The islands of the Caribbean are surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. The region is southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and the North American mainland, east of Central America and north of South America. They enjoy lots of sunshine and mild temperatures throughout most of the year. Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, St. Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda are the five Caribbean countries that offer citizenship by investment (CBI) programs or Caribbean golden visas. These programs have greatly helped to boost the economies of the different islands.
Every region has its own investment requirements, but all of them have visa-free travel to over 150 to 165 countries all over the world, including access to the European Union countries, the Schengen zones and the United Kingdom.
How to know what options fits you better? Here you have the most important requirements and benefits of the Caribbean programs:
Dominica
The Dominica government requires that you either donate at least US$100,000 to the Dominican Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) for a single applicant or US$200,000 for a family of four. You can also purchase real estate for a minimum of US$200,000. Family members are included for additional amounts.
St Kitts and Nevis
St Kitts and Nevis has the oldest Citizenship by Investment program in the world. The government requires a real estate purchase of at least US$400,000 for seven years or a donation of at least US$150,000 to the Sustainable Growth Fund. The applicant can include his immediate family for additional charges. St. Kitts and Nevis has no tax on overseas income or capital.
Grenada
The Grenada Citizenship by Investment program requires a minimum donation of US$150,000 to the National Transformation Fund or a minimum of US$220,000 investment as co-owner in a real estate project government approved project for five years. Immediate family members can be included in the application. One of the benefits of this program is that once becoming a citizen of Grenada, the holder can apply for the United States E2 Investor Visa and set-up a business in the United States.
St. Lucia
The qualifying amounts for the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment program can vary from a minimum of US$100,000 donation to the National Economic Fund to a minimum of US$300,000 for a real estate purchase that you must hold for at least five years. The entire family can be included in the application.
Antigua and Barbuda
The island of Antigua and Barbuda requires a minimum US$100,000 donation to the National Development Fund or US$400,000 in a government-approved real estate project. Applicant may also invest US$1,000,000 by setting up a business. The Antigua Citizenship by Investment program includes family members.