The Best Retirement Destinations in the Caribbean

The world is full of attractive options when you want to retire abroad. Some regions, however, offer more than warm weather and a dream lifestyle. 

The Caribbean is one of those regions, delivering the perfect balance with its idyllic location, premium living, and financial incentives through smart citizenship programs. Each one presents varying options for your retirement goals, family size, and lifestyle needs. 

Find your perfect island home from among the best retirement destinations in the Caribbean.

 

1. Antigua and Barbuda

Prestige, privacy, and prosperity have made the twin island nation a premier destination for high net worth individuals and investors. Antigua and Barbuda’s business-friendly policies combined with world-class infrastructure, and a growing mix of international citizens make it one of the best countries to retire to in the Caribbean. 

With your Antigua & Barbuda citizenship, you can:

• Travel visa-free to more than 150 countries
• Gain dual and lifetime citizenship
• Be exempt from capital gains, estate taxes, and taxes on foreign income

 

You have multiple pathways to citizenship, which can be processed in four to six months:

• Government Donation: This route requires a minimum investment of $230,000. 

• Real Estate Purchase: Invest a minimum of $300,000 in a CIP-approved real estate development.

• Business Investment: A minimum of $400,000 investment is required for this route.

• University Donation: A minimum investment of $300,000 entitles one member of the family to a one-year and tuition-only scholarship to the University of the West Indies.

 

With its year-round tropical climate, Antigua and Barbuda has become a hub for the elite yachting circle. If the yachting life sounds like an enticing way to start your new chapter, then this luxury island would be the best place to live for retirement.

 

2. Dominica

Nicknamed the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean,” Dominica might remind you of Hawaii for its rich flora and fauna. The difference is that the cost of living in this Caribbean paradise is a lot more affordable than in the U.S. state.

The former British colony offers two routes to citizenship: government donation and real estate purchase, both of which require a minimum investment of $200,000. The processing time takes about four to six months, and there are no physical residency requirements. 

Since Dominica has no restriction on dual citizenship, you can still retain your own nationality and have the freedom to travel to and from your home country during retirement. With your Dominica investment citizenship, you can travel visa-free to 143 countries.

You also have the option to bring dependent parents and grandparents 65 and over, or dependent unmarried children up to 30 years of age. Real estate, food, and daily expenses are generally affordable, making it one of the more inexpensive countries to retire​ to.

Like most Caribbean countries, Dominica offers tax-friendly policies; your foreign income isn’t taxed and you’ll be safe from double taxation. Dominica is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and a treaty partner of the U.S.

 

3. St. Kitts and Nevis

The Caribbean island is breathtaking from every angle, with its misty rainforests, lush mountain ranges, and shores that go from champagne gold to volcanic black. 

Amid this picturesque backdrop lies a thriving two-island country with world-class amenities, including golf courses, a mega-yacht marina, and private beach clubs. Its strategic location also allows direct air access from New York, London, Toronto, and other international cities. With its growing high-end tourism real estate, St. Kitts and Nevis is one the best retirement countries if you’re still growing your investment portfolio.

The island has one of the quickest turnaround times, offering 60-day fast track processing for applications. Other applications typically take about four to six months.

The St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship program offers two routes:

 

Government Donation

A minimum investment of $250,000 is the requirement.

 

Real Estate Purchase

Invest a minimum of $325,000 in approved development projects.

 

4. Grenada

Grenada is recognized as the “Spice Island,” since it’s the world’s largest exporter of nutmeg and mace. It’s a stunning little island that Travel + Leisure named as one of the best places to travel in 2025. 

With its golden beaches, unspoilt beauty, growing culinary scene, and a friendly community, this Caribbean island can become more than your dream holiday destination. Grenada also offers a low-cost of living, making it one of the best expatriate retirement countries.

The Spice Island offers three pathways to citizenship by investment:

• Government Donation: A minimum investment of $230,000 is the requirement.

• Real Estate Share: Invest a minimum of $270,000 in approved development projects.

• Real Estate Whole: A minimum investment of $350,000 is the requirement.

 

With your Grenada citizenship, you can:

• Travel visa-free to more than 144 countries, including China and Russia
• Gain dual and lifetime citizenship
• Be exempt from capital gains tax, estate taxes, and worldwide income taxes

 

Choosing the Best Retirement Destinations

With  13 sovereign islands and 17 dependent territories, only a handful offer citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean. The cost of living, citizenship requirements, tax benefits, residential developments, and expat communities vary among the islands.

You’ll want some due diligence done before choosing the best country to retire in the Caribbean.

Citizens International can help you weigh your options for retirement destinations across the islands. With an experienced team working directly with the government and partners on the ground, we’re able to tailor solutions to your requirements. 

Book a free consultation today.