The 6 Best Caribbean Nations to Move to as an American
Let's be honest: It's been a rough few months. If you've been ideating on leaving American shores for greener pastures–or say, sandier beaches–you're not alone. If you are fantasizing about relocating to paradise, there are actually several Caribbean countries that Americans can move to, whether you opt for a long-term visa or want to become a naturalized citizen abroad. There are many nations that make up the Caribbean, each with its own history, culture, and of course, requirements for foreigners looking for a long-term stay.
Whether you're looking to get away for the next four years, 18 months, or the rest of your life, we took a deep dive into six Caribbean countries and broke down the easiest paths to citizenship for each one. So pack your bags, grab your documents, and find out where you'll head to next.
Antigua and Barbuda
Made up of two main islands, Antigua and Barbuda, this country is one of the safest and most stunning in the Caribbean. It's also one of the most expensive, considering its status as a luxury tourist destination. The average rent for a one bedroom comes in at around $1,000 a month, which is still pricey but definitely lower than most American cities, where the average comes out to about $1,500 to $2,000 per month. Thanks to the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program, it is possible for Americans to become citizens of this country–but it will cost you. Rather than learning a new language or completing government-mandated tests, Americans can become Antiguan citizens through economic investment, or a so-called "golden visa." There are currently four routes:
Make $230,000 donation to the government or an approved charity
Buy a $300,000 pre-approved property
Donate $260,000 to the University of the West Indies fund
Invest $400,000 to create a business
If you do any one of these, you will be granted citizenship and an Antigua and Barbuda passport within five months. If you opt to donate to the University of the West Indies fund, your entire family is eligible for citizenship also.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is made up of more than 7oo islands, but one of the most popular destinations is New Province Island. With an American passport or Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), you can travel to the Bahamas for up to eight months without a visa. However, if you're planning on moving permanently, things get a bit more complicated. You can get a long-term work permit with your business if you meet certain eligibilities, and if you wish to become a permanent resident after 20 years of legally-authorized work, you can apply to do so. Beyond that, buying property or being married to a Bahamian citizen are two other paths to permanent residency. Note, being a permanent resident means you can live and work in the country, but do not have the right to vote.
Barbados
As one of the most traveled-to Caribbean islands, there are several ways to spend extended time in this country–and bring your pets, too. For remote workers, Barbados instituted the Barbados Welcome Stamp, which allows digital nomads to reside and work on the island with their families for up to a year, as long as you meet the minimum wage requirements, along with other standard prerequisites. To become a resident—a long-term visa holder, essentially—there are pathways to work, study, and retire in Barbados that all have different requirements and applications. If you have money to spend, you can also receive a five-year renewable residency permit with an investment of $300,000, or receive an unconditional permanent residency with an investment of $2 million. You can also apply to become a naturalized citizen after legally living in Barbados for five years.
Dominica
If you're a lover of rainforests and volcanoes, Dominica is the island nation for you. You can get work visas to temporarily reside in Dominica, including an 18-month digital nomad visa. To become a citizen, the Dominica Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program allows Americans to become citizens with an economic investment of $200,000. You have the option of either buying property or contributing to a state fund. If you opt to buy property, you can sell it after three to five years, and receive back the money you invested. Applicants can also include spouses, children, parents, and grandparents in their application for CBI.
Grenada
Known for its spices, Grenada is an affordable Caribbean island that Americans can move to. To stay longer than three months, you will need to apply for an extension visa. After two years, you can apply to become a permanent resident, and after seven you can apply to become a naturalized citizen. Grenada also has a Citizenship by Investment program, wherein applicants can obtain their Grenada passport after investing $235,000 to the National Transformation Fund, or $200,000 for a family of up to four members. You can also become a citizen if you invest $350,000 in a pre-approved property.
St. Lucia
If you wish to move to the mountainous island called St. Lucia, they also offer a golden visa route. While permanent residencies are not very common, and often require living on the island for five years prior, the country's visa program can grant you citizenship in as little as six months. If you take this path, you can live and work in St. Lucia with significant tax incentives. The three investment options are:
Donating $100,000 to the National Economic Fund
Investing $300,000 in the National Action Government Bonds, plus paying a $50,000 fee to the government
Purchasing pre-approved property at a minimum of $200,000
There are many other countries worth checking out in the Caribbean, including Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti, so be sure to check out their visa, permanent residency, and citizenship programs if you have your heart set on heading there.
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