Caribbean CBI Approved Projects 2026: Full List by Country

Caribbean CBI approved projects 2026 represent the government-vetted real estate developments through which investors can obtain second citizenship, with investment thresholds starting from $200,000 and processing timelines ranging from three to seven months. Each Caribbean nation maintains its own registry of approved developments, and selecting the right project is as consequential as choosing the right programme. This guide provides a comprehensive, country-by-country breakdown of approved project categories, selection criteria, and practical considerations for discerning investors.

What Are CBI Approved Projects and Why Do They Matter?

A CBI approved project is a real estate development that has been formally authorised by a Caribbean government's Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) as an eligible investment vehicle for the purpose of obtaining citizenship. These projects undergo a multi-stage vetting process that evaluates the developer's financial standing, the project's economic contribution to the host nation, construction feasibility, environmental compliance, and alignment with national development priorities.

For investors, the distinction between an "approved" project and a merely "available" one is critical. Only investments made into officially designated projects qualify an applicant for citizenship processing. Investing in a non-approved development — regardless of its commercial merit — will not satisfy CBI programme requirements and could result in application rejection and financial loss.

The Government Approval Process

Whilst the specifics vary by jurisdiction, the general approval pipeline follows a consistent pattern. A developer submits a comprehensive application to the national CBI authority, including architectural plans, financial projections, proof of capitalisation, environmental impact assessments, and construction timelines. The CBI unit then conducts its own due diligence — often engaging third-party auditors — before granting or denying approval. Projects that receive designation are published on official government registries, and their approval status is subject to periodic review and potential revocation if the developer fails to meet construction milestones or financial obligations.

ECCIRA's Role in 2026 and Beyond

The establishment of the Eastern Caribbean CBI Regulatory and Integrity Authority (ECCIRA) in December 2025, with operations commencing in April 2026, represents a watershed moment for approved project governance. Headquartered in Grenada, ECCIRA introduces harmonised standards across all five Caribbean CBI jurisdictions, including unified due diligence protocols for developers, standardised minimum investment thresholds, and shared intelligence frameworks designed to eliminate forum shopping and strengthen programme integrity. For investors, ECCIRA's oversight adds an additional layer of confidence that approved projects meet stringent regulatory benchmarks.

Antigua & Barbuda: Approved Projects for 2026

Antigua and Barbuda's CBI programme requires a minimum real estate investment of $230,000 (when purchased as a joint investment by two related applicants) or $300,000 for a sole investor. The programme offers access to 144 visa-free destinations, and applications are typically processed within three to six months.

Types of Approved Developments

Antigua's approved project portfolio is dominated by luxury hospitality developments, reflecting the nation's strategic focus on expanding its tourism infrastructure. Categories of approved projects include:

• Branded resort residences: Internationally managed hotel-branded units with fractional or whole ownership structures, often offering guaranteed rental return programmes.
• Boutique hotel developments: Smaller-scale luxury properties targeting the high-end leisure market, typically located in established tourism corridors such as Dickenson Bay and Jolly Harbour.
• Mixed-use developments: Projects combining residential, commercial, and hospitality components, designed to serve both the tourism economy and the growing expatriate community.
• Residential villa communities: Gated developments offering freehold villa ownership with resort-style amenities.

Key Considerations for Antigua Projects

Investors should note that Antigua mandates a minimum holding period of five years before the property can be resold. Crucially, if the property is resold to a subsequent CBI applicant, it must meet the minimum investment threshold at the time of resale. The Antigua and Barbuda CIU maintains an updated register of approved projects on its official portal, which investors should cross-reference before committing funds.

St. Kitts & Nevis: Approved Projects for 2026

As the world's oldest CBI programme, established in 1984, St. Kitts & Nevis commands considerable prestige. The real estate route requires a minimum investment of $250,000 (for approved developments designated for CBI), grants access to 148 visa-free destinations, and processes applications within four to six months.

Types of Approved Developments

St. Kitts has cultivated one of the most mature approved project ecosystems in the Caribbean, with a portfolio that spans:

• Five-star resort communities: Large-scale branded developments operated by international hospitality groups, often featuring golf courses, marinas, and wellness facilities.
• Condominium-hotel (condo-hotel) units: Individual ownership within hotel-managed properties, providing rental income potential during periods of non-occupancy.
• Luxury private residences: Stand-alone homes within approved master-planned communities, particularly along the South East Peninsula and Frigate Bay areas.
• Heritage restoration projects: Unique developments involving the restoration and conversion of historic plantation estates into boutique hospitality properties.

Key Considerations for St. Kitts Projects

St. Kitts requires a seven-year minimum holding period — the longest among Caribbean CBI nations — before resale. This extended timeline underscores the importance of selecting projects with strong long-term fundamentals, reputable developers, and proven construction track records. The programme's maturity means there is a secondary market for previously approved resale units, which can offer value whilst still qualifying for CBI, subject to CIU verification at the time of application.

Not sure which programme is right for you? Book a free consultation with Mirabello Consultancy.

Dominica: Approved Projects for 2026

Dominica's CBI programme is widely regarded as the most cost-effective Caribbean option, with a minimum real estate investment of $200,000. The programme provides access to 136 visa-free destinations and processes applications within four to six months.

