Citizenship by Investment: Caribbean Islands Offer Passports with Property Purchases

Sat Oct 18 2025 16:08:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Caribbean is seeing a surge in demand for citizenship by investment, with several nations providing passports through real estate purchases amid political unrest in the U.S.

Property buyers in Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia can gain citizenship through real estate investments starting at $200,000. The trend is driven by a desire for second citizenship among U.S. citizens looking for alternatives amid domestic political instability, while also raising ethical and security concerns regarding the programs.

The Caribbean islands are becoming increasingly attractive for those seeking a second passport through real estate investments, with five nations offering citizenship to buyers. Countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia have introduced citizenship by investment (CBI) schemes to spur economic growth, allowing individuals to gain a passport by purchasing property starting at $200,000 (£145,000).

The demand for such citizenship options has surged, especially among U.S. citizens seeking alternatives due to political and social challenges at home. Nadia Dyson, an estate agent in Antigua, reports that up to 70% of her clients are seeking citizenship alongside property purchases, a significant shift from previous buyer demographics.

Additionally, these passports offer visa-free access to over 150 countries, including the UK and various nations in Europe, making them appealing for global travelers and businesspeople. The islands' lack of capital gains and inheritance taxes further enhance their attractiveness to affluent investors.

Experts reveal that since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in Caribbean CBI programs has increased by 12%, indicating a growing trend of Americans wanting a hedge against the uncertainties back home. The programs have become somewhat controversial, however, raising concerns about the commodification of citizenship and the potential for financial crime, prompting scrutiny from EU authorities.

Despite these controversies, the governments of Caribbean nations have defended the integrity of their CBI initiatives, asserting their positive economic impact, such as funding critical infrastructure projects. As these countries navigate international pressures and the need for revenue, they are also implementing measures to strengthen oversight on CBI operations, thus aiming to maintain both integrity and public support for these programs.

Overall, the surge in real estate-based citizenship applications illustrates the Caribbean's evolving role as a sanctuary for those looking for a new passport, whether for lifestyle or strategic reasons, amid a landscape marked by changing global dynamics.