For entrepreneurs, investors, and high-net-worth individuals who are looking to secure a second citizenship, citizenship by donation often offers one of the most straightforward and convenient options. High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are increasingly realising that acquiring a second nationality can offer significant advantages, including tax efficiency and greater global mobility.
Unlike other citizenship by investment (CBI) investments that focus on real estate or business ownership, citizenship by donation allows eligible applicants to make a one-time, government-approved economic contribution in exchange for citizenship. These economic citizenship programs offer a clear, structured route to citizenship with no requirement to maintain ongoing assets.
At Harvey Law Group (HLG), we are able to assist clients in obtaining citizenship through economic contribution and help identify the program and location that best suits the applicant’s needs. With over three decades of experience in investment-based nationality and residence by investment planning, we help individuals and families plan alternative citizenship pathways into their long-term tax optimization and legacy planning strategies.
Understanding Citizenship by Donation Programs
A citizenship by donation program allows qualified applicants to obtain citizenship through a direct, non-refundable contribution to a national development or sustainability fund.
Unlike other citizenship-by-investment programs that offer investment options such as real estate purchases or business contributions, donation-based schemes focus on supporting national growth. Each contribution is made through the relevant government agency, and citizenship is granted only after meeting all background checks and approval stages.
Harvey Law Group (HLG) assists clients in navigating established economic citizenship programs across various jurisdictions around the world, including the Caribbean and Europe. These programs are well-established and internationally recognised. Under this framework, an individual makes a government-approved contribution which in return grants them full citizenship rights, including a passport and visa-free travel privileges.
For many investors, this investment migration strategy offers numerous advantages including, simplified eligibility requirements and no ongoing asset management.
The Strategic Value for High-Net-Worth Families
For high-net-worth individuals and global investors, citizenship by donation offers an excellent way to manage global exposure, improve mobility, and secure long-term protection of their investments through legacy planning and wealth preservation.
By obtaining a second nationality, investors can optimize tax exposure, diversify their assets, and access business, healthcare and education options for themselves and their families.
Investment Thresholds and Program Structures
When deciding which country offers the best program for their needs, investors must understand the financial commitment required for citizenship by donation, as not every program is the same.
The donation amount itself represents only one part of the total investment, applicants must also consider CBI program costs such as due diligence, government processing, and legal advisory fees. If the investor plans to include their family, different programs may include optional or mandatory contributions for family members.
Understanding Contribution Requirements
Each citizenship by donation program operates under its own set of rules and requirements. Applicants are generally required to make a non-refundable contribution, though the exact amount and process differ from one country to another.
For individual applicants, the donation level generally reflects a base contribution, whereas family applications, including a spouse, dependent children, or parents, will usually require higher contributions to reflect the number of beneficiaries.
Applicants must also consider the mandatory CBI program costs on top of the donation amount, including government processing fees, due diligence, and professional legal representation.
Proper financial and legal planning is highly recommended, not only to stay fully compliant but also to confirm that the contribution and program in general is in line with the investors overall investment migration strategy.
Comparing Investment Options Within Programs
While citizenship by donation programs offer a straightforward and efficient way to obtain a second citizenship, they are often accompanied by other potential investment options, such as real estate or government bond investments, each offering its own unique advantages.
Donation-based citizenship is a great option due to its simplicity as it only requires a single, one-time contribution without the need to maintain or liquidate assets later. For clients seeking certainty and speed, this option minimizes ongoing obligations while ensuring compliance and transparency.
However, real estate or bond-linked investment options may appeal to those with longer-term capital deployment strategies. These types of investments offer potential for asset retention or appreciation but require additional due diligence, maintenance, and market exposure.
At Harvey Law Group, our guidance goes beyond simply obtaining a passport. We make sure that the chosen investment type best suits the client’s needs and goals.
Jurisdiction Analysis: Caribbean Economic Citizenship Programs
The Caribbean has long been recognised as the leader for citizenship by donation programs, offering some of the world’s most established, transparent, and well-regulated economic citizenship frameworks. Countries such as Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, and Saint Lucia each offer well-respected and established citizenship-by-donation programs.
