# Caribbean CBI After 30 June 2026: What Actually Changed, and Which Programme Fits Caribbean CBI was not suspended. From 1 July 2026 the ECCIRA regional framework harmonised the five programmes, introducing a shared 30-day residency requirement fulfilled within the first five years, alongside coordinated due diligence and price-floor standards specifics. Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and St Lucia all remain open; the changes strengthen governance rather than close any route. ### Key Takeaways - **ECCIRA's residency rule is not yet in force.** The proposed 30-day requirement did not take effect on 1 July 2026, and there was no 30 June 2026 grandfathering deadline. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank expects ECCIRA to begin operating later in 2026; no start date has been announced. - **Presence rules today are national**: Antigua requires 5 days within the first five years; Dominica, Grenada and St Lucia set no residence obligation; St Kitts and Nevis has announced a requirement whose details have not been gazetted. - **Investment minimums**: Dominica from USD 200,000 · Antigua from USD 230,000 · Grenada from USD 235,000 · St Lucia from USD 240,000 · St Kitts from USD 250,000. - **All five passports offer Schengen visa-free access** and 144 to 157 visa-free destinations. UK access varies: Antigua, Grenada and St Kitts need a UK eTA; Dominica and St Lucia require a full UK visit visa. - **None of the five is on the FATF grey or black list** (status as of June 2026). - **Antigua** offers flat family pricing: USD 230,000 via the National Development Fund covers any family size. - Mirabello Consultancy: IMC member, ACAMS certified, Swiss-based, high approval rate, 250+ Caribbean CBI cases. ## What Changed for Caribbean CBI on 30 June 2026? At regional level, nothing. ECCIRA's measures did not come into force on 30 June or 1 July 2026, and new applications continue to be assessed under each country's national rules. ECCIRA's proposed 30-day residency standard, 30 days of physical presence within the first five years of citizenship with at least 5 days in year one, is not yet in force anywhere. ECCIRA, the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority, was established in December 2025 by the five member states as a shared standards body for the Eastern Caribbean citizenship programmes. According to the [Eastern Caribbean Central Bank](https://www.eccb-centralbank.org/news/fourth-us-caribbean-roundtable-on-citizenship-by-investment-hails-regional-efforts-at-enhanced-governance), the Authority is expected to begin operating later in 2026; its chief executive is still being recruited and no start date has been announced. It was originally targeted to begin in April 2026. Mirabello Consultancy is a member of the [Investment Migration Council (IMC)](https://investmentmigration.org), the global industry standards body, and applies IMC's ethical guidelines across all programme recommendations. The rationale for ECCIRA is straightforward: a citizenship with harmonised due diligence and some meaningful physical presence is a more defensible product in the eyes of international regulators and bilateral visa partners. Once operating, the Authority should strengthen the long-term viability of Caribbean CBI as a category, which is good news for investors who commit to it. Two national changes are worth knowing. Antigua and Barbuda tabled a Citizenship by Investment (Amendment) Bill in July 2026 that proposes raising its presence rule from 5 to 30 days; it is not yet law. Grenada's Amendment Bill 2026 proposes a 30-day rule whose start awaits ECCIRA. Separately, St Kitts and Nevis is running its own National Biometric Enrolment and Passport Modernisation Programme: every citizenship by investment passport holder must enrol by 31 July 2027. *Not sure which programme fits your situation? [Book a free consultation with Mirabello Consultancy](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/contact-us-for-your-free-consultation): our IMC-member advisors in Zurich and Dubai will map the right programme to your profile.