The passport you hold is one of the most important factors in determining how free and prosperous your life can be. Enter Caribbean Citizenship by Investment: a swift route to a second citizenship offered by 5 forward-thinking Caribbean countries that are seeking talented and wealthy individuals to become part of their citizenship base.

The Caribbean: Cradle of Citizenship by Investment.

Throughout history, forward-looking countries have always sought to attract talent and wealth. This became formalized in 1984 with the creation of the first Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. St Kitts and Nevis pioneered this initiative, focusing on offering wealthy investors citizenship in exchange for a significant contribution to the country’s Sugar Diversification Fund.

Since the 1980s, the Caribbean CBI industry has evolved significantly, and the success of the St Kitts and Nevis CBI program led five other Caribbean countries to create similar programs. Providing wealthy freedom-seeking individuals with multiple avenues to acquire a second citizenship and secure a plan B. St Kitts and Nevis alone have granted citizenship to over 10,000 individuals. The entire CBI process can now be completed online, eliminating the need to visit the country in many cases. 

In recent years, Citizenship by Investment has gained popularity in the Western world. When you first hear of Citizenship by Investment it may bring images to mind of James Bond, espionage, and clandestine banking. But it’s essential to understand that the CBI industry is entirely legal and offered directly by the country's government. The citizenship that you hold is becoming as significant as which hedge fund, bonds, or bank account you would have traditionally stored wealth in. 

General eligibility and investment options.

Check your eligibility and available investment routes for a citizenship by investment program.

Main applicant requirements

Being at least 18 years old.

Have a 100% clean criminal record.

Not having been rejected from any other Caribbean CBI program in the past.

Direct investment option

A non-refundable contribution to a government fund.

Real estate investment option

The ‌real estate option allows investment opportunities in certain government-approved real estate projects. The minimum value of the investment varies. The real estate purchased can usually be resold after a 5-year period.

Caribbean CBI programs at a glance.

All Caribbean Citizenship by Investment are relatively similar both in terms of benefits and requirements. However, there are a few key differences that we have summarized in the table below:

Antigua and Barbuda

Minimum Investment: $100,000

Time expected: 3 months

Benefits:

• Best for a whole family.

• Crypto-friendly.

• Only 5 days of residence in 5 years.

• Get residency with 0% taxes.

• Visa-free access to over 150 countries.

Dominica

Minimum Investment: $100,000

Time expected: 3 months

Benefits:

• Best for single applicants.

• Fast processing time.

• Competitive pricing.

• No residence requirements.

• Visa-free access to over 140 countries, including China.

Grenada

Minimum Investment: $150,000

Time expected: 3 months

Benefits:

• Get an US E-2 investor visa

• Access to the US educational system for children.

• No residence requirements

• Tax-friendly environment.

• Visa-free access to over 145 countries.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Minimum Investment: $250,000

Time expected: 4 months

Benefits:

• Most respected and longest-running CBI program.

• Fast and streamlined process.

• Tax-friendly environment.

• World-class trust laws.

• Highest visa-free count with 150+ countries.

Saint Lucia

Minimum Investment: $250,000

Time expected: 8 months

Benefits:

• Good for single applicants

• Diverse investment options.

• No residency requirements.

• Visa-free travel to 146 countries.

Comparison of the Caribbean CBI programs.

Dive into an in-depth comparison of the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs:

Antigua and Barbuda, the best for families

Discover the allure of Antigua and Barbuda, a twin-island nation in the eastern Caribbean, renowned for pristine beaches and UNESCO-accredited Nelson’s Dockyard. Boasting a family-friendly citizenship program, a family of four can secure citizenship with a USD $100k donation to the National Development Fund, while larger families of 6 or more can contribute USD $150k to the University of West Indies Fund, earning one family member a 1-year scholarship at the university.

The Antigua and Barbuda passport unlocks a wide array of travel privileges such as visa-Free travel to over 150 countries including Europe’s Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Russia. Passport holders also enjoy freedom of movement between 15 CARICOM countries. Antigua and Barbuda has the lowest United States tourist visa reject rate of all the Caribbean CBI programs, making it ideal for visiting the United States.

