The thing refers to programs that offer individuals from a range of countries the chance to gain status and permanent residency in return for outlay (money as usual) in the local economy of a local territory. These schemes are typically implemented by governments with the objective of attracting foreigners, creating new employment opportunities, and fostering both economic and social growth.
What is citizenship by investing
Several nations operate government-backed initiatives, often called CBI (Citizenship by Investment), that incentivize affluent foreigners to contribute financially in return for acquiring citizenship. These contributions can manifest as capital infusions into domestic enterprises, acquisitions of government bonds, or land purchases, among other avenues.
Caribbean programs
Instead of passively awaiting investment, these islands are actively courting it, transforming capital influx into a catalyst for both growth and modernization.
This differs drastically from the protracted and arduous processes of traditional naturalization or long-term residency, offering a streamlined pathway to domicile – a rapid passport, that is. The pros of acquiring Caribbean allegiance are significant, including the opportunity to obtain visa-free access to more than 140 countries, including the Schengen area and the United Kingdom.
This accelerated integration, however, is not universally replicated. Other jurisdictions, pursuing similar economic diversification strategies, offer comparable programs but with considerably longer timelines, creating a tiered hierarchy of access based on the expediency of acquisition.
CBI programme overview
The table below provides an overview of the options discussed in today’s article. It has been compiled for the convenience and includes all additional information to enhance clarity and understanding:
| Options and emoluments | Dominica
|
Saint Lucia
|
Saint Kitts and Nevis
|
Grenada
|
Antigua and Barbuda | Vanuatu
|
| Donation (in USD) | 200 | 240k | 250l | 235k | 230k | 130k |
| Valuables (in USD) | 325к | 300k | 325k | 270k | 300k | – |
| Holding period (in years) | 3-5 | 5-6 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Stay requirement time (if any; in days) | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Visa-free or visa by arrival list (in countries) | 145 | 148 | 157 | 148 | 153 | 109 |
| Residency within CARICOM | + (1974) | + (1974) | + (1974) | +(1974) | + (1974) | – |
| Application processing time (in months) | 3-6 | 3-4 | 4-6 | 8 | 2-4 | 1-2 |
Dominica
Dominica has been offering citizenship by investment since 1993 and has built a strong reputation for transparency, affordability, and efficiency. For U.S. citizens, the program provides a practical solution for establishing a second nationality without requiring any physical relocation, language testing, or interviews.
The minimum required investment is $200,000, which can be made as a donation to the Economic Diversification Fund. The entire process is remote and typically takes 3 to 4 months from submission to issuance of the passport.
Dominica’s program is especially suitable for Americans seeking to:
- Secure a second citizenship as a safety net
- Protect global assets through international diversification
- Simplify estate planning outside of U.S. jurisdiction
- Maintain financial privacy, since CBI records are not publicly accessible
Dependents such as spouses, children, parents, and grandparents can be added to the application. There is no tax on capital gains, inheritance, or global income for non-residents. This makes Dominica a tax-neutral platform for long-term planning.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia, known for its stable government and strong due diligence framework, launched its CBI program in 2015. It has quickly gained favor among investors from the U.S. due to its flexible options and secure reputation.
To obtain citizenship, applicants must invest at least $240,000. The government offers five distinct routes:
- Contributing to the National Economic Fund
- Purchasing pre-approved real estate
- Buying government bonds
- Investing in local business projects
- Participating in infrastructure development
The program requires no prior residency, interviews, or knowledge tests. Americans often use Saint Lucia citizenship as a mechanism for diversifying international holdings, optimizing inheritance structures, and ensuring continuity for future generations.
Moreover, all applications are processed discreetly. Including dependents is straightforward, and the passport is granted for life with the option to pass it on to heirs.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis offers the oldest citizenship by investment program in the world, established in 1984. Its credibility and government oversight make it an attractive choice for U.S. nationals seeking stability and legacy planning through a second passport.
The minimum investment is $250,000, typically through a donation to the Sustainable Growth Fund. Alternatively, real estate investment is available. The application is processed in 3–4 months and requires no physical presence, language proficiency, or cultural integration.
For Americans, this program serves as:
- A long-term estate planning tool
- An offshore identity to protect global wealth
- A reliable route to dual citizenship prior to renunciation
- A legal way to access international banking and investments
Saint Kitts does not tax foreign-sourced income, making it an ideal base for those restructuring their international financial footprint.
Grenada
Grenada’s citizenship by investment program, relaunched in 2013, has a unique advantage: it allows its passport holders to apply for a U.S. E-2 visa. This visa permits individuals to operate a business in the United States while residing there, which is particularly beneficial for Americans planning to renounce their citizenship but maintain business ties with the U.S.
Applicants can choose between two investment paths:
- A non-refundable contribution of $235,000 to the National Transformation Fund
- A $270,000 investment in pre-approved real estate (resorts, hotels, etc.)
Grenada’s program allows the inclusion of a spouse, children, and dependent parents. The process takes approximately 90–120 days and is fully remote.
