Investment immigration refers to obtaining residency or citizenship in another country through a qualifying investment, such as real estate, business, or government contributions. With over 30 years of international experience, Harvey Law Group offers expert legal guidance, personalized strategies, and a global network to ensure smooth immigration through investment programs.
Understanding Investment Immigration: A Strategic Pathway to Global Mobility
Investment citizenship, often referred to as citizenship by investment or economic citizenship offers the possibility of obtaining a second nationality without the traditional requirements of long-term residence, ancestry, or naturalization. These programs allow qualified investors to legally obtain citizenship in exchange for approved investments in the host country’s economy.
With increasing political and social uncertainty being experienced in countries around the world, many high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and investors are turning to citizenship and residency-by-investment programs as part of their long-term mobility and estate planning strategies.
The Two Main Pathways: CBI vs RBI
There are two main avenues within investment immigration – Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residency by Investment (RBI). Each offers distinct advantages for those looking to broaden their horizons.
Immigration by Investment (CBI): Full Citizenship Rights
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs give individuals and their families full citizenship and a second passport in exchange for a significant investment—like real estate, donations, or business—without needing long-term residency.
How CBI Differs from Residency Programs
Residency-by-Investment grants the right to live in a country, while CBI grants full citizenship rights like voting and a passport, often with little or no physical stay required.
Countries Offering Citizenship by Investment
Trusted programs exist in Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Türkiye, and Vanuatu, with varying benefits like visa-free travel, tax perks, and fast processing.
Investment Requirements and Processing Times
Typical options include real estate, government fund donations, business investments, or bonds—minimum thresholds range from around USD 130,000 up to USD 400,000 or more depending on the country.
Processing times vary: Caribbean programs take 3–12 months; Türkiye takes 3–6 months; and Vanuatu can process applications in just 1–2 months.
The Historical Foundation of CBI Programs
The concept dates back to 1984 when St. Kitts and Nevis launched the first formal program. Since then, many countries have launched similar pathways, with the Caribbean leading the way in establishing trusted and well-established destinations for citizenship by investment worldwide.
Immigration by Investment in the Caribbean: The Gold Standard
Caribbean citizenship by investment (CBI) remains one of the most practical and attractive routes to second citizenship in 2025, particularly for high-net-worth individuals looking to improve their global mobility, protect assets, and secure a better quality of life for themselves and their families.
Why Caribbean CBI Programs Lead the Industry
The Caribbean CBI landscape in 2025 offers programs that are now better regulated, with improved due diligence and clearly defined requirements. As interest in Caribbean citizenship continues to grow, the governments of countries offering CBI programs have taken active steps to strengthen their credibility and global reputation.
Several important updates have been introduced in 2025, such as tighter due diligence checks, clearer investment guidelines, and greater transparency at every stage of the application. These changes are designed to protect both investors and the long-term integrity of the programs by aligning Caribbean CBI programs with international best practices.
Harvey Law Group has been making efforts to track these regulatory changes closely, helping investors stay compliant and make informed decisions based on the most current program terms.
Key Benefits of Caribbean CBI Programs
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. Five established programs (St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, and St. Lucia) provide investment options starting from $200,000 through government donations (Citizenship by Donation) or real estate purchases.
Depending on the desired country and their program, successful applicants are eligible for:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 140 countries and territories, including the UK, the Schengen Area, Hong Kong, and Singapore
- No residency requirement
- Dual citizenship is permitted
- Citizenship for life, applicable for future generations
- Ability to live, work and settle in any other member of the CARICOM
- Significant tax advantages including zero personal income tax
Most programs require 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.
Tax Advantages Across Caribbean Programs
While each jurisdiction has its own tax regime, most countries offering Caribbean citizenship by investment have no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no wealth or inheritance taxes.
Several countries with established CBI programs offer tax neutrality or zero-tax regimes for individuals who become citizens through investment:
- St. Kitts and Nevis: No personal income, capital gains, or inheritance tax
- Antigua and Barbuda: No capital gains or personal income tax on worldwide income
- Dominica: No wealth, gift, or inheritance taxes. Residents may be taxed on local income.
- St. Lucia: No tax on income earned outside the country for non-resident citizens
- Grenada: No global income, wealth, or inheritance taxes for non-residents
Comparing the Five Leading Caribbean CBI Programs
With several well-established options available, choosing the right Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program comes down to your specific goals. Each country offers unique advantages, investment routes, and timelines, and understanding the differences can help you make a more informed decision.
St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment: The Original and Most Established
Launched in 1984, St. Kitts and Nevis offers the world’s first Citizenship by Investment program. With decades of experience and a strong international reputation, it remains one of the most reliable and well-regarded options in the Caribbean.
