Article Overview
Five Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment (CBI): Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda. Each grants full citizenship, usually within months, in exchange for a contribution to a national fund or an investment in approved real estate. For families from Pakistan and the UAE, the main attractions are wider travel access, a second citizenship and planning flexibility. This guide compares the programmes.
A common minimum since 2024
In 2024, the five countries agreed on a shared minimum price of USD 200,000 for the main donation option, and they have increased due diligence and cooperation between programmes. A regional regulator is also being set up to oversee standards. This has narrowed price differences and made checks stricter across the region.
The five programmes at a glance
Dominica
Usually the lowest entry price, with a contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund from about USD 200,000 for a single applicant, or approved real estate. Dominica is known for a long-established programme and straightforward requirements.
Antigua and Barbuda
A National Development Fund contribution of about USD 230,000, which is often attractive for families because the price can cover a family of up to four. Applicants must spend a short period in the country within the first five years.
Grenada
A National Transformation Fund contribution of about USD 235,000, or approved real estate. Grenada has an E-2 treaty with the United States, which allows eligible Grenadian citizens to apply for a US E-2 investor visa. Learn more about our Grenada E-2 service.
St Lucia
A National Economic Fund contribution of about USD 240,000, plus options in real estate, approved enterprise projects and government bonds.
St Kitts and Nevis
The oldest programme, with a Sustainable Island State Contribution of about USD 250,000, and real estate options starting higher. It is often seen as a premium programme.
How to compare
- Total cost: include government fees, due diligence fees and family member costs, not only the headline contribution.
- Family: rules on including children, parents and siblings differ.
- Investment type: a donation is not recoverable; real estate may be sold after a holding period but has its own costs.
- Residency rules: most programmes have no or minimal residence requirements; Antigua requires a short visit.
- Special features: for example Grenada's E-2 treaty access.
- Processing time: often a few months, depending on due diligence.
The application process
- Choose a programme and investment option.
- Appoint an authorised agent, as applications are submitted through licensed agents.
- Prepare documents: passports, birth and marriage certificates, police certificates, proof of funds and source of wealth, medical certificates.
- Due diligence checks by the programme.
- Approval in principle, then payment of the contribution or completion of the investment.
- Citizenship certificate and passport issued.
Due diligence and source of funds
All programmes run detailed background checks. You must explain clearly where your investment money came from, with documents such as business accounts, property sale deeds or salary records. Incomplete source-of-wealth evidence is one of the most common causes of delay.
Things to consider
Travel access depends on other countries' decisions and can change. Check how your current citizenship treats dual nationality and consider tax advice in your country of residence before applying.
How ZANS Consultants can help
We compare programmes for your family, explain the costs and prepare your file for submission through authorised channels. Learn more about our citizenship by investment services for Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda, or book a consultation.
General information only: CBI prices, options and rules change. Check the current requirements with the official citizenship units before applying. Each government makes the final decision on every application.
