Which Caribbean citizenship is best if I want to live there permanently?
Imagine waking up to turquoise waters, warm sunshine, palm trees rustling, and a sense of peaceful security. If you’re considering relocating, Caribbean citizenship isn’t just about getting a second passport — it’s about choosing a place to call home. But among the many Caribbean options, which citizenship gives you the best chance to live permanently, comfortably, and with all the freedoms you’re seeking?
In this post, we’ll compare leading Caribbean citizenship programs — especially Antigua & Barbuda and Grenada — from the perspective of someone who intends to settle. You’ll get insights on infrastructure, legal permanence, costs, daily life, and hidden trade-offs, to help you decide where you’ll not just visit, but live. (And yes, I’ve included some stories from people who’ve done exactly that.)
Comparing the Top Options for Permanent Living
Here we compare two of the best Caribbean choices — Antigua & Barbuda vs Grenada — on dimensions that matter when settling permanently. Afterwards, I’ll highlight other worthy options and overall key insights.
| Criteria | Antigua & Barbuda | Grenada |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Right to Live Permanently | Citizenship by Investment grants full citizenship, meaning you can live there permanently without immigration renewals. Also permanent residency via tax residency or other resident permits are possible. (Immigrant Invest) | Grenada’s CBI gives citizenship with full rights, no requirement of physical residency to maintain status. Permanent residency options exist, especially if you purchase property, but citizenship is the clearest route. (Henley & Partners) |
| Investment Required | For citizenship: government donation or fund contribution starting around US$230,000 for individuals (varies) or investment in real estate/business. (Global Citizen Solutions) | CBI minimums: ≥ US$235,000 via donation (National Transformation Fund) or ≥ US$270,000 in government-approved real estate. (Henley & Partners) |
| Residency Requirements | Very minimal. For citizenship you don’t need to reside permanently. There is a five-day visit requirement in five years for Antigua & Barbuda’s CBI program. Also, other programs like the Tax Residency Program require you spend about 30 days/year in Antigua. (Global Citizen Solutions) | Grenada: no minimum stay requirement to maintain citizenship. You are free to live abroad, though choosing to move there full-time is possible. (Henley & Partners) |
| Quality of Life & Infrastructure | Antigua offers safe environment, family-oriented communities, good healthcare, reliable utilities, and strong tourist infrastructure. Greater connectivity (flights to U.S., UK, Europe). Smaller islands but well-established services. (globalcitizen-caribbean.com) | Grenada is similarly well-developed: decent healthcare, good facilities in major towns, reliable electricity and internet in main areas. More mountainous; remote areas less developed, but overall infrastructure solid. Also strong flight connections. (Global Residence Index) |
| Travel Freedom & Second Passport Perks | Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to ~150+ countries. Good for global mobility. Antigua passport holds strong power. (globalcitizen-caribbean.com) | Grenada offers visa-free/visa-on-arrival to 140+ destinations. Important edge: Grenada is one of the few Caribbean countries with a U.S. E-2 Investor Visa treaty, meaning citizens may more easily get certain business/working privileges in the U.S. after meeting criteria. (Henley & Partners) |
| Taxes & Cost of Living | Antigua is known for favorable tax regimes: no wealth, inheritance or capital gains taxes for citizens in many cases; also, cost of living is relatively modest compared to U.S./UK but still more than less developed Caribbean islands. Example: single person might spend US$1,100-US$3,000/month (excluding luxury choices) depending on lifestyle. (globalcitizen-caribbean.com) | Grenada has similar tax benefits: no worldwide income tax for citizens living abroad in many cases. Cost of living is manageable but depends heavily on where you live (coastal vs inland, city vs rural). (Global Residence Index) |
Key Insights & Personal Experience
Beyond the table, here are deeper observations and considerations from people who have made the move, plus things you might not read in standard guides.
🏝 Daily Life Vibes
- Antigua & Barbuda tends to feel more touristy — many resorts, high-end vacation villas, a strong expat community. If you enjoy amenities, beaches, marinas, and frequent flights, you’ll like that pace.
- Grenada feels more “lived in” — there’s a pronounced local culture, smaller towns, lush interior, and less of the tourism glare outside the capital. If you like a mix of nature and community more than constant resort luxury, Grenada may feel more “real home”.
🌱 Community & Integration
- Expats in Antigua often stay within certain enclaves or luxury developments. Integration is possible but more discrete.
- In Grenada, while there are luxury gated properties, there are also many small local neighborhoods where expats live among locals, participate in community festivals, agriculture, etc. This tends to build stronger ties when choosing to live permanently.
⚠️ Things That Might Surprise You
- Even with citizenship, some remote locations in these islands may face power outages or slower internet—important if you work remotely.
- Major supplies (imported goods) can be more expensive; healthcare beyond basic local clinics may require travel to larger hospitals or abroad.
- Residency for tax purposes sometimes requires certain days spent in the country or certain investments — check the fine print of the program you choose.
Other Caribbean Citizenship Options to Consider
If Antigua or Grenada don’t match your needs perfectly, here are some alternatives worth exploring:
- St. Kitts & Nevis: Fast processing times, proven program, and strong passport power.
- Saint Lucia: Multiple investment routes, flexible options, and good lifestyle offerings.
- Dominica: Often more affordable, simpler programs, good for people who want to stretch every dollar while still getting strong benefits.
These may have trade-offs (less infrastructure, fewer flights, smaller expat communities), but in many cases the difference is in comfort rather than capability.
Which Caribbean Citizenship Is Best for Permanent Living?
Drawing together all the pieces, here’s what seems to make a citizenship “best” if your goal is living there long term:
- True Citizenship vs Temporary Residency — you want a status that lets you stay, work, and integrate without annual renewals.
- Minimal Physical Stay Requirements — so you can split time between places without losing rights.
- Strong Infrastructure & Access to Healthcare — at least one reliable major hospital, good roads, reliable services.
- Good Mobility — both inside the Caribbean and globally (visa-free access, good flight connections).
- Tax Efficiency — favorable tax laws, clarity on what you’ll owe and when.
- Community & Lifestyle Alignment — are you more resort style, nature, quiet living, culture, local integration?
Based on current data and lived experience, Grenada edges ahead if you prioritize mobility (especially with the U.S.) and flexible living, while Antigua & Barbuda shines for safety, luxury, and more “touristic comforts.” If cost is less of a concern and you’re seeking balance, Antigua may feel smoother; if you want value, connection, and someone who works with you to live simply but beautifully, Grenada is hard to beat.
Conclusion & Call to Action
If you’re ready to choose the right Caribbean citizenship to live permanently, weigh what matters more to you:
- How much time you want to spend on the island vs abroad
- Whether you prefer vibrant cosmopolitan amenities or quiet, nature-rich surroundings
- Your budget for investment and ongoing lifestyle costs
Need help narrowing it down based on your priorities (family, business, remote work, etc.)? We at www.adeniyiassociates.com offer free strategy sessions. Let’s map out which Caribbean country fits you best so that your second citizenship isn’t just a passport — it’s your real home.
If you found this helpful, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, or pass this along to someone else exploring shifts in life. Want more comparison posts (e.g. Dominica vs Saint Lucia vs St. Kitts)? I’d be happy to write that too.
