For US-based high-net-worth individuals weighing a Plan B, the Caribbean has become the world’s most efficient on-ramp to a second passport. Five island nations — St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and St. Lucia — offer fully legal, government-issued citizenship in exchange for a defined economic contribution. No language test. No ten-year wait. No residency requirement in four of the five cases.
This guide compares all five Caribbean citizenship by investment programs with 2024–2026 figures, the post-OECS reforms, and the specific implications for American applicants. By the end, you will know exactly which program fits your capital, family size, mobility goals, and risk profile.
Caribbean CBI programs have issued an estimated 50,000+ passports since 1984, with annual demand from US applicants growing 200%+ between 2020 and 2024.
Why Americans are looking to the Caribbean for a second passport
The Caribbean is geographically closer to the US than any other CBI region. Direct flights from Miami, New York, or Atlanta land in St. Kitts, Antigua, Grenada, or St. Lucia in under four hours. For HNWIs running US businesses, that proximity matters — both for periodic visits and for genuine relocation if circumstances demand it.
Five reasons American HNWIs choose Caribbean CBI:
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EU visa-free access. All five Caribbean passports currently provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to the Schengen Area, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and 130+ other jurisdictions. St. Kitts leads with 157+ countries.
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USD-pegged economies. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is fixed at 2.70 to the US dollar — a peg that has held since 1976. Currency risk on real estate or bond investments is effectively eliminated.
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No worldwide income tax for residents. None of the five countries tax foreign-source income, capital gains, or wealth. (Note: this benefit applies to tax residents, not automatically to citizens — and it does not override US tax obligations for Americans.)
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Generational planning. Children and grandchildren born to citizens inherit citizenship in most cases. A single CBI application can move three generations of your family onto a second nationality.
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Hedge against political and currency risk. A second passport is insurance against US-specific shocks — capital controls, dollar instability, expanded travel restrictions, or domestic political turbulence. For HNWIs who view geopolitical risk as a real portfolio variable, citizenship is the ultimate diversification asset.
For most American HNWIs, caribbean citizenship by investment is not about leaving the US — it is about having the option to leave on your own terms, and giving your children that same optionality.
The 5 Caribbean CBI programs at a glance
Each program has its own donation route, real estate route, processing timeline, and family inclusion rules. Here is the high-level comparison before we drill into each.
| Program | Min. Donation (Single) | Min. Real Estate | Standard Processing | Visa-Free Countries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Kitts and Nevis | $250,000 (SISC) | $400,000 | 4–6 months | 157+ |
| Dominica | $100,000 (EDF)* | $200,000 | 4–6 months | 144+ |
| Antigua and Barbuda | $230,000 (NDF, family of 4) | $300,000 | 5–7 months | 151+ |
| Grenada | $235,000 (NTF) | $270,000 | 4–6 months | 146+ |
| St. Lucia | $240,000 (NEF) | $300,000 | 4–6 months | 146+ |
*Dominica’s $100,000 minimum is being harmonized to the $200,000 OECS floor — verify current fee schedule with a licensed agent at the time of application.
Truvon’s country comparison hub tracks live fee changes across all five programs, since 2024–2026 has been the most volatile period of regulatory change since the programs launched.
St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship
History
St. Kitts and Nevis launched the world’s first citizenship by investment program in 1984 — making it the gold standard against which every other CBI program is measured. Over four decades, it has issued an estimated 16,000+ passports to investors and their families. In 2024, the government enacted the most significant reform in the program’s history: replacing the prior Sustainable Growth Fund with the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) and raising the minimum donation floor to $250,000.
Investment options
You have three qualifying routes:
- Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC): $250,000 minimum donation for a single applicant
- Approved real estate: $400,000 minimum in a pre-approved development, held for 7 years
- Public Benefit Option: $250,000 contribution to an approved infrastructure project
Costs
For a single applicant choosing the SISC donation route:
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| SISC donation | $250,000 |
| Due diligence fee | $10,000 |
| Application processing | $1,000 |
| Passport issuance | $355 |
| Legal/agent fees | $15,000–$25,000 |
| All-in total (single) | ~$280,000 |
A family of four (main applicant, spouse, two children) is approximately $300,000–$330,000 on the donation route.
