Residency /
Citizenship by Investment
Citizenship by Investment
CARIBBEAN CITIZENSHIP / RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT
Caribbean Residency & Citizenship: Security. Opportunity. Peace of mind.
Welcome! Several countries in the Caribbean
have adopted programs that allow the acquisition of citizenship
on the basis of an investment and/or a direct contribution to further
the countries' economic development. Countries offering the most popular citizenship by investment programs include Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia. Investment options include contributions (donations) to specific government initiatives, as well as residential or commercial real estate.
International business executives, investors, and important persons who are active worldwide consider an alternative citizenship and passport a powerful tool for international tax planning and a safety net should the living conditions at home become unbearable. The applicant and his family receive full citizenship and passports.
Because Antigua & Barbuda as well as St. Kitts & Nevis are member countries of the Commonwealth citizens are entitled to certain privileges in the UK and other Commonwealth countries. A passport from these countries allows visa-free travel to over 100 countries including Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK and the EU Schengen Area countries.
Investors may select from several options to meet the citizenship by investment criteria, including real estate. Given good air links to Europe and North America the most popular investment options include residential real estate such as a vacation home for personal use, or commercial real estate in the form of a rental property for income generation purposes.
Caribbean Citizenship Program Details
Holders of a passport issued by these Caribbean countries enjoy visa free travel to over 100 countries, including the UK, Canada and the European Union, specifically all European countries of the Schengen area. Passport holders require a visa to enter the US as these countries are not a member of the Visa Waiver Program.
Comparison Table:
Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda is an independent Commonwealth state in the Eastern Caribbean. Following its independence from Britain in 1981, Antigua’s key industry is tourism and related service industries. The next largest employers are the financial services industry and the government.With some 365 beaches of clean clear turquoise waters, the lush tropical island of Antigua is an inviting paradise and considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. As a result, tourism is the key driver of GDP and generates around 60% of the island’s income, with key target markets being the US, Canada and Europe.
Investors must choose one of the following three investment options (excluding processing fees):
A) An investment of at least US$ 400,000 in an approved Antigua real estate project to be held for a minimum of five years, OR
B) An investment of at least US$ 1,500,000 directly into an eligible business, OR
C) A non-refundable contribution (donation) in the amount of at least US$ 100,000 to the country's National Development Fund.
The principal applicant may include a spouse, dependent children and parents on the same application. Processing time in Antigua & Barbuda can be as fast as five to six months.
St. Kitts & Nevis
The Citizenship Program of St. Christopher (St. Kitts) was established in 1984 and is one of the longest established economic citizenship programs in existence. The program requires applicants to make an economic contribution to the country. In exchange, they and their families are granted full citizenship.St. Kitts & Nevis is an independent English speaking country of two islands, offering a well-established political and legal system since the country is a member of British Commonwealth. Benefits include no personal income tax, a stable currency, a well-established financial infrastructure, corporate incentives, and an investor-friendly government.
To qualify for citizenship, the applicant must select one of three options (excluding processing fees):
A) An investment of at least US$ 400,000 in one of the approved Saint Kitts real-estate developments in addition to paying government fees, other fees and taxes, OR
B) An investment of at least US$ 200,000 USD in a government approved real estate project (property to be held for 7 years), OR
C) A non-refundable contribution (donation) of only US$ 150,000 (for a single applicant) under the Sustainable Growth Fund.
There are no language tests, no medical tests, and new citizens do not need to reside in the country. The processing time for St. Kitts & Nevis can be as short as 90 days, but depending on the option chosen might require up to ten months.
Grenada
Grenada gained independence from the British in 1974 and is a full member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), as well as the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program commenced in August 2013 by virtue of Act No.15, 2013, also known as the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Act.Grenada Citizenship offers visa-free travel to over 100 countries, including the European Schengen Area. Eligible dependents include the spouse and children under the age of 25 years, as well as dependent parents above the age of 65.
Grenada's citizenship by investment program provides for two options (excluding processing fees):
A) A non-refundable contribution (donation) to the National Transformation Fund of US$ 150,000 (single applicant), OR
B) An investment in Government-approved projects, which includes real estate developments such as villas and resorts, in the minimum amount of US$ 220,000.
Further, Grenada passport holders may apply for the E-2 visa of the United States. The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa especially for those who would like to visit the US anytime for business or live in the country. The visa is initially valid for 2 years, and may be renewed for a maximum of 5 years.
There is no physical stay requirement, and the application process can be as fast as 3 - 4 months.
