Caribbean CBI vs Pacific CBI Programs Compared
Caribbean and Pacific CBI programs are the two main clusters of affordable citizenship by investment. Caribbean programs (5 countries, $200K-$250K) offer stronger passports with 144-157 visa-free countries including Schengen and UK access. Pacific programs (Vanuatu and Nauru, $90K-$130K) are cheaper and faster but provide fewer visa-free destinations (48-89 countries). Vanuatu processes in 30-60 days, the fastest of any CBI globally. The trade-off is clear: pay more for better travel access (Caribbean) or pay less for speed and affordability (Pacific).
Programs
7
Countries
7
Types
CBI
From
$90,000
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Caribbean CBI: $200K-$250K, 144-157 visa-free countries, 3-6 months processing
- ✓ Pacific CBI: $90K-$130K, 48-89 visa-free countries, 30 days-3 months processing
- ✓ Vanuatu is the fastest CBI globally at 30-60 days
- ✓ Caribbean passports grant Schengen and (in some cases) UK visa-free access; Pacific passports do not
All Programs at a Glance
Sorted by minimum investment. Click any country to explore in detail.
| Country | Program | Type | Min. Investment | Processing | Citizenship Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇷 Nauru | NECRCP (Climate Resilience Citizenship) | CBI | $90,000 | 3-6 months | Direct |
| 🇻🇺 Vanuatu | Development Support Program (DSP) | CBI | $130,000 | 1-3 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 |
Explore Each Program
Detailed cards with investment requirements, timelines, and key benefits.
NECRCP (Climate Resilience Citizenship)
$90,000
$90,000 standard contribution to Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Programme. Promotional rate of $80,000 available through June 2026.
3-6 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
48
- ✓ Direct citizenship from $90K standard ($80K promotional through June 2026)
- ✓ Zero-tax jurisdiction: no income, corporate, capital gains, or VAT
- ✓ Only 48 countries visa-free — chosen for cost diversification, not mobility
Development Support Program (DSP)
$130,000
$130K government contribution (single applicant). Additional fees for family members.
1-3 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
89
- ✓ World's fastest CBI (approvals routinely in 30-60 days, some in 3 weeks)
- ✓ Zero-tax jurisdiction: no income, corporate, capital gains, or inheritance tax
- ✓ Schengen access revoked March 2022; UK requires a Standard Visitor visa
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)
More Comparisons
Get the Free Comparison Guide
A comprehensive breakdown of CBI and RBI programs worldwide, delivered to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.