Top 5 Caribbean Citizenship Programs: A Comparative Analysis for 2025

Comparison Criteria: Key Factors

Here are the top important factors that you need to consider before choosing the Caribbean citizenship program.

Investment Options

As you may already know, citizenship by investment programs are about making an investment in the country’s economy and receiving the country's citizenship instead. Typically, the investment options are the following:

• Donation (for example, donation to the national development fund)
• Real estate investment
• Government bonds
• Comparison focus

Minimum Investment Amounts

Depending on the type of investment and the number of dependents, the minimum amount of investment may vary. Besides the investment amount, pay attention to additional fees as well.

Processing Times

Many applicants think about the processing time as a key consideration. Most Caribbean citizenship by investment programs offer relatively fast processing times, which is up to six months.

Tax Benefits and Residency Requirements

Another attractive benefit of applying for Caribbean citizenship is the favorable tax regimes. Most countries don’t require any capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax, making these countries especially attractive for global investors.

Family Inclusion

Another key advantage of Caribbean CBI programs is the ability to include family members in the application. This way, your family members, such as your spouse, children, or parents, will be eligible to receive a Caribbean passport.

Renewal and Passport Validity

In general, Caribbean passports are valid for 5-10 years. Renewing the passport typically doesn’t affect your citizenship status.

Program 1: Dominica

Dominica positions itself as one of the most peaceful and ecologically rich countries, where there is a secure environment for investments.

Dominica offers one of the most attractive Caribbean citizenship by investment programs.

There are 2 main options to apply for the program: 

The Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)

As an applicant, when you choose this option, your investment will contribute to public and private projects within Dominica. The key areas that’ll benefit are education, healthcare, sport, and tourism. A single applicant needs to invest at least $200,000 in the EDF. You also need to consider that including additional dependents may increase the number of fees.

Real Estate Investment

Investing at least $200,000 in real estate may lead to receiving Dominica’s citizenship. The most important factors are:

• The property needs to be held for at least 3 years.
• The property must be authorised by the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica

You can learn more about Dominica’s government-approved real estate projects here.

Eligibility Criteria

To be qualified for the citizenship by investment program, you need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a clean criminal record
• Provide written consent not to change your name within five years of naturalization, unless due to marriage
• Commit to the minimum required financial contribution under the program

Program 2: St. Kitts and Nevis

The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program was launched in 1984. It is considered one of the oldest CBI programs in the world. The program is initially designed to attract investments for national development, and in exchange, gives investing individuals and families citizenship in their country. There are 3 main investment options:

Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)

The SISC is a non-refundable contribution designed to support national sectors such as healthcare, education, and tourism.

Financial Requirements:

• The minimum amount of contribution is $250,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to 4 members
• For each additional family member, you'll need to pay more:
• $25,000 for each child under 18
• $50,000 for each dependent over 18
• Due diligence fees:
• $10,000 for the main applicant
• $7,500 for each dependent aged 16 or older
• The application processing fee is $250 per applicant
• The passport issuance fee is $361 per applicant

Public Benefit Option

This option includes a donation to an approved public benefit project focused on infrastructure, education, or social welfare.

The minimum amount of investment is $250,000 (non-refundable). Other fees are similar to the SISC route.

Real Estate Investment

Applicants can invest in designated real estate developments or private homes.

Investment Options:

• $325,000 minimum for a condominium unit or share in approved real estate
• $600,000 minimum for a single-family private home in an approved project

The property must be held for at least 7 years

Expected annual rental returns vary between 2% - 5%

Associated Costs:

Government fees:

• $25,000 for the main applicant
• $15,000 for spouse or dependent over 18
• $10,000 for each child under 18

Due diligence fees:

• $10,000 for the main applicant
• $7,500 for each dependent aged 16+
• Passport fee: $361 per applicant
• Application fee: $250 per applicant

Eligibility Criteria

As an applicant, you need to 

• Be at least 18 years old
• Make the minimum amount of investment
• Meet all CBI application requirements, including due diligence checks and financial criteria
• Have a clean criminal record

Program 3: Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda offers one of the most family-friendly citizenship by investment (CBI) programs in the Caribbean. Applicants can acquire citizenship by choosing one of several approved investment options:

National Development Fund (NDF) Contribution

If you choose this option, you need to make a non-refundable donation to the government’s National Development Fund.

