Caribbean Citizenship by Investment: A Comparison of Programs by Country

Dual citizenship has its many perks, and for those who were born with it, they’re lucky to be enjoying and experiencing the privileges from both countries. Others need to work for it, and it’s a choice they make for several reasons. For some, it’s a plan B for when their primary home gets destabilized. For others, to have the freedom to travel anywhere they want without restrictions.

What could people benefit from dual citizenship? Why do they make the extra effort and cost just to obtain a second passport? Firstly, to obtain social and political rights. If they become a citizen of that country, they will have the power to participate in local events through making decisions. They can also enjoy various social services.

Secondly, travel. It’s one of the top reasons why people want to have dual citizenships. They won’t have problems entering a certain country, or they’ll avoid certain fees. Other reasons might be passion for discovering different cultures and interest in investing in real estate properties.

The Caribbean islands offer various investment programs to foreigners who want to obtain a Caribbean citizenship. They even made it more appealing than others by offering discounts on their passports, lowering the price donations, and removing limited time offers.

If you’re considering this option, looking into Caribbean investment properties and programs from different countries will narrow down your choices. What could be your options? There’s Antigua & Barbuda, there's Commonwealth of Dominica, there's Grenada, there's Saint Kitts & Nevis, and last but not the least, there’s Saint Lucia.

Here’s a comparison of the different programs offered by each country:

Antigua & Barbuda

The application is at no cost. The processing fee is $30,000 for a family of four, and $15,000 for every additional member or dependent. The processing time would take about three to six months, and the passport validity is five years for first-time applicants and then 10 years after renewal.

The minimum investment or donation that you need to make is $100,000. For a real estate investment, you need to allocate an amount of $200,000 to $400,000.

For the age of the dependents, children up to 30 years of age, and parents above the age 55; all dependents should be living with the main applicant and should be fully supported by them.

Number of countries where you can travel visa free is 151, including Schengen and the United Kingdom.

The residency requirement after the approval of citizenship is five days during the first five years of citizenship.

Commonwealth of Dominica

The application fee is at no cost. The processing fee is $1,000 for every application. The processing time would take about two to three months, and the passport validity for children and adults is five years and 10 years respectively.

The minimum investment or donation that you need to make is $100,000, and then $200,000 for real estate properties.

For the age of the dependents, children up to the age of 30, and parents with 55 years of age.

Number of countries where you can travel visa free is 140, including Schengen and the United Kingdom.

There is no residency requirement after the approval of citizenship.

Grenada

The application fee costs $1,500 per person. The processing fee is $1,500 per person plus $500 for every dependent under the age of 18. The processing time would take about three months, and the passport validity is five years.

The minimum investment or donation that you need to make is $150,000, and then $350,000 for real estate properties.

For the age of the dependents, children up to 30 years of age, and parents above the age of 55 years, fully supported and living with the main applicant.

Number of countries where you can travel visa free is 143, including Schengen and the United Kingdom.

There is no residency requirement after the approval of citizenship.

Saint Kitts & Nevis

The application fee costs $250 per person. The processing fee is at zero cost. The processing time would take about three to six months, and the passport validity for children and adults is five years and 10 years respectively.

The minimum investment or donation that you need to make is $150,000, and then $200,000 for real estate properties.

For the age of the dependents, children up to 30 years of age, and parents of 55 years of age.

Number of countries where you can travel visa free is 150, including Schengen and the United Kingdom.

There is no residency requirement after the approval of citizenship.

Saint Lucia

The application fee is at no cost. The processing fee for the principal applicant is $2,000 and $1,000 for each qualifying dependent. The processing time would take about three to six months, and the passport validity for children and adults is five years and 10 years respectively.

The minimum investment or donation that you need to make is $100,000, and then $300,000 for real estate properties.

For the age of the dependents, children below 25 years of age, and parents above 65 years of age and living with the principal applicant.

Number of countries where you can travel visa free is 146, including Schengen and the United Kingdom.

There is no residency requirement after the approval of citizenship.