Everyone knows that there is no such country as ‘the Caribbean’ – it is an entire region in the Caribbean Sea comprising a group of island nations.
The Caribbean region is home to around 7,000 islands, dozens of countries and colonial territories. And only a few tiny island nations in the Caribbean run investment programmes under which you can obtain a second passport for a relatively small capital investment.
It is worth noting that the modern history of investment citizenship programmes began precisely in this corner of the globe, when the Federation of SaintKitts and Nevis, back in 1984, began issuing passports to foreign investors in exchange for contributions to a fund aimed at diversifying the sugar industry.
Since then, economic immigration has become an extremely popular way of attracting foreign capital, not only in the Caribbean but also in Europe. However, the most attractive terms for investors are still offered in the region where passport programmes first emerged.
| Country | Investment option | Minimum amount | Additional fees | Application processing time |
| Contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) | $200,000 | $10,000 | 3–6 months | |
| Purchase of property | $200,000 | $85,000 | ||
and Barbuda | Contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF) | $230,000 | $18,800 | 6–8 months |
| Purchase of property | $300,000 | $18,800 | ||
| Business investment, single investor | $1,500,000 | $18,800 | ||
| Business investment, a team of investors | from $5 million in total; each investor’s share in the team is from $400,000. | $18,800 | ||
| Donation to the University of the West Indies Foundation | $260,000 | $8,800 | ||
| Contribution to the National Transformation Fund (NTF) | $235,000 | $9,000 | 6–8 months | |
| Purchase of property | $270,000 | $59,000 | ||
Lucia | Contribution to the National Economic Fund (NEF) | $240,000 | $10,000 | 3–6 months |
| Purchase of government bonds | $300,000 | $60,000 | ||
| Purchase of property | $300,000 | $40,000 | ||
| Business venture – one investor | from $3,500,000 | $60,000 | ||
| Business project – joint investment | $6,000,000, from $1,000,000 per investor | $60,000 | ||
| Business project in the housing or infrastructure sector | from $250,000 | $25,000 | ||
| Contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) | $250,000 | $10,250 | 4–6 months | |
| Participation in projects of public importance | $250,000 | $10,250 | ||
| Purchase of property in a development project | from $325,000 | $35,250 | ||
| Purchase of approved private property | $325,000 – for a flat or a share in an approved development; $600,000 if purchasing a detached house | $35,250 |
Which programme is right for you?
The Caribbean programmes discussed in this article all offer the opportunity to obtain second citizenship through investment; however, the eligibility criteria and additional benefits vary from one programme to another. Investors should therefore choose a programme based on their objectives and the additional opportunities it offers for travel, family, business and investment.
For frequent travellers
The suitability of a jurisdiction for international travel can be assessed using the annual passport rankings. Investment citizenship in the Caribbean opens up extensive opportunities for travelling abroad without the need to apply for a visa in advance.
However, when choosing a programme, it is important to consider not only the number of destinations available, but also the entry requirements for the most popular countries. With a Caribbean passport, you can visit Schengen Area countries without a visa. Meanwhile, citizens of Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda can visit the UK without a visa. Before travelling, they simply need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
A comparison of the travel opportunities offered by Caribbean passports
| Country | Destinations without a prior visa | Visa-free access to the Schengen Area | Visa-free travel to the UK | Features of the passport programme |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | 157 | Yes | Yes, with an ETA | |
| Antigua and Barbuda | 154 | Yes | Yes, with an ETA | China (visa-free) |
| Grenada | 148 | Yes | Yes, with an ETA | PRC visa-free, subject to certain conditions. E-2 visa for the USA |
| Dominica | 144 | Yes | No | China (visa-free) |
| Saint Lucia | 143 | Yes | No |
For families
When choosing a programme for the whole family, it is important to determine in advance which relatives the investor will be able to include in their application and under what conditions. Let’s compare the conditions for including family members in an applicant’s application under five Caribbean programmes:
| Country | Spouse | Children under 18 | Children over 18 | Parents, grandparents | Brothers and sisters |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Yes | Yes | Yes. Options:
| Yes. Over 55 years of age, financially dependent on the investor. | No |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Yes | Yes | Yes. Options:
| Yes. Over 55 years of age, financially dependent on the investor. | Yes, provided they are not married. |
| Dominica | Yes | Yes | Yes. Options:
| Yes. Over 65 years of age, substantially financially dependent on the investor. | No. |
| Grenada | Yes | Yes | Yes. Options:
| Yes, provided they are financially dependent on the investor. | Yes, unmarried and financially dependent on the investor. |
| Saint Lucia | Yes | Yes, up to the age of 21. | Yes. Options:
| Yes. Over 55 years of age, fully financially dependent on the investor. | Yes. If under 18, unmarried and with the consent of a parent or guardian. |
In Caribbean jurisdictions, there are mechanisms in place that allow certain family members to obtain citizenship after the investor has received their second passport. If you would like to find out more about the conditions for obtaining economic citizenship in the Caribbean for family members, book a consultation with Imperial & Legal.
