With increasing geopolitical instability, rising taxes, and tightening regulations, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are increasingly shifting their focus from pure wealth accumulation to broader priorities such as asset protection, long-term security, and family well-being

In 2025, an estimated 142,000 millionaires are expected to relocate in search of greater security for their families and assets. Citizenship by Investment (Citizenship by Investment), once a niche solution, has become a central part of modern wealth planning. 

For many HNWIs, a second citizenship offers far more than just anpother passport, it’s a safeguard against political and economic uncertainty. It offers greater mobility, more flexible tax planning, and a stable foundation for protecting future generations.

What is Citizenship by Investment (Citizenship by Investment)?

Citizenship by Investment (Citizenship by Investment) is a government supported process that allows individuals and their families to gain citizenship in another country by making a significant economic contribution. Citizenship by Investment is a legal route to naturalization and is clearly defined in national laws, such as Section 101 of Dominica’s Constitution.

The investment required as part of the Citizenship by Investment process can take different forms including but limited to: 

• making a one-time donation to a national development fund, 
• buying government-approved real estate, or; 
• purchasing government bonds. 

These contributions are not merely financial transactions; they are designed to support the host country’s economic development, promote long-term growth, infrastructure, and national development.

To protect the integrity of the program and the interests of the host country, applicants are required to undergo a comprehensive due diligence process. This process ensures that only suitable applicants are granted citizenship. 

Once approved, successful applicants and their families receive full citizenship for life, including the right to live and work in the country, obtain a passport, and enjoy visa-free access to a wide range of destinations. In most cases, dual citizenship is permitted, allowing individuals to retain their original nationality.

Why HNWIs Use Citizenship by Investment for Wealth Preservation

For many high-net-worth individuals, second citizenship has become more than just a lifestyle choice, it’s a way of protecting their wealth and securing their family’s future. While visa-free travel is a well-known advantage, Citizenship by Investment offers much more. 

It provides protection against global uncertainties such as political instability, shifting tax policies, and legal exposure, offering greater peace of mind and long-term flexibility.

Asset Protection Through Citizenship by Investment

A second citizenship can offer many benefits in today’s unpredictable world and it offers individuals and their families the opportunity to relocate or restructure when needed. 

Many Caribbean Citizenship by Investment countries also offer investor-friendly tax regimes, such as no wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes, making them attractive for long-term financial planning. 

Furthermore, through structures such as trusts, international business corporations (IBCs), and private banking, high-net-worth individuals can optimize their global portfolios, support succession planning, and manage assets more efficiently. 

Trusts in Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Jurisdictions

Several Caribbean countries such as St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Lucia offer HNWIs access to well-regulated trust legislation, making them attractive hubs for long-term wealth and succession planning.

Why HNWIs consider trusts:

• Structured Estate and Succession Planning: Trusts offer a flexible and reliable way to transfer wealth across generations while maintaining control over how assets are distributed. They are particularly useful for families with complex holdings or beneficiaries living in multiple jurisdictions.
  
• Asset Protection: When properly structured, trusts can shield assets from legal claims, political instability, or business disputes. This legal separation between settlers and the assets held in trust adds a layer of protection and continuity.
  
• Favourable Tax Environment: Many Caribbean trust jurisdictions operate within tax-neutral frameworks, meaning trusts are generally not subject to local income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes on assets held or income earned outside the jurisdiction. This allows families to preserve more of their wealth while remaining fully compliant with home-country tax reporting obligations.
  
• Privacy and Confidentiality: Although trust structures in these jurisdictions are increasingly aligned with international standards (e.g., CRS and FATCA), they still afford a high level of discretion in terms of beneficiary details and asset holdings, offering privacy for families seeking to manage their affairs discreetly and securely.
  
• Professional Trust Services: Caribbean jurisdictions have developed strong fiduciary service sectors with experienced trust companies, legal professionals, and corporate service providers. This supports high standards of governance, transparency, and compliance while delivering bespoke solutions for wealth management.
  

International Business Corporations (IBCs)

Countries that offer Citizenship by Investment programs such as Dominica, St. Lucia, and St Kitts & Nevis offer well-established and flexible legal frameworks for the formation of International Business Corporations (IBCs). 

IBCs are designed to support international business, asset protection, and cross-border investment in a transparent and efficient manner.

