Caribbean vs. The World: The Top Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) Programs in 2025

As 2025 unfolds, the race for premium second passports is fiercer than ever. With tightening regulations, global mobility at a premium, and shifting geopolitics, high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) are eyeing programs that blend value, access, and prestige. But how do the sunny shores of the Caribbean stack up against the grand stage of the world?

The Caribbean Contenders: Laid-back Luxury Meets Speedy Processing

1. St. Kitts & Nevis

Oldest and most prestigious in the region

• Donation: $250,000 (Sustainable Island State Contribution as of 2024 reforms)

• Processing time: 3–6 months

• Visa-free access: 160+ countries

• Pros: Long-standing program, efficient, family-inclusive

• Cons: Higher donation threshold post-2024 changes

2. Antigua & Barbuda

• Donation: From $100,000 (for family of 4 via NDF)

• Processing: 3–5 months

• Access: 150+ countries

• Pros: Affordable for families, inclusion of extended dependents

• Cons: Mandatory 5-day visit every 5 years

3. Dominica

• Donation: From $100,000 (EDF)

• Processing: 3–4 months

• Access: 145+ countries

• Pros: Great value, solid reputation, fast

• Cons: No physical residency, may face future scrutiny from EU

4. Grenada

• Donation: From $150,000 (NTF)

• Processing: 3–5 months

• Access: 145+ countries, including China

• Pros: Treaty with the U.S. (E-2 Visa), strong travel access

• Cons: Slightly higher investment threshold

5. Saint Lucia

• Donation: From $100,000

• Processing: 3–5 months

• Access: 140+ countries

• Pros: Digital-friendly, competitive pricing

• Cons: Newer program, slightly more selective screening

The Global Giants: Prestige, Access & Hefty Price Tags

1. Malta (Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment)

• Investment: €690,000+ and 12–36 months residency

• Processing: Up to 36 months

• Access: 190+ countries, full EU citizenship

• Pros: Live/work in any EU country, unparalleled travel freedom

• Cons: Highly scrutinized, lengthy, expensive

2. Turkey (recently updated with tighter rules)

• Investment: $400,000+ in real estate

• Processing: 6–12 months

• Access: 110+ countries

• Pros: Fast-track, large market base, cultural gateway

• Cons: No EU access, geopolitical instability concerns

3. Austria (Exceptional Services citizenship)

• Investment: €3–10 million

• Processing: Case-by-case

• Access: 190+ countries

• Pros: Elite EU citizenship

• Cons: Discretionary, opaque, ultra-wealth tier only

4. Vanuatu (reforming in 2025)

• Donation: From $130,000

• Processing: 1–2 months

• Access: 100+ countries

• Pros: Fastest processing

• Cons: EU visa waiver suspended; scrutiny increasing

Caribbean vs. The World: The Verdict

Best Value: Dominica & Saint Lucia

Best Prestige: Malta

Best Family Option: Antigua & Barbuda

Best Access to the U.S. (via treaty): Grenada

Best for Speed: Vanuatu (but watch the regulation winds)

Final Toast:

In 2025, the Caribbean remains the reigning champion for accessible, efficient second citizenship. But for those with deeper pockets and a need for European stature, Malta still wears the crown. Choose your passport like you choose your champagne—based on taste, occasion, and who’s pouring.