Antigua and Barbuda: the Twin-Island Jewel
As an important naval base for the British in the Caribbean, the islands of Antigua and Barbuda turned out to be quite a focal point in colonial maritime history. Heavily fortified against British interests, remnants of history pay ample testament to this at Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, most of it has turned into pure beaches and luxury tourism.
Citizenship by investment (CBI) is the program offered for prospective citizenship into the country. The following options are available to you under the CBI scheme.
– Donation $230,000 to the fund of the government or charity.
– To buy under approved real estate, $300,000 worth.
– Contribution of $260,000 to University of the West Indies.
– Local Business investment on $400,000.
Citizenship is normally granted within five months. The fund using the university will also allow the family to apply for citizenship together.
The Bahamas: The Legacy of Pirates and Prosperity
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Bahamas was one of the pirate havens; this included the famous Blackbeard. After centuries of becoming a British colony, the Bahamas became independent in 1973. Today, it continues to be home to most first world status, attracting different expats and investors.
The Bahamas allows an American citizen to remain in the country for not more than eight months without a visa. However, this is a long process towards acquiring permanent residency. Here are some options:
By getting a long-term work permit.
Applying for permanent residency after working legal work for 20 years.
Purchase a property.
Marry a Bahamian citizen.
Vote only occurs to those who are citizens; however, permanent residents can live and work freely on this paradise.
Barbados: The British-Influenced Island
As Barbados was once a very important hub in British sugar trading, its ties to England really earned the nickname “Little England.” The independence of the island from the British rule in 1966 did not make it completely ignore its institutions, as cricket and afternoon tea remain.
For expats, their options for residency would be the following:
Barbados Welcome Stamp – A one year visa for digital nomads.
Work, study or retire based residency.
Five years, renewable residence permit at $300,000 investment.
Permanent residence at $2,000,000 investment.
Naturalization after five years of legal residency.
Dominica: An Island of Nature with Historical Colonial Influence
Having two colonial powers, the French and British, Dominica was once battleground ground for European powers before it was finally made a British territory in the 18th century. It today bears the moniker “The Nature Island” for its rich rainforests, volcanic peaks, and the world’s second-largest hot spring: Boiling Lake.
Dominica offers these routes to citizenship:
Work visa or 18-month digital nomad visa
CBI program, which implies a $200,000 investment in either real estate or state fund,
Investors opting for real estate could sell their investment after 3-5 years while maintaining citizenship.
Grenada: The Revolutionary Soul of the Spice Isle
Known for its spice and nutmeg, Grenada was once an important producer to the European markets. The island knew political bouts in the 1980s, including a military intervention by the United States, but has since begun to grow into a stable democracy.
Citizenship pathways include:
A normal extension of visa after three months
Permanent residency after two years
Naturalization after seven years
CBI program providing citizenship for making a $235,000 donation to the National Transformation Fund or an investment of $350,000 in real estate
St. Lucia: The Island of Nobel Laureates
St. Lucia, once the site of an intense territorial scramble fought over 14 times by two different European countries, indeed has a flavor of cultural holding when terms of both influences are unfolding. Somehow, although medium in size, it boasts two holders of the Nobel Prize, incredible by any country’s standards.
Permanent Residency is rare and possible after 5 years. The best known route for citizenship here is through the golden visa program, which can be done within six months by:
Contribution of $100,000 to the National Economic Fund
Investment in Government bonds worth $300,000 in addition to a fee of $50,000
Buying pre-approved property worth at least $200,000.
Final reflections
This is because these islands themselves make history, as well as culture and opportunity, into combination with beautiful postcard-perfect scenery. Whether it be Antigua’s strategic ports, Barbados’ European antique souvenirs, or the wilderness rainforests of Dominica, there is a way for you to find your way home to these islands. All these paradises are serious contenders as your next permanent address if you are looking for a new beginning.