Published 26 August 2026 · Updated 4 November 2026 · 9 minute read
The five Eastern Caribbean programmes look similar from a distance: similar prices, similar timelines, similar islands. Up close, the differences matter, especially after the changes of 2026.
The quick comparison
| St Kitts and Nevis | Grenada | Antigua and Barbuda | St Lucia | Dominica | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donation from | $250,000 | $235,000 | $230,000 | $240,000 | $200,000 |
| Covers | Up to 4 people | Up to 4 people | Up to 4 people | Up to 4 people | 1 person ($250,000 for 4) |
| Typical time | 3 to 4 months | 2 to 5 months | 4 to 6 months | 4 to 6 months | 3 to 6 months |
| Visa-free destinations | About 155 | About 147 | About 154 | About 147 | About 145 |
| Schengen visa-free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UK visa-free | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| US visa restrictions | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Stay requirement | None | None | 5 days in 5 years | None | None |
| Stand-out feature | Fast-track option | US E-2 treaty | Family value | Refundable bond | Lowest single price |
Fees for due diligence, government processing and professionals are extra on all five.
St Kitts and Nevis: the premium choice
The oldest programme in the world, running since 1984. It has the strongest passport of the five and keeps both Schengen and UK access. A fast-track option can cut processing to around 45 to 60 days.
Best for: people who want the strongest Caribbean passport and are happy to pay a little more for it.
Grenada: the business choice
Grenada's big advantage is its E-2 treaty with the United States, which gives citizens a route to a US investor visa. It also covers up to four people at $235,000, gives free movement across CARICOM, and citizenship passes to future generations.
Best for: entrepreneurs eyeing the US, and families. Read how the Grenada to E-2 route works.
Get a free plan for St Kitts & Nevis with full costs for your family. Takes 60 seconds.
Antigua and Barbuda: the family-value choice
$230,000 covers a family of four, making it the lowest price for a typical family. You must spend 5 days in the country in your first 5 years.
The 2026 catch: Antigua nationals face US visa restrictions from January 2026, and reports suggest the government may agree to the EU's phase-out request. Check the latest before you apply.
St Lucia: the flexible choice
St Lucia has the only refundable route in the Caribbean: a $300,000 government bond that is repaid after five years, plus a $50,000 fee. Its donation route starts at $240,000 for up to four people.
The 2026 catch: the UK has required visas for St Lucia nationals since March 2026.
Dominica: the lowest single price
At $200,000 for one person, Dominica is the cheapest way into the Caribbean, and the donation is only paid after approval. Its programme has run since 1993.
The 2026 catch: UK visas are required, and Dominica nationals face US visa restrictions from January 2026.
The verdict
- Strongest passport: St Kitts and Nevis
- Best for US business plans: Grenada
- Best value for a family of four: Antigua and Barbuda, if you accept the US restrictions
- Want your money back: St Lucia's bond route
- Lowest single price: Dominica
All five face the EU's request to close by June 2028. Read what the 2028 deadline means, then use our side-by-side comparison tool to shortlist.
Frequently asked questions
Which Caribbean passport is the strongest?
St Kitts and Nevis has the most visa-free destinations among the five, at around 155, and keeps visa-free access to both Schengen and the UK.
Which Caribbean programme is best for families?
Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada and St Kitts and Nevis cover up to four people for the same headline price. Antigua is the cheapest of the three for a family of four.
Which Caribbean passport gives access to the US?
None give visa-free entry to the US. Grenada has an E-2 treaty with the US, which lets citizens apply for an investor visa to run a business there, subject to US rules.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Programme rules change often, so confirm the current position before you act.