Direct citizenship through investment in 1-6 months. No residency requirements. 140-157 visa-free countries. Family included. Lifetime validity.
CBI programs grant citizenship and passport directly through qualifying donations or real estate investments. No prior residency required.
Make a qualifying investment (donation or real estate), pass due diligence, receive citizenship and passport typically within 3-6 months. No requirement to live in the country.
Fast processing (1-6 months vs 5-10 years for residency programs), visa-free travel 140-157 countries, tax optimization, family security, business opportunities, generational wealth transfer.
High-net-worth individuals seeking travel freedom, tax planning, business expansion, family safety, diversification. Entrepreneurs, investors, families prioritizing mobility and security.
6 Caribbean & Pacific citizenship programs with varying investment amounts and benefits
Oldest CBI program (1984)
Best for large families
Only Caribbean with US treaty
Flexible investment routes
Most affordable Caribbean CBI
1-2 month processing record
Side-by-side comparison of all 6 citizenship programs
| Country | Min. Investment | Processing Time | Visa-Free | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Kitts & Nevis | $250K | 4-6 months | 157 countries | Oldest program (1984), Platinum standard |
| Antigua & Barbuda | $230K (family of 4) | 3-6 months | 151 countries | Best for families, UWI Fund option |
| Grenada | $235K | 3-6 months | 144 countries | ONLY Caribbean with US E-2 treaty |
| St. Lucia | $240K donation / $300K bond | 3-6 months | 146 countries | Refundable bond option (5 years) |
| Dominica | $200K | 3-6 months | 143 countries | LOWEST Caribbean cost, Nature Isle |
| Vanuatu | $130K | 1-2 months | ~130 countries | FASTEST processing, 0% tax haven |
Typical 6-step process for citizenship by investment
Schedule consultation with CBI specialist. Assess eligibility, choose program, review requirements and timeline.
Gather documents: passports, birth certificates, police clearances, bank statements, professional references, source of funds.
Submit complete application to CBI Unit. Pay processing fees. Application enters government review queue.
Government conducts thorough background checks. Verify source of funds, character assessment, security clearances. 2-4 months typical.
Receive approval in principle. Make qualifying investment (donation or real estate). Submit proof to government.
Receive citizenship certificate and passport. Oath of allegiance (some programs). Full citizenship rights activated.
Consult with our citizenship specialists to determine the best CBI program for your situation
Your step-by-step journey to securing residency by investment
Work with our advisors to evaluate your goals, family situation, and investment preferences. We'll help you compare Golden Visa programs across tax efficiency, mobility benefits, processing times, and long-term citizenship potential to identify your optimal pathway.
Gather required documentation including proof of funds, clean criminal record, health insurance, and source of wealth verification. Our team ensures your application meets all compliance standards and regulatory requirements before submission. Review detailed program requirements.
Complete your qualifying investment—whether real estate purchase, fund investment, government bonds, or business capital transfer. We coordinate with vetted partners including attorneys, fund managers, and real estate agents to ensure secure, compliant transactions.
Submit your complete application to the relevant immigration authority. Processing times vary by country (3-12 months typically). We track your application status and liaise with government offices throughout the review period.
Upon approval, receive your residency permit and biometric card. We guide you through initial registration requirements, tax registration (if applicable), and help you understand your ongoing obligations including minimal stay requirements and renewal procedures.
Want a deeper understanding of program requirements? Read our comprehensive Investment Migration Guide.
Everything you need to know about Golden Visa programs
The most affordable Golden Visa programs start at approximately €250,000-€300,000. Greece, Hungary, Latvia, and Italy offer EU residency starting at €250,000. Outside Europe, Panama and Egypt offer programs starting at $300,000. However, "cheapest" doesn't always mean "best value"—consider processing times, mobility benefits, taxation, and citizenship pathways when evaluating programs.
Several EU Golden Visa programs offer pathways to citizenship: Portugal (5 years), Greece (7 years), Italy (10 years), Hungary (8 years), and Latvia (10 years). Malta offers a direct citizenship option through their premium program. Each country has specific language requirements, residency day counts, and integration criteria. Learn more in our Portugal citizenship update.
Yes, most Golden Visa programs allow you to include immediate family members: spouse/partner and dependent children (typically under 18-26 years old). Many programs also permit inclusion of dependent parents or in-laws. Family members receive the same residency rights as the main applicant. However, investment amounts may increase slightly for larger families, and each family member must pass due diligence checks. Review specific program requirements for family inclusion details.
A Golden Visa grants residency rights (permission to live and work in a country), while citizenship by investment (CBI) grants full citizenship and a passport immediately. Golden Visas typically require maintaining an investment and renewing permits, with an optional pathway to citizenship after several years of residency. CBI programs offer instant citizenship but usually require larger investments ($100,000-$200,000+). Caribbean nations like St. Kitts, Grenada, and Dominica offer CBI programs. Learn more about passport stacking strategies.
Tax obligations depend on tax residency, not immigration residency. Most Golden Visa programs have minimal or no physical presence requirements, allowing you to avoid becoming a tax resident. However, if you spend 183+ days per year in the country, you typically become a tax resident. Portugal offers NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) tax regime, UAE has 0% income tax, and Portugal's Golden Visa requires only 7 days/year presence. Consult with our advisors and tax professionals to structure your residency for optimal tax efficiency. Read our UAE vs Panama tax comparison.
Most programs require maintaining your investment for a minimum holding period (typically 5-7 years) to maintain residency validity and qualify for citizenship. Selling before the required period may result in residency permit cancellation. However, after fulfilling the minimum holding period and securing citizenship, you can typically liquidate your investment. Some programs like Greece allow rental income during the holding period. Fund investments typically have defined lock-up periods. Review our real estate vs funds analysis for detailed investment strategies.
Yes, Golden Visa programs can change or close with limited notice. Portugal ended real estate options in 2023, focusing only on fund investments. The UK and Ireland closed their programs entirely. EU-wide pressure exists to harmonize or restrict these programs due to concerns about money laundering, housing affordability, and security. However, many countries rely heavily on Golden Visa revenue and maintain strong programs. We constantly monitor regulatory changes—subscribe to our Intelligence Hub for updates. The golden rule: act on current opportunities rather than waiting for potential future programs.
Expert insights, market analysis, and comprehensive guides
In-depth analysis comparing Portugal, Greece, and Malta programs including investment structures, processing times, and citizenship pathways.
Read the full comparison →Complete breakdown of Portugal's €500K fund investment route following the closure of real estate options in 2023.
Explore Portugal funds →Which investment vehicle offers better returns, liquidity, and residency security? Data-driven comparison across EU programs.
Compare investment types →Comparative analysis of tax-optimized residency strategies in two leading jurisdictions for entrepreneurs and investors.
Read tax comparison →How to build a portfolio of residencies and citizenships for maximum global mobility, tax optimization, and risk mitigation.
Learn passport stacking →Comprehensive overview of the global residency and citizenship by investment landscape with program requirements.
Read full guide →Analysis of Mauritius's updated residency program including new investment thresholds and tax implications.
Explore Mauritius →Access our complete library of market intelligence, regulatory updates, and strategic analysis on global mobility.
Browse all intelligence →Interactive tool to explore and compare citizenship and residency options based on your specific goals and constraints.
Try the simulator →Our expert advisors will help you navigate the application process, select the optimal program for your goals, and execute your investment with confidence.