17 January 2026
By Publisher Ray Carmen
For those with an eye for both luxury living and strategic investment, the Caribbean is offering more than sun, sea, and sand. Across the region, select islands now offer citizenship by investment (CBI) programs, allowing buyers not only to own a slice of paradise but also to secure a passport—sometimes faster than you can say “tropical escape.”
While “golden visas” were the must-have ticket just a year ago, CBI programs are the new frontier. Islands including St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and now St. Vincent and the Grenadines are welcoming investors willing to either contribute to government development projects or purchase government-approved real estate. These initiatives are designed to stimulate local economies, create jobs, and attract global attention—while rewarding investors with full citizenship.
“It’s a win-win,” explains Basil Mohr-Elzeki, Miami-based managing partner at Henley & Partners, specialists in residency and citizenship planning. “The investor’s family gains a passport. The country gains investment that leads to jobs and infrastructure. It’s a smart approach for both sides.”
Why Move Quickly?
CBI programs are gaining momentum, and regulations may tighten soon. According to reports from the European Commission, over 100,000 passports have been issued in the region since 2014, but increased global scrutiny on security and migration could lead to stricter rules.
“St. Kitts will soon shift toward a merit-based program,” Mohr-Elzeki adds, “requiring a genuine connection to the island—through physical presence, business creation, or other measurable contributions. Other islands are rumored to be raising investment thresholds as demand climbs.”
The recent U.S. decision to suspend visa processing from 75 countries, including many Caribbean nations, has only accelerated interest from American buyers. Applications from U.S. nationals skyrocketed from 5% of total CBI requests in 2018 to around 40% in 2025, a staggering 2,425% increase.
“Ironically, many Americans are now seeking these neutral passports,” says Dominique Silvera, co-founder of Christie’s International Real Estate Barbados. “For global business, a neutral Caribbean passport can offer strategic mobility in a complicated world.”
Choosing Your Island
Each island brings its own flavor of opportunity. Barbados entices with world-class golf, breathtaking landscapes, and natural beauty, while Antigua offers strong potential for capital appreciation. Dominica appeals to those seeking affordable property investments and quick approvals, and St. Kitts remains a favorite for tax efficiency and visa-free access to 155 countries.
Grenada stands apart, offering access to a U.S. E2 visa, a two-year work and residency permit for investors who commit substantial capital to Stateside ventures—a unique bridge for Middle Eastern, Asian, or global entrepreneurs eyeing American markets.
Expert Guidance is Key
Securing citizenship isn’t as simple as writing a check. Governments conduct rigorous due diligence, ensuring passports are granted only to applicants meeting strict criteria. Approvals can take six to eight months, with consultant fees around $40,000–$60,000 and government costs adding another $10,000–$20,000.
“An experienced agent or lawyer is essential,” Mohr-Elzeki advises. “A misstep in paperwork can mean delays or even rejection. These programs are serious and highly regulated for security reasons.”
For those ready to embrace both tropical luxury and a strategic passport, the Caribbean’s islands-by-investmentprograms offer a rare opportunity—where lifestyle, business, and global mobility converge in one sun-drenched package.
