If you've always dreamed of making the island life more than just a vacation, you might be interested to know that several picturesque Caribbean islands offer routes to citizenship through real estate investment, and you might just get a passport out of the deal, too. Here we share what you need to know about eight Caribbean countries that offer citizenship if you buy property there—and how exactly you can go about it.
While you can find beautiful islands all over the world, there's something special about Caribbean beaches and teal waters. Plus, on many of these islands, citizens also can enjoy a favorable tax environment and maintain dual citizenship with another country. The exact investment and process required varies by country, but we've outlined the basics of each for you below. If a particular country is of interest to you, you can dive deeper into researching programs and requirements through resources like Global Citizen Solutions or Henley Global and consider planning a trip there to see what you think of not just exploring the touristy highlights, but also living day-to-day life there. Immigration lawyers and real estate agents can provide a next level of information for you too.
Now for those Caribbean islands! Get ready to start island dreaming.
Antigua and Barbuda
You can't beat the beauty of the white sand beaches and harbor vistas on Antigua and Barbuda. Plus, its real estate investment program is one of the least expensive for families, with no additional processing fees required for up to three immediate family members. Also good to know: You can also get citizenship by donating $230,000 to Antigua and Barbuda’s National Development Fund.
Minimum investment requirement: $300,000
Dominica
Known for its lush landscape with great hiking and 365 freshwater streams, Dominica requires a smaller real estate investment than countries like St. Kitts and Nevis or Grenada, but note that the program only applies to government-approved real estate projects. You can also get Dominican citizenship by donating $200,000 to Dominica’s Economic Diversification Fund.
Minimum investment requirement: $200,000
Grenada
Its not only the picturesque beaches and mountainous rainforests that Grenada is known for. As the “Spice Isle of the Caribbean,” its production of nutmeg and other spices make the island breeze aromatic and sweet, and living there would sure make for some extra tasty culinary adventures. In addition to to its real estate route, you can get citizenship by donating $235,000 to Grenada’s National Transformation Fund.
Minimum investment requirement: $350,000 for sole ownership or $220,00 in approved commercial investment real estate
St. Kitts and Nevis
This two-island nation known for its lush beauty and undeveloped landscapes has the longest-running—and also one of the most expensive—citizenship by real estate investment programs, with a highly refined application process to boot. There are a few ways around the high price tag, though: You can make a joint real estate investment of at least $325,000 of pre-approved property, or you can donate $250,000 to the country’s Sustainable Island State Contribution.
Minimum investment requirement: $325,000 for a condominium or approved real estate development; $600,000 for a single-family dwelling
St. Lucia
You can't help but be drawn to the awe-inspiring pitons of St. Lucia, and the entry barrier price of citizen by real estate investment for this island country is fairly low. Plus, property prices themselves tend to be lower than some other islands like Antigua and Barbuda, but it must be on pre-approved government real estate. You can also get St. Lucian citizenship by donating $100,000 to the country’s National Economic Fund.
Minimum investment requirement: $200,000
Anguilla
This isle is known for its luxe accommodations and for the second-largest barrier reef in the world, both which make it a dreamy place to live. On the island, you can become a permanent resident in exchange for a real estate investment, and then after five years of residency with 183 days a year of physically residing on the island, you can apply for citizenship.
Minimum investment requirement: $750,000
Cayman Islands
Perhaps best known for its lack of taxes and of course its island beauty, Cayman Islands has a higher barrier to citizenship through real estate investment. You can get permanent residence on the island through real estate investment, and the after five years with no absences of more than 90 days at a time and if you have an annual salary of at least $150,000 in foreign income, you can apply for residency.
There’s a lower cost barrier on the islands of Little Cayman or Little Barac though: $90,000 in income and $600,000 investment with $300,000 in property.
Minimum investment requirement: $600,000 in property and $1,200,000 total
Turks and Caicos Islands
The lush Turks and Caicos Islands is the last British Caribbean territory offering permanent residence by real estate investment, but it comes with a million-dollar price tag and a high residency requirement before thinking about citizenship.
There are exceptions on the cost minimums for the islands of Grand Turk, Salt Cay, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, and North Caicos, though, with an investment requirement of only $300,000. After 10 years of continuous residence in the island nation, you can at last apply for citizenship.
Minimum investment requirement: $1,000,0000
