Caribbean Citizenship: What makes it so popular?

The gorgeous beaches and magnificent seashores are just some of the attractions that make the Caribbean Islands appealing. The beautiful group of island nations in this region offers some of the best citizenship by investment programs. These programs have a short processing period, provide visa-free entry to over 140 countries, and numerous other benefits.

In this article, we will see what makes the citizenship of the Caribbean islands so popular among potential investors and those looking for dual citizenship. There are five Caribbean countries that offer citizenship under this program-

• Dominica
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Grenada
• St Lucia
• St Kitts and Nevis

For details about what Dominica and Grenada offer through these programs, take a look at our blog, which is about some of the best Citizenship By Investment programs that are available.

What are the benefits?

Apart from the fact that you can visit so many other countries visa-free with Caribbean citizenship, the waiting period to get a US visa also reduces drastically. This is because you can apply through the E-2 visa treaty or the B-1/B-2 visa programs, which offer quick access to the country. The typical wait time for a US visa can be up to 6 months and, in some cases, even longer. Apart from the US, you get visa-free entry to the European Union’s Schengen area and the UK as well as to countries that are usually tough to enter, such as China and Russia.

The benefits of Caribbean citizenship are not limited to easy access to so many countries; there is much more to it, some of which are stated below.

• A major benefit of holding a Caribbean passport is that it can allow you entry to countries with closed borders, in case of an emergency. You will not be denied entry. 

• Another highlight is that you and your immediate family can receive citizenship at the same time. 

• In most cases, you will also not have to let go of other citizenships that you hold. The Caribbean islands are lenient in such matters. 

• The tax benefits are numerous. There is no tax on personal income or tax on wealth and inheritance. 

• In Grenada, you are also exempt from import duties.

How does the citizenship by investment program work in each country?

Rules differ for each country as to how long an applicant is required to be physically present in the country after they receive their citizenship (like in Antigua and Barbuda, you are only required to be present for 5 days in the first 5 years of citizenship).

 One thing is common to all of them: the investment costs increase with the number of family members included in the application. Another thing to keep in mind is that you will have to pay for due diligence (background check) in some countries like Dominica and other government fees while applying for citizenship. 

For an easier understanding of how each country offers its citizenship program, check out the table below.

 

The eligibility criteria are simple for most of the five countries. As an applicant, you should have an outstanding character, no criminal record, and a clean bill of health. 

As you can see, the hassle-free and short processing period combined with the tremendous benefits that come along with Caribbean citizenship is the main reason why it has become so popular among people. The Caribbean Islands are a perfect getaway, but more than that, they offer you amazing opportunities to make it your second home. Apply Now to begin your journey to living a happy life in the Caribbean. The magnificent islands are calling!