What is the Caribbean? It is not a single country but rather a vast region in the Caribbean Sea that comprises numerous island countries. So, how does the concept of a Caribbean passport come into existence?
The Caribbean region is made up of approximately 7,000 islands, consisting of various states and overseas territories. Only a select few of these Caribbean countries provide investment opportunities that allow individuals to obtain a second passport in exchange for a reasonable contribution.
The origin of Caribbean citizenship by investment programs can be traced back to this region, where, in 1984, St. Kitts and Nevis initiated the offering of passports to foreign investors who made contributions to the Sugar Industry Diversification Fund.
Since then, these programs have gained significant popularity as a means to attract foreign capital, not only in the Caribbean but also in Europe. Nevertheless, the birthplace of passport programs in the Caribbean continues to offer the most appealing options for affluent individuals.
The advantages of Caribbean citizenship by investment programs are truly remarkable. You and your family can obtain second passports, which will unlock numerous opportunities for you, provide a backup plan, and optimize taxes – all within a short period and with a relatively modest investment on your part.
Caribbean citizenship by investment programs
Only five countries offer citizenship by investment in Caribbean. The following countries are now offering affordable investment schemes: St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia. They are all former British colonies and now independent states and part of the Commonwealth. The cost of acquiring a Caribbean citizenship and passport starts from $100,000 either through the donation option or by purchasing real estate. Most of the above jurisdictions have been attracting foreign investments through their citizenship programs for so long that all the processes are polished and impeccable and are considered Gold Standard among similar citizenship by investment programs around the world.
7 benefits of the Caribbean passport
Affordability
Caribbean investment programs are a great value for money. A reasonable amount of investment can buy you and your dependents a second passport valid for 5 or 10 years, subject to extension.
| Country | Minimum non-refundable investment | Minimum refundable investment | Passport validity |
| Dominica | $100,000 | $200,000 | 10 years |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | $150,000 | $200,000 | 10 years |
| Grenada | $150,000 | $220,000* | 5 years |
| Saint Lucia | $100,000 | $300,000 | 5 years |
| Antigua and Barbuda | $100,000 | $400,000 | 5 years |
A choice of investment options
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment provide a range of options, usually at least 2 or 3, for investing your money and obtaining a second passport. Both purchasing real estate and making a contribution to a public fund are available in all five jurisdictions.
- The simplest and most cost-effective option is a non-refundable donation to a government fund, which then allocates the funds for various purposes such as developing tourism, enhancing transport infrastructure, preserving cultural heritage, and constructing new hospitals and schools.
- Another popular option is to invest in government-approved construction projects in the Caribbean. The advantage of this choice is that, after acquiring second nationality, within a period of 3, 5, or 7 years, you can sell the property and recover your investment.
- Typically, you will be presented with the opportunity to purchase a share in a hotel or a spa resort, either completed or off-plan. This type of investment should not pose significant difficulties for you once it is handed over to a property management company that will efficiently handle the rental income transfers to you on a regular basis.
Alternative investment options are business investment (available in Saint Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda) and a one-off donation to the UWI Education Fund (Antigua and Barbuda).
Worldwide mobility
A Caribbean passport grants you access to as many as 156 countries worldwide where you can enter without needing a visa or obtain a visa on arrival. Citizens of Caribbean states enjoy the privilege of unrestricted travel to the EU, the UK, Singapore, and the opportunity to apply for a business visa to the USA.
| Country | Visa-free countries |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | 156 |
| Antigua and Barbuda | 151 |
| Saint Lucia | 146 |
| Grenada | 144 |
| Dominica | 143 |
Tax haven
Caribbean countries are renowned as tax havens for incorporating international companies that conduct business outside their home jurisdiction.
The tax regime in the Caribbean is also highly advantageous for non-tax residents, which applies to the majority of applicants seeking citizenship by investment. Any income earned outside the jurisdiction of their second nationality is not subject to taxation, making it an exceptional tool for optimizing tax liabilities and safeguarding assets.
Furthermore, you may find the absence of certain taxes that you are accustomed to in your home country quite pleasant. For instance, Dominica does not impose property tax, while St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as Antigua and Barbuda, do not levy income tax.
| Tax | St. Kitts and Nevis | Antigua and Barbuda | Dominica | Grenada | Saint Lucia |
| Income tax | — | — | √ | √ | √ |
| Foreign income tax | — | — | — | — | — |
| Property tax | √ | √ | — | √ | √ |
| Wealth tax | √ | — | — | — | — |
| Inheritance tax | — | — | — | — | — |
| Gift tax | — | √ | — | — | — |
| Capital gains tax | — | — | — | — | — |
| Stamp duty | √ | √ | — | — | √ |
«√» — tax rates apply.
«—» — no tax applies or tax rate is 0%.
Second passports for the whole family
Foreign investors seeking Caribbean citizenship by investment have the option to include various family members in their applications. Depending on the country, applicants can add their spouse, children (including from previous marriages), parents, grandparents, and siblings to their passport application. Additionally, Caribbean Citizenship by Investment can be inherited and passed down to future generations, providing long-term benefits for the entire family.
| Country | Family members that can be included in an application |
| Grenada | Spouse, financially dependent children under 30 years old, parents, grandparents, unmarried siblings. |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | Husband/wife, financially dependent children under 30 years old, siblings not older than 30, parents and grandparents over 55. |
| Dominica | Spouse, financially dependent children not older than 30 years old, brothers/sisters under 25, parents and grandparents over 55. |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Husband/wife, financially dependent children under 28, siblings, parents and grandparents over 58. |
| Saint Lucia | Spouse, financially dependent children not older than 25 years of age, siblings under 18, parents and grandparents over 65. |
Dual Nationality and Remote Processing
Caribbean governments have implemented stringent regulations for citizenship by investment applications to be exclusively submitted through authorized agents.