Family eligibility
Spouse, children under 30 (if financially dependent), parents and grandparents over 55, and unmarried siblings under 30 can all be included on a single application — one of the most generous definitions of family in any CBI program globally.
Tax benefits
St. Kitts imposes no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no wealth tax. There is a corporate tax of 33%, but offshore companies and IBCs are tax-neutral. For US citizens, see the dedicated tax section below — these benefits do not override IRS obligations.
Visa-free travel
St. Kitts and Nevis passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 157+ countries including the entire Schengen Area, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Brazil, and most of South America. It is the strongest Caribbean passport on the Henley Index.
Processing time
Standard processing is 4–6 months. The Accelerated Application Process (AAP) delivers citizenship in 60 days for an additional government fee of $25,000 per applicant — unique to St. Kitts among the five programs.
Pros and cons
Pros: Strongest Caribbean passport, oldest program with track record, fastest accelerated processing, generous family definition, no residency requirement.
Cons: Highest entry price, 2024 reforms removed some flexibility, real estate route requires 7-year hold (longest in the region).
Verify current requirements at the official Citizenship by Investment Unit of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Dominica citizenship
History
Dominica launched its CBI program in 1993, making it the second-oldest. The program is administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) and funded primarily through the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF). For two decades, Dominica was the cheapest legitimate route to caribbean citizenship by investment — and it remains so today, though the gap is narrowing under OECS harmonization.
Investment options
- Economic Diversification Fund (EDF): $100,000 single applicant donation*
- Approved real estate: $200,000 minimum, held for 3 years (5 years if resold to another CBI applicant)
*Subject to the June 2024 OECS Memorandum of Agreement raising the floor to $200,000 — confirm at application.
Costs
| Cost Component | Amount (Single) | Amount (Family of 4) |
|---|---|---|
| EDF donation | $100,000 | $175,000 |
| Due diligence fee | $7,500 | $15,000 |
| Processing fee | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Passport fee | $1,200 | $4,800 |
| Legal/agent | $12,000–$20,000 | $15,000–$25,000 |
| All-in total | ~$125,000 | ~$215,000 |
Family eligibility
Spouse, children under 30, parents over 55, and unmarried siblings under 25 are eligible dependents. Children with disabilities can be included at any age.
Tax benefits
No personal income tax on foreign-source income, no capital gains tax, no wealth tax, no inheritance tax for non-residents. A 35% corporate tax applies to local companies; IBCs are tax-exempt.
Visa-free travel
Dominica passport gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 144+ countries including Schengen, UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong. It is slightly weaker than St. Kitts but covers all the major travel jurisdictions most HNWIs care about.
Processing time
4–6 months standard. No accelerated option.
Pros and cons
Pros: Cheapest Caribbean CBI program, lowest family-of-four cost, short real estate hold (3 years), efficient processing.
Cons: Faces ongoing 2024–2026 pressure from the EU over visa-waiver due diligence (Schengen suspension is a real risk), smaller passport reach, lighter program reputation among private banks.
Official source: Citizenship by Investment Unit of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship
History
Antigua and Barbuda’s program launched in 2013 and has rapidly become the family-friendly option in the region. It is administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) and uses the National Development Fund (NDF) as its primary donation route. Antigua’s structural advantage: the donation is priced per-family, not per-applicant, making it the lowest cost-per-head for families of four or more.
Investment options
- National Development Fund (NDF): $230,000 for a family of up to 4
- University of the West Indies Fund: $260,000 for a family of 6+
- Approved real estate: $300,000 minimum, held for 5 years
- Business investment: $1.5 million single (or $5 million joint)
Costs
| Cost Component | Family of 4 |
|---|---|
| NDF donation | $230,000 |
| Government processing | $30,000 |
| Due diligence | $30,000 (~$7,500/adult) |
| Passport fees | $1,000 |
| Legal/agent | $18,000–$25,000 |
| All-in total | ~$310,000 |
Family eligibility
Spouse, children under 30, parents over 55, unmarried siblings, and even grandchildren in certain cases. The UWI Fund route is specifically designed for families of six or more.
Tax benefits
No personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, no wealth tax. Corporate tax is 25%. International business corporations enjoy 50-year tax holidays.
Visa-free travel
151+ countries visa-free or visa-on-arrival, including Schengen, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Russia.
