St Kitts: Scroll through homes for sale in the Eastern Caribbean, and it’s no longer just the beaches and laid-back lifestyle attracting buyers. Increasingly, property listings are offering a passport too—an option gaining traction due to political and social volatility in the US.
According to BBC, five Caribbean island nations—Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia—offer citizenship by investment (CBI) starting at $200,000. The unstable political climate in the US is seen as a significant factor driving this trend. The demand for homes with citizenship options has surged, especially among US citizens, who have become the predominant applicants in the past year.
Henley and Partners, investment migration experts, report that other frequent applicants come from Ukraine, Turkey, Nigeria, and China. The firm notes a 12% increase in applications for Caribbean CBI programs since the fourth quarter of 2024. Dominic Volek from the consultancy points out that the ease of travel with Caribbean passports is appealing to businesspeople, offering a security benefit that some US clients seek.
Despite the absence of residency requirements in programs like Antigua’s, some purchasers plan full-time relocations. Robert Taylor from Canada invested $200,000 in Antigua and plans to retire there, valuing the freedom and business opportunities citizenship affords.
However, these programs face controversy. Critics argue that selling passports compromises national identity and could facilitate criminal activities. The European Union has threatened to withdraw visa-free access for Caribbean CBI countries, citing potential security risks. Caribbean nations have responded by strengthening oversight, including establishing a regional regulator and agreeing to enhanced due diligence measures with the US.
Caribbean governments defend the economic benefits of CBI programs, which have raised over $1 billion since 1993, funding infrastructure and disaster recovery efforts. In St Lucia, Prime Minister Philip J Pierre asserts the island’s commitment to high security standards. Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne credits CBI funds with averting national bankruptcy.
Despite international scrutiny, CBI programs remain economically vital for these islands, contributing significantly to GDP. Local journalists note widespread public support for CBI initiatives, appreciating the economic stability they provide.