In Caribbean jurisdictions, there are mechanisms in place that allow certain family members to obtain citizenship after the investor has received their second passport. If you would like to find out more about the conditions for obtaining economic citizenship in the Caribbean for family members, book a consultation with Imperial & Legal.
For business and investment
Foreign entrepreneurs choose Caribbean citizenship not only to gain visa-free access to the Schengen Area. It is not uncommon for people to participate in passport programmes in the Caribbean to gain access to unique business and investment opportunities, as well as to structure international assets and take advantage of a favourable tax regime.
Investments
- St Kitts and Nevis is of particular interest to businesspeople focused on the financial sector and international corporate structures. The country is a major financial centre in the Caribbean, where foreign entrepreneurs have access to modern banking, insurance and corporate services. This jurisdiction’s passport programme allows investments to be channelled into approved tourism infrastructure projects.
- Dominica highlights eco-tourism as one of the promising areas for investment. The island’s natural environment also offers opportunities for projects in the hospitality sector, wellness and adventure tourism, as well as maritime infrastructure. For investors, this presents an opportunity to invest in promising projects and generate income from their commercial operation.
- Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda are of interest to investors focusing on commercial property, the tourism sector and the service industry. The passport programmes of these jurisdictions allow for profitable investment in both business ventures and the construction of approved tourist facilities.
- Grenada offers a wider range of business opportunities. In addition to tourism, agribusiness, industrial manufacturing and information and communication technologies are developing here.
Taxation
For an entrepreneur, a country’s tax regime may be significant if, alongside obtaining citizenship, they are considering the possibility of running a business there. The availability of tax incentives is one of the factors to consider when choosing a citizenship-by-investment programme in a Caribbean jurisdiction.
Saint Lucia operates a territorial corporate tax system, under which resident companies are not taxed on certain types of foreign income. Tax holidays and investment incentives are available for specific sectors of the economy in this country.
In Antigua and Barbuda, as well as in Saint Kitts and Nevis, individuals are not subject to income tax. There is no capital gains tax in any of the five jurisdictions.
In all five countries under consideration, there is no separate capital gains tax. However, the sale of property may be subject to specific taxes and charges relating to the transfer of ownership.]
When choosing a Caribbean investment programme, a businessperson must take into account the overall corporate tax regime, rather than merely the absence of specific taxes. Obtaining Caribbean citizenship does not, in itself, change an investor’s tax residence, as this is determined by their place of residence and other criteria established by law.
Asset structuring
A Caribbean company or trust can be used to separate business and personal assets, to organise ownership of several companies or investment assets, and to transfer property to heirs. Such a structure can simplify the management of assets, allocate ownership rights and separate different business lines from one another.
The choice of a Caribbean country for registering a legal entity, as well as the choice of ownership structure, depends on the composition of the assets, the entrepreneur’s objectives and the requirements of the countries in which they live, conduct business and own property.
Additional benefits of Grenada
If an entrepreneur plans to set up or acquire a business in the US, they should consider Grenada’s investment programme. Citizens of this country are eligible to apply for a US E-2 long-term visa.
Of course, simply obtaining Grenadian economic citizenship does not in itself guarantee automatic issuance of an E-2 visa. However, if you are prepared to invest in a US business and meet the programme’s other requirements, a second passport opens up the possibility of applying for an investor visa to the United States.
