Caribbean CBI Reform: Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts & Saint Lucia Introduce Regional Changes
The Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) landscape is on the verge of a major transformation. Five leading nations-Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts & Nevis, and Saint Lucia are working together on a regional agreement that introduces stricter compliance measures, limits on applications, and new requirements for applicants. These reforms, driven by global scrutiny and a push for greater integrity, could redefine how the Caribbean conducts its CBI programs moving forward.
Regional Authority for Unified Oversight
A central pillar of the proposal is the formation of Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (EC CIRA). This regulatory body would coordinate policy, enforce rules, and standardize procedures across all participating nations. The move is seen as a response to mounting international pressure from stakeholders like the United States and the European Union.
Mandatory Residency & Cultural Integration
One of the most noteworthy shifts is the addition of a physical presence requirement of 30 days. Newly naturalized citizens should reside in the issuing nation for at least thirty days during their first five years as citizens.
Moreover, applicants would have to undergo a compulsory integration program on constitutional law, history, and cultural orientation.
Annual Application Quotas
The draft agreement calls for application caps, with limits determined annually based on demand, reputational risk, and absorptive capacity. This marks a shift from the current competitive model among Caribbean countries, aiming instead to maintain program exclusivity and avoid over-commercialization.
Each country would report monthly application approvals to EC CIRA, ensuring a transparent and controlled issuance of citizenship.
Expanded Due Diligence Protocols
As part of the regional reform, due diligence procedures across all five Caribbean CBI nations are being significantly enhanced, ushering in a new era of transparency, accountability, and program integrity.
These upgraded protocols are designed not just to filter out ineligible applicants but to fortify the credibility of the CBI programs themselves. Investors can now gain even greater confidence in the strength and international standing of the citizenship they acquire. Key elements of the enhanced due diligence include:
- Background checks through national and international watchlists
- Screening against sanctions databases and politically exposed persons (PEPs)
- Criminal history reviews from all countries where the applicant has resided
- Mandatory interviews for applicants 18 and older, and for minors over 12 if flagged
These steps ensure that only applicants with clean, verifiable records are granted citizenship, enhancing the global reputation of Caribbean passports. For investors, this shift means greater long-term security and recognition.
In short, these reforms enhance the long-term value of their second citizenship, reinforcing trust among global partners and preserving the exclusivity and prestige of Caribbean citizenship.
Passport Validity Changes
Under the new framework, passports will initially be valid for five years. Renewal for a ten-year term would only be possible after certification that all post-citizenship obligations have been met.
This compliance-based renewal system would require Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Dominica to adjust their current passport policies. Only Antigua and Barbuda currently operates with a similar five-year-to-ten-year renewal structure.
Escrow Account Reform
All financial contributions under Caribbean Citizenship by investment programs must be deposited into standardized escrow accounts managed in accordance with EC CIRA’s regulations. This is intended to prevent premature fund release and protect investor interests during the application process.
Shared Intelligence and Rejected Applications
A centralized database will prevent duplicate applications across states. If an applicant is denied in one participating country, they may not apply elsewhere without formal approval. The database would be managed by CARICOM IMPACS (the regional security and crime prevention agency), enabling real-time information sharing on biometrics and application histories.
Pre-Qualification Certificates for Agents
The new rules also target industry participants. Agents, sub-agents, due diligence firms, and promoters will need to obtain pre-qualification certification from EC CIRA. Any party found lacking suitability or providing misleading information risks having their licenses revoked.
Direct Enforcement Powers
EC CIRA would gain the ability to inspect, seize, and audit service providers. Investigators could access premises, documents, and digital records with proper warrants. These powers would enable the Authority to take corrective actions even in cases where local bodies resist enforcement.
Robust Compliance Penalties
To enforce the new rules, EC CIRA could impose a range of penalties, including reducing the number of applications a country is allowed to approve annually, or issuing financial penalties to non-compliant jurisdictions. If violations persist for over six months, arbitration could be triggered between states.
Legislative Path Forward
The agreement will only come into force after ratification by the five participating countries through their respective parliaments. While initial signatures signal political intent, domestic legislative approval is required. The agreement will become binding 30 days after the fifth ratification is submitted.
Final Thoughts
These sweeping reforms are a bold step toward restoring credibility, transparency, and long-term viability to Caribbean Citizenship by investment programs. As the global regulatory environment tightens, Caribbean nations are adapting by taking a unified and principled approach.
For investors and agents alike, staying ahead of these developments is crucial. The Caribbean Citizenship by Investment landscape is evolving, opening the door to stronger global partnerships, greater program integrity, and a more secure, value-driven investment environment for applicants and agents alike.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to work with authorized and experienced advisors to navigate the upcoming changes and maximize the benefits of second citizenship.
Stay Informed with UNO Capital
At UNO Capital, we stay ahead of global changes and keep track of the latest updates in citizenship and residency programs. We keep you informed every step of the way, whether it’s new regulations, policy shifts, or opportunities in global mobility. As the landscape evolves, we ensure our clients are always prepared, supported, and strategically guided toward the best investment decisions.
Speak with our experienced investment consultants to determine which program is best for your future. Reach out to us by email at info@unocapital.com or by phone at +971 4 393 0 393.
Talk to our experts now to know more about Caribbean Citizenship.