Why HNWIs use IBCs:

IBCs offer the follow benefits for HNWIs:

• Favourable Tax Treatment: IBCs typically benefit from tax-neutral regimes, with exemptions from local corporate income tax, capital gains tax, and withholding tax on income derived from outside the country.
  
• Confidentiality Protections: Many IBC jurisdictions offer increased privacy for beneficial owners. While compliant with international transparency standards, these structures may allow for non-disclosure of directors and shareholders in public records, helping protect sensitive financial and strategic information.
  
• Ease of Incorporation and Low Maintenance: IBCs are easy to set up, often requiring just one director and shareholder of any nationality. With minimal reporting and no audit requirements in many jurisdictions, they provide a simple solution for managing global assets without excessive administrative burden.
  
• Versatile Asset Holding: IBCs can hold a wide range of assets, including real estate, intellectual property, and investment portfolios, and are frequently used to structure family offices, consolidate ownership of international assets, or facilitate estate planning. By separating personal and business assets, they offer a strategic layer of legal protection and financial clarity.

Diversification of Risk

Second citizenship allows HNWI’s to strategically reduce exposure to risk. For high-net-worth individuals, relying solely on one country’s political system, tax policies, and financial infrastructure can leave them vulnerable to sudden changes or disruptions.

By acquiring a second citizenship, investors gain the flexibility to rebalance their assets across multiple systems. This helps reduce dependency on a single government’s policies or regulatory environment, particularly in times of crisis, policy shifts, or economic volatility.

For example:

• Tax Diversification: A second citizenship may allow individuals to reside, invest, or structure their affairs in a country with a more predictable or investor-friendly tax regime, while remaining compliant with global reporting obligations.
  
• Banking and Financial System Access: In times of instability, having the option to bank, invest, or manage assets in an alternative jurisdiction with robust financial services can provide crucial continuity and control.
  
• Legal Flexibility: Multiple citizenships can create greater personal and business flexibility, allowing families to operate under different legal regimes as needed, whether for estate planning, dispute resolution, or accessing courts with stronger property rights protections.
  
• Geopolitical Resilience: A second nationality also provides a practical exit strategy should the individual’s country of origin face political unrest, sanctions, or travel restrictions. It enables relocation without delay or dependency on foreign visa approvals.

Why the Caribbean is a Hub for Citizenship by Investment

When it comes to citizenship by investment, the Caribbean sets the global standard. As the first region to introduce Citizenship by Investment programs, its countries have built a reputation for well-regulated, efficient, and trusted pathways to second citizenship, combining experience with long-term value. 

The Caribbean nation of St Kitts & Nevis was the first to launch a Citizenship by Investment (Citizenship by Investment) program with other neighbouring countries following suit soon after. Today they continue to lead the market with decades of experience, investor trust, and government commitment.

What makes the Caribbean so attractive?

• No taxes on wealth, inheritance, or capital gains
  
• Visa-free access to over 140 countries
  
• Fast-track processing in as little as 3–6 months
  
• Strict confidentiality and data protection laws
  
• Full family eligibility, including parents and dependents
  
• Stable governments and strong legal systems
  

Four Decades of Citizenship by Investment Leadership

The Caribbean is where modern Citizenship by Investment began. St. Kitts & Nevis launched the world’s first official program in 1984, and that legacy continues to shape the region’s leadership today. These are not ad-hoc or informal arrangements, they are government approved programs, backed by legislation and supported by rigorous regulatory frameworks.. They’re constitutionally guaranteed and run by dedicated Citizenship by Investment Units (CIUs), which ensure legal compliance, transparency, and efficient processing.

A Legal System Investors Can Trust

All five main Caribbean Citizenship by Investment countries operate under English Common Law, a legal framework that’s familiar to investors from the UK, U.S., Canada, and other Commonwealth nations. It provides:

• Strong protections for private property
• Clear contract enforcement
• Independent judicial systems

This legal predictability reduces uncertainty and makes it easier to integrate assets, trusts, or estate plans into the jurisdiction with confidence.

Political and Economic Stability with Global Ties

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment nations aren’t politically isolated, they’re part of major international treaties such as the Commonwealth, CARICOM, and the OECS, giving them access to global partnerships, cooperative development, and democratic political systems.

Importantly, Citizenship by Investment revenues play a vital role in national development. In countries like Dominica, these funds have been reinvested into key infrastructure projects, ranging from climate-resilient housing to modern hospitals, directly supporting the country’s long-term growth and resilience. 