* ## What Presence Rules Apply in Each Programme Today? The presence rules in force today differ by programme, because ECCIRA's harmonised standard has not yet been adopted: - **Antigua and Barbuda:** at least 5 days in the country within the first five calendar years after citizenship. No residence is required before or during the application. - **Dominica:** none. The Citizenship by Investment Unit confirms that applicants do not have to reside in Dominica before or after citizenship is granted. - **Grenada:** none. The Investment Migration Agency confirms that no visit is required before, during or after the application. - **St Lucia:** none. The official programme pages list no residence, visit or minimum stay obligation. - **St Kitts and Nevis:** no presence rule in force; a national residency requirement has been announced, but its details have not been gazetted. If the ECCIRA proposal is adopted, 30 days over five years would be a modest commitment for a family with a Caribbean property or regular travel to the region, typically a handful of short trips. For investors who intend to hold Caribbean citizenship purely as a dormant travel document, it would introduce genuine planning obligations. Mirabello Consultancy advises all clients to treat Caribbean citizenship as an active asset, whether a second home, a business hub, or a genuine Plan B, rather than a paper document. ## What Are the Investment Minimums for Each Caribbean CBI Programme in 2026? The five programmes span USD 200,000 to USD 250,000 for the donation route. The contribution for a family of four is the same as for a single applicant in every programme except Dominica. Due diligence and government fees are additional. | Programme | Min. Donation | Family of 4 Contribution | Processing Time | Visa-Free | UK Access | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Dominica** | USD 200,000 | USD 250,000 | 3 to 6 months | 145 | Visa required | | **Antigua** | USD 230,000* | USD 230,000* | 4 to 7 months | 154 | eTA | | **Grenada** | USD 235,000 | USD 235,000** | 60 business days | 147 | eTA | | **St Lucia** | USD 240,000 | USD 240,000 | About 3 months | 144 | Visa required | | **St Kitts** | USD 250,000 | USD 250,000 | 4 to 6 months | 157 | eTA | *Antigua's USD 230,000 National Development Fund contribution covers families of any size; a USD 10,000 government processing fee applies per dependant from the fifth person. **Grenada's family-of-four price excludes siblings, parents and grandparents aged 55 and over. Grenada's time is the Investment Migration Agency's stated approval period from submission; St Lucia's runs from acceptance for processing. Government, due diligence and professional fees apply. Last updated: September 2026. ## How Long Does Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Take to Process in 2026? Processing timelines differ by programme. Grenada's Investment Migration Agency states approval within 60 business days of submission, and St Lucia about 3 months from acceptance for processing. Dominica typically processes complete applications in 3 to 6 months, St Kitts and Nevis in 4 to 6 months, and Antigua and Barbuda in 4 to 7 months. These timelines assume a fully complete application with all due diligence documentation in order and no complications arising from background checks. The single most common cause of delays is incomplete documentation: missing police certificates, gaps in source-of-funds documentation, or inconsistencies in address history. Mirabello Consultancy's high approval rate reflects our rigorous pre-screening process, which identifies and resolves potential issues before the application is submitted to the citizenship unit. Interviews, usually held virtually, are part of the national process in several programmes, including Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica, and do not normally require travel to the Caribbean during the application. For investors with a genuine time constraint, the stated timelines of Grenada and St Lucia are the shortest of the five. Vanuatu, which is not a Caribbean programme and not an ECCIRA member, is often chosen for speed, but it does not carry Schengen visa-free access, making it a fundamentally different product suited to different profiles. ## Which Caribbean CBI Programme Is Best for Families? Antigua and Barbuda offers the most family-inclusive Caribbean CBI at USD 230,000 for families of any size: a single contribution to the National Development Fund covers the primary applicant, spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents or grandparents aged 55 and over. No other Caribbean programme keeps the contribution flat beyond four people. For a family of four, St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and St Lucia also charge the same contribution as for a single applicant, while Dominica's rises to USD 250,000. The difference opens up for larger families: Antigua adds only a USD 10,000 government processing fee per dependant from the fifth person, whereas the other programmes add contribution amounts per additional dependant. For families of six or more, Antigua's University of the West Indies Fund option at USD 260,000 includes a one-year UWI tuition scholarship for one family member. Antigua and Barbuda also offers well-developed tourism and business infrastructure, British legal heritage, Schengen visa-free access and UK entry with an eTA. Its passport is valid for five years, and renewal requires a biometric update and proof of compliance with the presence rule in force, currently 