This process offers a convenient way to obtain a second passport without the need to leave your home country. In most cases, you won’t be required to visit your new country of nationality, except for one exception: Antigua and Barbuda, where you must spend at least 5 days within the first five years after acquiring citizenship.
Once approved, your new passport will be made available within 4 to 6 months at the agent’s office, or it can be couriered to your home address if requested.
An additional advantage is that all Caribbean jurisdictions permit dual citizenship, so there is no requirement to renounce your original nationality.
Confidentiality and Plan B
A Caribbean passport offers more than just the convenience of visa-free travel worldwide; it also provides the opportunity to reside in a modern and secure tropical paradise with stunning coastlines. This option becomes particularly valuable during times of virus outbreaks, political uncertainties, or economic upheavals in your home country.
The entire application process for Caribbean citizenship by investment programs, including processing, is safeguarded by stringent confidentiality regulations, ensuring 100% security. You can have peace of mind knowing that the information regarding your second nationality will remain within the jurisdiction that granted it and will not be disclosed elsewhere.
5 Steps to the Caribbean Passport
Imperial & Legal is a team of qualified advisers with extensive experience in handling Caribbean citizenship by investment programs. We are delighted to offer our expertise to assist you and your family in obtaining a second passport.
Our approach is founded on customization and personalization, ensuring that you receive comprehensive legal support tailored to your specific requirements. We will guide you through the process of selecting and applying for a citizenship program that best aligns with your needs. In cases involving complexity and numerous variables, our specialists will provide expert advice to resolve any issues and successfully acquire a passport from your chosen country. Additionally, we will represent your interests before government authorities, advocating on your behalf to help you achieve your desired outcome. Rest assured, we are committed to helping you reach your goals.
The whole process of obtaining a second passport can be divided into 5 stages.
1. Prepare documents and submit an application
Our experts are intermediaries between you and citizenship by investment units in Caribbean countries. We offer the convenience of arranging consultations with our advisers, either in person at our office or remotely through phone, WhatsApp, Zoom, or Skype video calls.
Upon entering into a service agreement, our advisers will meticulously review your circumstances to minimize the risk of refusal from the outset. We will ensure that your case is presented in the most favorable manner possible, increasing the likelihood of a successful application. Our goal is to make the entire process smooth and efficient for you, guiding you every step of the way.
2. Prepare documents and submit an application
Our advisers will take care of all the necessary document preparation for your citizenship application. Copies of documents, if not provided as originals, will need to be notarized and, in certain cases, legalized.
As part of the application process, each applicant must undergo a health check and submit recent test results.
In the event of property investment, you can select a property from the approved list, sign a sale and purchase agreement, and make a deposit.
Imperial & Legal will also conduct thorough background checks on the main applicant and all eligible dependents to ensure a smooth and successful application process. Our priority is to handle all aspects of the process efficiently, making the journey towards obtaining Caribbean citizenship as seamless as possible for you.
3. Wait for your application to be processed
Upon reception of your application, the appropriate authorities carry out their necessary investigations through impartial entities, and based on the findings, they either grant or deny approval for your application. Should your application be approved, you may proceed to the subsequent stage.
4. Make an investment
After your Caribbean citizenship application is approved, you should move forward with fulfilling the necessary investment requirements. This involves either donating to the government fund, settling the outstanding purchase price of the selected property, or making another eligible investment as per the guidelines.
5. Get your Caribbean passport
Once the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Unit verifies the receipt of your funds, you and your family will receive certificates of naturalization. Our team at Imperial & Legal will utilize these certificates to initiate the filing of your passport applications.
Obtaining your Caribbean passport will be the final stage in attaining your second nationality. You have the option to collect it in person from our office or request us to send it to your home address through courier service.
Everything can be done remotely without you having to visit the Caribbean (except for Antigua and Barbuda where you need to spend at least 5 days in the first five years after obtaining a passport). Next time you might need to contact us would be in 5 or 10 years to extend your passport.
FAQ about Caribbean passport
Q. What is the main reason behind investing in Caribbean citizenship by investment?
Ans. Far-flung Caribbean island nations provide numerous advantages to their newly acquired citizens, but the primary motivation for foreign investors to pursue a second passport is the freedom of visa-free and red-tape-free travel worldwide.
Certain entrepreneurs seek Caribbean citizenship as a means to apply for a business visa to the USA. Others view it as a stepping stone towards obtaining British citizenship.
Q. Is it beneficial for an applicant that Caribbean countries are former British colonies?
Ans. Caribbean countries that were formerly British colonies just a few decades ago have maintained their ties with the United Kingdom. Interestingly, some of these nations function as constitutional monarchies, with the Queen of the United Kingdom serving as their head of state. Governor-Generals appointed by Elizabeth II represent the Queen in their respective countries.
For nationals of the Caribbean countries that are part of the Commonwealth, there are significant benefits. They are allowed to stay in the UK for up to 180 consecutive days and have an advantageous position when applying to British universities.
Q. Which country works best as a Plan B?
Ans. There is no universal solution; the right choice depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. If personal safety is your top priority, consider countries that have a track record of political and economic stability and are not frequently affected by destructive tropical hurricanes.
St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica and Grenada are good examples for you.
Q. Which Caribbean citizenship by investment program is best for visa-free travel?
Ans. If a globe-trotter in you or your business are calling for you to pack your suitcases again and again, you need a reliable citizenship by investment program with the following benefits:
- Second passport from the comfort of your home.
- Affordable investment.
- A long list of countries which you can enter without a visa or where you can get a visa on arrival.