In parts of the Caribbean, property ownership is no longer just about sunlit villas and oceanfront views, it can also be a fast track to global mobility. Several Caribbean island nations now offer Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs that allow foreigners to acquire nationality in exchange for purchasing real estate, with benefits that include visa-free entry to as many as 150 countries, among them the United Kingdom and the entire Schengen Area, which allows unrestricted movement across 27 European nations.
Caribbean islands offering citizenship through property investment
The list of countries pioneering this model reads like a roll call of paradise: Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, St. Lucia and Dominica. Each has built a legal framework that grants citizenship to investors who commit at least US$200,000 into approved real estate projects.
Antigua & Barbuda: With an entry point of US$200,000, investors can secure citizenship in as a little as four to six months. The process requires no physical residency, and the passport grants visa-free access to more than 150 destinations worldwide.
St. Kitts & Nevis: Home to the region’s oldest CBI program, dating back to 1984, the minimum real estate investment ranges between US$250,000 and $325,000. The timeline is typically six months, though an accelerated option is available, and successful applicants gain visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 140 nations.
Grenada: investors must commit at least US$350,000 to property. But Grenada’s program carries a unique perk, citizens can apply for the U.S. E-2 investor visa, which allows them to live and operate business in the United States. Processing usually takes under six months.
St. Lucia: With a real estate threshold of US$300,000, St. Lucia markets itself as a family-friendly option. The citizenship extends to dependents, and the passport allows travel to 145 countries without prior visas.
Dominica: Among the most affordable, Dominica’s program begins at US$200,000, provided the property is held for at least three years. The citizenship unlocks visa-free access to more than 140 territories.
Rising global demand
Interest in these programs has surged worldwide. According to BBC reporting based on data from Henley & Partners, American citizens have been among the top applicants for Caribbean citizenship over that past year. Their motivations range from seeking greater freedom of movement to tax planning and security considerations.
But the demand is far from limited to the United States. Applicants from Ukraine, Turkey, Nigeria, and China have also turned to Caribbean nations in growing numbers, often driven by political instability or travel restrictions in their home countries.
Overall, applications to Caribbean CBI programs have risen by about 12 percent since the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting a global trend where individuals with the means are looking for a second passport as a safeguard against uncertainty.
Why these programs appeal
For governments in the Caribbean, these citizenship schemes are a revenue stream that funds infrastructure, tourism, and social development. For investors, the represent a pragmatic shortcut: a second passport that can be secured in months, not years. Unlike traditional naturalization, most of these programs do not require residency or language tests, making them especially attractive to globally mobile entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals.
At the same time, the real estate component offers something tangible. Buyers often gain access to properties that can be rented, managed, or sold after a required holding period, making the purchase a blend of lifestyle investment and strategic planning.
However, the popularity of CBI programs has also drawn international attention. Critics warn that the sale of passports could compromise border security or provide loopholes for individuals seeking to escape oversight. The European Union and the United Kingdom have both signaled cautions, with London revoking visa-free entry privileges for Dominica in 2023 over concerns about vetting standards.
In response, Caribbean nations have tightened due diligence, introduced mandatory interviews, and boosted transparency in how funds are used. Still, the balance between economic opportunity and international trust remains delicate.
For many buyers, the appeal is as much about lifestyle as it is about mobility. Citizenship in Antigua and Grenada doesn’t just unlock easier travel, it offers a foothold in a region with year-round sun, direct access to North and South America, and growing market for luxury tourism.
For others, it is a hedge against an uncertain future: an insurance policy in the form of a second passport that ensures access to safe havens, better healthcare, and global opportunities.
As demand climbs, and more investors look toward the Caribbean, these programs are reshaping the way small island nations engage with global wealth. Buying a home here is no longer just a dream of retirement by the sea, it is, quite literally, a ticket to the world.
It is important to note that, according to the investment migration consultancy Henley & Partners, global applications to these Caribbean CBI programs have risen by 12% since the fourth quarter of 2024.