DOMINICA
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program has been in existence since 1993 and is legally entrenched in the Dominican Constitution. The program requires an applicant to make an economic contribution to the country and, in exchange, the applicant and his or her family obtain full Dominican citizenship.Applicants for citizenship must be at least 21 years of age, of good character, without criminal records and who are willing to make the required investment in Dominica.
Dominica's citizenship by investment program provides for two options (excluding processing fees):
A) A non-refundable contribution (donation) to the Economic Diversification Fund of US$ 100,000 (single applicant), OR
B) An investment in Government-approved real estate of at least US$ 200,000.
There is no physical stay requirement, and the application process can be as fast as 3 - 4 months.
St. Lucia
The citizenship by investment program of St. Lucia for a single applicant starts at US$ 135,000 including all fees and all investments (higher for families).The investment options include (excluding processing fees):
A) A non-refundable contribution (donation) to the National Economic Fund of US$ 100,000 (single applicant), OR
B) An investment of at least US$ 250,000 into 0% Covid-19 Relief Bonds (until Dec. 31, 2020), holding these bonds for at least 5 years, OR
C) An investment of at least US$ 300,000 directly into an approved real estate development to be held for at least five years, OR
D) An investment of at least US$ 500,000 directly into St. Lucia government bonds to be held for at least five years, OR
E) An investment of at least US$ 3,500,000 into an approved corporate business project that creates at least three local jobs.
Applicants for citizenship must be at least 21 years of age, of good character, and without criminal records.
There is no physical stay requirement, and the application process can be as fast as 3 - 4 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are some of the reasons these citizenship by investment programs are attracting so many international investors?
A: International business executives, investors, and important persons who are active worldwide consider an alternative citizenship and passport a powerful tool for international tax planning and a safety net should the living conditions at home become unbearable.Applicants realize that a Caribbean citizenship provides several benefits, including:
• Visa free travel to over 100 countries, including the UK, Canada,
and Europe
• Retirement in a safe country with a warm climate
• A better education for the applicant’s children
• Children and grand children gain visa free travel and the right to live, work, or study in many countries
• A better quality of life for the family, including better healthcare and an unpolluted environment
• Relatively low real estate prices
• Personal security
• Tax advantages
• Freedom associated with having multiple passports
• Retirement in a safe country with a warm climate
• A better education for the applicant’s children
• Children and grand children gain visa free travel and the right to live, work, or study in many countries
• A better quality of life for the family, including better healthcare and an unpolluted environment
• Relatively low real estate prices
• Personal security
• Tax advantages
• Freedom associated with having multiple passports
Q: What is the minimum investment to obtain the citizenship and passport of a Caribbean country, such as Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, or St. Lucia?
A: There are several investment options available, including:
Antigua and Barbuda
Option #A: An investment of at least US$ 400,000 in an approved Antigua real estate project to be held for a minimum of five years, OR
Option #B: An investment of at least US$ 1,500,000 directly into an eligible business, OR
Option #C: A non-refundable contribution (donation) in the amount of at least US$ 100,000 to the country's National Development Fund.
St. Kitts and Nevis
Option #A: An investment of at least US$ 400,000 in an approved St. Kitts real estate project to be held for a minimum of five years, OR
Option #B: An investment of at least US$ 200,000 USD in a government approved real estate project (property to be held for 7 years), OR
Option #C: A non-refundable contribution (donation) in the amount of at least US$ 150,000 to the country's Sustainable Growth Fund.
Grenada
Option #A: A non-refundable contribution (donation) to the National Transformation Fund of US$ 150,000 (single applicant), OR
Option #B: An investment in Government-approved projects, which includes real estate developments such as villas and resorts, in the minimum amount of US$ 220,000.
Dominica
Option #A: A non-refundable contribution (donation) to the Economic Diversification Fund of US$ 100,000 (single applicant), OR
Option #B: An investment in Government-approved real estate of at least US$ 200,000.
St. Lucia
Option #A: A non-refundable contribution (donation) to the National Economic Fund of US$ 100,000 (single applicant, higher for families), OR
Option #B: An investment of at least US$ 250,000 into 0% Covid-19 Relief Bonds (until Dec. 31, 2020), holding period of at least 5 years, OR
Option #C: An investment of at least US$ 300,000 directly into an approved real estate development to be held for at least five years, OR
Option #D: An investment of at least US$ 500,000 directly into St. Lucia government bonds to be held for at least five years, OR
Option #E: An investment of at least US$ 3,500,000 into an approved corporate business project that creates at least three local jobs.
NOTE: The above listed options exclude processing fees. Please contact
us for a complete quotation that includes all fees. Option #A: An investment of at least US$ 400,000 in an approved Antigua real estate project to be held for a minimum of five years, OR
Option #B: An investment of at least US$ 1,500,000 directly into an eligible business, OR
Option #C: A non-refundable contribution (donation) in the amount of at least US$ 100,000 to the country's National Development Fund.
