The Citizenship by Investment Index has once again ranked the “Caribbean Five” as the top Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program worldwide in 2024. St Kitts and Nevis lead the list, followed by Dominica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, and St Lucia.
Immigrant Invest expert Elena Ruda explains why these programs remain the best and continue attracting investors from all over the world.
What are the key advantages of Caribbean citizenship?
The list of Caribbean citizenship benefits is extensive, and one of the key advantages is global mobility.
Caribbean citizenship offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, South Korea, Singapore, and Australia. Dominica also provides visa-free entry to China for up to 30 days.
Citizens of all Caribbean countries with citizenship by investment programs can obtain B-1/B-2 Tourist Visas to the US, valid for 10 years. These visas allow travel, business activities, and medical treatment in the US for up to 180 days per year
Grenada also has an agreement with the United States that allows Grenada citizens to qualify for the US E-2 Business Visa. This enables them to establish and manage a company in the US. E-2 Visa holders can reside in the US while the business is operational.
Could you tell me more about the benefits of investment requirements?
Small investment threshold. The minimum investment required for Caribbean citizenship is $200,000. Other programs also have affordable thresholds, such as $230,000 in Antigua and Barbuda and $235,000 in Grenada.
The more cost-effective CBI with a minimum investment of $130,000 is available only in Vanuatu.
Real estate investment. All Caribbean citizenship programs allow investors to purchase real estate. Owners are not required to reside in the property and can rent it out, earning an annual yield of 3—5% on average.
Are there any tax advantages for investors?
Caribbean countries provide favourable tax regimes with no personal income tax, wealth tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax.
Vanuatu is considered a tax haven, offering no personal income tax, capital gains tax, estate tax, or wealth tax.
Entrepreneurs and shareholders who establish International Business Companies in Vanuatu, which do not generate local income, are exempt from corporate taxes. Instead, these companies pay a fixed annual fee of $300 for 20 years.
What about the processing?
Ease of processing. Obtaining Caribbean citizenship usually takes 6—8 months. Investors cannot file applications themselves; all the procedures are handled by legal experts at every step.
The process is conducted remotely, eliminating the need for investors to travel before, during, or after applying. Passports and naturalisation certificates are delivered to the applicant’s preferred address.
No residency requirements. Applicants are not required to live in or visit the country to maintain citizenship. Only Antigua and Barbuda obliges investors to visit the country for five days within the first five years of citizenship.
Are there any more advantages?
Family-friendly programs. Investors can add their close family members to the application. This includes spouses, children, parents, and sometimes grandparents and even siblings. The requirements for relatives, however, vary.
Creation of a safe haven. Applicants are not required to live in or visit the country to retain citizenship. The only exception is Antigua and Barbuda, which requires investors to visit for five days within the first five years of obtaining citizenship.
Caribbean countries offer a warm climate year-round, with consistently warm air and sea temperatures. This makes the region an attractive destination for both living and leisure
What are the requirements for the most popular CBI programs?
St Kitts and Nevis, the pioneer of CBI programs, provides three main investment routes:
- a real estate purchase — at least $400,000;
- a state fund contribution — at least $250,000;
- an investment in a Public Benefit Project — at least $250,000.
Dominica Dominica stands out as the most affordable program, with a minimum investment of $200,000. Investors can choose between a donation to the Economic Diversification Fund or a real estate purchase.
The Antigua and Barbuda program requires a minimum donation of $230,000 to the National Development Fund. Other options include:
- a real estate purchase — at least $300,000;
- a business investment — at least $400,000;
- a contribution to higher education — at least $260,000.
The higher education option is ideal for families with six or more members, offering a cost-effective route.
In Grenada, investors can gain citizenship by contributing at least $235,000 to the state fund or purchasing real estate with a minimum value of $270,000.
St Lucia provides five investment categories to suit different preferences:
- A contribution to the state fund — at least $240,000;
- Infrastructure project investment — at least $250,000;
- A purchase of government bonds — at least $300,000;
- A purchase of real estate — at least $300,000;
- A business investment — at least $1,000,000.
What about Vanuatu, is it a Caribbean state?
Located in Oceania near Australia, Vanuatu is not a Caribbean state but offers a citizenship by investment (CBI) program widely favoured by investors. Vanuatu offers the world’s lowest investment threshold of $130,000 and the fastest acquisition process, taking as little as 1 month.
Vanuatu has two options:
- $130,000+ — investment in a state fund;
- $157,000+ — purchase of the CNO Future Fund holding company.
The state fund unit investment is not refundable. Shares can be redeemed in 5 years with returns of up to 5%.
Investors choose Vanuatu to create a safe haven, optimise taxes, obtain 5-year tourist B-1/B-2 visas to the US, and increase global mobility with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 100+ countries.
Port Vila is the capital and largest town of Vanuatu. The commonly spoken languages are Bislama, English, and French. Additionally, Vanuatu is home to over 100 Indigenous languages, reflecting the country’s rich linguistic diversity
Can you recommend which country I should choose?
St Kitts and Nevis. The program, launched in 1984, is ideal for those seeking a well-established and trusted option. Its long history ensures a proven track record of reliability, credibility, and international recognition, making it perfect for investors prioritising stability.
St Lucia. Best for individuals interested in investing in securities, St Lucia allows the purchase of government bonds. It also permits groups of investors to contribute to businesses—a unique feature among Caribbean programs.
Antigua and Barbuda. This program is ideal for larger families. The higher education contribution option is specifically designed for families with six or more members, making it the most affordable choice for bigger households.
Dominica. Known for its affordability, Dominica offers the lowest investment threshold of $200,000. This applies to both real estate purchases and state fund contributions.
Grenada. Perfect for entrepreneurs, Grenada is the only Caribbean program providing visa-free access to China and eligibility for the US E-2 Investor Visa, facilitating business opportunities in these regions.
Vanuatu. With the fastest and most affordable investments, Vanuatu grants citizenship in about one month, making it an excellent choice for those prioritising speed and cost-effectiveness.
How to address Immigrant Invest
Immigrant Invest, a licensed agent for Citizenship by Investment programs since 2006, has assisted thousands of foreigners in obtaining citizenship or residency in the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond.
Contact Immigrant Invest to discover why Caribbean citizenship is so popular among investors and select the program that suits your needs best.
This article is a contributed piece by Immigrant Invest and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Travelobiz staff.
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