Antigua, Grenada, Dominica: Citizenship-related Visas Explained

ET CONTRIBUTORS | Published: May 06, 2024, 01:42:23 PM IST

Synopsis

Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada and Dominica each grant citizenship in return for a non-refundable contribution or an approved real estate investment. Minimum investments start at USD 150,000 in Grenada, USD 200,000 in Dominica and USD 230,000 in Antigua and Barbuda. Travel access now differs sharply between the three, and for an Indian applicant any of them replaces Indian citizenship rather than adding to it.

The Caribbean region offers a range of citizenship options through its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. Travel access is no longer uniform: Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada nationals can visit the UK without a visa but need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), while Dominica nationals have needed a UK visa since 19 July 2023. None of the three passports gives visa-free entry to the United States or Canada, and Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica nationals have been subject to a partial US entry suspension under Presidential Proclamation 10998 since 1 January 2026. All three currently have visa-free access to the Schengen Area, but the EU's revised visa suspension mechanism treats the operation of a citizenship-by-investment scheme as a ground for suspending that access, so it may change.

Antigua

Antigua and Barbuda grants citizenship for a non-refundable contribution of USD 230,000 to the National Development Fund, the same amount whatever the family size, or for an investment of at least USD 300,000 in approved real estate, which cannot be resold for five years. A University of the West Indies Fund option and a business investment route (from USD 1.5 million for a sole investor) are also available. Antigua and Barbuda nationals can visit the UK with an ETA and the Schengen Area visa-free. Since 1 January 2026, US Presidential Proclamation 10998 has partially suspended entry for Antigua and Barbuda nationals, including new B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M and J student visas; existing valid US visas continue to be honoured. Antigua also requires citizens to spend at least 5 days in the country within the first five years of obtaining citizenship.

Grenada

Grenada grants citizenship for a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund of USD 150,000 for a single applicant (USD 200,000 for a family of four), or for an investment in government-approved real estate of USD 220,000 in projects approved at that price option, or USD 350,000 in other approved projects, plus a USD 50,000 government fee. Grenada's published USD 150,000 figure sits below the USD 200,000 minimum the Eastern Caribbean citizenship-by-investment countries agreed for 1 July 2024, so it may change at short notice; XIPHIAS confirms the current figure with Grenada's Citizenship by Investment Committee before filing. Grenadian nationals can visit the UK with an ETA and the Schengen Area visa-free, and Grenada is not named in US Proclamation 10998. Grenada is also a US E-2 treaty country (in force since 3 March 1989); whether an individual investor qualifies for an E-2 visa is decided by US consular officers.

Dominica

Dominica grants citizenship for a non-refundable contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund of USD 200,000 for a single applicant, or USD 250,000 for a main applicant with up to three dependants (the amounts in force since 1 July 2024), or for an investment of at least USD 200,000 in government-authorised real estate, plus government fees. Every applicant aged 16 and over attends a mandatory interview. Dominica nationals have needed a visa for the UK since 19 July 2023, and since 1 January 2026 US Proclamation 10998 has partially suspended entry for Dominica nationals on the same terms as for Antigua and Barbuda. Schengen access is currently visa-free.

These CBI programs are designed to promote foreign investment and enhance the economic infrastructure of these island nations. They offer various investment avenues, including monetary contributions to national development funds, investment in real estate, or investing in approved business ventures. The application process is rigorous, ensuring that all potential citizens meet the nation's eligibility criteria and uphold its reputation on the global stage.

CARICOM and the Single Market

CARICOM, the Caribbean Community, is a regional organisation that promotes economic integration and cooperation among its 15 member states, with five further associate members. Its CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) facilitates the movement of goods, services, skills and capital and the right of establishment, enabling nationals of participating member states to set up businesses across the region. Travel access, by contrast, depends on each country's own passport, not on CARICOM membership.

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs Comparison

The Caribbean region offers a diverse array of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs which share common benefits that make them attractive options for investors seeking a second citizenship. The region's favourable climate, stunning landscapes, low cost of living, and low crime rates make it an appealing choice for those looking for a peaceful and secure environment to reside in.

Furthermore, all Caribbean CBI programs allow multiple citizenships. India does not: under Section 9(1) of the Citizenship Act 1955, an Indian citizen who voluntarily acquires another citizenship ceases to be an Indian citizen automatically. The Indian passport must be surrendered, and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is available afterwards, but OCI is not dual citizenship: it carries no right to vote and no right to buy agricultural land in India. For an Indian applicant, a Caribbean passport therefore replaces Indian citizenship rather than adding to it. Citizenship by itself also does not change where you are resident for tax purposes.

Passing on Citizenship to Future Generations

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs in the Caribbean allow for the registration of children born within 5 years of an applicant obtaining citizenship as a citizen, subject to payment of fees. This provision ensures that the benefits of CBI-acquired citizenship can be passed onto future generations, providing a valuable legacy for families.

Some programmes allow an application to be funded by a third party. Antigua and Barbuda, for example, accepts a benefactor, who is subject to due diligence with a published fee of USD 5,000. The rules on third-party funding differ between the three countries, and XIPHIAS confirms the current position with the relevant citizenship unit before filing.

CARICOM Member States and Associate Members

CARICOM's 15 member states are Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands are associate members.

These nations offer diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and unique opportunities for investment, retirement, or a second home. UK access varies by country: among the region's citizenship-by-investment states, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada and St Kitts and Nevis nationals can visit the UK with an ETA, while Dominica nationals have needed a UK visa since 19 July 2023 and Saint Lucia nationals since 5 March 2026.

Conclusion

The Caribbean offers a diverse range of citizenship by investment programs with different prices, conditions and travel access. For most Indian families the decision turns on three questions: which destinations matter (the UK, the United States, the Schengen Area), what the total cost is once government and due-diligence fees are added, and whether giving up Indian citizenship is acceptable.