Privacy Is Protected By Law

High-net-worth individuals value discretion, and Caribbean governments have responded with some of the strongest privacy protections in the industry.

• St. Kitts & Nevis was the first to introduce legal confidentiality protections in 1985, making it a criminal offense to disclose financial information without proper authority.
  
• Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Lucia, and Grenada have since followed with data protection laws that align with GDPR-level standards.
  

Choosing the Right Caribbean Program for Wealth Preservation

While all five leading Caribbean CBI programs offer similar benefits, such as global mobility, tax-efficient second citizenship, and a strong layer of asset protection, each program has unique strengths that align with different investor profiles, priorities, and legacy goals. 

Understanding these differences can help you select the program best suited to your long-term goals.

Dominica

One of the most established programs globally, Dominica’s CBI offering is known for its transparency and strict due diligence. Often ranked among the best in the world, the program appeals to investors seeking an accessible path to second citizenship with a strong impact focus.

Investment Options:

Dominica offers two investment options for individuals, a contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) or the purchase of approved real estate. 

Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)

The Economic Diversification Fund is designed to reinvest the contributions made by applicants in projects to support Dominica’s development. Contributions are used to support projects in 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

Real Estate Investment Option

To qualify through the real estate option, investors must commit at least USD 200,000 to a government-sanctioned property development. Eligible projects typically range from eco-friendly resorts and upscale villas to high-end boutique hotels.

Investors must keep ownership for a minimum of three years, or five years if the property is later resold to another CBI applicant.

Applicants are also subject to the following government fees:

• USD 75,000 for a single applicant
• USD 100,000 for a main applicant with up to three dependents
• USD 25,000 for each additional dependent under 18
• USD 40,000 for each additional dependent over 18

Other associated costs that applicants should be aware of include:

• Processing fee: USD 1,000
• Due diligence fee: USD 7,500 for the main applicant
• Interview fee: USD 1,000

St. Kitts & Nevis

St. Kitts & Nevis launched the world’s first CBI program in 1984 and continues to set the industry standard. It combines a premium brand with deep expertise, robust legal safeguards, and one of the strongest reputations globally.

Investment Options

Applicants considering applying for citizenship through investment in St. Kitts and Nevis can select from several structured options designed to support the nation’s development goals:

Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)

As part of the government’s long-term sustainability vision, the SISC requires a one-time, non-refundable payment of USD 250,000 for a family of up to four. This contribution is used to support key national priorities such as renewable energy initiatives, food security programs, public education, and healthcare services.

Public Benefit Option (PBO)

Under this option, investors are required to contribute USD 250,000 to a government-approved initiative aimed at boosting the country’s socio-economic development. These projects typically include:

• Industrial expansion and sectoral development
• Construction of real estate on public land
• Private developments transferred to state ownership
• Programs that generate meaningful employment or workforce training
  

Approved Private Real Estate Investment

This option allows applicants to invest in qualified residential properties under two categories:

• A condominium unit or fractional ownership in a government-approved development, with a minimum investment of USD 325,000
  
• A private single-family home listed as an Approved Private Real Estate property, requiring a minimum investment of USD 600,000
  

To retain eligibility, the property must be held for at least seven years. Early resale may disqualify the investment from future citizenship applications unless the Federal Cabinet determines that further capital improvements, such as construction, refurbishment, or other sanctioned upgrades have been made.

Shares in Approved Real Estate Developments

This investment route involves purchasing shares valued at a minimum of USD 325,000 in designated real estate projects. Investors gain partial ownership in premier developments, which may include luxury beachfront resorts, eco-conscious estates, or integrated residential communities.

Examples of currently approved developments include:

• Beach & Golf Residence Ltd
• Belmont Gardens
• Brimstone Village
• Four Seasons Nevis Resort Estates

Antigua & Barbuda

This program has emerged as a top choice for families, offering flexible options and one of the most cost-effective paths for larger households. The inclusion of an education component sets it apart from all other programs.

Investment Options

Antigua and Barbuda offers several investment options for individuals and families seeking second citizenship. Each option is designed to contribute to the country’s economic development while catering to different investor profiles.

National Development Fund (NDF) Contribution

The NDF is a government-managed fund supporting infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and key national projects. To qualify through this option, applicants must make a one-time, non-refundable contribution of USD 230,000. 