Although these Caribbean citizenship programs offer similar benefits, including family eligibility and visa-free access to the Schengen area, they also differ in several important aspects that should be considered. For investors and high net worth individuals, understanding these differences is a key consideration when making an informed decision.
Program Overview and Comparative Assessment
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs offer the fastest route to second citizenship, with processing times of 3-6 months and visa-free access to 140+ countries.
The most popular and internationally recognised programs, St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, and St. Lucia provide investment options starting from $200,000 for single person applications.
Most Caribbean citizenship by investment programs have no residency obligations and offer significant tax advantages including zero personal income tax, making them ideal for global mobility, wealth protection, and family inclusion across multiple generations.
Caribbean CBI Donation Thresholds
Each Caribbean citizenship by donation program operates under a clearly defined financial framework set by national legislation. While specific figures differ across jurisdictions, all share a similar model: a non-refundable contribution to a government fund dedicated to national development, infrastructure, or social welfare initiatives.
St. Kitts and Nevis
Applicants can choose between the following investment options:
Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
The SISC is an investment option introduced as part of St. Kitts and Nevis’ sustainable development agenda. Under this option, applicants make a non-refundable contribution of USD 250,000 (for a family of up to four) directly to the government.
The funds are used to support government initiatives such as renewable energy, food security, education, and healthcare.
The SISC is a popular choice due to its simplicity and speed, with most applications processed within three to six months.
Public Benefit Option (PBO)
The Public Benefit Option allows investors to contribute USD 250,000 to a government-approved public project that promotes economic growth for St. Kitts and Nevis .
Unlike the SISC, this route supports the development and investment in specific infrastructure or community initiatives, such as:
- Industry development
- Construction of real estate on State land
- Real estate development transferred to State ownership
- Projects with substantial local impact, such as employment and skills development
Please note that these thresholds only represent the minimum donation requirement within each program, with total CBI program costs varying based on family size (e.g. number of dependents), due diligence fees, and administrative charges.
Dominica
Dominica allows applicants to make a contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) as a qualifying investment.
The Economic Diversification Fund was established to support Dominica’s ongoing development goals, with proceeds directed toward key sectors such as education, healthcare, tourism, and infrastructure.
To qualify for citizenship through this route, applicants must make a non-refundable contribution of:
- USD 200,000 for a single applicant
- USD 250,000 for a family of up to four
For larger families, additional contributions apply:
- USD 25,000 for each additional dependent under 18
- USD 40,000 for each additional dependent aged 18 or older
Grenada
Applicants may make a donation to the National Transformation Fund. The National Transformation Fund is a non-refundable contribution used to support Grenada’s economic development, including sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and alternative energy.
To qualify through the NTF option, the required minimum contributions are as follows:
- USD 235,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four
- USD 25,000 for each additional dependent beyond the fourth, excluding the following;
- USD 50,000 for each parent/grandparent under 55.
- USD 75,000 for each qualified sibling.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda permit applicants to make a donation to the National Development Fund (NDF). The NDF is a non-refundable contribution to a government fund that supports public-private partnerships and national development initiatives in Antigua and Barbuda.
To qualify under this option, a non-refundable contribution of USD 230,000 is required. This donation amount remains fixed regardless of the number of applicants included in the application. In addition to the investment, a government processing fee applies as follows:
- USD 10,000 for a single applicant
- USD 20,000 for a family of up to four
For families with more than four members, the US$ 20,000 fee applies, plus an additional USD 10,000 is charged per dependent starting from the fifth applicant
Due diligence and other administrative fees are also applicable for each applicant.
Antigua and Barbuda also allows applicants with large families to make a donation to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund.
Designed for families of six or more, this option allows applicants to make a non-refundable contribution of USD 260,000 to the UWI Fund. It includes one year of tuition-free study for one family member at the University of the West Indies.
Government processing fees are waived under this route, making it an attractive option for large families.
St Lucia
A qualifying donation can be made to the National Economic Fund (NEF) Contribution.
