The Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs (CBIs) have been pivotal for many nations in the region, offering a pathway to citizenship in exchange for significant economic contributions. As of July 2024, all five major Caribbean CIPs - Dominica, St Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, St Lucia, and Antigua & Barbuda - have updated their investment requirements and fees to stay competitive in the global market.
These programs are designed to attract foreign investors by offering them the benefits of citizenship, including visa-free travel and favorable tax regimes, in return for their investment in the country's economy. Here is a detailed breakdown of each program’s current pricing structures and investment requirements.
Pricing Overview of Caribbean CBIs For a Family of 4
Now, let’s take a closer look at the changes happening in each country. The prices mentioned in this article are all in US dollars.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Program is aligning its investment thresholds with regional standards following a recent agreement among OECS nations. The new investment fees in Antigua and Barbuda have been updated with amendments to the investment thresholds by option.
- National Development Fund (NDF): The minimum investment is $230,000 for a family of 1 to 4, and $245,000 for a family of 5 or more.
- University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund and Real Estate Investments: The minimum investment for the UWI Fund is $300,000, while the minimum for Real Estate investments is $325,000.
- Processing Fees: For most options, the processing fee is $30,000 for a single applicant up to a family of 4. For the UWI option, processing fees are included in the investment amount. For families of 5 or more, the processing fee is reduced to $10,000 for each additional dependent.
- Business Investments: Investment thresholds for business remain unchanged.
Dominica
Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) continues to offer two main ways to apply: donating to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) or investing in real estate.
- EDF Route: Single applicant donation: $200,000. Family of up to three: $250,000. Additional dependents: $25,000 (under 18) or $40,000 (18+).
- Real Estate Option: Minimum investment: $200,000. Government fees: $75,000 (main applicant) or $100,000 (family of four).
A main applicant who has obtained citizenship through the Commonwealth of Dominica's Citizenship by Investment Programme can apply to register a child under eighteen years of age, born to or adopted by the applicant, within five years of the applicant obtaining citizenship. The following fees are required: $2,000 for processing, $4,000 for due diligence background checks for dependents aged sixteen or older, and $500 for the issuance of each certificate of naturalization.
Grenada
Grenada's Citizenship by Investment Program has also raised the minimum investment amounts for both the National Transformation Fund (NTF) and real estate options.
- NTF Donation: $235,000 for the main applicant and up to three dependents, plus $25,000 for each additional dependent.
- Approved Projects: Minimum investment: $350,000.
- Real Estate Investments: Start at $270,000 per share in tourism accommodation, with a total minimum of $440,000 if 20% of construction costs are paid before applying. Government fees: $50,000 for the main applicant and up to three dependents, with varying fees for additional dependents based on their relationship to the applicant.
St. Kitts and Nevis
Next on the list is St. Kitts and Nevis which has introduced the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC), replacing the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF).
- SISC Donation: $250,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to 4 members. Additional dependents: $25,000 each (under 18) or $50,000 each (18+).
- Real Estate Investment: Starts at $400,000 with a seven-year holding period. Private home sales: $400,000 for condos and $800,000 for single-family homes.
- Public Benefit Project: Minimum contribution: $250,000 to a public benefit unit.
St. Lucia
The Citizenship by Investment Program in St. Lucia has also revised its qualifying investments. Now these are as follows:
- National Economic Fund (NEF): $240,000 for an applicant with up to three dependents. Additional dependents: $10,000 each (under 18) or $20,000 each (18+). Newborns (under 12 months): $5,000. Spouses: $35,000. Other dependents: $25,000.
- Real Estate Investment: Minimum investment: $300,000 plus administration fees for the applicant and any number of dependents.
- Approved Enterprise Project: $250,000 for an applicant with up to three dependents, plus administration fees.
What’s Next?
Although the investment prices for these programs have increased, they still offer good value and a wide range of benefits. These citizenship options provide a unique opportunity for individuals and families seeking greater global mobility and the advantages of a second passport.
For more information and to take the next step, contact our team today!