St. Kitts and Nevis
Option #A: An investment of at least US$ 400,000 in an approved St. Kitts real estate project to be held for a minimum of five years, OR
Option #B: An investment of at least US$ 200,000 USD in a government approved real estate project (property to be held for 7 years), OR
Option #C: A non-refundable contribution (donation) in the amount of at least US$ 150,000 to the country's Sustainable Growth Fund.
Grenada
Option #A: A non-refundable contribution (donation) to the National Transformation Fund of US$ 150,000 (single applicant), OR
Option #B: An investment in Government-approved projects, which includes real estate developments such as villas and resorts, in the minimum amount of US$ 220,000.
Dominica
Option #A: A non-refundable contribution (donation) to the Economic Diversification Fund of US$ 100,000 (single applicant), OR
Option #B: An investment in Government-approved real estate of at least US$ 200,000.
St. Lucia
Option #A: A non-refundable contribution (donation) to the National Economic Fund of US$ 100,000 (single applicant, higher for families), OR
Option #B: An investment of at least US$ 250,000 into 0% Covid-19 Relief Bonds (until Dec. 31, 2020), holding period of at least 5 years, OR
Option #C: An investment of at least US$ 300,000 directly into an approved real estate development to be held for at least five years, OR
Option #D: An investment of at least US$ 500,000 directly into St. Lucia government bonds to be held for at least five years, OR
Option #E: An investment of at least US$ 3,500,000 into an approved corporate business project that creates at least three local jobs.
Q: Can I include my family in my application?
A: Yes. The investment options of all Caribbean countries allow for dependents. ‘Dependent’ usually refers to: (1) children under the age of 18, (2) children between the age of 18 and 25 who are full-time students and financially dependent on the main applicant, and (3) parents or grandparents over the age of 65 years old, if they are living with or fully supported by the main applicant.Q: Will a Caribbean citizenship automatically grant me European citizenship?
A: No, because the Caribbean countries are not members of the EU. However, holders of a passport issued by a Caribbean nation enjoy visa free travel for up to 90 days to many countries, including the European Union, specifically all European countries of the Schengen area.If you are interested in European residency or citizenship please review the programs offered by Bulgaria, Cyprus or Malta.
Q: Will a Caribbean citizenship automatically grant me visa-free travel to the United States?
A: No, because the Caribbean countries are not members of the United States visa waiver program. If you are interested in US residency or citizenship please review the United States EB-5 program.Q: Will my citizenship expire?
A: No. When you acquire citizenship under a Caribbean citizenship program, you and your family enjoy full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent.Q: How long does it take to get the citizenship and passport? What is the process?
A: Typically, the full process of obtaining citizenship will take between five to six months (Antigua & Barbuda), 90 days to ten months (St. Kitts & Nevis), or three to four months (Grenada, Dominica, St. Lucia). Upon request, a complete set of required forms as well as an application guide with detailed explanations regarding all forms and documents will be prepared and sent to you by courier.Q: Do the Caribbean programs allow me to keep my original citizenship?
A: Yes. There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in the Caribbean. The acquisition of citizenship is not reported to other countries.Q: How will new citizens be taxed?
A: Residents of Antigua and Barbuda benefit from no capital gains tax or estate taxes. Income taxes are progressive, ranging from 10% to 25% on taxable income. Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda are not taxed on their worldwide income but only on income sourced within Antigua and Barbuda.Residents of St. Kitts & Nevis enjoy no direct personal taxes whatsoever. Even if citizens reside on the islands, they will not be subject to personal income tax, estate duty, inheritance or succession taxes, gift taxes or net worth tax.
Similar regulations apply to other Caribbean nations of Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia.
Q: Can you help me find a real estate agent in the Caribbean?
A: Yes. We would be happy to help you find your ideal residential and/or commercial real estate property. Our associated real estate firms can send you a comprehensive overview of the available properties and can advise on the best options depending on your individual situation and requirements. Popular investment choices include residential real estate, such as a second home or vacation property, or commercial real estate for income generation purposes.Q: What are some of the most popular immigration by investment programs worldwide?
A: The Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment Program offers several investment options starting from EUR 257,000 plus fees for Bulgaria (EU) citizenship and passport after 5 years in residency status.The Cyprus Residency by Investment Program offers several investment options from EUR 300,000 for Cyprus (EU) permanent residency. Residents may apply for citizenship after 7 years in residency status.