As a Commonwealth member, Antigua and Barbuda citizenship gives you privileges in countries like the UK and Canada, with lifelong citizenship that can be passed down. The acquisition process includes a minimal 5-day residency requirement in the first 5 years, easily fulfilled with many direct flights to Antigua and Barbuda from London, New York City, Toronto, Miami, Atlanta, and Frankfurt. 

Antigua & Barbuda creates an enticing environment for tax optimization, featuring 0% capital gains tax, 0% income tax on worldwide income, and no inheritance tax. 

Dominica, a fast, efficient, and simple option

Dominica is an enchanting island located in the eastern Caribbean celebrated for its vibrant landscapes, from lush rainforests to majestic volcanoes. Dominica beckons with untouched natural beauty and an enticing Citizenship by Investment Program that kicks off with donations competitively starting at just USD $100k.

Picture this: a Citizenship by Investment program that's as breezy as the Caribbean wind. Dominica streamlines the process with minimal application fuss. There are no residency or visitation requirements meaning you never have to visit the island to become a citizen. 

For 4 years in a row, Dominica held the crown as the world’s best Citizenship by Investment program. However, in a plot twist, things changed in 2023. Dominica citizens lost visa-free access to the United Kingdom. The UK government cited “clear and evident abuse of the scheme.” The European Union, too brandished its warning to reconsider Schengen area visa-free access for Dominica citizens. 

However, the Dominica passport still opens doors to over 140 countries visa-free, including Europe’s Schengen area, China, and Russia.

Grenada, the best for USA residency

Welcome to Grenada, the jewel of the Southeastern Caribbean, where captivating beaches, picturesque landscapes, and a rich cultural tapestry await. Known as the "Spice Isle," Grenada's claim to fame includes its aromatic production of spices like Nutmeg and Cinnamon.

Here’s the scoop: Grenada is the only Caribbean Citizenship by Investment program boasting an E-2 visa treaty with the United States. After enjoying the sun on this tropical island for a continuous period of 3 years, citizens can apply for a converted United States investor non-immigrant visa. But there’s more, as a citizen you’ll also enjoy visa-free access to 145 countries including Europe's Schengen Area, the UK, Singapore, China, and Russia.

Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment program is attractive with the ability to include your spouse, dependent children under 31 (plus their spouse and children), and even grandparents aged over 55, along with other cherished family members. 

It gets even better, Acquiring Grenada citizenship is smooth sailing with no residency requirements, and once you’re a citizen, it’s lifelong. With the ability to pass down citizenship to future generations. 

Saint Kitts and Nevis, the most longeve CBI program

Welcome to the paradise of St. Kitts and Nevis, where history was made in 1984 as the world's first Citizenship by Investment program unfolded. Over 10,000 wealthy individuals have since become citizens, embracing the freedom that comes with it. St. Kitts & Nevis proudly wears the crown as the most respected Caribbean CBI program, and yes, excellence comes at a premium, with investments starting at USD $250k.

Now, let's talk passports – The St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship reigns supreme in the Caribbean CBI sphere, unlocking the gates to over 150 countries. Picture this: Visa-free access to Europe's Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and a host of other desirable destinations. With St. Kitts being more than just a CBI passport.

Further still, St. Kitts and Nevis is part of the Commonwealth, offering you an exclusive membership. With the ability to hold your citizenship for a lifetime and pass it down like a cherished family heirloom to future generations leaving a legacy. 

But that's not all. St. Kitts and Nevis believe in making things simple. No residency requirements and the entire Citizenship by Investment process can be completed online. Meaning it's your ticket to freedom without leaving the comfort of your home. If you choose to reside in the Caribbean sun, you'll find an attractive tax environment, with 0% capital gains tax, 0% income tax on worldwide income, and no pesky inheritance taxes. St. Kitts and Nevis is where history, prestige, and tax optimization converge for a life of unparalleled freedom.

