Caribbean Citizenship-by-Investment Programs: A Paradigm Shift from 2026

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The era of Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programs in the Caribbean is facing profound change. What was long considered an elegant path to global mobility and wealth protection will be fundamentally redefined starting in 2026 by a series of stricter requirements. Investors seeking to take advantage of these programs face significantly higher costs and a more complex process.

The new challenges from 2026

The five Caribbean states (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia) are responding to growing pressure from international partners, particularly the European Union, with these new measures. The goal is to strengthen the integrity and security of the programs, but this results in significant restrictions for applicants:

Mandatory residency: One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a minimum stay of 30 days within the first five years of obtaining citizenship. This new requirement is intended to foster a genuine connection between the new citizen and the country and breaks with the previous practice of acquiring citizenship without any physical presence.
Central Supervisory Authority: The programs of the participating countries will be monitored by a single, central authority in the future. This harmonization serves to standardize due diligence, which may lead to more effort and longer processing times, but increases the security and transparency of the programs.
Increased complexity: Increasing bureaucracy and the desire for comprehensive controls mean more hurdles and less flexibility for potential investors in the entire application process.

Price increases and market changes

In parallel with the new requirements, the minimum investment amounts for Caribbean passports have increased significantly this year, in some cases nearly doubling. This increase reflects not only increased demand but also the island nations’ need to generate higher revenues while meeting international standards.

Experts believe prices could continue to rise in the future, as the value of these “Plan B” options increases in a geopolitically uncertain world and governments face continued pressure to maximize revenues.

Geopolitical implications: Pressure from the West

The tightened requirements and rising costs are a direct result of growing skepticism in the EU and other Western countries about the CBI programs.

The EU argues that if the programs are not strictly regulated, they pose security risks and could jeopardize the integrity of the Schengen area. As a consequence, the EU is threatening to suspend visa-free travel for citizens who have acquired their second citizenship through an investment program.

This is a significant blow to the main benefit of these passports: freedom of movement within Europe. The Western political message is clear: sovereignty over citizenship should not become a commodity.

For investors who rely on global freedom of movement, this means a reassessment of the true value of the Caribbean passport. The era of quick, affordable, and uncomplicated acquisition of second citizenship is coming to an end. Those who still want to secure this option face an urgent decision and a significantly higher financial and time investment.

We are an accredited, licensed, and authorized representative and agent of the Government of Vanuatu for the VDSP and CIIP citizenship programs. If you would like to apply for a second citizenship through either option, please contact us.

The TCME Group Worldwide as well its partner in Vanuatu are accredited, licensed and authorized agents and facilitators of the Government of Vanuatu for the citizenship programs of the VDSP and the CIIP in Vanuatu.

GCI UNIT Worldwide by TCME Worldwide Group, designs and implements customized, holistic strategies for successful investors and entrepreneurs to legally reduce their tax bills, diversify and protect their wealth, invest abroad, gain a second citizenship and live a freer life worldwide to lead.

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