African CBI vs Caribbean CBI Programs Compared
African and Caribbean CBI programs target different investor profiles. Caribbean programs (5 countries, $200K-$250K) offer stronger passports with 144-157 visa-free countries, established track records, and Schengen/UK access. African programs (Sao Tome and Sierra Leone, $90K-$100K) cost significantly less but provide fewer visa-free destinations (61-64 countries) and are newer with developing reputations. Egypt's CBI at $250,000 sits between the two in both cost and passport strength. The choice depends on whether passport strength or affordability is the priority.
Programs
8
Countries
8
Types
CBI
From
$90,000
Key Takeaways
- ✓ African CBI: $90K-$250K, 53-64 visa-free countries, newer programs
- ✓ Caribbean CBI: $200K-$250K, 144-157 visa-free countries, established since 1984
- ✓ Caribbean passports grant Schengen and UK access; African passports do not
- ✓ Sao Tome and Sierra Leone are 50-60% cheaper than Caribbean options
All Programs at a Glance
Sorted by minimum investment. Click any country to explore in detail.
| Country | Program | Type | Min. Investment | Processing | Citizenship Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇸🇹 São Tomé and PrÃncipe | Citizenship by Investment | CBI | $90,000 | 2-3 months | Direct |
| 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone | Citizenship by Investment | CBI | $100,000 | 2-3 months | Direct |
| 🇩🇲 Dominica | Citizenship by Investment | CBI | $200,000 | 3-4 months | Direct |
| 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda | Citizenship by Investment | CBI | $230,000 | 3-6 months | Direct |
| 🇬🇩 Grenada | Citizenship by Investment | CBI | $235,000 | 4-6 months | Direct |
| 🇱🇨 St Lucia | Citizenship by Investment | CBI | $240,000 | 3-4 months | Direct |
| 🇰🇳 St Kitts and Nevis | Citizenship by Investment | CBI | $250,000 | 3-6 months | Direct |
| 🇪🇬 Egypt | Citizenship by Investment | CBI | $250,000 | 6-12 months | Direct |
Explore Each Program
Detailed cards with investment requirements, timelines, and key benefits.
Citizenship by Investment
$90,000
$90K donation to National Transformation Fund (single applicant). $95K for families of 2-4. Total cost with fees ~$105K.
2-3 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
61
- ✓ Cheapest CBI program globally ($90K)
- ✓ Fastest processing (as little as 6 weeks)
- ✓ CPLP member: fast-track to Portuguese/Brazilian residency
Citizenship by Investment
$100,000
$100K Heritage track (African descent) or $140K standard track contribution. Total cost with fees approximately $117K–$157K depending on track.
2-3 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
64
- ✓ Two tracks: $100K Heritage (African descent) or $140K standard
- ✓ Fully remote, no visit required
- ✓ Fast processing (2 months)
Citizenship by Investment
$200,000
$200K donation to Economic Diversification Fund or $200K+ real estate (3-year hold).
3-4 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
145
- ✓ Most affordable CBI globally
- ✓ No residency or visit requirement
- ✓ No interview required
Citizenship by Investment
$230,000
$230K donation to National Development Fund (covers family of up to 4 at same price, unique among Caribbean CBI). Or $260K University of the West Indies Fund (family of up to 6, one member enrolled, inclusive of processing fees). Or $300K+ real estate (5-year hold, joint investment option: two families invest $200K each in same property). Or $1.5M direct business investment.
3-6 months
5 days in first 5 years
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
154
- ✓ Family of 4 covered at same $230K donation price (best family value in Caribbean CBI)
- ✓ Only Caribbean CBI with any residency requirement (just 5 days in 5 years)
- ✓ UK access via Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA, £20, valid 2 years)
Citizenship by Investment
$235,000
$235K donation to National Transformation Fund (single applicant or family of up to 4), or $270K+ shared real estate (+$50K NTF), or $350K+ sole ownership real estate (+$50K NTF).
4-6 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
147
- ✓ E-2 treaty with US (can apply for US investor visa)
- ✓ Only Caribbean CBI with US E-2 access
- ✓ Visa-free access to China and Russia
Citizenship by Investment
$240,000
$240K donation to National Economic Fund (single applicant; $300K for family of 4). Or $300K+ approved real estate (5-year hold). Or $300K+ government bond (non-interest-bearing, 5-year hold, plus administration fee set by the CIU). Or enterprise investment from $3.5M (3+ jobs created).
3-4 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
144
- ✓ UK: full Standard Visitor visa required (added to UK visa national list April 2026)
- ✓ Schengen visa-free; 144 countries total (Henley March 2026)
- ✓ Only Caribbean CBI with a capital-recoverable bond route
Citizenship by Investment
$250,000
$250K Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC, flat rate for family of up to 4). Real estate: $325K+ (Developer's Real Estate, 7-year hold) or $600K+ (Private Real Estate, 7-year hold).
3-6 months
None (genuine-link due diligence required)
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
157
- ✓ No mandatory physical residency requirement for citizenship
- ✓ Genuine-link principle enforced: enhanced due diligence, background checks, no illicit ties (CARICOM 2024 agreement)
- ✓ Oldest CBI program (since 1984)
Citizenship by Investment
$250,000
$250K+ real estate or $300K+ government treasury deposit (refundable after 5 years).
6-12 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
53
- ✓ Affordable entry point for CBI
- ✓ Property investment qualifies
- ✓ Treasury deposit is refundable
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