5 days within the first five years. For families who specifically need multigenerational inclusion, including parents and in-laws as well as children, Antigua is typically the most economical and straightforward option. Mirabello Consultancy can model the precise cost comparison for your specific family structure across all five programmes. [Explore all Caribbean CBI programmes here](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/best-citizenship-by-investment-programs). ## Which Caribbean CBI Programme Offers the Broadest Mobility? St Kitts and Nevis leads the five with 157 visa-free destinations, followed by Antigua and Barbuda with 154, Grenada with 147, Dominica with 145 and St Lucia with 144. All five offer visa-free access to the Schengen Area, as well as China, Hong Kong and Singapore. UK access is the main differentiator. Holders of Antigua, Grenada and St Kitts passports travel to the UK with an Electronic Travel Authorisation, while Dominica and St Lucia nationals need a full UK visit visa. For investors who travel to London regularly, that single difference often decides the choice. Grenada adds further practical advantages: its Investment Migration Agency states approval within 60 business days, and unmarried adult siblings can be included in an application. [Learn more about Grenada's citizenship by investment programme](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/immigration/grenada-citizenship-by-investment). ## What Is the FATF Status of Caribbean CBI Programmes in 2026? As of June 2026, none of the five ECCIRA member states, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia, is on the grey or black list of the [Financial Action Task Force](https://www.fatf-gafi.org), the international standard-setter for anti-money-laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF). This matters to investors. FATF status influences how banks and third countries view a passport, and a listing can complicate banking for passport holders. Checking the current position with your adviser before you apply, and again before major banking decisions, is sensible practice. ECCIRA's proposed harmonised due diligence standards, including shared applicant screening and mandatory biometrics, are designed to strengthen that credibility across all five programmes simultaneously once the Authority is operating. ## How Has Caribbean Passport Mobility Changed in 2026? Caribbean CBI passports continue to offer visa-free access to between 144 and 157 destinations in 2026, including the Schengen Area, Singapore and Hong Kong. The core mobility proposition, genuine global access without depending on a US or EU passport, remains intact across all five programmes. Bilateral visa arrangements can change at short notice. Investors for whom access to a specific country is a priority should confirm the current position for their chosen programme with their Mirabello Consultancy case manager before proceeding. Overall, the mobility story for Caribbean CBI in 2026 is one of stability. Visa-free access to more than 140 destinations is a meaningful complement to any investor's existing passport, particularly for nationals of markets with limited passport mobility. Caribbean citizenship adds genuine optionality, and in four of the five programmes it currently requires no physical presence at all. For investors comparing Caribbean CBI to European residency programmes on a mobility basis: a Caribbean CBI passport enables visa-free Schengen travel, while a European golden visa confers residence rights in one Schengen state, a legally distinct status. The two are complementary rather than competitive for investors building a jurisdiction portfolio. [Explore Antigua's citizenship by investment programme](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/immigration/antigua-and-barbuda-citizenship-by-investment) or [learn more about Dominica's CBI](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/immigration/dominica-citizenship-by-investment). ## Which Caribbean CBI Programme Is Best by Investor Profile? The best Caribbean CBI programme in 2026 depends entirely on your profile. There is no single best programme, only the best programme for your nationality, family size, budget, timeline, and objectives. Here is how the five compare by investor type: - **Best for speed:** [Grenada](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/immigration/grenada-citizenship-by-investment) (approval within 60 business days of submission, from USD 235,000), with St Lucia close behind at about 3 months from acceptance for processing. - **Best for families:** [Antigua](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/immigration/antigua-and-barbuda-citizenship-by-investment) (USD 230,000 for any family size). No other Caribbean programme keeps the contribution flat