Types of Approved Developments

Dominica's approved project landscape reflects its positioning as a nature-focused, eco-luxury destination:

• Eco-resort developments: Sustainably designed hospitality projects capitalising on Dominica's UNESCO-recognised natural assets, including tropical rainforests, volcanic hot springs, and marine reserves.
• Boutique wellness retreats: Smaller-scale spa and wellness properties targeting the rapidly growing health tourism segment.
• Hurricane-resilient housing: Following the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017, Dominica has channelled CBI real estate funds into climate-resilient residential developments, aligning investor capital with national reconstruction priorities.
• Hospitality infrastructure projects: Larger developments designed to expand the island's hotel room inventory and tourism carrying capacity.

Key Considerations for Dominica Projects

Dominica imposes a minimum holding period of three to five years depending on the specific project, and it is essential to verify the exact terms during due diligence. Given the island's smaller tourism market relative to Antigua or St. Kitts, investors should carefully evaluate projected rental yields and occupancy rates. The Dominica CBIU publishes its approved project list and provides guidance on qualifying investments.

Grenada: Approved Projects for 2026

Grenada's CBI programme occupies a unique position in the market thanks to the country's E-2 Treaty Investor Visa agreement with the United States — the only such arrangement among Caribbean CBI nations. The minimum real estate investment is $235,000, providing access to 140 visa-free destinations with processing times of five to seven months.

Types of Approved Developments

• Luxury resort and hotel developments: International-standard hospitality projects, many located along Grand Anse Beach and the southern coastline.
• Marina and yachting developments: Projects leveraging Grenada's growing reputation as a Caribbean yachting hub, including berth and associated residential components.
• Boutique hospitality ventures: Smaller, character-driven hotel projects targeting experiential travel and cultural tourism.
• Mixed-use tourism complexes: Integrated developments combining hotel rooms, restaurants, retail, and residential units.

Key Considerations for Grenada Projects

The E-2 treaty advantage makes Grenada approved projects particularly attractive for investors seeking a pathway to live, work, and invest in the United States. However, it is important to understand that the E-2 visa itself requires a separate, substantial business investment in the US — Grenadian citizenship merely establishes treaty eligibility. The minimum holding period is five years. For a broader comparison of all CBI options, visit our comprehensive CBI programme guide.

St. Lucia: Approved Projects for 2026

St. Lucia's CBI programme requires a minimum real estate investment of $240,000 (when invested into an approved project as part of a CBI application), offers 140 visa-free destinations, and processes applications within four to ten months.

Types of Approved Developments

• Premium resort developments: Large-scale tourism projects, often in the iconic Rodney Bay and Marigot Bay areas, featuring internationally branded management.
• Heritage tourism projects: Developments incorporating St. Lucia's rich cultural and architectural heritage, including plantation-style properties and historic district revitalisations.
• Wellness and spa resorts: Properties capitalising on St. Lucia's dramatic Pitons landscape and natural sulphur springs.
• Enterprise projects: St. Lucia uniquely allows CBI investment into certain approved non-real-estate enterprise projects, including specialty restaurants, cruise port facilities, and artisanal manufacturing ventures.

Key Considerations for St. Lucia Projects

St. Lucia mandates a five-year minimum holding period. The programme also offers a distinctive government bond option (a non-refundable investment of $300,000 held for five years), which may appeal to investors who prefer a fixed-income instrument over real estate exposure. The bond option does not generate rental income but eliminates property management responsibilities and construction risk.

Comparative Overview: Caribbean CBI Approved Projects at a Glance

Caribbean CBI Real Estate Investment Comparison — 2026

Country	Minimum Investment	Visa-Free Destinations	Processing Time	Minimum Holding Period	Unique Advantage
Antigua & Barbuda	$230,000 (joint) / $300,000 (sole)	144	3–6 months	5 years	Joint investment option lowers entry cost
St. Kitts & Nevis	$250,000	148	4–6 months	7 years	Oldest CBI (est. 1984); strongest passport
Dominica	$200,000	136	4–6 months	3–5 years	Most cost-effective Caribbean option
Grenada	$235,000	140	5–7 months	5 years	Only Caribbean CBI with US E-2 treaty
St. Lucia	$240,000	140	4–10 months	5 years	Government bond alternative available

For investors considering non-Caribbean options such as Vanuatu's expedited CBI programme (from $130,000, processed in as little as 45–60 days), or residency-based pathways through golden visa programmes, Mirabello Consultancy provides comparative analysis tailored to individual objectives.

How to Evaluate an Approved CBI Project: A Due Diligence Framework

Government approval is a necessary condition for CBI eligibility, but it is not a sufficient basis for an investment decision. Discerning investors should apply a rigorous due diligence framework that goes well beyond regulatory compliance.

Developer Track Record

Investigate the developer's history of completed projects, financial stability, and reputation within the industry. Has the developer successfully delivered previous CBI-approved developments on time and to specification? Are there any pending litigation, regulatory sanctions, or adverse media reports? A developer's track record is the single strongest predictor of project delivery risk.