Processing time
5–7 months standard. No formal accelerated track, though urgent cases can sometimes be flagged at the CIU’s discretion.
Pros and cons
Pros: Best value for families of 4+, multiple investment routes including the unique UWI Fund, strong passport.
Cons: Only Caribbean program with a 5-day physical residency requirement within the first 5 years to retain citizenship — minor but meaningful for absolute non-resident applicants.
Official source: Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Grenada citizenship
History
Grenada relaunched its CBI program in 2013 (after an earlier program from 1997 was suspended) and has positioned itself as the strategically most valuable Caribbean passport for Americans. The reason: Grenada is the only Caribbean nation with a US E-2 Investor Treaty. This single feature has driven a surge in US applicant interest since 2020.
Investment options
- National Transformation Fund (NTF): $235,000 single, $250,000 family of 4
- Approved real estate: $270,000 (shared) or $350,000 (sole ownership), held for 5 years
- Government bonds: Discontinued in 2024 — confirm current options
Costs
| Cost Component | Family of 4 |
|---|---|
| NTF donation | $250,000 |
| Government fees | $50,000 |
| Due diligence | $20,000 |
| Application fees | $6,000 |
| Legal/agent | $15,000–$25,000 |
| All-in total | ~$345,000 |
Family eligibility
Spouse, children under 30, parents over 55, unmarried siblings of any age, and adult children who are mentally or physically challenged.
Tax benefits
No personal income tax on foreign-source income, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, no wealth tax. Corporate tax 28%. Worldwide income exemption for non-residents.
Visa-free travel
146+ countries visa-free, plus the unique China visa-free access that no other Caribbean passport offers. Schengen, UK, Singapore included. The China access is genuinely differentiated — useful for HNWIs with Asia-facing businesses or travel.
Processing time
4–6 months standard.
Pros and cons
Pros: US E-2 Treaty access (allows you to apply for an E-2 investor visa to live and work in the US after at least 3 years of holding Grenadian citizenship and substantial business investment in the US), China visa-free, strong passport.
Cons: Mid-range pricing, smaller passport network than St. Kitts, E-2 visa benefit requires separate qualifying investment in the US (typically $200,000+) and is not automatic.
Official source: Grenada Citizenship by Investment Committee.
Grenada is the only Caribbean program offering a pathway to US E-2 Treaty Investor status — making it uniquely valuable for HNWIs who want to retain US business operations while diversifying nationality.
St. Lucia citizenship
History
St. Lucia is the newest of the five Caribbean CBI programs, launched in 2015. It is administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit and funded primarily through the National Economic Fund (NEF). Despite being the youngest program, St. Lucia has built a strong reputation for transparent processing and rigorous due diligence — partly because it had the benefit of learning from the older programs’ mistakes.
Investment options
- National Economic Fund (NEF): $240,000 single donation
- Approved real estate: $300,000, held for 5 years
- Government bonds: $300,000 in non-interest-bearing bonds, held for 5 years (most flexible bond option in the region)
- Enterprise investment: $3.5 million in approved business
Costs
| Cost Component | Single Applicant |
|---|---|
| NEF donation | $240,000 |
| Due diligence | $7,500 |
| Processing fee | $2,000 |
| Passport fee | $500 |
| Legal/agent | $15,000–$25,000 |
| All-in total | ~$270,000 |
Family eligibility
Spouse, children under 30, parents over 55, unmarried siblings. Slightly more restrictive than St. Kitts but standard for the region.
Tax benefits
No personal income tax on foreign-source income for non-residents, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, no wealth tax. Corporate tax 30%.
Visa-free travel
146+ countries visa-free, including Schengen, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong.
Processing time
4–6 months standard.
Pros and cons
Pros: Strong government bond option (capital-preserving), newest program with modernized procedures, transparent fee schedule.
Cons: No standout differentiator versus Grenada or Antigua, mid-range pricing, smaller alumni network of past applicants.
Official source: Citizenship by Investment Programme of Saint Lucia.