• The minimum amount of contribution is $230,000 for a family of up to four members
• Please note that additional government processing fees apply

Real Estate Investment

Applicants can invest in government-approved real estate projects.

• The minimum amount of investment is $300,000
• The purchased property must be retained for a minimum of 5 years

Business Investment

Applicants can choose to invest in an eligible business enterprise. There are 2 investment options for this.

• Direct Investment: For this option, you need to make at least $1.5 million investment
• Joint Investment: This option is about investing $5 million, with each investor contributing at least $400,000

University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund Contribution

This option is ideal for larger families (six or more members).

• The contribution amount is $260,000 (non-refundable)
• This option includes one year of tuition for one family member at the University of the West Indies

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have no criminal record
• Pass all due diligence and background checks
• Commit to the minimum required investment through one of the approved options

Program 4: Grenada

Grenada offers two main options for obtaining citizenship through investment. Each option is designed to support national development while offering investors and their families access to a second passport.

National Transformation Fund (NTF) Donation

Applicants may contribute to Grenada’s National Transformation Fund, which finances sectors like infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

The minimum amount of investment is $235,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four

You’ll also need to pay:

• $25,000 for each child or parent/grandparent under 18 or over 55
• $50,000 for each parent/grandparent under 55
• $75,000 for each sibling included in the application

Real Estate Investment

For this option, applicants will need to invest in government-approved real estate projects.

The minimum of investment is $270,000 for shared ownership and $350,000 for single ownership. The Property must be retained for at least 5 years.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Program, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a clean criminal record
• Pass all required due diligence and background checks
• Show sufficient funds for the required investment through either the National Transformation Fund or approved real estate

Program 5: Saint Lucia

There are many reasons why people choose St. Lucia as a country for their second citizenship. Beautiful nature, welcoming people, and an investor-friendly tax system are some of the country’s benefits. 

St. Lucia offers 4 investment options to apply for its citizenship.

Making a contribution to the National Economic Fund (NEF)

As an applicant, you need to make a non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund, whose main goal is to boost the country’s economy. The minimum amount of investment may vary depending on the number of dependents.

• Single applicant (with up to 3 qualifying dependents): $240,000
• Spouse: $35,000
• Additional qualifying dependents  (under 18 years): $10,000 each
• Additional qualifying dependents  (above 18 years): $20,000 each
• Qualifying dependent in addition to a family of four: $15,000 each
• Newborn child of a citizen (child of 12 months of age & below): $5,000

Investing in government-approved real estate

If you choose to invest in government-approved real estate, you need to take into account several key points:

• The minimum amount of investment is $300,000
• Government administrative fees for the real estate route are $50,000

Administrative Fees:

• Applying alone: $30,000
• Applying with a spouse: $45,000
• Applying with a dependent (over the age of 18): +$10,000 (per person)
• Applying with a dependent (under the age of 18): +$5,000 (per person)
• Applying with a spouse and 4+ dependents: $10,000 (per person)

Participating in an approved enterprise project

Enterprise projects are designed to foster national development and create job opportunities.

• Single Investor: The minimum investment required is $3,500,000, along with a non-refundable administration fee of $50,000.
• Joint Investment: The total investment amount is $6,000,000, with each investor contributing at least $1,000,000. A non-refundable administration fee of $50,000 applies.
• For applicants:
• Single Applicant: The minimum investment is $100,000.
• Applicant and Up to 3 Qualifying Dependents: The minimum investment is $250,000, plus a non-refundable administration fee of $15,000.

Administrative Fees:

• Single Application: $15,000
• Application with a Spouse: $20,000
• Application with Two Dependents: $25,000
• Application with Three Dependents: $30,000
• Additional Dependents (+3): $10,000 per dependent

Investing in government bonds

To increase the national treasury and become a citizen, the applicant needs to contribute at least $300,000 in government bonds and hold them for 5 years. An additional, non-refundable administration fee of US$ 50,000 is applicable.