Yes, you do. Undergoing an Interview is a mandatory step under all Caribbean citizenship by investment programs. It is conducted remotely in the investor’s preferred language. Dependants aged 16 and over may also be required to participate. Biometrics submission is necessary, but applicants do not need to visit the country to provide them.

In most Caribbean countries, the real estate must be held for at least 5 years before resale. However, in Dominica, it can be reduced to 3 years if the property is sold to a non-CBI program participant. In other cases, the holding period is also 5 years. In St Kitts and Nevis, real estate can be sold after 7 years.

To verify a citizenship by investment agent, check whether they hold a licence from the respective country, as only government-approved agents are authorised to submit applications. This information can be found on the official CBI unit websites of each country. Immigrant Invest is licensed by the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia.

Best Caribbean citizenship in your case depends on your budget, preferences, and long-term goals. Zlata Erlach, an expert at Immigrant Invest, shares her insights on how to choose the best Caribbean citizenship by investment option. Zlata has been advising investors for more than 10 years and has helped over 500 families worldwide obtain their second citizenship. Zlata Erlach Zlata Erlach, Head of the Austrian office If reputation and reliability are priorities, St Kitts and Nevis is the clear leader. It’s the oldest citizenship by investment program, established in 1984, and it remains one of the most today. For affordability, Dominica stands out. It offers one of the lowest entry points, $200,000, and a straightforward application process suitable for single applicants and small families. Big families should consider Antigua and Barbuda. Under its University of the West Indies Fund option, families of up to six people can obtain citizenship with a single $260,000 contribution. It’s the most cost-effective solution for large households who want to secure a second passport together. Entrepreneurs often choose Grenada because of its unique business advantages. Grenadian citizens are eligible for the US E-2 Investor Visa and enjoy visa-free access to China — a rare benefit in the Caribbean. For investors who want more choice and control, St Lucia offers several investment routes, including refundable government bonds. Overall, Caribbean citizenship is a smart and reliable investment in personal freedom. It offers fast processing, moderate costs, and stability. Whether your goal is mobility, asset protection, or family security, there’s a Caribbean program that fits perfectly.

What are the full costs of Caribbean citizenship by investment beyond the minimum investment amount? The total additional expenses beyond the investment amount to around $15,000. This includes Due Diligence, interview, and government fees of about $10,000, as well as document preparation costs of around $4,000. With a minimum investment of $200,000, you can expect the total cost of citizenship to start at around $215,000.

No, you do not need to reside in the country to maintain your Caribbean citizenship. However, new citizens of Antigua and Barbuda are required to spend at least 5 days in the country within the first 5 years.

Beyond visa-free travel, the long-term benefits can include: tax optimisation — most Caribbean countries have no taxes on foreign income, inheritance, or wealth; wealth and estate planning — second citizenship facilitates smoother asset transfer to heirs and protects family wealth; business opportunities — Caribbean citizenship provides access to international markets, global banking, and company formation options; security and stability — Caribbean citizenship serves as an insurance policy during political or economic uncertainty.

Yes, ETIAS[2] will change the way Caribbean citizens visit the Schengen Area. It is not a visa but a pre-travel authorisation valid for three years, and Caribbean citizens will need to apply for it in advance. The online application is expected to take only a few minutes to complete.

The main requirements for obtaining Caribbean citizenship by investment include the following: age of at least 18; clean criminal record; financial capability — the investor must prove sufficient funds from legal sources; good character and reputation — applicants must not be subject to international sanctions or restrictions. The main applicant can include close family members in the application, such as a spouse in an official marriage, dependent children, and parents. Some countries also allow inclusion of grandparents and siblings. Investment options for Caribbean citizenship 1. Fund contribution. This is the most affordable but non-refundable route. Applicants invest $200,000—250,000 in a state fund that supports national projects such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. 2. Purchase of bonds. In St Lucia, applicants can invest in government bonds, which are fully refundable after a 5-year holding period. 3. Business investment. Antigua and Barbuda and St Lucia allow direct investment in businesses that create local jobs and contribute to the economy. Applicants may invest individually or as part of a group; in the latter case, the required investment is lower. 4. Real estate purchase. Applicants may buy shares in government-approved hotels, resorts, or villas, or opt for full ownership. Minimum investments range from $200,000 to 325,000 depending on the country, and the property must be held for 3—7 years before resale. Investors can rent out their real estate and earn around 3—5% per annum during ownership.