For purchasing property and a ‘second home’
Caribbean property may appeal to those investors who wish to combine obtaining a second citizenship with owning a property for leisure, personal residence or letting. However, under Caribbean programmes, you cannot simply choose any flat or house you fancy. The government regulates not only the minimum purchase price, but also the type of property and the duration of ownership.
| Country | Minimum property investment amount | Minimum holding period for investment property | Is it possible to invest in residential property? |
| Dominica | $200,000 | 3 years | Yes |
| Antigua and Barbuda | $300,000 | 5 years | Yes |
| Grenada | $270,000 – share in an approved project; $350,000 – full ownership. | 5 years | Yes |
| Saint Lucia | $300,000 | 5 years | Yes |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | $325,000 – a flat or share in a flat; $600,000 – a private property. | 7 years | Yes, including approved private accommodation |
If the investor plans to use the property personally, when selecting a property it is worth considering not only its compliance with the programme’s requirements, but also its location, nearby infrastructure and the quality of construction.
It is also worth assessing the property’s liquidity and the costs that arise in addition to the initial investment and associated payments. The terms of a specific project may include fees for property management and maintenance, insurance, upkeep of communal areas and other additional charges. The specialists at Imperial & Legal will help you calculate these additional costs and will also carry out an independent valuation of your chosen property before you invest.
A second passport issued in a Caribbean jurisdiction is chosen not only by celebrities, popular artists and sportspeople, but also by people who value their time and freedom. For the modern individual, the ability to travel the world freely and change their place of residence from time to time has become a pressing necessity.
Our specialists will be delighted to help you find a bespoke solution for you and your family when planning for second citizenship. Our experience and expertise enable us to minimise not only the investor’s mistakes but also their personal involvement in the process of obtaining second citizenship.
The benefits of Caribbean citizenship by investment cannot be overstated. You and your family will receive a second passport that will open up the world to you. This passport will serve as a reliable ‘fallback’ in unforeseen circumstances, ensuring safety and stability. It also allows you to optimise your tax situation and simplifies financial management, making international travel easier and providing flexibility for you and your loved ones.
Economic citizenship programmes in the Caribbean
Currently, five Caribbean jurisdictions offer the most attractive terms for foreign investors. Passports from these island nations are relatively inexpensive, whilst the opportunities available to new citizens are almost on a par with those offered by citizenship of a European country.
- A passport in 3–6 months
- Fast-track procedure in 45–60 days
- Visa-free entry to over 140 countries
- Dual citizenship permitted
- Favourable tax regime
- No requirement to live in the country
- Citizenship for the whole family
- Complete confidentiality
ST KITTS AND NEVIS >
The oldest and one of the most recognised Citizenship by Investment programmes in the world. Visa-free entry to many countries, fast-track application processing and complete confidentiality in exchange for your contribution to a rapidly developing economy.
DOMINICA >
Minimum investment amount and fast application processing. A refund of the investment is possible at least 3 years after obtaining citizenship, as opposed to a minimum of 5 years under other programmes. No residency requirements or interviews.
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA >
One of the most affordable citizenship-by-investment programmes in the world. The opportunity to invest in a rapidly developing economy that is diversifying and attracting foreign capital. No requirements regarding education or work experience.
GRENADA >
An opportunity to contribute to a developing economy with significant business opportunities and potential. The only country in the Caribbean offering visa-free entry to China and the possibility of obtaining an E2 work visa, which entitles the holder to live and work in the USA.
SAINT LUCIA >
A wide range of investment options and flexible eligibility criteria. Dual citizenship is recognised, and a second passport is issued to the whole family and passed on to future generations. Low crime rates and a high quality of life.
SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
A relatively small country comprising two islands: the bustling Saint Kitts and the more secluded Nevis. This country is a popular tourist destination, but to be fair, it is more of a port of call for cruise ships passing through the islands. There is little unspoilt nature or pristine ocean beaches there, as these areas have long been developed quite intensively by humans.
The jurisdiction’s strengths include a developed economy, linked not only to the tourism and services sectors but also to the production and export of spices and cane sugar. The impressive financial and banking sector of Saint Kitts and Nevis deserves special mention, as it enables wealthy foreigners to protect their assets confidentially and carry out effective tax planning.
The Citizenship by Investment Programme in Saint Kitts and Nevis
These islands began offering passports in exchange for investment as far back as 1984. It is generally accepted that Saint Kitts and Nevis were pioneers in the field of investment citizenship. Over the past 30 years, the rules governing the passport programme have changed several times. However, this has not prevented the jurisdiction from setting the standard for similar investment programmes throughout the rest of the world.