Key benefits for U.S. citizens include:
- Strategic access to the E-2 visa category
- Tax neutrality — no tax on worldwide income
- Easier international banking and asset movement
- Legal continuity in case of U.S. political or financial shifts
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship program is especially popular among families due to its affordable pricing and wide coverage for dependents. Since 2013, the program has offered investors a second passport for just $100,000 for a family of four.
There is no residency requirement (aside from a symbolic 5-day visit within the first 5 years), and no exams or interviews. The processing time is approximately 3 months. Applicants can include their spouse, dependent children (biological or adopted), and even grandparents over 55.
Americans choose this program to:
- Secure long-term protection for family members
- Preserve wealth internationally while retaining flexibility
- Establish legal backup in case of tax changes in the U.S.
- Enjoy a confidential, efficient application process
Citizenship is granted for life and can be passed down to future generations. Antigua has no wealth, capital gains, or estate taxes for non-residents.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu runs one of the world’s fastest citizenship programs, issuing passports in just 30–60 days. This speed, combined with high confidentiality and zero-tax benefits, makes it attractive for American citizens needing a quick second nationality.
A single applicant must donate $130,000 to the country’s Development Support Program. As of September 1, 2024, all applicants must attend a short in-person oath ceremony. The passport is valid for five years and can be renewed without additional investment.
Why Americans choose Vanuatu:
- Rapid processing for emergency planning
- Clean and legal exit route for future U.S. citizenship renunciation
- No taxes on income, gifts, capital gains, or inheritance
- Personal and financial security through dual nationality
The Vanuatu passport is particularly useful for Americans managing global assets or seeking to establish international trust structures without exposing them to U.S. public records or oversight.
Why choose citizenship by investment?
The path to earning an overseas passport isn’t just about convenience: it’s about making a smart move to secure a brighter future with more opportunities and security. There are lots of other reasons as well.
It opens up a whole new world of possibilities – a game-changer thing, which breaks down new opportunities for both business and personal growth.
- Firstly, it offers a great way to protect yourself against economic uncertainty of some kind. By setting up a base in a country with other legal systems, individuals may protect their assets from sudden changes.
- Secondly, getting citizenship gives you the freedom to move without severe bureaucratic hurdles.
- Thirdly, the appeal of tax regimes that are often much more favorable than those in one’s home country is a big draw. Moving the business to a place with lower taxes can save thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Your passport, your possibilities, or some advantages of a second nationality
Dual citizenship literally means you are a citizen of two countries. Each of which treats you separately: if you have to do something for your fatherland, you have to do it in a new place as well .
People with dual nationality are called binationals. The benefits of binationality depend on the nationsites involved. Still, there are some disadvantages. This often means you can’t take part in politics. And you could be punished for neglecting civic duties. But the advantages often outweigh. You can often travel without a visa to specific territories without any visible troubles. Also, you may access both public and private healthcare systems, as well as education and business opportunities in several lands simultaneously.
Exigency
Citizenship by investment programs vary, yet common eligibility criteria include a clean criminal record, attainment of the age of majority (typically 18 years), and the financial capacity to meet the program’s requirements. Some offers also permit the inclusion of spouse and dependent children in the application. Most of them, to be more precise.
Should be noted that in some countries, the conditions are highly specific.
The legislation regarding this matter varies from place to place, however, it’s worth noting that the majority of governments have a similar requirement. Failure to comply with the regulations may result in legal consequences, including some serious penalties as criminal liability, for example. Therefore, it’s mandatory to familiarize yourself with the legislation in your land of residence first, and how it pertains to this issue. If you require assistance, we are available to provide guidance and support at any time – no matter what.
Help with the choice
We do prioritize your convenience.
We are always available to receive you at any of our offices in person, and our experts are available online at your convenience. As a licensed agent, we engage exclusively with official programs and maintain all the licenses, ensuring strict compliance with the laws of each country in which we operate.
We do not offer any gray schemes, as our priority is to ensure the safety of your investments.
Our workflow is straightforward and transparent:
- First, we start with a conservation – we will discuss your goals and needs, select the right option, and assess the chances of success.
- Then, we’ll make a preliminary document review – we’ll verify that you have the necessary papers and prepare a proper contract.
- Next, we’ll engage with state authorities – at this stage, we’ll support the preparation and sending of documents to the immigration department of the principality chosen by you.
- Finally, if everything is good, we’ll transfer the finished documents – we’ll supervise the application process and deliver the papers anywhere in the world – to you.
Timing for obtaining a passport by investment
The timeframe for obtaining a citizenship credential is variable, dependent on the nation and the specific pathway chosen. For example, Turkish applications typically necessitate a six-to-eight-month window. Vanuatu, conversely, offers a considerably expedited procedure, with an approximate one-month turnaround. However, there’s also the Maltese permit plan, which demands a seven-to-eight-month adjudication outline before a determination is rendered.
Alternatively, several Caribbean jurisdictions provide a comparatively swift route to golden permit, typically concluding within three months. And ultimately, for definitive timelines, it’s imperative to review the exact stipulations and guidelines of the individual Itinerary. You can (and probably should) check out the official sources for all the info.