A surge in demand for second passports is sweeping worldwide. Once considered a niche strategy, multiple citizenship is now a key element of financial and personal planning, with record numbers of High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) seeking greater global mobility and economic opportunities. This trend is not confined to countries with limited passport power, such as those in the Middle East and Southeast Asia; even ultra-wealthy individuals from the United States are joining the wave.
Advisers to family offices report unprecedented interest, with clients viewing second citizenship as a tool to unlock visa-free travel, secure alternative domiciles, and expand their business globally. The concept of the “passport portfolio” is fast gaining traction as a way to hedge against the risks of single-country citizenship, just like the concept of diversifying financial portfolios.
A second passport offers a powerful safety net against shifting political landscapes, economic uncertainties, or sudden travel restrictions.
But what is the best and easiest route to second passports? According to Caribbean Golden Passport Advisors, the five Caribbean Islands with Citizenship By Investment schemes offer the most straightforward and transparent opportunities, with the benefits including visa-free travel to more than 140 countries (such as the UK, Europe Schengen states, India, China, Russia, Brazil, and Argentina), tax and business advantages as well as security and safety. The passports are valid for life and can be passed on to future generations. Below is a brief guide. For more information and the latest details, get in touch with a specialist.
1. Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI programme options start at a $230,000 National Development Fund Contribution or a $325,000 real estate investment. There are also several business establishment options, whether for joint or individual investment. The process is generally smooth and takes about three to four months, allowing the whole family to be included in the application. One unique requirement is spending five days in the country during the first five years of citizenship. Antigua’s citizenship grants visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the UK and European Schengen States, adding significant value for global travellers.
2. Dominica
Dominica CBI programme requires a $200,000 donation to the Economic Diversification Fund or a real estate investment of the same amount. As opposed to Antigua, there is no physical residency required; however, Dominican passport holders, while having global mobility benefits, don’t have visa-free travel to the UK and China. Processing is efficient, taking roughly three to four months.
3. Grenada
Known as the “Spice Isle”, with gorgeous beaches and friendly culture, Grenada offers a citizenship-by-investment route to a second passport starting at a $235,000 National Transformation Fund Contribution or a $270,000 property investment. There is no physical residency requirement. Along with all the global mobility benefits, including visa-free travel to the UK, Europe’s Schengen states, India, China, Russia, Brazil and Argentina, one major appeal of Grenada’s programme is its E-2 Investor Visa treaty with the United States for residents. A four-to-six-month application period is smooth, and you need to make the investment only after receiving approval.
4. St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis offers the world’s oldest Citizenship by Investment programme, dating back to 1984. For $250,000, investors can become citizens by making a Sustainable Island State Contribution or Public Benefit Option Contribution. Real Estate Investment alternatives start at $400,000. The process is straightforward, with no residency requirement. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel includes more than 150 countries, similar to the Grenada passport, except for visa-free access to China.
5. St. Lucia
The beautiful island of St. Lucia rounds out the list of five. Starting with a $240,000 National Economic Fund Contribution or a $300,000 Government Bonds or real estate investment, applicants can gain citizenship within four to six months. There is no physical residency requirement. The passport allows visa-free travel to around 146 countries, similar to the Grenada passport, except for visa-free access to China and Russia.
Making Your Move
Each island offers a unique mix of benefits. Get in touch for an informal chat to find out more, or check the cost calculator for various options in each programme.
