Looking to turn your dream Caribbean vacation into a permanent lifestyle? Several Caribbean nations offer Citizenship by Investment (CBI) or Residency by Investment (RBI) programs that allow foreign investors to obtain a second passport—or long-term residency—by purchasing real estate. These programs have become especially popular among global entrepreneurs, remote workers, retirees, and digital nomads.
In this blog, we’ll explore the Caribbean islands that grant passports (or residency) when you buy property, breaking down how each program works, what it costs, and why it might be worth considering.
St. Kitts and Nevis
Minimum Investment: $200,000 (shared) or $400,000 (full ownership)
Processing Time: Around 4–6 months
St. Kitts and Nevis offers the longest-running citizenship program in the Caribbean and is known for its speed, reliability, and passport strength.
Benefits:
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Visa-free travel to 150+ countries, including UK & EU
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No personal income, inheritance, or wealth tax
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Dual citizenship allowed
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Entire family can be included
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Property can be resold after 7 years
Antigua and Barbuda
Minimum Investment: $200,000 in approved real estate
Processing Time: 3 to 6 months
Antigua and Barbuda is a favorite among families due to its affordability and flexible residency requirements.
Benefits:
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Visa-free travel to 150+ countries
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Only 5 days of residency required every 5 years
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Includes spouse, children, parents, and even siblings
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No tax on worldwide income
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Strong tourism economy for rental income opportunities
Dominica
Minimum Investment: $200,000 in government-approved property
Processing Time: 3 to 5 months
Known for efficiency and affordability, Dominica’s program is consistently ranked among the world’s best for value.
Benefits:
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Visa-free access to 140+ countries
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No capital gains, inheritance, or wealth tax
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Low processing fees
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Citizenship is lifelong and inheritable
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Excellent eco-tourism opportunities for investors
Grenada
Minimum Investment: $220,000 (shared) or $350,000 (full ownership)
Processing Time: 4 to 6 months
Grenada offers a unique advantage: access to the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa thanks to a special treaty.
Benefits:
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Visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including China
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Access to live and run a business in the U.S. via E-2 visa
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No foreign income tax
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Includes spouse, dependent children, and parents
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Strategic location with direct flights to major cities
Saint Lucia
Minimum Investment: $200,000 in approved real estate
Processing Time: Approximately 3 to 5 months
Saint Lucia offers a robust passport with extensive global travel access, complemented by a lifestyle of luxury and serenity.
Benefits:
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Visa-free travel to 140+ countries
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No taxes on foreign income
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Straightforward and transparent application process
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Attractive for solo investors or couples
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Citizenship can be passed on to children
Turks and Caicos
Minimum Investment: $300,000 to $1 million, depending on location
Processing Time: Up to 12 months for residency approval
While Turks and Caicos doesn’t offer direct citizenship through real estate, it provides an exclusive permanent residency program for property investors.
Benefits:
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British Overseas Territory with stable governance
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No direct income or corporate taxes
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Permanent residency that can lead to naturalization
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Luxury lifestyle with high-end resorts and marinas
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Safe, English-speaking environment
Comparison at a Glance
| Country | Citizenship or Residency | Min. Investment | Processing Time | Passport Strength (Visa-Free Countries) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Kitts & Nevis | Citizenship | $200,000–$400,000 | 4–6 months | 150+ |
| Antigua & Barbuda | Citizenship | $200,000 | 3–6 months | 150+ |
| Dominica | Citizenship | $200,000 | 3–5 months | 140+ |
| Grenada | Citizenship | $220,000–$350,000 | 4–6 months | 140+ incl. China, E-2 USA |
| Saint Lucia | Citizenship | $200,000 | 3–5 months | 140+ |
| Turks & Caicos | Residency | $300,000–$1,000,000 | 6–12 months | British Residency (Path to Passport) |
Why Consider Caribbean Citizenship by Real Estate?
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Visa-Free Travel: Gain access to 140+ countries including Europe, UK, and more
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Wealth Diversification: Secure assets in stable real estate markets
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Tax Efficiency: No income, wealth, or inheritance tax in most programs
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Family-Friendly: Include your spouse, children, and parents
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Plan B Passport: Great for uncertain political or economic situations
Final Thoughts
Investing in Caribbean real estate isn’t just about beachfront living — it’s a strategic move toward global freedom, mobility, and financial security. Each country offers unique advantages depending on your goals, budget, and family situation.