This contribution amount remains fixed, regardless of how many dependents are included in the application. However, the following Government processing fees will also apply:

• USD 10,000 for single applicants
  
• USD 20,000 for families of up to four
  
• USD 10,000 for each additional dependent beyond the fourth
  

Applicants are also responsible for standard due diligence and administrative fees. The application process begins with payment of the due diligence fee and a portion of the processing charges. Upon approval, the remaining amount and the full contribution must be settled before citizenship certificates and passports are issued.

Real Estate Investment

Applicants can also choose to invest in government-approved real estate with a minimum value of USD 300,000. Qualifying properties include branded residences, high-end resorts, and boutique developments.

To maintain eligibility under the program, the property must be held for at least five years, unless replaced by another approved development.

University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund

Designed specifically for larger families, this option requires a non-refundable donation of USD 260,000 to the UWI Fund. It is available only to families of six or more applicants and includes one year of free tuition for a single family member at any UWI campus.

This route waives all government processing fees, making it a cost-effective solution for extended families prioritising education benefits alongside citizenship.

Business Investment

For those with entrepreneurial goals, the Business Investment option allows applicants to invest in pre-approved commercial ventures within Antigua and Barbuda. Two structures are available:

• USD 1.5 million as a sole investor
  
• USD 400,000 per investor as part of a joint investment totaling at least USD 5 million

All business proposals must be reviewed and sanctioned by the CIU. Eligible industries include tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, and information technology. 

Grenada

Grenada offers a rare feature among Caribbean programs, eligibility for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, making it a great option for investors and entrepreneurs seeking a pathway to live and operate a business in the United States.

Investment Options

Applicants can obtain Grenadian citizenship by choosing one of two official investment pathways: a financial contribution to the National Transformation Fund (NTF) or a qualifying investment in government-approved real estate.

National Transformation Fund (NTF) Contribution

The NTF is a government-managed fund dedicated to advancing Grenada’s national priorities, including initiatives in tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure development. This route involves making a non-refundable financial donation directly to the state.

Minimum Contribution Requirements:

• USD 235,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four members
  
• USD 25,000 for each additional dependent (fifth and beyond), except:
  
  • USD 50,000 for each parent or grandparent under the age of 55
    
  • USD 75,000 for each qualified sibling of the main applicant or spouse
    

Real Estate Investment Option

Applicants may also qualify by investing in a government-approved property development. These projects include luxury resorts, branded residences, and eco-conscious residential communities that meet national tourism and sustainability goals.

To qualify:

• Minimum investment: USD 270,000 in a designated project
  
• Holding period: At least five years if the property will later be used for another CBI application; otherwise, it can be sold freely after purchase
  

In addition to the real estate purchase, investors must pay a government fee of USD 50,000, with incremental charges for dependents depending on family size and composition.

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia offers a forward-thinking program with a unique refundable investment option, government bonds, which appeals to risk-averse investors who prioritize capital preservation and value predictability.

Investment Options

Saint Lucia offers the following investment routes under its Citizenship by Investment Program, each tailored to meet the financial objectives and family structures of global investors. The most prominent among them are detailed below:

National Economic Fund (NEF) Contribution

The NEF supports national growth in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and public health. This option involves a non-refundable donation to the fund.

Contribution Requirements:

• USD 240,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four (main applicant + 3 dependents)
  
• USD 10,000 for each additional dependent under 18
  
• USD 20,000 for each additional dependent over 18
  

Widely regarded as the simplest route to citizenship, the NEF requires no physical residency, and applications are typically processed within 10 to 12 months.

National Action Bond (NAB)

St. Lucia distinguishes itself from other Caribbean programs by offering a government bond-based investment route. Under this option, applicants must purchase non-interest-bearing government bonds with the following requirements:

• Minimum investment: USD 300,000
  
• Non-refundable administration fee: USD 50,000

How Citizenship by Investment Supports Long-Term Legacy Planning

For high-net-worth individuals, wealth preservation through Citizenship by Investment is about more than just protecting their current assets, it’s about building a framework for future generations. 

Citizenship by Investment (Citizenship by Investment) can play a major role in multi-generational wealth strategies, supporting estate planning, tax efficiency, and asset protection under favorable legal regimes.