Key Features:
- Minimum investment: USD 250,000 (government donation) or USD 400,000 (real estate)
- Processing time: Approximately 6-10 months
- Visa-free travel: Over 150 countries
- Family inclusion: Spouse, children up to 30 years old, parents over 65, unmarried siblings
- No residency requirement
- No language requirement
- Attractive tax regime: No personal taxes
Leading immigration law firms consistently recommend this program for its proven track record, streamlined application process, and well-established international reputation.
Investment Options:
- Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC): USD 250,000 for a main applicant and up to 3 dependents
- Public Benefit Option: USD 250,000 contribution to government-approved public projects like the National Housing Corporation or St. Kitts Marriott Resort
- Approved Real Estate: USD 325,000 for condominium units or USD 600,000 for single-family private homes (held for 7 years)
Dominica Citizenship by Investment: Most Affordable and Excellent Value
Established in 1993, the Commonwealth of Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Program has emerged as a beacon of excellence in the realm of second citizenship options. The Dominica economic citizenship is a well-established citizenship program offers a unique blend of affordability, efficiency, and prestige, making it a top choice for discerning global investors.
Key Features:
- Minimum investment: USD 200,000 (government donation or real estate)
- Processing time: 4-8 months
- Visa-free travel: Over 140 countries
- Family inclusion: Spouse, children under 18, children 18-30 if studying, unmarried daughters under 25, parents/grandparents over 65
- No residency requirement
- Citizenship for life, applicable for future generations
- Dual citizenship is permitted
Investment Options:
- Economic Diversification Fund (EDF): Starting at USD 200,000
- Approved Real Estate: USD 200,000 minimum investment in government-approved projects, held for 5 years (e.g., The Residences at Secret Bay)
Harvey Law Group is officially authorized by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of the Commonwealth of Dominica to promote and provide information about the Citizenship by Investment Programme.
The minimum investment for Dominica citizenship by investment is USD 200,000 for a single applicant in 2025. Harvey Law Group, a certified authorized agent by the Citizenship by Investment Unit of the Commonwealth of Dominica with over 32 years of expertise, helps clients navigate both options to find the most suitable path for their specific circumstances and investment goals.
Grenada Citizenship by Investment: Unique Access to China and US E-2 Visa
Grenada stands out as the only Caribbean passport offering visa-free access to China and eligibility for the U.S. E-2 Visa.
Key Features:
- Minimum investment: USD 220,000 (real estate) or government donation
- Processing time: 4-8 months
- Unique benefit: Access to US E-2 treaty investor visa
- Visa-free access to China
- Family inclusion: Most comprehensive – allows parents and grandparents of both applicant and spouse, regardless of age
- No global income, wealth, or inheritance taxes for non-residents
Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment: Best for Larger Families
Antigua and Barbuda is excellent for larger families, with the widest availability for dependents and multiple investment options.
Key Features:
- Minimum investment: USD 100,000 (for family of up to 4)
- Processing time: Generally the fastest – 3-6 months
- Visa-free travel: Over 150 jurisdictions
- Most comprehensive family inclusion: Children up to 30, parents over 55, unmarried siblings of any age
- Minimal residency requirement: Only 5 days in 5 years
- No language requirement
- Zero personal taxes on worldwide income
Investment Options:
- National Development Fund (NDF): USD 100,000 for family of up to 4
- University of the West Indies Fund: USD 150,000 for family of 6 or more
- Approved Real Estate: USD 200,000 minimum (e.g., Nonsuch Bay Resort)
The definition of “family” stretches wide under Antigua investment citizenship program, making Antigua stand out for multigenerational families wanting to stay together through major life transitions.
St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment: Competitive Pricing and Flexible Structures
St. Lucia presents competitive options with flexible investment structures, including a unique government bond option for capital preservation.
Key Features:
- Minimum investment: USD 240,000 (National Economic Fund) or USD 300,000 (government bonds – refundable)
- Processing time: 4-8 months
- Visa-free travel: Over 140 countries including UK, EU Schengen states, and Singapore
- Family inclusion: Dependent children up to 30, parents/grandparents over 55, unmarried siblings under 18
- No residency requirement
- No tax on worldwide income, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth
- Dual citizenship allowed
Since being first introduced in 2015, the St Lucia Citizenship Program (CIP) has provided investors and high-net-worth individuals to obtain second citizenship by investing in the country’s economy. The St Lucia’s CIP offers a variety of qualifying investments including a donation to the Government Economic Fund, purchasing Government bonds, investing in real estate investment, or contributing to enterprise projects.
Which Caribbean Program is Right for You?