Master comparison table
| Country | Min. Donation (Single) | Min. Real Estate | Processing | Visa-Free | Physical Residence | Family Definition | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Kitts and Nevis | $250K SISC | $400K (7-yr hold) | 4–6 months (60-day AAP) | 157+ | None | Spouse, children <30, parents 55+, siblings <30 | Oldest program; AAP accelerated track |
| Dominica | $100K–$200K EDF | $200K (3-yr hold) | 4–6 months | 144+ | None | Spouse, children <30, parents 55+, siblings <25 | Lowest cost |
| Antigua and Barbuda | $230K NDF (family of 4) | $300K (5-yr hold) | 5–7 months | 151+ | 5 days in 5 years | Spouse, children <30, parents 55+, siblings, grandchildren | UWI Fund for families of 6+ |
| Grenada | $235K NTF | $270K (5-yr hold) | 4–6 months | 146+ (incl. China) | None | Spouse, children <30, parents 55+, siblings any age | US E-2 Treaty access |
| St. Lucia | $240K NEF | $300K (5-yr hold) | 4–6 months | 146+ | None | Spouse, children <30, parents 55+, siblings | Government bond option ($300K) |
For a side-by-side fee calculator and live updates, see Truvon’s citizenship comparison tool.
Critical 2024–2026 changes Americans must know
The caribbean citizenship by investment landscape has changed more in the last 24 months than in the prior decade. If your information is older than 2024, it is wrong. Here is what has shifted:
1. OECS minimum donation floor
In June 2024, all five CBI nations signed the OECS Memorandum of Agreement unifying minimum donation amounts at a $200,000 floor. The agreement aims to end the race-to-the-bottom pricing competition that drew EU criticism. Dominica’s $100,000 single-applicant tier is being phased out as part of this harmonization — confirm current pricing at application.
2. EU visa-waiver pressure
The European Commission has explicitly warned all five Caribbean nations that visa-free Schengen access could be suspended if due diligence standards are not raised. In 2023, the EU proposed enhanced background-check requirements that all five programs have since implemented. The risk of Schengen suspension is real but not imminent — most analysts expect tightened cooperation rather than outright suspension through 2026.
3. US Treasury pressure
The US Treasury issued formal advisories to Caribbean CBI units in 2023–2024 requiring sanctions screening against OFAC lists, with particular focus on Russia and DPRK exposure. Applications from sanctioned-jurisdiction nationals are now almost universally denied. This strengthens the program for US applicants since enhanced due diligence raises the credibility of the resulting passport.
4. Enhanced due diligence
All five programs now require:
– Mandatory in-person or virtual interviews
– Source-of-funds documentation for the full donation amount
– 10-year background history (raised from 5 years)
– Cross-program information sharing — applying to one program and being denied disqualifies you from the others
5. OECD CRS and FATCA
All five Caribbean nations participate in the OECD Common Reporting Standard. As a US citizen, your banking activity is reported under both CRS and FATCA. There is no banking privacy advantage to a Caribbean passport for Americans — the IRS will see your accounts.
6. Russia and DPRK restrictions
Applications from Russian and Belarusian nationals (post-Ukraine invasion) and DPRK nationals are now barred across all five programs. North Korean, Iranian, and certain other restricted-country nationals are also ineligible.
For Americans, the net effect of these changes is mostly positive: stronger due diligence means a more credible passport, and US applicants are exactly the low-risk profile these programs want.
Tax considerations for US citizens
This is the single most misunderstood aspect of caribbean citizenship by investment for American HNWIs. Read this section carefully.
The IRS does not care how many passports you hold.
US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live, where they bank, or what other nationalities they acquire. Acquiring a Caribbean passport changes nothing about your:
- Federal income tax filing obligation (Form 1040, every year, no matter where you live)
- FBAR filing (FinCEN 114) for any foreign account aggregating over $10,000
- FATCA reporting (Form 8938) for foreign financial assets
- Reporting of foreign corporations (Form 5471), trusts (Form 3520), and partnerships
- Self-employment tax on foreign business income
- US estate tax on worldwide assets
Caribbean tax benefits only apply if:
- You formally renounce US citizenship (file Form 8854, pay any exit tax under IRC §877A on net worth above $2 million, surrender your US passport), or
- You are a non-US person acquiring Caribbean citizenship.
For Americans, the proper way to think about caribbean citizenship by investment is as a mobility and optionality asset, not a tax-mitigation tool. The tax planning conversation only becomes relevant if you are actively considering expatriation — and even then, the Caribbean passport is one of several tools, not the entire strategy.
