Have you ever thought about the option to have a powerful second passport that gives you the option to live on the Caribbean islands? Do you think it’s impossible? Think again!
Do you know that the Caribbean is a region in the Caribbean Sea featuring thousands of islands – many of them independent states – that offer citizenship by investment programs?
So, if you want to change your life for good, you can surely consider Caribbean investment citizenship programs as one of the best options for your retirement or life quality improvement.
What Caribbean Countries Offer CBI Programs?
Five Caribbean countries offer government-approved citizenship by investment programs, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia.
People say you can obtain a second passport from these countries in less than three months – even though, in some specific cases, it may take longer, between 6 and 9 months.
It seems like Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis offer the best CBI programs, while right after them are St Lucia, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda.
Each of these countries has specific requirements and investment options, so it’s important to choose the one that fits your idea and preferences. That’s why we’ll briefly explain every one of them to help you make the right choice.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda invites all families or individuals to make a significant economic contribution, i.e., donation, so they can achieve the right to obtain a passport. Also, you can invest in real estate to obtain the same right.
Still, there is a catch because you should invest $200,000 for shared ownership or $400,000 as an individual. There is also an option for a business investment or a donation of at least $100,000 to the National Development Fund.
Even though it’s expensive for individuals, this CBI works great for group investments and families. And with the passport, you have visa-free access to about 160 countries worldwide.
Dominica
Dominican CBI has two investment options, such as contributing to the Economic Diversification Fund or buying a real estate property.
Before taking such a step, you’ll need to read the conditions carefully and collect all the needed documents to ensure the whole process is nice and smooth for you.
Dominica’s program is one of the most affordable ones, resulting in a passport that allows you to travel visa-free in more than 140 countries.
Grenada
Grenada is another Caribbean country offering citizenship by investment with a contribution to the National Transformation Fund or in approved real estate projects. Again, you can travel visa-free to more than 140 countries worldwide.
For the USA, you still need a visa, but Grenadian citizens have the benefit of applying for a long-term multiple-entry visa, known as a US E-2 Visa, and working or studying there.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
St Kitts and Nevis is one of the most popular countries offering the CBI program for foreigners who want more powerful passports. As an investor, you can donate to the Sustainable Growth Fund or in real estate to qualify for citizenship.
It’s one of the most anticipated passports, as you get access to many countries worldwide without a visa.
So, if you want to change your life for good, you can consider applying for a St Kitts and Nevis passport.
Saint Lucia
St Lucia offers CBI programs for those who want to invest in the National Economic Fund, real estate, or start a business within the country. Their goal is to attract people who want to contribute to local economic development.
So, if you have an idea to launch a new business and you’re looking for the best conditions for that, Saint Lucia can be the country you’re seeking.
Caribbean Passport and Citizenship Important Details
Each of the CBI programs has a legal framework the applicant should meet in order to gain the right to get a passport. Sometimes you need to have a minimum financial threshold, investment capabilities, background details, and due diligence requirements. So, before starting this adventure, make sure you’re eligible for all those things to avoid being denied.
Caribbean CBI programs offer different types of investment options, like contributing to government funds, real estate, or starting a business.
So, you need to determine what part of the whole thing you can cover, keeping in mind your financial and business capabilities. Every investment route is unique, and you may need some legal assistance during the process.
As countries that offer citizenship programs, all mentioned countries can perform a background check on you if they think there’s a need for that. That way, they can determine if the applicant is good enough to get their citizenship.
Sometimes that means you’ll need to provide comprehensive information and undergo specific checks, so they can decide on your eligibility.
And surely, you should pay attention to the required documentation. You’ll need your current passport, financial statements, proof of work, proof of investment, and many other documents you’ll find in the requirement list.
As we said, a legal expert by your side will make the whole process easier for you, so consider hiring one before jumping into such an adventure.
After you acquire Caribbean citizenship through some of the mentioned programs, you have obligations like minimal residency and ongoing contribution in national funds – but you should read those conditions carefully too, and adjust them to your existing living schedule.
Conclusion
Every Caribbean citizenship brings many benefits to the holders. You can choose to live or retire there, and even apply for your family and help them get their citizenship too.
By understanding how the CBI works, you get an idea of the legal framework, rules, requirements, and obligations like an equal citizen.
Discover detailed insights into the advantages related to taxation within the context of Caribbean citizenship acquisition.
Surely, with your legal advisor, you can handle the whole thing easily, making the whole process smoother for you. As a result, you get a powerful passport that may open new perspectives for your career growth, or just simply for travel and leisure. So, it’s up to you how you’ll use it once you have the valuable passport in your hands.