According to Harvey Law Group’s expert analysis:
- Antigua & Barbuda: Excellent for larger families, with the widest availability for dependents and multiple investment options
- St. Lucia: Competitive pricing and a government bond option for capital preservation
- Grenada: The only Caribbean passport offering visa-free access to China and eligibility for the U.S. E-2 Visa
- St. Kitts and Nevis: Premium real estate options and long-standing reputation in the industry
- Dominica: Most affordable with lowest investment thresholds
Each of these countries offers strong investment immigration opportunities backed by government oversight and legal protections. Choosing the right program is ultimately down to each individual investor, but accurate legal advice and a clear understanding of your goals should always be sought.
European Immigration by Investment Programs: Golden Visa Options
Residency by Investment programs, sometimes called Golden Visa, is a way for you and your family to obtain residency in a country by making a qualifying investment, such as buying real estate, investing in government bonds, or starting a business.
Immigration by Investment programs allow individuals, or families, to relocate with the right to live, work, study, in their new country of residence. Unlike Citizenship by Investment, which grants full citizenship immediately, RBI programs provide a pathway to citizenship after several years of legal residency.
Portugal Golden Visa Program: Most Flexible European Option
Portugal’s Golden Visa program, known for its straightforward timeline and affordable investment options, has been a magnet for investors. However, with recent legislative changes, the real estate program has since closed, though several other options remain.
Key Features:
- Minimum investment: EUR 250,000 (cultural donation) or EUR 500,000 (investment fund)
- Processing time: 12-18 months in 2025
- Residency requirement: Only 7 days per year – the most flexible in Europe
- Pathway to citizenship: After 5 years (with basic Portuguese language skills at A2 level)
- Schengen Area access: Travel freely across 29 nations
- Dual citizenship allowed: Retain original nationality
- Family inclusion: Spouse, children, and parents
Portugal’s Immigration by Investment (ARI), more commonly known as Portugal’s Golden Visa Program offers non-EU investors an opportunity to gain Portuguese residency through qualifying investments.
Investment Options for 2025:
- Investment Fund Route: Minimum EUR 500,000 in a qualified investment or venture capital fund (fund must be certified by CMVM, focus on capitalizing Portuguese companies, have minimum 5-year maturity, and allocate at least 60% to Portugal-based businesses)
- Cultural Donation: EUR 250,000 capital transfer for artistic production, recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage through qualified public entities or private foundations
Earlier this year, the Portuguese Parliament approved a change to Portuguese law allowing for Portugal Golden Visa holders to apply for naturalization after 5 years starting from the date the temporary residence permit is requested, rather than 5 years starting from the date of issuance of the Golden Visa residence permit.
Harvey Law Group, with over 32 years of immigration expertise and offices in 20 countries, guides clients through both options to maximize returns and minimize risks. Our expert team helps you choose between recoverable fund investments and non-refundable cultural donations based on your specific goals.
The Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens offers the fastest EU citizenship path at 5 years versus 7-10 years elsewhere, plus minimal residency requirements of just 7 days annually versus full-time residence in other programs.
Greece Golden Visa Program: Value Leader with Recent Changes
Greece’s Golden Visa Program offers a number of key advantages including residency without the need to live in Greece full-time.
Key Features:
- Minimum investment: EUR 250,000 to EUR 500,000 (depending on location)
- Processing time: 4-6 months (officially, though backlogs may extend timelines)
- Residency permits: Valid for 5 years, renewable indefinitely
- No minimum physical presence required
- Pathway to citizenship: After 7 years of actual residence with language and integration requirements
- Full freehold ownership allowed throughout the country
However, the Prime Minister of Greece recently announced significant changes to the program, including revised investment thresholds and zoning classifications within Greece. By raising the minimum investment threshold to EUR 500,000 for many areas of the country, an increase from EUR 250,000, the update aimed to address concerns about the impact of the program on local property markets.
Hungary Immigration by Investment Program: New Addition to European Options
Hungary’s Immigration by Investment (or Hungary Golden Visa) is a recent addition to Europe’s residency-by-investment schemes, launched in 2024 as a way to attract foreign investment to help strengthen the economy.
Key Features:
- Minimum investment: EUR 250,000 in approved Hungarian real estate funds
- Golden visa validity: 10 years, renewable for additional 10 years
- Designed for non-EU nationals and their immediate family members
- Efficient residency process with potentially faster approval than other European programs
Malta and Italy Immigration by Investment Programs: Alternative European Pathways
Italy offers a unique pathway to European residency through its Investor Visa for Italy, commonly referred to as the Italy Golden Visa. Unlike other European Golden Visa programs focused primarily on real estate, Italy’s route is entirely investment-based, with no property purchase requirement. The program offers four distinct investment options, starting from EUR 250,000, including investment in innovative Italian startups or Italian limited companies.