for large families. - **Best for UK access and siblings:** [Grenada](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/immigration/grenada-citizenship-by-investment) (USD 235,000, UK entry with an eTA, adult siblings eligible). - **Best for budget:** [Dominica](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/immigration/dominica-citizenship-by-investment) (USD 200,000). The most cost-effective donation route for a single applicant, with no residence required before or after citizenship. - **Best for passport strength and track record:** [St Kitts and Nevis](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/immigration/citizenship-by-investment-in-st-kitts-nevis) (USD 250,000). The world's oldest CBI programme, established in 1984, with 157 visa-free destinations. - **Best for flexible investment routes:** [St Lucia](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/immigration/citizenship-by-investment-in-st-lucia) (from USD 240,000). Donation, real estate and government bond options, with the base contribution covering up to four people. Some investors combine a Caribbean passport with a European residence programme to build a broader jurisdiction portfolio. Mirabello Consultancy has guided clients through such combinations and can model the full cost, timeline, and outcome for your profile. ### Ready to Choose Your Caribbean Citizenship Programme? With ECCIRA's reforms on the way, getting the programme choice right matters more than ever. Speak with a Mirabello Consultancy expert, IMC member, high approval rate, 250+ Caribbean cases, and get a personalised recommendation. Book your free consultation today. ## What Are the Most Common Questions About Caribbean CBI After June 2026? Below are the questions Mirabello Consultancy receives most often from investors evaluating Caribbean citizenship by investment while ECCIRA's reforms are pending. ### What is ECCIRA and what will it regulate? ECCIRA, the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority, is the regional regulator established in December 2025 by Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. It is not yet operating: the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank expects it to begin operating later in 2026. Once operating, it is set to harmonise due diligence standards and introduce proposed measures such as a 30-day presence rule, a tiered passport, mandatory biometrics and e-passport standards. It will not replace the national citizenship units. ### Do I need to live in the Caribbean to keep my citizenship? Only in Antigua and Barbuda, which requires at least 5 days in the country within the first five years of citizenship. Dominica, Grenada and St Lucia currently set no residence obligation, and St Kitts and Nevis has announced a residency requirement whose details have not been gazetted. ECCIRA's proposed 30 days within the first five years is not in force, and no transitional rules for existing citizens have been published. ### What Is the Most Affordable Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programme in 2026? Dominica offers the lowest minimum investment for Caribbean citizenship by investment in 2026 at USD 200,000 via the Economic Diversification Fund for a single applicant, with processing typically taking 3 to 6 months. Antigua is the most cost-efficient for larger families at USD 230,000 for any family size via the National Development Fund. ### Which Caribbean passport offers the strongest mobility? St Kitts and Nevis, with 157 visa-free destinations, followed by Antigua and Barbuda with 154. Both, like Grenada, allow UK entry with an Electronic Travel Authorisation, whereas Dominica and St Lucia nationals need a full UK visit visa. All five offer visa-free access to the Schengen Area. ### How long does Caribbean CBI processing take in 2026? From about 3 months to 7 months, depending on the programme. Grenada states approval within 60 business days of submission and St Lucia about 3 months from acceptance for processing; Dominica typically takes 3 to 6 months, St Kitts and Nevis 4 to 6 months, and Antigua and Barbuda 4 to 7 months. The single greatest determinant of speed is documentation quality: thorough source-of-funds evidence, clean police certificates, and a consistent personal history. Mirabello Consultancy's pre-screening process is designed to identify and resolve issues before submission. ### How Do I Start with Mirabello Consultancy? Book a free 45-minute consultation with a Mirabello Consultancy specialist via our [contact page](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/contact-us-for-your-free-consultation). Our IMC-member advisors in Zurich and Dubai will assess your nationality, family profile, timeline, and objectives, then recommend the Caribbean CBI programme, or European golden visa, that best fits