You can obtain a St Kitts and Nevis passport by making a contribution to the economy if:
- Make a contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution fund – from $250,000 for the main applicant or a family of up to four people.
- Invest in approved property on the islands – either at least $325,000 for a flat or a share in a government-approved private development, or from $600,000 in an approved private house.
- Invest at least $325,000 in an approved property development project.
- Participate in the Public Benefit Option — contribute at least $250,000 to a government-approved project of public benefit.
When purchasing property, the property must have the appropriate status under the investment programme. The purchased property may not be sold for at least 7 years.
The costs incurred by an investor to obtain second citizenship in Saint Kitts and Nevis vary depending on the number of relatives they plan to include in their application, as, in addition to the main investment, a certain amount will be spent on registration fees, government duties and a background check.
DOMINICA
This small island nation has become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Caribbean, where modern civilisation coexists with unspoilt natural landscapes and beaches of stunning beauty. Dominica is a port of call for huge cruise liners. And following the construction of an international airport, this jurisdiction will become a major transport hub, linking the Caribbean region with the rest of the world.
For wealthy foreign nationals, Dominica is of particular interest, first and foremost, as a country offering one of the most affordable citizenship-by-investment programmes.
Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme
To become the proud holder of a Dominica passport, a foreign investor contributes to the economy of their second home in one of two ways:
- Donate funds to the government-established Economic Diversification Fund – from $200,000 for a single investor;
- Purchase a property approved by the Dominica authorities with a value of at least $200,000.
The property must be retained for at least three years from the date of obtaining citizenship. If the property is subsequently purchased by another participant in the Citizenship by Investment programme, the original investor must have owned it for at least five years. It is common practice that
Inclusion of the purchased property in the Dominica investment programme does not guarantee rental income or an increase in its value; however, many foreign investors let out their property through a management company or receive dividends.
The final cost of obtaining economic citizenship in Dominica depends on the number of relatives included in the investor’s application.
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
The rugged volcanic landscapes and picturesque beaches of the tropical islands of Antigua and Barbuda attract more and more fans of extreme sports and nature lovers from all corners of the globe every year. This small island nation also offers favourable conditions for international companies to operate.
However, what makes Antigua and Barbuda particularly interesting to us is, first and foremost, its unique investment programme.
The Citizenship by Investment Programme in Antigua and Barbuda
In this island nation, foreign nationals are offered no fewer than four options for participating in the investment programme:
- A donation of $230,000 or more to the National Development Fund. This is a rather advantageous investment option, as by contributing the specified amount, you can obtain Antigua and Barbuda passports for a family of four.
- Purchase of local property worth $300,000 or more. Various options for investing in property are permitted: sole ownership of a property or a joint purchase through a government-approved agent, the purchase of existing flats in their entirety, or shares in five-star resort hotels. After five years, you will be able to profitably resell the property on the islands and recoup a significant portion of your investment.
- A non-refundable grant to the University of the West Indies Foundation. This is one of the most attractive investment options, as you will be able to obtain citizenship for a family of six by donating just $260,000.
- Investing in a business project approved by the local authorities is suitable for foreign entrepreneurs who are considering Antigua and Barbuda as the place to register their international company. Under this option, your minimum investment must be at least $1,500,000. The minimum investment amount for a group of investors is $5,000,000, of which a single applicant’s contribution may be as little as $400,000 (provided that their business partners invest the remaining amount).
GRENADA
Grenada is a country with stunning natural landscapes and rapidly developing towns set amidst picturesque mountains and valleys. The economy of this island nation has long been linked to trade and agriculture. However, in recent years, the banking and financial services sector has been growing more rapidly. Grenada is one of the most cryptocurrency-friendly jurisdictions, which is why investors in the cryptocurrency market are drawn here like a magnet from all over the world.
Grenada’s investment citizenship programme allows holders to travel freely to the UK and EU countries. Holders of Grenadian passports can visit China without a visa. They are also eligible for a US E-2 visa, which allows them to stay in the United States for extended periods.
Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Programme
There are two ways to invest in Grenada’s economic citizenship:
- A non-refundable transfer of funds to the National Transformation Fund, established by the island’s authorities. If the application is submitted by a single investor or a family of four, the investment amount is $235,000. This figure will be higher if the programme participant includes family members in their application.