Construction Status and Escrow Arrangements

Projects at different stages of construction carry different risk profiles. Completed or near-completed developments offer the lowest risk, as investors can physically inspect the property and verify build quality. For pre-construction or early-stage projects, verify that investor funds are held in independently managed escrow accounts with clear release milestones tied to construction progress. Never invest in a project where funds flow directly to the developer without escrow protection.

Financial Projections and Rental Yields

Many approved projects market projected rental returns to investors. Treat these figures with healthy scepticism. Request independent market analyses, occupancy data for comparable properties, and audited financial statements where available. According to the World Bank's Caribbean regional outlook, tourism growth across the Eastern Caribbean has been robust but uneven, and micro-market conditions vary significantly between islands and even between parishes.

Exit Strategy and Resale Market

Consider the realistic liquidity of your investment at the end of the mandatory holding period. Is there an active resale market for comparable units? Does the developer offer a buyback arrangement, and if so, at what terms? Properties in established tourism destinations with strong airlift connectivity generally offer better liquidity than those in emerging or niche markets.

Legal and Tax Structuring

Engage qualified legal counsel in both the host jurisdiction and your country of residence to understand the tax implications of Caribbean real estate ownership, including property transfer taxes, rental income taxation, capital gains treatment, and estate planning considerations. The structuring of your investment — whether through personal ownership, a corporate vehicle, or a trust — can have significant implications for both tax efficiency and succession planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a CBI Approved Project?

A CBI approved project is a real estate development that has been formally vetted and designated by a Caribbean government's Citizenship by Investment Unit as an eligible investment for the purpose of obtaining citizenship. Only investments made into approved projects satisfy the real estate option requirements of CBI programmes. Each country maintains its own official register of approved developments, and approval status is subject to periodic review.

How Often Are New Projects Added to Approved Lists?

New projects are approved on a rolling basis as developers submit applications and complete the government vetting process. There is no fixed schedule. Some jurisdictions add several new projects per year, whilst others maintain relatively stable lists. It is essential to verify a project's current approval status directly with the relevant CBI authority at the time of investment, as approvals can be revoked if developers fail to meet ongoing compliance requirements.

Can I Visit an Approved Project Before Investing?

Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Most reputable developers welcome site visits and can arrange tours of completed units, model properties, or construction sites. A physical inspection provides invaluable insight into build quality, location desirability, resort management standards, and the overall investment proposition. Mirabello Consultancy can coordinate site visits and accompany clients to evaluate shortlisted projects across multiple jurisdictions.

What Happens If a Developer Fails to Complete an Approved Project?

This is one of the primary risks of CBI real estate investment, particularly in pre-construction projects. If a developer defaults, the consequences depend on the legal protections in place — principally the escrow arrangements, purchase agreement terms, and applicable local law. In most jurisdictions, a project's CBI approval is contingent on meeting construction milestones, and failure to do so can trigger approval revocation. Investors with properly structured escrow protections may be entitled to a refund of their capital, but recovery timelines can be protracted. This risk underscores the importance of selecting established developers with proven delivery records.

Are CBI Approved Projects a Good Financial Investment Beyond Citizenship?

The financial return profile varies enormously depending on the specific project, location, management quality, and broader market conditions. Some CBI real estate investments have generated attractive rental yields and capital appreciation, particularly in high-demand tourism destinations. Others have underperformed commercial projections. It is advisable to evaluate CBI real estate primarily as a means to obtain citizenship — any financial return should be viewed as a secondary benefit rather than the primary motivation. Investors seeking optimised financial returns alongside residency may also wish to explore golden visa programmes in jurisdictions with more liquid property markets.

Does ECCIRA Change How Projects Are Approved in 2026?

ECCIRA introduces harmonised regulatory standards across all five Caribbean CBI jurisdictions but does not replace national CBI units, which remain responsible for approving projects within their respective countries. Rather, ECCIRA provides an overarching framework of enhanced due diligence standards, information sharing, and compliance monitoring that national units must adhere to. In practice, this means that project approval standards are being elevated across the board, which ultimately benefits investors through stronger governance and reduced programme risk.

Can I Resell My CBI Property to Another Investor After the Holding Period?

Yes, in most jurisdictions, once the mandatory holding period has expired, you may resell the property on the open market. If the subsequent buyer intends to use the property for their own CBI application, the property must still be on the approved project list and meet the minimum investment threshold applicable at the time of the new application. Some programmes have specific rules governing "resale" CBI units, so it is important to confirm the current regulations with the relevant CBI authority and your legal counsel before listing the property.

How Do I Start with Mirabello Consultancy?

Beginning your CBI journey with Mirabello Consultancy is straightforward. Simply book a free consultation through our website, and one of our senior advisers will contact you to discuss your objectives, assess your eligibility across multiple programmes, and recommend a tailored strategy. We provide end-to-end support — from initial programme selection and project evaluation through application preparation, due diligence, government liaison, and post-approval services including passport collection and banking introductions. With offices in Zurich and Dubai, ACAMS certification, and advisory capabilities in seven languages, we serve a global client base with the discretion and precision you would expect from a Swiss consultancy.