In a historic development for the global citizenship by investment industry, four Caribbean nations — Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis — have signed a Memorandum of Agreement establishing a unified minimum investment threshold of $200,000 across all their CBI programs.
This coordinated price increase, which represents a 50% to 100% jump from previous minimums, fundamentally reshapes the competitive landscape for citizenship by investment worldwide. The agreement signals a broader industry trend toward higher entry costs and stricter program standards.
The New Caribbean Price Floor
Prior to this agreement, Caribbean CBI programs offered some of the most affordable pathways to second citizenship, with minimum contributions ranging from $100,000 to $150,000. The new $200,000 floor effectively eliminates the budget-friendly option that attracted many first-time CBI investors to the Caribbean.
This development comes after years of international pressure on Caribbean nations to strengthen due diligence, raise investment thresholds, and ensure that their programs meet evolving global standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.
How Vanuatu Compares
With the Caribbean collectively moving to $200,000 minimums, Vanuatu’s Development Support Program (DSP) at $130,000 for a single applicant emerges as significantly more cost-effective. For a family of four, the differential becomes even more pronounced — Caribbean programs now cost approximately $230,000 to $250,000, while Vanuatu offers family options starting from around $180,000.
Beyond pricing, Vanuatu continues to offer one of the fastest processing timelines in the industry at 30 to 45 days, compared to 90 to 180 days for most Caribbean programs.
“The Caribbean price increase is a important moment for our industry. For clients who were considering Caribbean citizenship, the value proposition has shifted dramatically. Vanuatu now offers a saving of $70,000 or more compared to Caribbean alternatives, with faster processing and comparable travel benefits. We’re already seeing a significant increase in inquiries from clients who had previously favored Caribbean programs.”
— Esha Kashyap, Head of Sales, Alpha Immigration Associates
Making an Informed Decision
While price is an important factor, it shouldn’t be the only consideration when choosing a citizenship by investment program. Factors such as visa-free travel access, program credibility, processing speed, family inclusion options, and long-term value should all factor into the decision.
That said, the $70,000+ savings that Vanuatu offers compared to Caribbean alternatives is a meaningful difference that deserves careful consideration — especially for families looking to include multiple dependents in their application.
Want to compare your options? Contact our advisory team for a personalized CBI program comparison based on your specific needs and priorities.