- The purchase of government-approved property. Investors can buy individual properties in their entirety (bungalows, villas, flats) or invest in the construction of modern hotels and tourist complexes. The standard investment amount is from $350,000. For certain tourism projects, it is possible to acquire a share valued at from $270,000, provided the conditions set out by the programme are met. In addition, a government fee of $50,000 is payable for investment in an approved project. As a rule, after five years of ownership, the investor sells their property in Grenada in order to recoup a significant portion of their investment.
SAINT LUCIA
Saint Lucia is one of the largest island nations in the Caribbean. It is renowned for its natural beauty, fascinating culture, distinctive cuisine and hospitable locals. As with other countries in the region, it took Saint Lucia some time after gaining independence to transform itself into a thriving tourist destination. This tropical paradise offers ideal conditions for international business.
Saint Lucia is often featured in tabloid headlines as a destination for second citizenship among millionaires and celebrities. Enterprising foreigners in this jurisdiction are offered a wide range of options for obtaining a second passport through investment.
The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme
Safety, combined with a variety of investment options, makes second citizenship in this country attractive to a wide range of foreign investors. Saint Lucia’s passport programme offers four investment options to choose from. No investment is made until the prospective programme participant’s application has been approved by the authorities. Let’s take a closer look at each of the investment options for economic citizenship in Saint Lucia:
- A non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund. If you prefer a quick solution that will effectively allow you to purchase a second passport, we recommend making a donation of at least $240,000 to the economic fund established by the government of Saint Lucia. Such a donation entitles the applicant and three members of their family – for example, a spouse and two minor children – to apply for a Saint Lucia passport.
- Purchasing property from an approved developer, with a value of at least $300,000. Investors are given the option to invest in the construction of a hotel complex or to spend more than the specified minimum on the purchase of a detached cottage or flat. After five years of ownership, the property purchased as an investment may be sold.
- Purchase of interest-free government bonds worth at least $300,000. National Action Bonds are purchased by investors for a period of five years. At the end of this period, they may be sold at the same price.
- Investing at least $3,500,000 in a business approved by the authorities. The law permits foreign entrepreneurs to make joint investments provided that the total capital investment amounts to $6,000,000 and each foreign participant’s share in the programme is at least $1,000,000. For certain approved projects, there is an option to invest from $250,000 for an applicant with up to three dependent family members.
| Tax | St Kitts and Nevis | Antigua and Barbuda | Dominica | Grenada | Saint Lucia |
| Income tax | – | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| On foreign income | – | – | – | – | – |
| On property | ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wealth tax | ✓ | – | – | – | – |
| Inheritance tax | – | – | – | – | – |
| Gifts | – | ✓ | – | – | – |
| On capital gains | – | – | – | – | – |
| Stamp duty | ✓ | ✓ | – | – | ✓ |
‘√’ — tax applies;
‘—’ — no tax applies, or the current tax rate is 0%.
What are the requirements for applicants to the Caribbean passport programme?
All five jurisdictions have broadly similar requirements for prospective applicants to the passport programme:
- The main applicant must be of legal age. In other words, you cannot invest in Caribbean citizenship until you are 18 years old;
- A passport programme participant must be of good character. Outstanding criminal convictions, pending criminal proceedings and recorded breaches of immigration law are not permitted.
The governments of the Caribbean island states carry out due diligence checks on passport programme applicants, including the main applicant and their dependants aged 16 and over (in some countries, children aged 12 and over are also checked).
This vetting process is subject to a fee and costs the main applicant between US$5,000 and US$10,000, depending on the country. The cost of due diligence for dependants ranges from US$2,000 to US$7,500, depending on their age and the jurisdiction of the future citizenship.
To find out the exact cost of due diligence and the amount of other additional fees involved in applying for investment citizenship in the Caribbean, book a consultation with one of our company’s specialists;
- The amount of the investment depends not only on the chosen country, but also on the number of persons listed in the application. The figure will be higher if the programme participant includes family members in the application;
- A mandatory condition for participation in the passport programme is the completion of an investment under one of the options available in a particular Caribbean jurisdiction;
- All dealings between the future holder of a Caribbean passport and the authorities must be conducted exclusively through an official agent of the investment programme. Agents for investment programmes are usually lawyers residing on the islands themselves, who are granted the relevant powers by the state.
