|
Retire Early
Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler
|
In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age
of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this
financially independent lifestyle, they invite you
to take advantage of their wisdom and experience. |
|
Caribbean
Countries that Offer Citizenship by Investment
Laura Stace
The Caribbean countries are the ultimate paradise to retire on. Including the
safety measures, visa-free travel benefits to more than a hundred countries, and
idyllic views, you have the recipe for a perfect retirement. What’s even better,
these countries feature an opportunity to become their citizen.
Caribbean citizenship by investment programs (CBI) are becoming very popular for
individuals seeking a place to reside. Several Caribbean countries offer some of
the easiest-to-get citizenships and the processing time to acquire the passport
takes up to 6 months.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits and programs each of the Caribbean
countries offers. Let’s dive in!
Belize
A small English-speaking country, famous for its tranquil environment - Belize
is a wonderful place to retire. It is famous for its breathtaking views and
natural beauty. Even though it is quite a popular tourist destination, it also
offers a citizenship by investment program to offer retirees a chance to enjoy
the paradise's views.
There are multiple ways through which you can take citizenship by investment.
The first option is an investment in the “Qualified retired Person program”.
This option allows you to settle in Belize after your retirement. The
requirements are quite simple. A retiree needs to be at least forty-five years
old with a monthly income of $2000.
Once you’re a resident of Belize for five years, you can apply for Belizean
citizenship. This process is also known as naturalization. With a dense and
amazing jungle to the west and breathtakingly beautiful sea shorelines to the
east, Belize is like a paradise for retirees.
The best thing about Belize is that it recognizes dual citizenship, which means
you won’t have to renounce your nationality to become a Belizean citizen. The
population is around 397,621 as of December 2020 and the average cost of living
is around $1200-$1500.
Grenada
Grenada has had its CBI program since 1997 and has worked effectively for
decades. This is the only country that allows its citizens to apply for an E-2
visa to work and live in the US. The Grenada citizenship investment program will
allow a second passport that will help you travel visa-free to 144 countries,
which is great for entrepreneurs and business owners as well.
Participants in the Citizenship by Investment program must contribute
financially, either with a $150,000 donation to the NTF - National
Transformation Fund or through purchasing real estate, at least $200,000 worth.
However, they need to hold the property for 5 years, after which time they can
resell it.
Grenada is also known as the “Spice Isle” due to the numerous spices and the
huge spice industry on the island, like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, allspice,
turmeric, bay leaves, and nutmeg. The country is the main exporter of spice
products in the Caribbean region and the leading force in tourism.
Due to the mountainous and volcanic nature of the island, Grenada is a dream
destination for retirees and people who want to relax in such scenic landscapes.
The population is 113.000+ as of December 2021 and per Citizens International,
the cost of living for a family of four is around $1.600, and for a single
person around $600.
Copyright: Unsplash I License: CC0 Public Domain
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis has the oldest Citizenship by Investment program and is one
of the most popular. With the CBI program, investors can either purchase
government-approved real estate or donate to the Sustainable Growth Fund.
The joint investment can be $200,000 in real estate, but with a 7-year holding
period, or $400.000 investment with 5 years of ownership. If you apply as a
family of up to 4, the main applicant can apply with 3 dependent applicants and
contribute an amount of $195,000 plus $10,000 for each dependent. With the St.
Kitts passport, investors can travel without a visa to 156 countries.
St. Kitts and Nevis attracts tourists and people in retirement from across the
world with its genuine sense of an expat community, beautiful beaches, tranquil
life, relaxed atmosphere, and delicious traditional food.
The official languages are English and Caribbean Creole, so if you are an
English speaker, you can blend into the community pretty fast. Plus, you can
even learn Caribbean Creole if St. Kitts and Nevis becomes your second home.
Dominica
Dominica has had its Citizenship by Investment program since 1993 and has proven
to be one of the most cost-effective and flexible programs worldwide. Investors
can acquire citizenship with a single, non-refundable donation of at least
$100,000 to the EDF - Economic Diversification Fund, a $200.000 purchase in real
estate, an ownership period of at least 5 years, a donation of $150,000 as a
single applicant or $175,000 if you are applying with two kids.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda established its Citizenship by Investment program in 2013
and it has become popular for the unique opportunity offered for families and
children to study at the University of West Indies.
The routes to acquire this citizenship include $150,000 to the University of
West Indies if the family counts 6 members or more, $200,000 as a joint
investment in property, and an ownership period of 7 years, or $400,000 in real
estate and ownership of 5 years.
Another option is to donate $100,000 to the NDF - National Development Fund,
which is non-refundable. With the Antiguan passport, you can travel to 151
destinations. Some of these destinations include Singapore, Hong Kong, the UK,
and the Schengen countries.
Copyright: Unsplash I License: CC0 Public Domain
St. Lucia
St. Lucia is among the Caribbean islands that offer attractive CBI programs that
make people want to retire on this paradise island. The program was established
in 2015 and has since been operating successfully. A passport holder of St.
Lucia can travel to 146 countries without a visa.
St. Lucia is the only country that offers a bond option of $250.000. As an
applicant, you can either donate a one-time donation of $100,000 to the NEF -
National Economic Fund, or $140,000 as a single applicant. If you apply as a
family of up to four, the amount is $150,000. In case you are purchasing real
estate, the minimum amount should be $300,000 and an ownership period of 5
years.
Why do so Many People Want to Retire in the Caribbean?
From the picture-perfect paradise to
spend your retirement days on, to the
blissful surroundings, idyllic beaches, and irresistible landscapes, the
Caribbean is the perfect place to settle. There’s just the plain uniqueness of
nature, featuring the indigenous flowers and plants and deep caves and high
mountains.
The most common reasons investors decide to retire to the Caribbean include the
diversity of the islands, remote hideaways, untouched beauty of the beaches and
nature, the region’s accessibility in regards to North America, etc.
Additionally, the Caribbean countries have established expat communities, so
you’ll be in touch with people and families familiar with the locals. Another
reason to retire to the Caribbean is the delicious food and exquisite culture.
Visit Our Blog
Getting dual citizenship is a major advantage. And so far we've learned about
the common reasons investors apply for citizenship in Caribbean countries to be
able to retire later on and the process in each country.
To learn more about the citizenship application process, the benefits for
investors and retirement options, check our blog.
About the Authors
Retire
Early Lifestyle appeals to a different
kind of person – the person who prizes their
independence, values their time, and who doesn’t
want to mindlessly follow the crowd.
HOME
Book Store
Retire Early Lifestyle Blog
About Billy & Akaisha
Kaderli
Press
Contact
20 Questions
Preferred
Links
Retirement
Country Info
Retiree
Interviews
Commentary
REL
Videos
|
