A seaside villa, a modern apartment, or a luxury resort residence can be more than just a property purchase when tied to a citizenship-by-investment program (CBI).
The real estate investment pathway in the Caribbean offers a path to greater security, enhanced mobility, and entry into a new market. In addition to the promise of a better lifestyle, these projects are carefully structured to meet government requirements and provide a legitimate route to citizenship.
When you buy property to get citizenship in the Caribbean, you can gain both a tangible asset and access to a broader world of opportunities. In Antigua and Barbuda, citizens also benefit from no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax, making it an especially attractive destination for those seeking both financial and lifestyle advantages.
Your Guide to a Successful CBI Process
The Caribbean citizenship investment process involves following a methodical set of steps and requirements. We’re here to help you navigate your journey to make sure everything goes smoothly from reservation to residency.
1. Work with an authorized citizenship consultant.
The CBI program involves more than signing a contract and buying the property. Each step requires coordination with developers or owners, government authorities, and legal teams. Working with an authorized citizenship consultant can help streamline all processes and protect your investment.
At Citizens International, we work directly with our sister company, Elmsbridge, a long-established real estate developer responsible for several government-approved developments in Antigua. This partnership gives our clients a direct line into the projects themselves, ensuring transparency, reliable communication, and confidence in the process from start to finish.
A consultant brings experience and knowledge of program rules, ensuring that your application meets all the requirements. They can guide you throughout your investment journey, including the real estate due diligence in the CBI process, and anticipate and deal with issues that may slow down the approval.
Consultants specializing in Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment programs and other Caribbean countries can also act as a bridge between you and lawyers and other local professionals who can help you with your application.
A consultant can help you understand real estate transactions and the citizenship pathway. This allows you to save time, reduce risk, and keep everything on track until you get your passport and make the move.
2. Choose the right program.
Five Caribbean countries currently offer CBI programs. These are:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominica
- Grenada
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
Although these countries offer access to citizenship through real estate investment, they still have differences. Consider these factors when choosing the right program for you.
Start by looking into the minimum investment amounts and related fees.. Antigua and Barbuda offers the most cost-effective option for families of six or more members. Dominica is the most affordable option for single applicants.
The Caribbean islands with CBI programs are known for their powerful passports. For instance, the Antigua and Barbuda passport provides visa-free travel to over 150 countries. You can select this country if you want more global mobility.
However, if you intend to invest in a business in the USA, consider Grenada, which is the only Caribbean nation whose citizens qualify for the E-2 Investor visa.
3. Invest in a CBI-approved real estate project.
Once you have chosen which program to invest in, look for government-approved properties to ensure your investment counts toward your application.
Consider other factors in your purchase as well to maximize your investment. Search for developments with good amenities and convenient access if you’re looking for a vacation or retirement home.
Find a property with high projected rental yields, long-term market value, and property management options if you intend to turn it into a rental.
Also, choose the right location. Properties near beaches, popular tourist areas, and airports tend to hold strong rental and resale potential.
For those considering Antigua, explore The Gardens by Elmsbridge — a 37-home community in Jolly Harbour approved under Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI program. With villas starting at USD 300,000, buyers can qualify for citizenship while owning a high-quality property designed for lifestyle and investment returns.
4. Reserve the property.
When you have chosen your property, you or your lawyer must sign the presale agreement. At this stage, you need to pay an advance or reservation fee, typically 10% of the total price, which can be held in escrow.
Ensure you understand the rules regarding property ownership before signing the agreement.
The Antigua citizenship real estate requirement states you must hold the property for at least five years, which means you can’t sell it within this period.
5. Prepare your requirements.
Prepare all the necessary requirements to submit with your completed application form after making the reservation. These requirements include:
- Current passport
- Proof of income
- Bank documents
- Police clearance
- Medical clearance
- Documents confirming the reserved property
- Other personal and financial documents
Your dependents who are applying at the same time as you must submit the same requirements.
You need to provide your application pack to your authorized consultant, who will then submit it to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). You must also pay for due diligence and 10% of the government processing fees.
6. Prepare for the interview and other due diligence checks.
The CIU will review your application upon receiving it. This is often referred to as the due diligence period.
This period includes undergoing a mandatory interview. Applicants 18 and older applying under the Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica CBI programs must prepare for a virtual interview.
For the Grenada Citizenship by Investment program, the main applicant and their fellow applicants 17 and older must undergo an automated virtual interview.
Applicants for the St. Kitts and Nevis real estate investment program are eligible to attend a virtual or in-person interview.
The St. Lucia CBI program requires only the main applicant to undergo a virtual or in-person interview.
Prepare for the interview by going over your application form and copies of the requirements you submitted. Ensure you are familiar with your travel history and have valid reasons for obtaining a second citizenship.
In addition to the interview, the CIU will conduct other checks to verify your financial and personal history.
7. Complete your application.
If your application is approved, you will get a letter stating it is “Approved in Principle.” You must complete your investment and pay any remaining fees within the timeframe specified in the conditional approval.
Once done, send the receipts and documents to confirm you completed your real estate purchase and paid the remaining fees to CIU.
Once CIU receives these, they will issue a certificate of registration to you and your fellow applicants. You need to submit these and other requirements to the passport office.
If you want to know how to finalize your citizenship after property purchase, your consultant will inform you when to visit the nearest embassy, High Commission, or Consular Office of the issuing country to take the oath and collect your passport.
Another option is to go to your chosen country to get your passport and take the oath of allegiance.
Once you complete all these steps, you will obtain your second citizenship and be able to reside in your chosen Caribbean country.
The entire citizenship application by property investment timeline can take up to eight to 10 months.
Unlocking a Clear Path to Caribbean Citizenship
Obtaining citizenship through real estate investment is not just about buying property. It is about making informed decisions at every stage.
When you combine your property purchase with citizenship, you gain the added financial benefit of Antigua’s no personal income, inheritance, or capital gains taxes—a structure that protects your wealth and supports long-term investment growth.
By working with Citizens International and our partner Elmsbridge, you can invest with confidence in developments that meet all government criteria, are fully approved, and provide peace of mind knowing you’re connected directly to the project team on the ground.
Speak with our consultants to start your CBI real estate purchase journey.
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