Lists of authorised agents are published on the official government websites of the Caribbean jurisdictions offering citizenship by investment.
To help you obtain a Caribbean passport quickly and without the hassle of travelling to the other side of the world, please contact Imperial & Legal for assistance. Our trusted agents on the islands liaise efficiently and professionally with all government departments responsible for administering the investment programme. Consequently, your citizenship by investment will be granted remotely and within the timeframes stipulated by law.
| Country | Family members who can be included in the application |
| Grenada | Spouse, financially dependent children under 30, parents, grandparents over 55, and unmarried siblings over 18. |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Spouse, financially dependent children under 30, parents, and grandparents aged 65 or over. |
| Dominica | Spouse, financially dependent children under 30, parents, and grandparents aged 55 and over. |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Spouse, financially dependent children under the age of 30, brothers and sisters (who must not be married), parents, and grandparents aged 55 and over. |
| Saint Lucia | Spouse, financially dependent children under the age of 30, a brother or sister under the age of 18, parents, and grandparents aged 55 or over. |
Special conditions:
- It is worth mentioning separately the restrictions imposed by Saint Kitts and Nevis on citizens of certain countries. If you are the proud holder of a passport from North Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Russia or Belarus, the authorities of this Caribbean state will most likely not allow you to participate in their investment programme;
- In Dominica, partial restrictions have been introduced for nationals of Sudan, Yemen, North Korea, Russia and Belarus. Applications from such investors will only be accepted if they have not lived in their home country for the past 10 years, do not conduct business there and do not hold significant assets there;
- Holders of Antigua and Barbuda’s investment citizenship must visit their second home within five years of receiving their passports in order to be eligible to renew their citizenship. Most expats combine this ‘obligation’ with their holidays;
- Most passport programmes operating in the Caribbean involve a so-called telephone interview with the principal investor, as well as with those relatives who were included in the application for economic citizenship. Furthermore, the rules governing many Caribbean programmes stipulate that, during the application review process, the immigration authorities may ask the investor to attend a face-to-face interview.
The 3 most common myths about investment citizenship in Caribbean jurisdictions
Despite the abundance of information online regarding the intricacies of obtaining a Caribbean passport, potential investors often dispel the same myths during consultations at Imperial & Legal. Let’s take a look together at the most common misconceptions regarding participation in investment programmes in Caribbean countries.
Myth 1: Nationals of other countries can apply independently for Caribbean citizenship by investment
This is a misconception, as a foreign investor’s dealings with the relevant government authorities can only take place through a programme agent approved by the authorities. And to ensure you have a reliable representative on the islands, it is best to seek assistance from experienced immigration solicitors straight away.
During the initial consultation, the law firm will identify the best investment option, taking into account the client’s preferences and circumstances. Our specialists go a step further and carry out a preliminary assessment of the investor to objectively evaluate their chances of participating in the citizenship-by-investment programme. Our permanent representative on the island will take care of all matters relating to the preparation and submission of your documents, as well as ensuring effective communication with the department responsible for administering the investment programme. If you prefer to invest in property, an agent working with our company will carry out an additional on-site check of the developer and project you are interested in.
By working with experienced immigration solicitors, you will quickly gather all the documents required to participate in the programme and be able to obtain a Caribbean passport without leaving your own country.
Myth 2. The island nations of the Caribbean are blacklisted as offshore jurisdictions
This claim is a gross exaggeration. Recently, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and Saint Lucia have been extremely concerned about their business reputation. This is precisely why foreign investors are thoroughly vetted for reliability before being granted the opportunity to become new citizens in these countries.
Caribbean jurisdictions attract investors with a favourable tax climate and advantageous conditions for entrepreneurs, particularly when they are entering foreign markets.
There are numerous ‘blacklists’ around the world, some of which do indeed include Caribbean countries. The lists compiled by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are recognised as the most significant. The lists compiled by the OECD and the European Union are also important, and the island states mentioned earlier do not appear on them.
Myth 3. To obtain citizenship in the Caribbean, an investor must live in the country of their choice for a certain period of time
This is one of the most common misconceptions. This myth most likely arises from a confusion between two distinct processes: obtaining Caribbean citizenship through naturalisation and obtaining a passport from a Caribbean jurisdiction in return for investment. In the first case, you will indeed need to live in the country for a certain period of time before you are granted citizenship.
