Understanding the New Minimum Investment Requirements for Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs

In response to the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed earlier this year, significant changes have been made to the minimum investment thresholds for Citizenship by Investment (CIP) programs across the Caribbean. These changes aim to harmonize the investment requirements and enhance the integrity of the programs. Here, we provide a detailed comparison of the new minimum investment thresholds for the five Caribbean countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis, and St Lucia.

Antigua & Barbuda

The Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) recently issued a memo outlining the new proposed investment thresholds. Although the implementation has been delayed by 30 days to complete the necessary parliamentary approval process, the new thresholds are as follows:

• Donation Route:
  • Family of 1 to 4: US$230,000
  • Family of 5 or more: US$245,000
• University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund: US$300,000
• Real Estate Investment: US$325,000
• Processing Fees: Remain unchanged at US$30,000 for a single applicant up to a family of 4, and reduced to US$10,000 for each additional dependent for families of 5 or more.

Dominica

Dominica has announced new thresholds for its Citizenship by Investment Program, effective July 1st:

• Contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF):
  • Single applicant: US$200,000
  • Main applicant with up to three dependents: US$250,000
  • Additional dependents under 18: US$25,000
  • Additional dependents 18 or older: US$40,000
• Real Estate Investment: Remains unchanged at US$200,000, with the following government fees:
  • Main applicant: US$75,000
  • Main applicant and up to three dependents: US$100,000
  • Additional dependents under 18: US$25,000
  • Additional dependents 18 or older: US$40,000

Grenada

Grenada’s new Citizenship by Investment Program thresholds, effective July 1st, are:

• National Transformation Fund (NTF) Contribution:
  • Family of up to 4: US$235,000
  • Additional dependents: US$25,000 for children and parents or grandparents over 55; US$50,000 for parents or grandparents under 55; US$75,000 for dependent siblings
• Section 11 Approved Real Estate Investment Projects:
  • Family of up to 4: US$270,000

St Kitts & Nevis

St Kitts & Nevis had already implemented the new investment thresholds before the rest of the countries, so no changes:

• Donation Route (Sustainable Growth Fund):
  • Single applicant: US$250,000
  • Family of up to 4: US$300,000
  • Additional dependents: US$45,000 per dependent
• Real Estate Investment: US$400,000

St Lucia

Starting July 1st, St Lucia’s new thresholds will be:

• National Economic Fund Contribution:
  • Applicant with up to three dependents: US$240,000
  • Additional dependents under 18: US$10,000
  • Additional dependents 18 or older: US$20,000
  • Newborn child (up to 12 months): US$5,000
  • Spouse: US$35,000
  • Other dependents: US$25,000
• Real Estate Investment: US$300,000 plus applicable administration fees
• Enterprise Projects: US$250,000 plus applicable administration fees for an applicant with up to three dependents

The changes in the minimum investment thresholds across the Caribbean CIPs are significant and reflect a unified effort to enhance the value and integrity of these programs. With Antigua & Barbuda delaying the implementation by 30 days, potential investors have a small window to take advantage of the current lower thresholds. At Citizens International, we are here to help you navigate these changes and optimize your investment strategy. Please reach out to set up a free consultation to learn how these new thresholds can shape your journey toward Caribbean citizenship.