US citizens cannot escape worldwide taxation through a second passport alone. Only formal expatriation triggers the Caribbean tax benefits — and expatriation has its own exit tax and lifetime consequences.
For the authoritative US perspective on expatriation, see the IRS expatriation tax page. Speak to a cross-border tax counsel before any expatriation decision — the math rarely works in your favor unless your unrealized gains are highly concentrated or you have specific non-US business reasons.
The legitimate, non-renunciation reasons for an American HNWI to pursue caribbean citizenship by investment remain compelling:
– Insurance against US-specific political or economic shock
– Generational mobility for children and grandchildren
– Access to Schengen, UK, and China without visa friction
– Privacy from US passport tracking (you can travel on the Caribbean passport in many cases)
– Optionality to relocate if circumstances change
For a deeper framework on integrating second citizenship into a US-based wealth plan, see Truvon’s global wealth mobility guide.
Which Caribbean CBI is right for you? 4 decision paths
After eight years advising US HNWIs across all five programs, we have found that the right choice usually maps to one of four primary objectives. Identify yours below.
For maximum visa-free travel: St. Kitts and Nevis
If your top priority is the strongest possible second passport in terms of visa-free access — and you want the credibility of the world’s oldest CBI program — choose St. Kitts. The 157+ country reach, the 40-year track record, and the 60-day accelerated processing make it the premium pick. Expect to pay $280,000–$330,000 all-in for a family of four.
For lowest cost: Dominica
If you want a legitimate Caribbean passport at the lowest possible entry price, Dominica remains the answer. A family of four can secure citizenship for approximately $215,000 all-in. The trade-offs are a slightly weaker passport (144+ countries), modest EU visa-waiver risk, and lighter banking recognition. For HNWIs whose primary goal is having any second passport as insurance, Dominica is the efficient choice.
For US E-2 Treaty access: Grenada
Grenada is the only Caribbean program with a pathway to the US E-2 Investor Visa. If you anticipate any scenario where you might need to live and work in the US under non-US citizenship — for example, after expatriation, or as a foreign-national family member — Grenada is uniquely valuable. Pair the Caribbean passport with a qualifying US business investment (typically $200,000+) and you can apply for E-2 status. Budget $345,000 all-in for a family of four.
For family with 4+ members: Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua’s NDF route is priced per-family rather than per-applicant, making it the lowest cost-per-head for families of four or more. The UWI Fund route is purpose-built for families of six or more. If you are bringing parents, grandparents, or multiple children, Antigua delivers the best math. Note the 5-day physical residency requirement — most clients combine it with a Caribbean vacation in years 3–4.
If none of these four paths fits cleanly, talk to a licensed advisor before applying. The wrong program choice is expensive to reverse — see Truvon’s contact page to schedule a confidential consultation.
Conclusion
Caribbean citizenship by investment is no longer an exotic option for a fringe minority of HNWIs. It is a mainstream Plan B strategy used by tens of thousands of American families to secure mobility, optionality, and generational protection against US-specific risk.
The five programs — St. Kitts, Dominica, Antigua, Grenada, and St. Lucia — each occupy a defensible niche after the 2024 OECS reforms. St. Kitts leads on passport strength and processing speed. Dominica leads on price. Antigua leads on family value. Grenada is unique on US E-2 access. St. Lucia is the most modern program with the best bond option.
For an American HNWI, the right caribbean citizenship by investment program is the one whose specific advantages align with your specific goals — not the cheapest, not the most prestigious, but the one that solves your particular Plan B problem.
Next step: Have a licensed advisor pre-screen your file before you commit to any program. A 30-minute review can save you from filing under the wrong program, missing a family eligibility window, or triggering a due diligence flag that would have been avoidable. Schedule a confidential consultation with Truvon to map your optimal path.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total cost of Caribbean citizenship by investment for a family of four?
Expect an all-in cost between $215,000 (Dominica) and $360,000+ (St. Kitts) for a family of four, including the government donation, due diligence fees, processing fees, and legal costs. Real estate routes start around $325,000 but add resale risk, holding periods, and stamp duty. Always budget another 8–12% on top of the headline donation for application, due diligence, government, and counsel fees. Currency is paid in US dollars across all five programs — no FX risk.
What is the typical due diligence pass rate for Caribbean CBI applicants?
