Five Caribbean citizenship by investment programs have options of purchasing real estate. Those options are refundable, and allow investors to earn dividends throughout the entire ownership. Today, we compare the best countries for that,
St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment in real estate
Minimum real estate investment requirement is:
- $200,000 for shared ownership;
- $400,000 in full ownership.
Real estate must be held for at least 7 years for the $200,000 option, or 5 years for the $400,000 option before resale.
The real estate market in St Kitts and Nevis has experienced steady growth over the past decade. Property values have risen by 5—7% annually, driven by international investor demand and the limited availability of prime beachfront properties.
Luxury villas, beachfront condos, and boutique hotels are the primary targets for investors. For example, hotel shares provide returns through hotel revenue.
Properties in tourism-related sectors are also on the rise. Retail spaces and restaurants near popular tourist areas offer potential for solid rental returns.
Focus areas for investment include properties near Frigate Bay and the South Peninsula, where tourism development is most concentrated. These areas offer prime opportunities for short-term rental returns.
St Lucia Citizenship by Investment in real estate
Minimum real estate investment requirement is $300,000 in a government-approved real estate. Investors must hold their property for at least 5 years before resale.
St Lucia’s real estate market is experiencing steady growth, with property prices rising by 4—5% annually. The island’s reputation as a luxury destination and its expanding tourism industry are key drivers of this growth.
Luxury villas, beachfront properties, and eco-resorts are in demand. Notable developments include Canelles Resort, offering luxury villas and apartments with potential rental income from tourism.
Commercial real estate is also expanding, particularly in Castries, the capital, and popular tourist areas. Retail spaces, office buildings, and hospitality projects offer strong potential.
Areas near Hewanorra International Airport, where infrastructure improvements are underway, are increasingly attractive for commercial investments. The southern part of the island is expected to see growth in tourism-related projects, presenting further opportunities for investors.
Dominica Citizenship by Investment in real estate
Minimum real estate investment requirement in order to get Dominica citizenship is $200,000 in a government-approved real estate. Investors must hold their property for at least 3 years before resale.
Dominica’s real estate market has gained interest through the Citizenship by Investment program. Property prices have increased by 3—5% annually, largely driven by demand for eco-tourism and sustainable development projects.
Eco-lodges, boutique hotels, and nature resorts are popular choices. A prime example is the Secret Bay Resort, a luxury eco-resort where investors can buy shares and benefit from hotel revenues while supporting sustainable tourism.
Commercial investments in the hospitality and tourism sectors are also growing. Areas near the capital, Roseau, and eco-tourism hubs like Portsmouth offer strong potential returns.
Properties near eco-tourism spots like the Waitukubuli National Trail are promising, as eco-tourism continues to expand. Additionally, sectors like retail, hospitality, and sustainable agriculture offer room for growth in Dominica’s developing commercial landscape.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment in real estate
Minimum real estate investment requirement is $300,000 in a government-approved real estate. Investors must hold their property for at least 5 years before resale.
The real estate market in Antigua and Barbuda has shown steady growth, particularly in the luxury segment. Property prices have risen by 4—6% annually, with beachfront properties and high-end villas seeing high demand.
Luxury resorts, beachfront condos, and private villas are in demand, with their rental income potential from tourism. Commercial real estate is expanding, particularly in St John’s and tourist areas like Jolly Harbour. Retail, hospitality, and marina developments offer promising investment opportunities.
Investors can explore projects in the yachting industry, with marinas and related facilities generating solid returns. English Harbour is a prime location for commercial investments, attracting yacht owners and tourists during the high season.
Grenada Citizenship by Investment in real estate
Minimum real estate investment requirement is $270,000 in a government-approved real estate. Investors must hold their property for at least 5 years before resale.
Grenada’s real estate market has experienced strong growth, with property prices rising by 6—8% annually, especially in the luxury and tourism sectors. The island’s ambition to become a regional hub for conferences and events is set to boost demand for commercial properties, particularly hotels and event venues. Investors should consider areas near key tourism hotspots for solid returns.
High-end resorts, private villas, and boutique hotels are popular among investors, offering strong returns due to the growing tourism sector.
Commercial real estate is expanding, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors. St. George’s, the capital, presents opportunities for retail and office space, while areas near Grand Anse Beach are prime for tourism-related investments.
How to invest in a Caribbean real estate and get citizenship
When applying for a Caribbean investment program, many steps are similar across all the countries. Below is an outline without country-specific nuance.
- Find a licensed agent of the Caribbean programs. Investors are prohibited from applying directly, it must be done through an authorized third party.
- Select real estate for the investment. Make sure it’s government-approved. Your licensed agent will be able to show you the available titles: the whole process can be remote.
- Sign a preliminary agreement. It typically requires a deposit between 10 and 15% for property reservation.
- Prepare and submit the application. Work with your licensed agent to gather the necessary documents, including your ID, criminal record certificate, and financial documents. The agent will forward the application to the required government body in the Caribbean.
- Wait for the approval. The government will conduct a thorough Due Diligence to evaluate your application. It can take several months.
- Finalise the investment. If approved, you transfer the remaining investment funds and become an owner of your reserved property.
- Obtain citizenship. After the investment is confirmed, you will receive citizenship and a passport.
Summing up
Caribbean passport by property investment can be obtained in five countries: St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and Grenada. Investors can choose government-approved properties that align with their goals and provide a route to citizenship and a growing real estate market with solid return potential.
