Not only does investing in the Caribbean allow potential investors to own property or conduct business, but several countries actually offer citizenship by investment (CBI) opportunities too. These programmes have gained popularity over the years amongst HNWI and investors as they offer stability, security and possible travelling privileges. The best places to invest in the Caribbean are most definitely the ones where you can gain citizenship as well and enjoy the benefits that come with that.
What is citizenship by investment and what are the benefits?
CBI programmes offer reputable investors and HNWI to legally obtain citizenship to a country in return for an investment in their economy. It’s a win-win solution where both sides greatly benefit.
Benefits of citizenship by investment and obtaining dual citizenship include:
- Lifestyle and accessibility
- financial planning and
- physical safety and security
Why invest in the Caribbean?
Where is the Caribbean?
A sub region of the Americas, the Caribbean consists of the Caribbean Sea and its islands. Members include Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
History of CBI in the Caribbean
In 1984, the Caribbean nation of St Kitts and Nevis became the first in the world to introduce the CBI programme. Its offering remains the longest standing today.
A remarkable example of how brilliant a CBI programme can be is the one of St Kitts and Nevis. It was the heart of the sugar trade industry under British occupation in 1684. But after gaining independence in the 1900s the country introduced beet sugar as an alternative. Subsequently the “Sugar Industry Diversification Fund” was launched under the country’s new CBI programme. The Programme allowed the Federation to develop its tourism industry, which soon became the backbone of the local economy.
Although the Sustainable Growth Fund later replaced this option, St Kitts and Nevis remains an upper-middle-class country with robust healthcare services and a high literacy rate.
Main attractions
Caribbean nations are absolutely breathtaking and have a lot to offer in terms of adventure, culture and natural beauty.
The Caribbean offers the most affordable and recommended options in the industry when it comes to investment migration. Caribbean nations are also well known for high rankings when it comes to the The CBI Index, published by the Financial Times’ Professional Wealth Management magazine. The CBI Index ranks countries according to nine pillars. This allows possible investors and HNWIs to easily assess which programme would be best suited for them and their individual priorities.
Another significant reason for the popularity of Caribbean nations CBI programmes is the due diligence they apply when considering applications.
CEO of CS Global Partners, Micha Emmett, says:
“We have been doing on-going work to help countries realise the importance of protecting and enhancing not only their reputation in the international community but also ensuring that their citizens and applicants know that they are investing in reputable and trusted brands for their businesses and families.”
Also Read: Due diligence tops the list in maintaining CBI integrity
Caribbean countries that offer CBI opportunities
Only five countries offer CBI in the Caribbean, namely; Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Saint Lucia. Obtaining a CBI in one of these Caribbean nations starts from US$100,000. This amount is either given through the contribution option or by purchasing real estate.
Also Read: How to apply for citizenship by investment
Three best places to invest in the Caribbean
1. Dominica
Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme is well-established and benefits locals and investors alike. Investing in the Real Estate Investment Option means specifically choosing to invest in Dominica’s thriving tourism industry and creating jobs for the local people as well. Dominica’s goal to become a climate-resilient nation underpins every new CBI development. There are many sustainable options for you to choose from. The climate-resilient infrastructure used on the eco-resorts and hotels goes hand-in-hand with one of Dominica’s goals of taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Also Read: Real estate investment in Dominica
2. St Kitts and Nevis
The country is made up of two Caribbean islands. Both islands are rich in the culture of West Africa which also resembled the slave population in the colonial period. It’s a vibrant and festive culture that includes many carnivals and celebrations. An absolute tourist delight.
Also Read: St Kitts and Nevis one of the safest islands in the Caribbean!
3. Saint Lucia
Investors are interested in the Saint Lucia CBI programme as it offers many business opportunities.
These opportunities are available through investment options that are designed to benefit:
- the local community
- the economy
- infrastructure development
- developers
- investors, and
- education and healthcare.
Also Read: Five most luxurious places to get dual citizenship
For an in-depth look at each of these countries, their benefits and respective CBI offerings, you might want to have a look at our resource: Best citizenship by investment programmes in 2023.