Industry estimates put the approval rate at roughly 85–92% for properly prepared applicants from low-risk jurisdictions like the United States. American applicants with clean source-of-funds documentation, no criminal record, and no sanctions exposure typically clear background checks without issue. The 8–15% of denials usually involve undeclared assets, politically exposed persons, prior visa refusals, or weak source-of-wealth documentation. Working with a licensed agent who pre-screens before filing dramatically improves outcomes.
Can Caribbean citizenship by investment be revoked?
Yes — every Caribbean CBI program reserves the right to revoke citizenship for material misrepresentation, criminal conviction, sanctions designation, or fraud in the application. Revocation is rare in practice but increasing under US and EU pressure post-2024. To protect your investment, disclose everything in the application, maintain clean tax filings, and avoid sanctions-exposed business dealings. Citizenship obtained in good faith and through accurate disclosure is considered a constitutionally protected right in all five jurisdictions, and revocations have been successfully challenged in court.
Is dual citizenship legal for US citizens?
Yes. The United States recognizes dual citizenship and does not require Americans to renounce US nationality when acquiring another passport. You remain a US citizen with all rights and obligations, including IRS worldwide income reporting. The Caribbean countries — St. Kitts, Dominica, Antigua, Grenada, and St. Lucia — also fully allow dual citizenship. You can hold a US passport and a Caribbean passport simultaneously, travel on either, and pass both citizenships to your children depending on each country’s specific descent rules. There is no need to inform the US government when acquiring Caribbean citizenship.
Does Caribbean citizenship reduce my US tax obligations?
No. US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live or how many passports they hold. Acquiring a Caribbean passport does nothing to alter your IRS filing requirements, FATCA reporting, or FBAR obligations. Caribbean tax advantages — no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax — only apply if you formally renounce US citizenship (and pay any exit tax) or if you are a non-US person. The Caribbean passport’s value for Americans is mobility, optionality, and generational planning — not US tax mitigation. Speak to a cross-border tax counsel before assuming any tax benefit.
Can I apply during a US travel ban or geopolitical disruption?
Yes. Caribbean CBI applications are filed remotely through a licensed agent — you do not need to travel to the Caribbean to apply, be interviewed, or receive your passport. Biometrics can be captured at consulates or via mobile units. Processing continued uninterrupted through COVID-19 and remains insulated from US-specific travel disruptions. If the US imposes restrictions on outbound travel or financial transfers in a future crisis, having an already-issued second passport is exactly the Plan B insurance most HNWIs are buying. The application window does not close just because a crisis arrives.
What are the post-citizenship requirements for Caribbean CBI passports?
Four of the five programs (St. Kitts, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia) have no physical residency requirement — you never need to visit. Antigua and Barbuda requires 5 days of physical presence within the first 5 years to retain citizenship. All five require ongoing compliance: maintain a clean criminal record, do not engage in sanctioned activity, renew your passport every 5–10 years, and report changes in family status. If you took the real estate route, you must hold the property for the mandatory period (typically 5–7 years) before resale. Children acquire citizenship for life with no maintenance requirements.
How long does Caribbean citizenship by investment take from application to passport?
Standard processing runs 4–8 months across the five programs in 2026. Dominica and St. Kitts typically process in 4–6 months. Grenada and St. Lucia run 4–6 months. Antigua averages 5–7 months. St. Kitts offers an Accelerated Application Process (AAP) that delivers citizenship in 60 days for an additional fee of $25,000 per applicant. Real estate routes generally add 1–3 months due to property due diligence. Building in a 9-month buffer is realistic if you need the passport tied to a specific deadline.
Founder, Truvon Global Citizenship
Disclaimer. This article is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects our understanding of the programs and regulations referenced as of the date of publication. It does not constitute legal, tax, immigration, or financial advice, and no client or advisory relationship is created by reading it. Citizenship-, residency-, and visa-by-investment programs — including their costs, processing times, and eligibility criteria — are subject to change without notice and vary by individual circumstances. Treaty provisions and government policies, including those governing the E-2 visa, may be amended or interpreted differently over time. Before making any decision, verify all details against official government sources and obtain advice from licensed attorneys, immigration specialists, and tax advisors qualified in the relevant jurisdictions. Truvon Global does not guarantee the approval, outcome, or timeline of any application.