Saint Lucia

Step into the tropical paradise of Saint Lucia, a gem in the eastern Caribbean adorned with the dramatic Twin Piton Peaks, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island's allure extends beyond its white sandy beaches and the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

Now, let's talk about the gateway to this paradise – Saint Lucia's Citizenship by Investment program. It's not just a program; it's a harmony of flexibility and diversity. With the ability to choose your path: donations to government funds, real estate ventures, investment in government bonds, or approved enterprise projects. The possibilities are endless in St. Lucia.

Acquiring Saint Lucian Citizenship through investment is a virtual voyage, allowing you to complete the entire process from the comfort of your home. Plus, as a member of the Commonwealth and CARICOM, Saint Lucian citizens revel in the freedom to move across 15 countries, accessing complete freedom. 

The Saint Lucian passport also unlocks the doors to 146 countries, including the coveted European Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

But that's not all. Saint Lucian citizenship is your golden ticket to live, work, and study on the island.

And let's talk taxes – with 0% inheritance tax, 0% income tax on worldwide income, and no inheritance tax. Saint Lucia isn't just an island paradise, it's a haven for optimizing your financial landscape.

How to apply for Caribbean Citizenship by Investment in 5 steps

Embark on your seamless journey to acquiring your second citizenship with Baseflow's user-friendly process, featuring transparent fees and efficient processing times in Caribbean nations.

Step 1: Explore your options.

Choose your preferred program on the Baseflow website. Spend a few minutes providing essential information, and receive an invitation for a tailored onboarding experience. We'll guide you through the essentials and assess your eligibility for the selected program.

Step 2: Background check and due diligence.

Let us handle the initial background and due diligence checks. Pay the government's Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) due diligence fees effortlessly.

Step 3: Start your journey on Baseflow.

Upon completion, receive your personalized Baseflow welcome package. Gather any additional required documents and sign the necessary paperwork to submit your citizenship application to the government. Pay the application fee and any additional administrative fees.

Step 4: Streamlined application process. Fastest approval.

Wait while we diligently process your application, to get you rapid approval from the government.

Step 5: Unveiling Your New Passport

The moment you've been waiting for: receive your shiny new passport. Complete the process by paying the final government processing fees, meeting any remaining requirements, signing the oath or affirmation of allegiance, and voila – your new passport is in your hands.

It truly is that simple with Baseflow – your trusted partner in achieving a hassle-free citizenship journey.

Questions on Caribbean CBIs? Answered.

Here’s the answer to the most common questions about the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs.

What's the most affordable Caribbean CBI program?

Investment options start at just USD $100k, ranging up to the millions. While cost is crucial, it's essential to weigh other factors, considering this investment is a lifelong commitment that can be passed down through generations.

Which Caribbean citizenship program is the best?

St. Kitts and Nevis lead the way in visa-free access, but the "best" choice depends on your unique circumstances and requirements.

Which Caribbean passport is the easiest to obtain?

Currently, Dominica's Citizenship by Investment program boasts the most straightforward requirements, making it one of the most cost-effective options.

How long does it take to get a Caribbean passport?

With Baseflow, the average processing time, from application to passport in hand, is a swift 3 months.

Is obtaining a Caribbean passport worth it?

Absolutely! Beyond increased travel freedom, tax optimization, and business opportunities, it's a lifelong asset you can pass down, leaving a lasting legacy.

Can I acquire a Caribbean passport through real estate investment?

Yes, all five Caribbean CBI programs currently support real estate investments.

Are Caribbean CBI programs the same as Golden Visas?

No, these programs don't require residency (except Antigua and Barbuda), enabling you to become a citizen remotely.

Can I obtain Caribbean Citizenship with a criminal record?

Having a criminal record will exclude you from these programs, as Caribbean countries seek talented and law-abiding individuals.

Can my entire family obtain Caribbean Citizenship?

Yes, Antigua and Barbuda stands out as the most family-friendly program, simplifying citizenship acquisition for spouses, children, grandparents, siblings, and more.

Is Vanuatu a Caribbean CBI?

No, Vanuatu is in the South Pacific Ocean. While it has its own Citizenship by Investment program, it differs, lacking Schengen area access and Commonwealth membership.