Several countries in the Caribbean offer citizenship by investment, where through making a meaningful contribution to a country’s economy, they can gain citizenship.

The concept of citizenship by investment (CBI) began in the Caribbean in the 1980s. The first country to offer a CBI programme was St. Kitts and Nevis in 1984. The programme was designed to attract foreign investment and stimulate the local economy.

The CBI programme in St. Kitts and Nevis was a success, and now over 20 countries around the world offer CBI programmes.

The CBI programs vary in terms of the requirements and benefits they offer. However, most programmes require applicants to make a significant investment in the country, such as purchasing real estate or donating to a government fund. In return, applicants and their families are granted citizenship, which gives them the right to live, work, and study in the country.

In no particular order, here are 5 of the countries in the Caribbean that offer citizenship by investment

St. Kitts and Nevis

The St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment programme is one of the oldest and most established in the Caribbean. Since 1984, it has allowed individuals and their families to legally obtain citizenship in one of the Caribbean’s most idyllic locations. It also offers a fast-track route to citizenship, with the 45-60-day Accelerated Application Process available for an additional fee

The minimum investment amount is $150,000.

Antigua

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program is one of the most popular in the Caribbean. It offers a fast track to citizenship for qualifying investors, who can choose to invest in real estate, government bonds, or a hotel development project.

The minimum investment amount is $100,000.

Dominica

Launched in 1993, Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme has been ranked as the number one CBI initiative for five consecutive years by the CBI Index, published by the Financial Times’s Professional Wealth Management (PWM) magazine.

The minimum investment amount is $100,000.

Grenada

Having restructured, redeveloped, and re-launched its Citizenship by Investment Programme in 2013, Grenada has become a popular second citizenship option, particularly among larger families. Citizens of Grenada are also eligible to apply for an E-2 Visa to the United States.

The minimum investment amount is $150,000.

St. Lucia

Since 2016, St Lucia has the youngest Citizenship by Investment Programme in the Caribbean. However, it provides a wide range of benefits for investors and locals alike, a peaceful spot for nature seekers, history buffs, and luxury seekers.

The minimum investment amount is $100,000.