Why more wealthy Americans are seeking second citizenship 

A noticeable trend is taking shape among high-net-worth Americans: dual citizenship is becoming less of a luxury and more of a strategic priority. As political and economic uncertainty increases at home, many are reevaluating what it means to be prepared for the future.

Based on learnings from the 2025 US Wealth Report, our latest blog explores the factors behind this shift—from mobility planning to wealth protection—and why Caribbean citizenship programs are becoming increasingly attractive

INVESTMENT THROUGH REAL ESTATE remains a preferred route.  For many of our clients, property remains the smartest path to second citizenship. It’s not only about meeting program requirements, it’s about building value, diversifying assets, and creating a place to return to year after year.

We believe the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) in Antigua & Barbuda processed over 1,500 applications last year—a significant milestone. While we await the government’s official statistics, this reflects a strong global interest in the program. A majority of these applications came from U.S. nationals, reinforcing Antigua & Barbuda’s appeal as a destination for those seeking new opportunities and a second citizenship.

A new blog of ours outlines key strategies for buying property overseas, with insights on location research, tax implications, and how to align your investment with long-term goals.

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Based on learnings from the 2025 US Wealth Report, our latest blog explores the factors behind this shift—from mobility planning to wealth protection—and why Caribbean citizenship programs are becoming increasingly attractive.

Economic Growth in Antigua
Antigua and Barbuda has experienced significant economic and tourism growth in 2024. The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) projects the nation's real GDP to increase by 6.3% this year, positioning it as the second-fastest-growing economy in the region, following Guyana.

By July 2024, stay-over arrivals reached 205,004, reflecting a 16% growth over 2023 .  This upward trend underscores the nation's appeal as a premier destination, highlights the advancement of its tourism industry and reinforces the value of investing in property here through the CBI program.

Our Clients’ Preferred Programs
The majority of our clients this year have chosen Antigua & Barbuda as their destination for citizenship, followed by Grenada and St. Kitts & Nevis. The five Caribbean CBI programs are largely on par in terms of pricing, but Antigua remains the best value for families, particularly for property-based applications. We’ve seen increased interest in property investments, which offer a buoyant market and a minimum investment threshold of $300,000 USD—an attractive option given the donation route is only slightly lower at $230,000 USD.

Changes in Processing and Timelines
Processing times have extended across all CBI programs this year, now averaging 10–12 months due to enhanced diligence measures, including mandatory interviews. However, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. On average, it takes our clients about six weeks to gather their documents before we submit their application to the CIU. From that point, the government review process begins.

Who’s Applying?
This year, the top five nationalities among our clients were U.S., Germany, U.K., Canada, and Brazil. This diversity reflects the global appeal of Caribbean citizenship and especially the growth in demand from North America and Europe.

A Stronger Regional Framework
In a move toward greater collaboration, the Caribbean countries offering CBI programs are making progress toward establishing a regional regulator. This practical step is aimed at ensuring the continued integrity and competitiveness of the programs.

Our latest blog delves into the evolving landscape of Citizenship by Investment programs, stating that over 100,000 passports have been issued through Caribbean CBI programs since 2014, highlighting their popularity and global appeal.

In 2024, we saw the highest number of applications to date, with Antigua & Barbuda leading the region in growth. This surge reflects the growing demand for dual citizenship as individuals prioritize mobility, security, and economic opportunity. At the same time, enhanced due diligence measures and increased collaboration among Caribbean nations have ensured the continued integrity of these programs.

If you’re considering a second passport, understanding these insights will help you make informed decisions for 2025.

A Look Ahead

As we reflect on 2024, we want to extend our gratitude to those who entrusted us with their journey to citizenship this year. For those still in the process, we appreciate your patience and collaboration as we navigate the intricacies of your applications. To our clients who achieved citizenship this year, it was a privilege to celebrate your success, including welcoming many of you to Antigua for your oath ceremonies at our headquarters in Falmouth Harbour Marina.

Antigua & Barbuda continues to experience a period of growth and transformation. We look forward to sharing updates on developments within the country and any changes to the citizenship pathways in the coming year.

Real Estate Investment

To qualify for citizenship under the real estate option, applicants are required to make a minimum investment of US$300,000 in a designated CIP approved real estate development. The investing applicant is required to hold ownership of the property for the initial 5-year period.

An initial non-refundable reservation fee of US$10,000 is paid to secure the property and take it off the market.

A deposit fee of 10% of the purchase price net of the reservation fee, is paid upon the execution of the sales and escrow agreements.

On approval in principle of the purchaser's citizenship the remaining 90% of the purchase price is payable to the escrow agent.

On behalf of the entire team at Citizens International and & Paradise Properties Connection team, we wish you and your family a peaceful and joyous end to the year. We look forward to continuing our partnership in 2025 and supporting your aspirations