Caribbean Second Passport by Investment: New Residency Requirement Explained
For decades, Caribbean countries have led the world in offering investors a second passport by investment — a pathway to global freedom with minimal or no residency obligation. But 2025 marks a turning point.
Governments across the region are introducing new residency requirements and biometric verification systems to enhance transparency and satisfy international partners. While the changes are not yet identical across all five countries, they signal a clear shift toward stronger “real link” policies for new citizens.
Here’s everything investors need to know about the upcoming Caribbean residency requirements and how they impact second citizenship plans.
Why the Residency Rule Is Being Introduced
Caribbean citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programmes have faced increasing scrutiny from the European Union and United Kingdom, who grant visa-free travel to these nations.
Their concern? That individuals could acquire Caribbean passports without ever setting foot in the country.
To protect these valuable visa privileges and ensure programme integrity, governments are implementing residency clauses that demonstrate a genuine connection between the investor and the host nation.
This change does not eliminate fast-track citizenship — it simply introduces minimum stay or physical-presence expectations to align with global standards.
The Five Caribbean CBI Nations and Their New Residency Directions
🇰🇳 Saint Kitts & Nevis: Residency and Biometrics Coming in 2025
In June 2025, Prime Minister Terrance Drew announced that Saint Kitts & Nevis will adopt new residency and biometric requirements under its upcoming CBI legislation.
Applicants will soon need to make a short in-country visit for identity verification and biometric registration before or shortly after citizenship approval.
This initiative positions Saint Kitts & Nevis as a regional leader in responsible programme reform and international cooperation.
Source: Government of Saint Kitts & Nevis – SKNIS.gov.kn, June 2025
🇦🇬 Antigua & Barbuda: Five Days Within Five Years
Antigua & Barbuda already enforces one of the clearest residency requirements in the region: new citizens must spend a minimum of five days in the country within the first five years of citizenship.
While the rule does not require residence before passport issuance, it underscores the region’s move toward genuine national participation. Failing to meet this requirement can affect passport renewal.
Source: Official CBI Unit Antigua & Barbuda / CitizenX.com
🇩🇲 Dominica: Watching the Regional Shift Closely
Dominica’s programme remains efficient and does not currently impose any pre-issuance residency requirement. However, officials have voiced support for harmonised regional reforms through the upcoming Eastern Caribbean Citizenship-by-Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA).
Observers expect that a post-citizenship presence requirement — such as 30 days within five years — could soon become part of the legal framework.
Source: ECCIRA Draft Legislative Framework, 2025
🇱🇨 Saint Lucia & 🇬🇩 Grenada: Preparing for Harmonisation
Both Saint Lucia and Grenada are aligning with ECCIRA’s reform agenda. The current draft regional policy proposes:
“All approved citizens shall spend a minimum of 30 days cumulative physical presence within five years of obtaining citizenship.”
If enacted, this will harmonise standards across participating nations and protect their collective reputation for high-integrity investment migration.
Understanding the ECCIRA Reform
The Eastern Caribbean Citizenship-by-Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA) is a regional initiative to unify and regulate all participating CBI programmes.
Its proposed structure includes:
- 
Shared due-diligence databases 
- 
Cross-border applicant monitoring 
- 
Unified marketing and compliance standards 
- 
A regional residency requirement to prove “genuine link” 
By creating a central oversight body, ECCIRA aims to secure the region’s long-term access to international visa waivers while maintaining investor confidence.
What the New Residency Requirement Means for Investors
🕒 1. Adjusted Timelines
Applicants should anticipate potential in-person steps — such as biometric appointments or brief stays — that may extend processing timelines.
💰 2. Additional Travel and Accommodation Costs
Residency obligations may involve short visits or periodic stays. Investors should plan for travel, lodging, and documentation expenses, especially for family applications.
🔍 3. Enhanced Due Diligence
Governments are prioritising data verification and face-to-face identification. Biometric enrolment will improve programme credibility but may lengthen approval times.
🌍 4. Stronger Global Recognition
These reforms improve the perception of Caribbean passports internationally — strengthening their reputation and helping sustain visa-free travel access to the EU and UK.
Strategic Advice for Investors Seeking a Second Passport by Investment
✅ Confirm Official Implementation Dates
Announcements do not always mean immediate enforcement. Verify the start date of any residency or biometric rule directly with the CBI Unit or your licensed agent.
🧳 Apply Early While Current Rules Still Apply
Most Caribbean nations are phasing changes gradually. Applying before full enforcement could allow you to qualify under current residency-light conditions.
🤝 Work With Licensed Professionals
Partnering with a government-approved consultancy like Adeniyi Associates ensures your application remains compliant, complete, and strategically timed for upcoming reforms.
Why This Matters Now
The Caribbean remains one of the best destinations globally for a second passport by investment, offering security, privacy, and global mobility.
However, the introduction of residency requirements means the “no-stay” era is evolving into one of “real connection.” Investors who act now can enjoy the benefits of today’s flexible programmes while preparing for the higher standards of tomorrow.
🌴 Partner With Adeniyi Associates — Your Global Citizenship Experts
At Adeniyi Associates, we help clients across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East navigate the complexities of Caribbean citizenship programmes.
Our Dubai-based experts provide end-to-end support — from application preparation and documentation to coordinating travel and compliance with the latest residency requirement updates.
🔗 Visit: www.adeniyiassociates.com
📞 Contact: info@adeniyiassociates.com
Secure your second passport by investment — before the new residency rules take effect.