Why Choose Harvey Law Group for Immigration by Investment
With over 30 years of international experience, Harvey Law Group, established in 1992 by Jean François Harvey, is a globally recognized law firm with over 30 years of expertise. HLG provides tailored immigration services across 20 countries to individuals and businesses to internationalize their personal and professional pursuits.
What Makes Harvey Law Group Different
HLG is a full-service international law firm, not a marketing agency. HLG is one of the longest-standing firms in the citizenship by investment and residency by investment industry. All legal advice is provided by licensed immigration lawyers, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and security.
Unlike marketing firms or agents, Harvey Law Group is a fully licensed international law firm. Their work is handled by qualified lawyers, not intermediaries. They’ve won awards like Immigration Law Firm of the Year and have a long-standing global reputation for reliability and professionalism.
Comprehensive Services Beyond Paperwork
They go far beyond paperwork. Their services include:
- Legal analysis of foreign exchange laws
- International tax planning
- Estate protection
- Investment due diligence
- Direct communication with government agencies
- Everything tailored to your situation and goals
Harvey Law Group stands out as a global leader in immigration and investment solutions, offering comprehensive and ethical legal services across 20 international offices. Unlike competitors who focus solely on visa-free travel, HLG provides sophisticated, holistic strategies for global mobility, carefully vetting investment opportunities and tailoring solutions to each client’s unique long-term goals.
With expertise spanning citizenship by investment, residency programs, and international business law, the firm distinguishes itself through its commitment to integrity, thorough due diligence, and a client-first approach that goes beyond mere paperwork to create meaningful international opportunities for investors.
Immigration by Investment Expert
“In over 30 years of advising on investment migration all over the world, at HLG we have learned that every individual’s needs are different,” says Jean-François Harvey, Founder and Managing Partner of Harvey Law Group (HLG). “We find it essential to do comprehensive research on your requirements and available choices to ensure that you can make an informed decision and unlock the full potential for the future of you and your family.”
Jean-François Harvey is recognized internationally as an expert in immigration law and Immigration by Investment, and he brings a wealth of experience in providing comprehensive immigration law services to corporations and high net worth individuals.
Official Authorizations and Accreditations
Harvey Law Group holds official authorizations from multiple Citizenship by Investment Units (CIUs), including:
- Commonwealth of Dominica CIU
- St. Kitts & Nevis CBI Unit
- Grenada IMA
- St Lucia
- Antigua CIU
In this guide, HLG shares insights based on Harvey Law Group’s official accreditation with several Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Units (CIUs). HLG works closely with government authorities, ensuring every application meets the latest regulations and benefits from clear communication with decision-makers.
Investment Migration: Strategic Benefits for High-Net-Worth Individuals
These programs offer greater mobility, protection from geopolitical uncertainty, access to top-tier education and healthcare, and flexibility in wealth management. By making a qualifying investment or structured financial contribution, investors and HNWIs can obtain a second citizenship that offers access to new markets, greater mobility, and tax optimization.
Global Mobility Enhancement
How many days were lost to visa applications last year? For global business leaders, the answer often exceeds weeks or even months. Second citizenship can dramatically enhance global mobility by granting visa-free access to significantly more countries.
Different citizenships offer varying levels of global access. This expanded access transforms business operations by enabling immediate market entry when opportunities arise. Investors gain the ability to attend meetings, sign contracts, or oversee operations without bureaucratic delays.
Tax Optimization Strategies
Tax optimization through second citizenship has become a cornerstone strategy for wealth preservation in 2025. With global tax rates reaching historic highs in traditional financial centers, securing citizenship in tax-efficient jurisdictions creates immediate advantages.
Many jurisdictions that offer citizenship by investment programs also have generous and significant tax advantages. For individuals seeking to diversify their investment portfolio and secure residency in Europe, these programs offer compelling opportunities.
Legacy Planning and Family Protection
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. A growing number of families are using Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs as part of their legacy plan.
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. For high-net-worth individuals, legacy financial planning often includes a combination of tax planning, succession arrangements, and asset protection across multiple jurisdictions.
Take the Next Step with Harvey Law Group
Freedom of movement, financial security, and family protection now rank among the top priorities for high-net-worth individuals worldwide, making the process to acquire citizenship through investment programs increasingly appealing.
With over 30 years of experience in investment migration, Harvey Law Group provides valuable insights into the best programs that closely match your business goals, lifestyle requirements, and legacy objectives.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you wish to consult with Harvey Law Group (HLG), please schedule a free consultation at contact@harveylawcorporation.com.
It’s easy. Just reach out to any of their global offices for an initial consultation. They’ll evaluate your profile, compare all relevant Residency by Investment and Citizenship by Investment programs, and put together a personalized strategic plan to help you move forward with confidence.
