Unlock Paradise: Buy Property, Get a Passport in the Caribbean!
Explore the growing trend of the Eastern Caribbean islands offering citizenship by investment (CBI) for property buyers. Countries like Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia have opened their doors to investors willing to buy homes, starting from just $200,000. This scheme not only provides a valuable passport granting visa-free access to nearly 150 countries, including the EU and the UK, but also attracts a surge of interest fueled by political and social instability in the U.S.
Demand has skyrocketed, with some real estate agents in Antigua reporting that 70% of buyers are seeking citizenship. The lack of residency requirements and appealing tax benefits make these islands increasingly attractive for American buyers, who account for a significant portion of applications. As noted by investment migration experts, applications for these citizenship programs rose by 12% within a year.
Apart from the desire for a second passport as a safety net, many buyers cite the desirable lifestyle and business opportunities the Caribbean provides. However, this booming market has drawn criticism, with some arguing that selling citizenship commodifies national identity and may open doors for potential criminal activity. The European Union is scrutinizing these CBI programs, raising concerns about security risks and integrity.
In response, Caribbean leaders stress the economic life brought by these programs, which have generated over $1 billion for infrastructure projects, fueling essential services and initiatives. Investors can further explore different pathways to citizenship, including donations to national development funds. Amidst this backdrop, the region’s nations are also committing to improved oversight to ensure the transparency and reliability of their CBI programs, demonstrating a balancing act between attracting investment and maintaining national integrity.