To apply under this option, a non-refundable contribution of US $240,000 must be made to the National Economic Fund (NEF). This amount covers either a single applicant or a family of up to four members (the main applicant and 3 qualifying dependents). The following additional investment will be required if the applicant wishes to include additional qualifying dependents:
- US$ 10,000 for each additional qualifying dependent under 18
- US$ 20,000 for each additional qualifying dependent over 18
The funds received are used to support national development in sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
A contribution to the NEF is the most straightforward and popular option with no residency requirement and a processing timeframe of around 10–12 months.
Processing Efficiency
One of the main attractions of Caribbean citizenship by investment programs is that they follow a clear and predictable process, typically taking around three to six months. The process is straightforward and typically follows a clear sequence: applicants collect and submit the required documents, undergo both independent and government due diligence, receive approval in principle, and then make the final contribution before naturalisation and passport issuance
Visa-Free Mobility and Global Recognition
Caribbean citizenship programs provide applicants with an extensive range of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, including the Schengen area. The increased global mobility offered by these programs is one of the main reasons high-net-worth families often consider applying for Caribbean citizenship.
Due Diligence and Compliance Standards
An important part of the Caribbean citizenship by investment application process is its due diligence process. Independent international background checks must be completed before government-level security screenings, ensuring that only fully qualified applicants are approved.
Program History and Reputation
The Caribbean’s leading role in citizenship by investment is based upon decades of experience and consistent program development. St. Kitts & Nevis, established in 1984, was the world’s first CBI program, followed by Dominica in 1993 and Grenada in 2013. Antigua & Barbuda and Saint Lucia later introduced their own CBI programs.
With years of experience and steady program growth, these nations have become recognised as the most trusted and well-established destinations for citizenship by investment worldwide.
European Investment Migration Pathways
While citizenship by donation offers the fastest and most straightforward path to a second nationality, many high-net-worth individuals also look to Europe for its investment migration opportunities.
While the Caribbean offers citizenship-by-donation programs, European countries offer residence-by-investment programs with no guarantee of citizenship.” This means investors are first granted residency rights, with the opportunity to apply for citizenship later after meeting specific residence and integration requirements.
While residency in Europe doesn’t grant automatic citizenship, it does come with substantial benefits, allowing holders to live, work, and travel freely within the host country and, in many cases, across the entire Schengen Zone.
Choosing Between Europe and the Caribbean
When comparing Caribbean and European investment migration options, the key difference is timing versus long-term opportunity. Caribbean citizenship by donation programs are known for their speed and simplicity with access to full citizenship often granted within just a few months. This makes them ideal for investors seeking immediate results.
European residence-by-investment programs generally require more time and commitment. Although they don’t grant citizenship immediately, they provide access to Europe’s stable economies, high standard of living, and the freedom to reside and travel throughout the Schengen Area. For investors who maintain their residency and fulfil the host country’s naturalisation criteria, these programs can ultimately lead to full European citizenship.
Ultimately, the decision depends on personal needs and requirements. Caribbean programs favour efficiency and immediate global access, while European programs offer long-term advantages of EU residence and, potentially, citizenship.
Due Diligence and Compliance Framework
Every legitimate citizenship by donation program requires the applicant to undertake a strict due diligence and compliance process. Due Diligence is required to uphold the integrity, transparency, and international credibility of the program.
For high-net-worth individuals, understanding and properly preparing for these due diligence requirements is highly important. The due diligence process is often complex and requires detailed financial disclosures, extensive background checks, and accurate documentation.
The Rigorous Vetting Process
Due diligence is a comprehensive, multi-layered review that combines independent investigation, financial transparency, and government verification.
Each application is examined by authorised due diligence firms, often supported by international intelligence databases and security agencies, before being reviewed by the host government’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
Applicants must provide a wide range of documentation proving proof of funds for their contribution, along with certified financial statements, police clearances, and verified identification documents from every country of residence and citizenship.
Over recent times, governments have significantly tightened the due diligence procedures in response to international standards on anti–money laundering (AML), counterterrorism financing (CTF), and financial transparency.
