A rising number of property listings in the Eastern Caribbean now come with an added bonus beyond turquoise waters and island serenity — a second passport.
Amid growing political and social tension in the United States, Americans are increasingly turning to citizenship by investment (CBI) schemes offered by five Caribbean nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. For investments starting at $200,000, typically through real estate or donations, individuals can gain citizenship that offers visa-free access to over 150 countries, including Europe’s Schengen zone and, in most cases, the UK.
The region’s tax-neutral status, which offers no capital gains, inheritance, or sometimes income tax, also appeals to wealthy buyers. CBI applicants are allowed to retain their original citizenship, further enhancing the schemes’ appeal.
In Antigua, real estate professionals report a surge in demand. Nadia Dyson, owner of Luxury Locations, says U.S. buyers now dominate the market. “Up to 70 per cent of all buyers want citizenship, and the vast majority are Americans,” said Dyson. “This time last year, it was mostly lifestyle buyers. Now nearly everyone says, ‘I want a house with citizenship.’”
Although Antigua’s CBI programme does not require residency, some applicants are relocating permanently. Investment migration firm Henley & Partners reports a 12 per cent uptick in applications since late 2024, with Americans leading the charge, followed by nationals from Ukraine, Turkey, Nigeria, and China.
The pandemic marked a turning point. Before COVID-19, American interest in CBI was negligible. But travel restrictions and the political fallout of the 2020 and 2024 elections triggered a wave of applications. Henley has since opened eight U.S. offices, with more planned.
Not all are convinced. When Antigua introduced its programme in 2012, protests erupted. “People felt we were selling our identity,” recalls former Speaker Gisele Isaac. Critics, including St Vincent’s Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, argue that citizenship should not be commodified.
International concerns have also grown. The European Union and United States have raised red flags about potential misuse for financial crimes and tax evasion. The EU is evaluating whether such schemes undermine visa-free agreements and has warned of possible suspension. Caribbean leaders have responded with reforms and committed to stricter oversight, including enhanced due diligence, mandatory interviews, and the creation of a regional regulatory body.
Despite controversy, CBI programmes remain financially vital. In some islands, passport sales represent 10–30 per cent of GDP. Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne said CBI revenue helped pull his country from near bankruptcy.
In addition to property, applicants can opt for national fund donations, with costs varying by country and family size. In Antigua, contributions to the University of the West Indies are also accepted.
St Kitts journalist Andre Huie says public sentiment is generally supportive. “People understand how critical this is for the economy,” he said. “They’ve seen the benefits firsthand.”
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