When choosing a second passport, investors usually look at three factors: Global Mobility (visa-free travel), Family Inclusions (can parents/siblings come?), and Exit Strategy (can I get my money back?).
Here are the detailed specifics for the top programs available in late 2025.
1. St. Kitts and Nevis (The “Platinum Brand”)
This is the oldest program in the world. It is expensive, but it holds the highest prestige in the Caribbean.
- Why Choose It: It has the strongest reputation among diplomats and border control agents.
- Visa-Free Access: Excellent access to the UK, Europe (Schengen Area), Singapore, and Hong Kong.
- Processing Time: Currently takes 4–6 months.
- Family Rules: You can include a spouse, children under 25 (must be in school), and parents over 65 who are financially dependent on you.
- Hidden Detail: The Mandatory Interview. Every applicant aged 16+ must undergo a video interview. This is a security measure that adds credibility to the passport.
- Official Link: St. Kitts & Nevis CIU
2. Grenada ( The “USA Gateway”)
Grenada is unique because it is one of the few CBI countries with a E-2 Investor Visa Treaty with the United States.
- The USA Angle: As a Grenada citizen, you can apply for a US E-2 visa to live and run a business in America (investment required in the US). Citizens of countries like India, China, or Russia often use this route because their native countries do not have this treaty.
- Global Access: It is one of the rare passports that grants visa-free access to China as well as the UK and Europe.
- Family Friendly: They have flexible rules for adding siblings (unmarried, no children) to the application.
- Official Link: Grenada CBI Committee
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3. Antigua and Barbuda (Best for Big Families)
If you are a family of 4 or more, Antigua is usually the most cost-effective option due to its fee structure.
- The “5-Day” Rule: Unlike others, you must visit Antigua for 5 days within the first 5 years. This is actually a benefit for genuine connection, but a hassle for some investors.
- University Discount: They offer a specific “University of the West Indies Fund” option. If you donate $150,000 (for a family of 6+), one member gets a one-year scholarship to the university.
- Restricted Nationalities: Antigua currently has stricter restrictions on applicants from countries currently under international sanctions (e.g., Russia, Belarus, Afghanistan, etc.).
- Official Link: Antigua & Barbuda CIU
4. Saint Lucia (The “Refundable” Option)
Saint Lucia is the only Caribbean country offering a Government Bond option.
- Investment vs. Donation: Instead of donating money (which is gone forever), you can invest $300,000 into non-interest-bearing Government Bonds.
- The Exit Strategy: You must hold the bonds for 5 years, but after that, the government returns your capital (without interest). This makes the “net cost” of citizenship significantly lower, as you only lose the “opportunity cost” of the money plus administration fees.
- Processing: Generally efficient, taking 3–5 months.
- Official Link: Saint Lucia CIP
5. Turkey (Türkiye) (The “Big Economy” Play)
Turkey is not an island tax haven; it is a G20 economy and a major regional power.
- Real Estate Market: The $400,000 investment is usually into residential or commercial property in Istanbul or coastal cities. You physically own the asset and can rent it out for income.
- Exit Strategy: You can sell the property after 3 years and keep the citizenship forever.
- Mobility Weakness: Unlike the Caribbean options, a Turkish passport does not give you visa-free access to the EU (Schengen) or the UK. It is valuable for business in the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of Asia.
- Official Link: Invest in Türkiye
6. Malta (The “Gold Standard” / EU Citizenship)
This is not a standard CBI program; it is “Citizenship by Naturalisation.” It is the only route on this list that gives you the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union (Paris, Berlin, Rome, etc.).
- The Process: It is long and hard. You must first hold a residence card for either 12 months (if paying €750k) or 36 months (if paying €600k).
- Strictness: Rejection rates are high. They investigate every detail of your wealth source.
- Cost: When you add up the donation, property requirements, and fees, the total cost usually exceeds €1 million.
- Official Link: Komunità Malta
7. Vanuatu (The Speed Option)
Vanuatu is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean.
- Speed: It is the fastest program, sometimes approving applicants in 45–60 days.
- The “EU” Problem: In recent years, the European Union suspended visa-free travel for Vanuatu citizens due to security concerns. This significantly lowered the value of the passport for travel purposes.
- Tax Benefit: Vanuatu has zero personal income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax, making it purely a tax residency play for some.
- Official Link: Vanuatu Citizenship Commission