Transferring Wealth Across Generations

One of the key benefits of Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs is their tax-neutral environment, which makes transferring wealth across borders significantly more efficient. By placing global assets under a holding company or family office structure in jurisdictions like St. Kitts & Nevis or Dominica, HNWI and their families can avoid estate taxes and reduce the red tape often associated with international inheritance.

This allows wealth to pass from one generation to the next without erosion from capital gains or inheritance taxes, keeping family capital where it belongs.

Citizenship by Descent

Most Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs offer citizenship by descent, meaning the children, and often grandchildren of the original investor can inherit citizenship automatically. This turns second citizenship into a lasting legacy that supports global mobility, educational access, and financial opportunity for generations to come.

It’s a great way to future-proof a family’s global positioning, without needing to re-apply or reinvest for each generation.

Unified Legal Status for the Whole Family

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs are designed with families in mind. Investors can include not just spouses and children, but also parents, and in some cases grandparents and siblings in a single application. 

This unified legal and residential status makes estate planning easier and allows every family member to have access to the same global protections.

Using Trusts for Succession Planning and Asset Protection

One of the most powerful benefits of asset protection through citizenship by investment is the ability to establish trusts in the country where you’re a citizen. Setting up a trust as a local citizen allows for deeper legal protection and control.

In jurisdictions like St Kitts & Nevis or Antigua, these trusts can be designed to distribute wealth according to the settlor’s exact wishes. Family members can be named as beneficiaries, and a trusted advisor can serve as a protector, ensuring assets are managed securely and confidentially.

Key Considerations Before Using Citizenship by Investment for Wealth Preservation

Wealth preservation through Citizenship by Investment can be a highly beneficial long-term strategy, but investors should be aware of and consider the following:

Choosing your Citizenship by Investment program

Not all Citizenship by Investment programs are the same and they have their own individual application requirements and benefits on offer. Before committing to any option, it’s highly recommended to conduct thorough due diligence, not just on the program itself, but also on the country’s legal framework, reputation, and long-term stability. 

Look for government-authorized programs with transparent processes, strong regulatory oversight, and a proven track record of delivering value. 

Know your global reporting obligations

If you’re a U.S. citizen or tax resident, or from a country that participates in CRS or FATCA, your financial accounts may be reported to your home country. A tax-efficient second citizenship can offer benefits, but compliance with obligations in your home country is still a mandatory requirement.

Work with trusted professionals

A second citizenship is subject to a strict application process. Working with the right legal advisors can help ensure your chosen program is the right choice for your wealth preservation, estate planning, and global mobility needs. Experienced professionals can also offer valuable help with the application process and help to make sure the application doesn’t run into costly or unexpected issues.

At Immigration Lexicon, we partner with one of the most established and respected immigration law firms in the industry. This gives our clients access to expert guidance backed by decades of experience in due diligence, program selection, and cross-border planning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wealth Preservation through Citizenship by Investment

What is wealth preservation? 

Wealth preservation refers to the strategies used by HNWIs to maintain the value of their assets over time by minimizing risks from taxes, inflation, and political instability. Citizenship by Investment can play a leading role in this through jurisdictional diversification and tax neutrality.

How do the rich preserve their wealth?

Wealthy individuals use trusts, foundations, second citizenships, and diversified investments to preserve wealth. These strategies help reduce tax liability, improve asset security, and facilitate succession planning.

What is Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by Investment investment refers to a qualifying contribution, typically a donation or real estate purchase, made to a country’s government in exchange for citizenship under official legal frameworks.

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs offer citizenship in exchange for an investment. Countries like Dominica, Grenada, and St. Kitts provide tax-efficient, politically stable alternatives for HNWIs and their families.

Can you get citizenship by investment in the USA?

The USA doesn’t offer traditional Citizenship by Investment. However, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program grants a Green Card to investors who invest in job-creating projects.

What is the difference between a preservation fund and a wealth fund?

A preservation fund focuses on capital protection, often used in retirement strategies. A wealth fund is broader and aims for long-term growth and legacy planning, sometimes including sovereign and family office structures.

Start Your Path to Wealth Preservation through Citizenship by Investment

If you’re looking to protect your assets, improve your global mobility, and build a lasting legacy, second citizenship can be a great option for your long-term plans. Beyond travel flexibility, it offers access to more stable countries and social environments, favourable tax programss, and greater control over your wealth.

At Immigration Lexicon, we collaborate with one of the most established immigration law firms in the industry to provide trusted, discreet guidance tailored to your goals.