |
From 300,000 dollars |
from 5 months |
140+ countries (Schengen, UK) |
The most stable and affordable program for a single applicant |
Grenada |
$235,000 (NTF Fund) |
From 300,000 dollars |
from 6 months |
145+ countries (including China, Schengen, UK) |
The only country in the region with access to the US E-2 visa |
Saint Kitts and Nevis |
$250,000 (SGF Fund) |
From 325,000 dollars |
from 6 months |
150+ countries (Schengen, UK, Singapore) |
The oldest program in the world, high reputation and reliability |
Saint Lucia |
$240,000 (NEF Foundation) |
From 300,000 dollars |
from 5 months |
145+ countries (Schengen, UK) |
The only country offering the option of investing in government bonds |
All five Caribbean citizenship by investment programs in 2025 offer obtaining a second passport in 3-6 months, visa-free entry to 140+ countries, minimal taxes and, as a rule, no residence requirements.
The key difference between the programs lies in the investment structure and additional benefits: for example, only Grenada provides access to an E-2 visa to the United States, while Antigua and Barbuda requires a minimum physical presence (5 days in 5 years), while other countries do not require a stay.
Mandatory government fees and legal support services are added to the declared investment amounts.
Benefits of Caribbean citizenship
- Quick registration.
Obtaining citizenship takes only 3-6 months, and the whole process takes place remotely, without the need for personal presence. - Visa-free entry.
Caribbean citizenship allows you to travel freely in the EU, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc. - Low tax burden.
An optimized taxation system that allows you to avoid paying taxes on income in other countries, inheritance transfer and capital gains. - There are no accommodation requirements.
With the exception of Antigua and Barbuda (5 days in 5 years), other jurisdictions do not require physical presence before or after obtaining citizenship. - Family registration.
All programs allow you to include the closest relatives in the ascending and descending line, and in some cases, brothers and sisters in the application. - Confidentiality.
Obtaining citizenship takes place without notifying the country of the original citizenship, while dual citizenship is allowed. - Access to international infrastructure.
With a second passport, you can open accounts and register companies in any country in the world without additional bureaucracy. - Flexibility in conditions of instability.
Citizenship serves as a “plan B” in case of political, economic or social risks in the country of residence. - Investment options to choose from.
The opportunity to choose between a non-refundable contribution, the purchase of real estate or an investment in government bonds (in Saint Lucia). - A reasonable entry threshold.
The cost of citizenship starting at $200,000 makes the programs accessible to wealthy foreigners.
How to get a Caribbean Passport
Foreigners can obtain a passport from one of the five Caribbean countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia) through the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program.
Requirements for the applicant
- Age from 18 years.
- No criminal record or visa refusals to countries with visa-free travel (for example, the United Kingdom).
- Confirmation of the legal origin of funds.
- Passing a security check (financial, legal, reputational). International databases (Interpol, World-Check, OFAC, EU sanctions lists, etc.) are used for this purpose.
- It is necessary not to suffer from serious infectious diseases or mental disorders.
The cost of registration
A country |
Foundation (1 applicant) |
Realty |
Other expenses (approximately per applicant) |
Antigua and Barbuda |
from $ 230,000 |
from 300,000 dollars |
25,000-35,000 dollars |
Dominica |
from 200,000 dollars |
from 300,000 dollars |
20,000-30,000 dollars |
Grenada |
from $ 235,000 |
from 300,000 dollars |
30,000-45,000 dollars |
Saint Kitts and Nevis |
from $ 250,000 |
from 325,000 dollars |
40,000- 55,000 dollars |
Saint Lucia |
from $ 240,000 |
starting from $ 300,000 / bonds starting from $ 300,000 |
25,000-40,000 dollars |
Applying for a Caribbean passport
Main stages:
- Choosing a country and an investment option. Investment options: irrevocable contribution to the state fund (from $ 100,000), purchase of real estate (from $ 200,000), government bonds (only in Saint Lucia, from $ 300,000), combined options (for family applications and large investors).
- Selection of a licensed agent. Self—submission is not possible – the investor must apply through an officially accredited intermediary registered in the selected country.
- Preparation and submission of documents. The agent collects a complete package of documents for the investor. The documents are then submitted to the immigration service of the selected country.
- Conducting a Due Diligence check. The CBI Department checks each applicant against international databases, sanctions lists, credit history, travel history, and source of funds.
- Approval and investment. If the application is approved, a notification of approval (Approval in Principle) is sent. The investor deposits funds into the state fund or completes a real estate transaction within 30-90 days.
- Obtaining citizenship and passport. After confirmation of receipt of funds, a Certificate of Naturalization is issued. The passport is issued and sent by courier.
Currently, the Caribbean passport program is closed to Russians and citizens of the Republic of Belarus.
Caribbean Passport Online
The entire process of obtaining Caribbean citizenship, from consultation to passport issuance, can be completed online. Foreigners do not need to visit the country either at the application stage or after receiving it. Communication, document signing, verification, and payment are all carried out remotely through a licensed agent.
Caribbean passport rating and visa-free countries
A country |
Henley Rating 2025 |
Visa‑free/e-Visa/On‑Arrival |
Saint Kitts and Nevis |
24th place |
155 countries |
Antigua and Barbuda |
26th place |
152 countries |
Saint Lucia |
~29th-30th place |
146 countries |
Grenada |
31st place |
147 countries |
Dominica |
32nd place |
143 countries |
Dual citizenship of Caribbean countries
All countries offering Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs officially allow dual citizenship. This means that the applicant does not need to renounce his current citizenship.
For foreigners, obtaining a Caribbean passport does not lead to the loss of their first citizenship. Moreover, the Caribbean authorities do not share information about new citizens with third countries. The passport can be used in parallel with another national passport.