Working with Experienced Immigration Counsel
Harvey Law Group (HLG) brings more than three decades of experience in assisting investors with the legal, financial, and compliance requirements of global investment migration programs.
Submitting an incomplete or poorly prepared application can have serious consequences. Beyond losing non-refundable government and due diligence fees, a rejection can negatively impact eligibility for other citizenship or residence by investment programs.
At Harvey Law Group, we aim to protect each client’s long-term interests through precision, transparency, and compliance at every stage. By combining legal expertise with thorough preparation, our team ensures that each application upholds the highest standards of professionalism and integrity expected by governments and global investors alike.
Strategic Benefits Beyond the Investment
While the financial contribution required for citizenship by donation is significant, acquiring citizenship through economic contribution offers highly valuable benefits including, mobility, tax planning, wealth preservation, and family legacy planning.
Global Mobility and Travel Freedom
Time and mobility are among the most valuable assets of a high net worth individual. Beyond the convenience of visa-free travel to major commercial and financial destinations, such programs offer HNMIs the ability to attend meetings, oversee investments, and pursue new ventures without visa or logistic issues.
A second citizenship also provides an alternative option for residence, education, or healthcare access, providing family stability
Tax Planning and Wealth Structuring
Citizenship by donation can also assist with wealth and tax planning. A second nationality offers greater flexibility in choosing where to live, structure and diversify assets, and plan for future succession.
It’s important to note that citizenship and tax residency does not automatically change someone’s tax obligations. However, it can provide legitimate options in jurisdictions with favourable tax regimes or provide options for relocation, residence by investment, or estate planning.
Wealth preservation requires close coordination between legal, tax, and financial professionals. Working with qualified advisors ensures that all structures remain compliant and reflect genuine economic substance.
Disclaimer: This section is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Individuals should seek guidance from qualified tax counsel regarding their specific circumstances.
Risk Mitigation and Portfolio Diversification
For investors, diversification is key to long-term stability. Obtaining a second citizenship can help investors to achieve a balanced portfolio that can gain extra protection against market volatility.
A second citizenship can act as a form of geopolitical insurance, offering a safety net against political shifts, economic instability, or currency fluctuations.
Citizenship by Donation offers a wider investment migration strategy and expands options and safeguarding the future.
Family Inclusion and Generational Planning
Legacy planning is about more than passing down assets, it’s about creating a structure that can protect your family’s wealth and simplify inheritance. For high-net-worth individuals, legacy planning is now a key part of securing their long-term future.
A growing number of families are using a donation to achieve Citizenship by Investment (CBI) now forms part of their legacy plan. These programs offer a practical way to establish a presence in countries with favourable tax regimes, stable legal systems, and reduce barriers to wealth transfer.
Including Dependents in Applications
Another significant advantage of citizenship by donation programs is their flexibility in allowing applicants to include entire families under a single application. CBI programs are designed with family legacy planning in mind, allowing investors to include their spouses, children, and sometimes even parents or siblings as dependents.
However, the definition of a “dependent” and the associated CBI program costs can vary between countries.
In most economic citizenship programs, a dependent is defined as a family member who is financially supported by the main applicant. This typically includes:
- A spouse or legally recognized partner;
- Children, often under the age of 18, or up to 25 if they are full-time students and financially dependent;
- Parents or grandparents, usually over a defined age threshold (often 55 or 65) who are financially supported by the applicant;
- In some Caribbean CBI jurisdictions, unmarried siblings under a specified age may also qualify if they meet dependency requirements.
The number of dependents often directly influences the total citizenship investment requirements. While the principal applicant contributes a base donation, each additional dependent increases the contribution amount and incurs additional government and due diligence fees. These costs can scale significantly for large families, particularly where older dependents or extended family members are included.
Citizenship as Legacy Planning
A well-structured legacy plan gives you the ability to remain in control of how your wealth, business interests, and values are carried forward. It helps to promote continuity for your family, protects what you have built, and strengthens your family’s ability to respond to future challenges.
