Caribbean Citizenship Gaining Popularity Among Turks: Understanding the Motivation
The European Commission is closely monitoring the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) schemes of five Eastern Caribbean countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia, to assess their security risks and potential for visa-free travel abuse.
These Caribbean nations offer citizenship to foreign nationals, including Turks, who invest a minimum of $200,000 in government-approved real estate projects. The investment thresholds vary, with Antigua and Barbuda requiring a minimum investment of $300,000, Dominica $200,000, Grenada starting from $270,000 (for joint investors) or $350,000 (for sole investors), St Kitts and Nevis at least $325,000, and St Lucia $300,000.
All five countries allow dual citizenship and offer tax advantages such as no inheritance or capital gains taxes. The investment must be in tourism-related real estate projects, and there are minimum holding periods for the property, usually five years, except for St Kitts and Nevis, which has a seven-year holding period.
Turks are increasingly seeking Caribbean citizenship, with 10% of applications this year targeting Caribbean countries. This trend shows no signs of slowing down. Some Turkish applicants have moved full-time to the Caribbean despite no residency requirement, as reported by BBC Türkiye. For example, Canadian investor Robert Taylor bought a property in Antigua for $200,000 just before the threshold rose to $300,000.
The Caribbean CBI programs provide visa-free travel to as many as 150 countries, including Schengen nations and the United Kingdom (except for Dominica). These programs are a strategic option for Turks facing rising visa rejection rates, regional instability, and limited global access.
The CBI revenues are crucial to several Caribbean economies, often used to fund national infrastructure, disaster recovery, and public health. In Dominica, CBI funds helped finance a modern hospital and national infrastructure, while in Antigua, CBI income helped avoid national bankruptcy.
In response to EU and US scrutiny, the five Caribbean nations have agreed to stricter due diligence and audits, the establishment of a regional regulator to monitor and enforce standards, and mandatory interviews for applicants.
Demand for Caribbean citizenship has surged, especially from the United States, with up to 70% of buyers wanting citizenship and the majority being from the US. Top destinations for Turks include Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, and Grenada.
Political changes in the U.S. have led to renewed interest in global citizenship routes due to a Supreme Court ruling that allows President Trump's executive order to restrict birthright citizenship for children born to non-permanent residents. The U.S. has also flagged potential misuse of such programs for financial crimes.
Turkey ranks second globally after the U.S. in the number of applicants, according to Henley & Partners. With the promise of a second passport through property investment, the Caribbean offers a strategic opportunity for Turks seeking greater mobility and global access.
- Turkish citizens are increasingly seeking Caribbean citizenship through investment in government-approved real estate projects, with 10% of applications this year targeting Caribbean countries.
- The Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs provide visa-free travel to as many as 150 countries, including Schengen nations and the United Kingdom.
- Turks are facing renewed interest in global citizenship routes as a result of political changes in the U.S., such as the potential misuse of such programs for financial crimes.
- The CBI revenues are crucial to several Caribbean economies, often used to fund national infrastructure, disaster recovery, and public health.
- Some Turkish applicants have moved full-time to the Caribbean despite no residency requirement, as reported by BBC Türkiye.
- The five Caribbean nations have agreed to stricter due diligence and audits, the establishment of a regional regulator, and mandatory interviews for applicants in response to EU and US scrutiny.