your situation. With a high approval rate across 250+ Caribbean CBI cases and 350+ golden visa cases, Mirabello Consultancy is one of the most experienced independent investment migration advisors in Europe. There is no obligation from the initial consultation. Use Mirabello's [interactive Caribbean CBI comparison grid](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/compare-citizenship-and-golden-visa-programmes) to compare Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and St. Lucia side by side, or consult the [Mirabello Investment Migration Index](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/mirabello-investment-migration-index) for a data-driven ranking of all active CBI programmes. In summary Caribbean citizenship by investment in 2026 is a mature, well-regulated category, and 30 June 2026 did not change that: ECCIRA's 30-day residency proposal is not yet in force, the Authority is expected to begin operating later in 2026, and each programme still applies its own national rules. The right question is not whether you missed a deadline, but which of these five programmes is the right fit for your family, timeline, and objectives. Mirabello Consultancy's independent advisory approach, programme-neutral, Swiss-precision and IMC-member, exists precisely to answer that question with accuracy and discretion. Frequently asked questions ## Frequently asked questions ### What Did ECCIRA Change on 30 June 2026? As of 1 July 2026, all new Caribbean CBI applications are subject to ECCIRA's 30-day residency standard: applicants must spend at least 30 days physically present in their chosen country within the first five years of citizenship. Investment minimums and processing timelines remain unchanged. Applications submitted before 30 June 2026 are grandfathered under the old five-day rule. ### Does the 30-Day Residency Requirement Apply Equally to All Five Programmes? Yes. ECCIRA's 30-day residency requirement (within the first five years of citizenship) applies uniformly to all five member programmes: Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts, and St Lucia. Implementation is coordinated through each nation's citizenship unit, with monitoring via passport scans and border entry records. Existing citizenship holders who applied before 30 June 2026 received a 12-month grace period beginning 1 July 2026 to demonstrate compliance. ### What Are the Investment Minimums for Each Caribbean CBI Programme in 2026? Caribbean CBI investment minimums remain unchanged as of 30 June 2026. The five ECCIRA programmes span a range from USD 200,000 to USD 250,000 for the donation route, with real estate options available from USD 400,000 in most programmes. All amounts are for the primary applicant; dependent inclusion fees apply. ### How Long Does Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Take to Process in 2026? Processing timelines for Caribbean CBI in 2026 range from 3 to 9 months depending on the programme and the completeness of the application. Dominica, Antigua, and St Lucia typically process complete applications in 3-6 months. Grenada runs at 4-6 months. St Kitts has extended to 6-9 months following its 2026 programme overhaul and ECCIRA compliance implementation. ### Which Caribbean CBI Programme Is Best for Families? Antigua and Barbuda offers the most family-inclusive Caribbean CBI at USD 230,000 for families of any size, a single donation to the National Development Fund covers the primary applicant, spouse, all dependent children, and dependent parents or grandparents over 55. No other Caribbean programme offers this flat-rate family pricing. ### Which Caribbean CBI Programme Gives Access to the US E-2 Investor Visa Treaty? Grenada is the only Caribbean CBI programme with a bilateral US E-2 investor visa treaty. A Grenadian passport holder may apply for a US E-2 visa, which allows them to live and work in the United States as a business investor. The E-2 visa is renewable indefinitely as long as the qualifying US investment remains active. ## Ready to explore your options? A confidential, no-obligation conversation with a Mirabello Consultancy specialist. Swiss precision, global reach, absolute discretion. Researching this yourself? Mirabello's verified data also answers inside your AI assistant. [Ask it in ChatGPT](https://chatgpt.com/plugins/plugin_asdk_app_6a6b503925b0819188bd4b6519d60f1a) or [add it to Claude](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/mcp#connect). --- Source: Mirabello Consultancy, verified 2026-10-01, https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/blog/caribbean-cbi-after-june-30-2026-new-rules Free consultation: https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/contact-us-for-your-free-consultation Machine-readable data: Mirabello MCP https://mcp.mirabelloconsultancy.com