An investment passport is issued relatively quickly and without any requirement to live on the island for several years. What’s more, the majority of economic citizens in Caribbean countries have obtained their citizenship remotely and do not even plan to ever visit their second home in person.
$250,000
Minimum investment
2–4 months
Passport processing time
147
Countries you can visit
from 5 years
Return on investment
Fast-track passport processing in 45–60 days
$230,000
Minimum investment
3–4 months
Passport processing time
143
Countries you can visit
from 5 years
Return on investment
4 investment options
$200,000
Minimum investment
3–6 months
Passport processing time
133
Countries you can visit
from 3 years
Return on investment
Best conditions for investors without a family
$235,000
Minimum investment
3–4 months
Passport processing time
137
Countries you can visit
from 3 years
Return on investment
Eligibility for an E2 work visa in the USA
$240,000
Minimum investment
3–4 months
Passport processing time
139
Countries you can visit
from 5 years
Return on investment
4 investment options
Не секрет, что налоги в Англии весьма высокие – говорю вам это как бизнесмен, который умеет считать деньги. О переезде в какую-то другую страну мы впервые задумались ещё когда родилась наша младшая Кэрол, и вот спустя 7 лет решили, что больше тянуть не стоит. Главная причина в том, что я хотел бы оптимизировать налоги и сэкономить средства, ведь мы хотим дать детям достойное будущее. Чтобы реализовать эти планы, я решил обратиться к профессионалам!
Джейкоб, 46 летБизнесмен из ВеликобританииClients’ names and photos have been changed 5 steps to obtaining a passport
Не секрет, что налоги в Англии весьма высокие – говорю вам это как бизнесмен, который умеет считать деньги. О переезде в какую-то другую страну мы впервые задумались ещё когда родилась наша младшая Кэрол, и вот спустя 7 лет решили, что больше тянуть не стоит. Главная причина в том, что я хотел бы оптимизировать налоги и сэкономить средства, ведь мы хотим дать детям достойное будущее. Чтобы реализовать эти планы, я решил обратиться к профессионалам!
Our qualified specialists have been working successfully with investment immigration programmes in the Caribbean for many years. Our specialists are ready to assist high-net-worth individuals and their families in obtaining a second passport.
One of our company’s key principles is a personalised approach and tailor-made solutions for each client. You will therefore receive comprehensive legal support in selecting and obtaining the passport programme that best meets your needs. In complex cases, our specialists will be able to recommend possible solutions to the problem and ways of obtaining a passport from the chosen country, as well as act as intermediaries in negotiations with government authorities to achieve the best possible outcome.
The process for an investor to obtain a Caribbean passport can broadly be divided into five stages.
Seeking advice from Imperial & Legal and signing the contract
Our specialists act as intermediaries between the applicant and the government departments of Caribbean countries that operate citizenship-by-investment programmes. A consultation with an Imperial & Legal specialist can take place at our office, over the telephone or via video call.
Once the client agreement has been signed, our staff will carefully review the client’s situation to minimise the risk of refusal at the preliminary stage of preparation and to present your individual circumstances in the most favourable light.
Preparing documents and submitting the application
Our specialists will prepare all the documents required to be attached to the citizenship application. All copies of documents must be notarised and legalised.
As part of this stage, all applicants must undergo a medical examination and provide the necessary certificates.
If you are investing in property, you should select a suitable project in advance from the lists approved by the island authorities, sign a sale and purchase agreement and pay a deposit.
In addition, specialists at Imperial & Legal will carry out a preliminary background check on the main applicant and their family members.
Review of the application by the authorities
Making the investment
Receipt of citizenship and passport
Once the authorities in your chosen jurisdiction have verified that the investments have been made, you and your dependants will be issued with naturalisation certificates, on the basis of which our staff will apply for your passports.
Receiving your new Caribbean passports will be the final step on the path to second citizenship. You can collect your passports from our office, or we will send them to you via courier to the address you provide.
The entire procedure is carried out remotely; your personal presence on the islands is not required to obtain citizenship (with the exception of Antigua and Barbuda, where you must spend 5 days within a 5-year period following receipt of your passport). Holders of Caribbean passports typically seek legal support again after 5–10 years, when they need to renew their passports.
