As 2025 comes to an end and investors prepare for 2026, Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs remain a smart choice for global mobility, financial security, and long-term family security. For anyone looking at Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, or Saint Lucia, the main question is straightforward but important: should you buy approved real estate or make a non-refundable donation? Both options lead to citizenship, but the long-term value, responsibilities, and risks are not the same.
Investment Routes in CBI Programs
Most CBI programs offer more than one investment option. For the five Caribbean countries Passpro works with, the two most common and practical choices are:
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- Government donations, which are non-refundable contributions to a national fund
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- Government-approved real estate: This involves buying property that meets the program’s rules or purchasing a share ownership in an approved real estate property.
Some countries also offer bonds or business investment options, but real estate and donations continue to be the most popular routes.
Real Estate Investment Route
How it worksInvestors purchase a government-approved property such as a resort unit, villa, or condo. After that, they submit the CBI application, pay the government fees and due diligence charges, and wait for approval. Once approved, they must hold the property for a set number of years, usually between 3 and 7 years, before they are allowed to sell it. Citizenship is granted once all program requirements are completed.
Typical 2025 thresholds
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- Antigua and Barbuda: real estate minimums usually start around USD 300,000
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- Grenada: real estate options start from about USD 270,000
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- Saint Kitts and Nevis: approved real estate options often begin at USD 325,000
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- Dominica: qualifying real estate options generally start at USD 200,000
Saint Lucia: many approved projects start at USD 300,000 or higher
- Dominica: qualifying real estate options generally start at USD 200,000
These amounts can help you plan for 2026, but note that governments may adjust minimums based on market conditions.
Benefits
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- You get a real, physical asset through an ownership interest in an approved property, which may increase in value and can be rented out.
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- Potential for both capital growth and rental income, especially in tourism-driven islands.
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- Cost-effective for larger families, since the investment is based on the ownership interest and does not increase per dependent.
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- Flexible use, as the ownership interest allows use as a vacation home or inclusion in a rental program.
Risks and long-term considerations
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- Upfront costs are higher because of purchase price, closing fees, furnishing, and ongoing maintenance.
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- Holding periods limit how quickly you can sell the property.
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- Property performance depends heavily on tourism and local market trends.
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- Investors are responsible for ongoing expenses, including property management fees, local taxes, insurance, and any maintenance or repairs.
Donation Route
How it works: Applicants make a one-time, non-refundable donation to a government fund such as a National Development Fund, Sustainable Island State Contribution, or Economic Diversification Fund. After payment, due diligence checks, and other requirements are completed, citizenship is granted to the main applicant and eligible dependents.
Typical 2025 thresholds
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- Antigua and Barbuda: Donation requirements start at USD 230,000. While the official processing window is 3–6 months, real approval timelines often extend to 3–12 months based on recent cases.
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- Grenada: Donations to the National Transformation Fund begin at USD 235,000, typically covering the main applicant along with up to three or four dependents. Although the official processing time is 3–4 months, actual cases usually take longer.
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- Saint Kitts and Nevis: The Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) starts at USD 250,000 for either a single applicant or a family of up to four. Application reviews generally take 160–180 days (around 3–6 months). The Accelerated Application Process (AAP) is no longer part of the program.
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- Dominica: Considered one of the most cost-effective Caribbean CBI programs, with the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) donation set at USD 200,000 for a single or main applicant. The application review and due diligence phase takes at least three months, and passport issuance may require additional time.
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- Saint Lucia: As of July 1, 2024, the National Economic Fund (NEF) donation is USD 240,000, covering the main applicant plus up to three dependents. The official processing estimate is 3–6 months, but in practice, full approval often takes 10–12 months.
Benefits
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- Lower initial cost for many investors, especially single applicants or small families.
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- Easy and fast process since there is no property to manage.
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- Citizenship issuance is straightforward once all checks are completed.
Downsides
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- The donation is nonrefundable.
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- There is no asset and no potential for rental income or appreciation.
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- Donation amounts may increase depending on how many dependents are included.
Factors That Influence Long-Term Value
When deciding which option gives better long-term value, think about:
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- Investment horizon: Real estate is better for long-term planning
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- Family size: Real estate can be more cost-effective for larger families
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- Liquidity: donations have no resale or exit, but real estate requires timing the market
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- Risk appetite: real estate comes with market risk, but also possible rewards
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- Regulations: due diligence and minimum amounts have been increasing, so expect small changes in 2026
Cost: 2026 Expectations (Based on 2025 Minimums)
When planning for 2026, use 2025 minimum investment levels as a guide. Total costs usually include the donation or property purchase, government application fees, due diligence, passport fees, agent fees, and, for real estate, closing and ownership expenses.
Example cost for a single applicant (2025):
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- Donation route: USD 200,000 to 250,000 plus fees
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- Real estate route: USD 200,000 to 325,000 or more, depending on the project, plus fees and transaction costs
Which Investment Route Gives Better Long-Term Value?
Choose real estate if you want an investment that could grow in value, provide rental income, offer lifestyle use, and strengthen your financial portfolio. Real estate is usually better for medium to long-term investors who are comfortable managing property.
Choose donation if you want the fastest and simplest path to citizenship with the lowest upfront cost. This is ideal when the main goal is the passport itself rather than financial return.
Plan Your 2026 Citizenship Journey with PassPro’s Expert Guidance
Fast citizenship is a major advantage of Caribbean CBI programs. The experience becomes even smoother when applicants follow a clear plan with proper guidance. PassPro is a government-authorized citizenship agent that helps applicants complete the process in a simple, accurate, and fully compliant way.
For citizenship planning in 2026, PassPro suggests the following:
• Set a clear goal, such as travel freedom or family security.
• Check the full cost, including fees and future expenses.
• Match the option with your family size.
• Work only with authorized agents and trusted partners.
Real estate suits applicants who want long-term value and asset ownership. The property may appreciate and offer an additional advantage. Donation suits applicants who want the simplest process with a lower initial payment.
PassPro offers a confidential assessment that matches your financial position, family structure, and long-term plans. As a government-authorized Caribbean CBI agent, PassPro reviews documents carefully, coordinates with CBI units, and manages each step to ensure the process moves forward without delay.
Begin your CBI journey with trusted experts. Contact PassPro for a private consultation.
Disclaimer
All investment values, program timelines, and benefits mentioned in this article are based on the regulations in place at the time of publication. These figures and conditions may change at any time due to government policy updates, official program revisions, or regulatory decisions. Readers are advised to consult an authorized citizenship agent for the most current and accurate information before making any investment or application decisions.
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