Saint Lucia has become the fifth Caribbean nation to sign the Memorandum of Agreement establishing a unified minimum CBI investment threshold of $200,000, bringing the total number of signatories to five and cementing the new price floor as the standard across the entire Eastern Caribbean.
With Saint Lucia’s addition, the agreement now covers Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia — effectively every Caribbean CBI program. The unified $200,000 minimum represents a dramatic shift from the competitive pricing that once defined the Caribbean CBI market.
The End of Caribbean Budget CBI
For years, the Caribbean was the go-to region for cost-effective citizenship by investment. Programs like Dominica’s, which previously offered citizenship for as little as $100,000, attracted tens of thousands of applicants worldwide. That era has now conclusively ended.
The $200,000 minimum, combined with additional government fees, due diligence charges, and processing costs, means that the total cost of Caribbean citizenship now typically ranges from $230,000 to $280,000 depending on family size and chosen program.
Where Does This Leave Vanuatu?
Vanuatu’s Development Support Program at $130,000 for a single applicant is now the most competitively priced legitimate CBI program available globally. The savings compared to Caribbean alternatives have grown from modest to substantial — ranging from $70,000 to $120,000 depending on the specific program and family configuration.
Also, Vanuatu’s processing time of 30 to 45 days remains significantly faster than Caribbean programs, which typically require 90 to 180 days.
“With every Caribbean nation now aligned at the $200,000 threshold, the market dynamics have fundamentally shifted. Clients who previously had five affordable options now have one — Vanuatu. We’ve seen a marked increase in inquiries specifically referencing the Caribbean price increases as their motivation. For investors seeking the best combination of value, speed, and program integrity, Vanuatu has become the clear choice.”
— Esha Kashyap, Head of Sales, Alpha Immigration Associates
Considering your options after the Caribbean price increases? Contact us for an honest comparison of available programs.