The Caribbean remains the leading choice for Citizenship by Investment. Key reasons HNWIs choose Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs:
- Low tax burden: Most Caribbean CBI jurisdictions enforce no taxes on wealth, inheritance, or worldwide income
- Family inclusion: Most programs allow for the inclusion of spouses, children, and even dependent parents or siblings under one application
- Political and economic stability: These nations offer a secure environment for legacy estate planning
Tax Efficiency & Wealth Structuring
One of the biggest attractions of Caribbean CBI programs is their potential for tax-efficient citizenship.
Common tax advantages include:
- Zero inheritance tax, capital gains tax, or wealth tax in most CBI jurisdictions
- No tax on foreign income for non-residents
- Simplified cross-border wealth transfer through legal entities such as offshore trusts, private foundations, and holding companies
Family legacy planning
Citizenship by Investment in the Caribbean allows families to ensure that their heirs inherit not just wealth, but also a second citizenship and its associated benefits.
Here’s how second citizenship for children supports long-term family goals:
- Continuity: Families gain access to a safe and stable jurisdiction, reducing exposure to geopolitical risks
- Education and healthcare access: A Caribbean passport can enable visa-free access to world-class universities and medical systems
- Succession planning: Citizenship rights can often be passed down automatically, eliminating the need for future applications or legal hurdles
Program Selection Criteria for Strategic Decision-Making
Selecting the right citizenship by donation program is not simply choosing the lowest contribution amount or the fastest approval timeline. For high-net-worth individuals, the most suitable economic citizenship program depends on factors such as availability for dependents, travel needs, business interests, risk exposure, and long-term wealth planning.
Key Factors in Jurisdiction Selection
In relation to citizenship by donation, the correct choice depends entirely on the investor’s individual goals, circumstances, and priorities. To make the best decision possible, the following should be considered:
- Processing Efficiency – When choosing a program, applicants should consider how important speed is to their goals. Some may prefer jurisdictions known for faster processing timelines, typically around three to six months, while others may choose programs with more detailed reviews and longer processing times in exchange for added assurance and credibility.
- Visa-Free Mobility – Investors may prioritise Schengen and U.K. access for board meetings and corporate travel, while families may value destinations offering education and healthcare opportunities.
- Program Reputation and International Standing – A program’s global reputation matters for both travel convenience and integrity. Established CBI jurisdictions such as St. Kitts & Nevis or Dominica offer strong reputations for compliance and due diligence, adding credibility to the passport.
- Residency or Physical Presence Requirements – Some applicants value flexibility and zero-residency obligations, while others may prefer jurisdictions that offer optional residence rights to diversify lifestyle and tax positioning.
At Harvey Law Group, our experts work to match eligible programs to the client’s needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all formula.
Aligning Citizenship Strategy with Broader Wealth Goals
Integrating Citizenship into a Broader Wealth Strategy
A well-structured citizenship by donation plan should form part of a client’s wider wealth management and investment migration strategy. At Harvey Law Group, this begins with a deep understanding of each client’s financial position, business ambitions, family priorities, and long-term legacy goals.
Business and Expansion Goals
For entrepreneurs and executives, a second citizenship can offer access to new markets, simplify global business operations, and improve cross-border investment flexibility.
Family and Lifestyle Planning
Many families choose citizenship through economic contribution to secure access to high-quality education, healthcare, and a stable environment.
Tax and Estate Coordination
A second citizenship can complement existing estate structures, offering additional jurisdictional options for asset protection and succession planning.
The Harvey Law Group Advantage
Harvey Law Group brings over 32 years of immigration expertise with offices in 20 countries globally, including major hubs like Hong Kong, Paris, Miami, and Montreal.
Our specialized expertise extends to Citizenship by Donation programs, offering clients clear, professional guidance on selecting the most suitable jurisdiction, understanding contribution requirements, and assisting with each step of the application process. HLG ensures a smooth and compliant process.
Contact our experts for a personalized program comparison and more information about which program is best suited to your needs, whether you are eligible and how to get started.
