Caribbean Islands Offer Passports for Property Investment with Visa-Free Access to Over 150 Countries

Five Caribbean nations—Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia—are attracting wealthy investors with a unique offer: purchase property or invest in these countries, and receive citizenship through their Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. By investing a minimum of $200,000 in real estate, buyers can obtain a passport that grants visa-free access to over 150 countries, including the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom.

These island nations also provide tax incentives, such as exemptions on capital gains and inheritance taxes, and in some cases, income tax relief, making them particularly appealing to affluent individuals. According to Nadia Dyson, owner of Luxury Locations in Antigua, demand for properties has surged, with 70% of buyers seeking citizenship, primarily from the United States. She attributes this trend to political instability in the U.S., noting that many buyers view citizenship as a safeguard. “We’ve never sold so many homes before,” Dyson said, adding that some buyers are relocating permanently, despite no residency requirement in Antigua’s CBI program.

Henley & Partners, a UK-based investment migration consultancy, reports a 12% increase in CBI applications from the fourth quarter of 2024, with U.S. citizens forming the largest group of applicants, followed by those from Ukraine, Turkey, Nigeria, and China. Dominik Volek from Henley & Partners highlighted that concerns like gun violence and antisemitism in the U.S. are driving demand. “For most, a second citizenship is like insurance against uncertainty,” Volek said, adding that a Caribbean passport also appeals to business travelers for its political neutrality. The programs have faced scrutiny, however. Critics, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, argue that citizenship should not be commodified. The European Union has threatened to revoke visa-free access for these countries, citing risks of misuse, while the U.S. has raised concerns about tax evasion and financial crimes. The European Commission is monitoring the programs to ensure they do not undermine security or visa policies. In response, Caribbean leaders defend their CBI schemes. Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit called his country’s program “reliable and transparent,” while St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre emphasized strict security standards. Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne credited the program with saving the country from bankruptcy over the past decade. To address international concerns, the islands are establishing a regional regulatory body to enhance oversight.

Beyond real estate, citizenship can be obtained through contributions to national development funds, starting at $200,000 for a single applicant in Dominica and up to $250,000 for a family of four in Dominica and St. Kitts. Antigua also offers a $260,000 donation option to the University of the West Indies. These programs contribute 10-30% to the islands’ GDP, enjoying strong local support, according to St. Kitts journalist Andre Huie.