The Greece Golden Visa allows non-EU applicants to file for Greece (EU) permanent residency by way of a EUR 250,000 investment in local real estate. The investor may file for Greek citizenship after 7 years of living in Greece at a minimum of 183 days per year.
The Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment regulation provides the applicant with Malta (EU) residency and citizenship & passport for an investment in the amount of EUR 600,000 (36 months residency option) or EUR 750,000 (12 months residency option). Additional are a philanthropic donation, a property purchase or rental, and fees. For applicants who are only seeking Malta (tax) residency or Schengen travel benefits, options start at an annual recurring expense of EUR 15,000 plus property and fees.
The Monaco Residency / Citizenship Program offers Monaco permanent residency to applicants who can prove sufficient accommodations and financial self-sufficiency. The applicant may file for Monaco citizenship after 10 years of permanent residency.
The Portugal Golden Visa Residence Permit Program offers Portugal (EU) permanent residency for a property investment starting from EUR 280,000. Investors may apply for Portugal citizenship after 5 years in residency status.
The Spain Golden Visa offers Spain (EU) permanent residency for a EUR 500,000 minimum investment in real estate, or a EUR 1 Million Euro asset transfer, or a 2 Million Euro securities investment, or the creation of a new government-approved business project. The investor may file for citizenship after 10 years in residency status.
Outside of the EU, citizenship by investment programs include those offered by Turkey, Vanuatu, Canada, the United States of America, and the Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia:
Turkey offers the Turkish citizenship and passport for a property purchases of at least USD 400,000.
Vanuatu offers the Vanuatu citizenship and passport for a donation starting at USD 130,000.
Canada offers several residency by investment options, leading to citizenship if desired, starting at CAD 200,000.
The United States EB-5 Program leads to permanent residency status and citizenship in the United States for a minimum investment of USD 900,000 in a commercial enterprise in the U.S. that generates at least 10 jobs for Americans. After 5 years as a permanent resident the investor may apply for U.S. citizenship.
The Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia offer citizenship programs requiring a real estate investment from USD 200,000 or a non-refundable donation of at least USD 100,000.
Q: What does "Schengen Area" mean?
A: The citizenship of a Caribbean country allows you to travel for up to 90 days without a visa across the "Schengen Area" of the European Union. The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and immigration controls at their common borders. It functions as a single country for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. Source: WikipediaPlease contact us using the contact form below for a detailed cost estimate or confidential consultation. Our associated attorneys are ready to assist you with attaining your investment objectives and answer any questions you might have about the Caribbean Residency / Citizenship by Investment programs.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Contact us for a free, detailed cost estimate or confidential consultation by email (or phone / office visit, if preferred). To start the application process online please register here.
We will reply to your inquiry by email within one hour!
If you prefer to meet in person at any of the offices please send us your dates of travel so that we may coordinate a time most convenient for you.
Our team of associates in the Caribbean includes immigration specialists working exclusively on citizenship & residence matters and will stand by your side throughout the entire application process, from start to finish. The team will work with you until your residence or citizenship by investment application has been approved and you have received your residence certificate or Caribbean-country passport.
Do you have any questions? Use our contact form to receive a reply today.
Zenturo Ltd.
Residency & Citizenship by Investment Programs WorldwideCaribbean Office: St. Kitts
394A / 395A, Triq il-Kbira San Guzepp
Santa Venera, SVR 1016
Malta
Phone: +356 9950 5515
WhatsApp: +356 9991 4125
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Skype: Zenturo Ltd. Support
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General Counsel: legal@zenturo.zenturo.com
Company Registration No.: C-39472
VAT ID: MT-18142026
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Zenturo Ltd. is a global professional services firm with an international reach, providing services to businesses and high-net-worth individuals worldwide since 2006.
Our technology-centric approach offers client support at the lowest cost possible without fees charged by intermediaries.
Transparency, honesty, and integrity are at the core of our values.
Our immigration attorneys are government-licensed Authorized Registered Mandatories, a designation required by the Malta Government to file Malta citizenship or residency by investment applications. License: AKM-BALD
We offer several communication channels, including email, phone, chat, Zoom, and private in-office meetings.
Zenturo Ltd.
Residency & Citizenship by Investment Programs Worldwide
394A / 395A, Triq il-Kbira San Guzepp
Santa Venera, SVR 1016
Malta
Phone: +356 9950 5515
WhatsApp: +356 9991 4125
Telegram: +356 9991 4125
WeChat: ZenturoSupport
Skype: Zenturo Ltd. Support
Service Inquiries: service@zenturo.zenturo.com
General Counsel: legal@zenturo.zenturo.com
Company Registration No.: C-39472
VAT ID: MT-18142026
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