The cheapest citizenship by investment in 2026 options sits in the Caribbean. Dominica offers the lowest threshold among the established programs, starting at $200,000, with no prior residence. Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia round out the five most accessible options for anyone pursuing a second passport. This article walks you through these popular routes.
What Is Citizenship by Investment (CBI)?
The meaning of CBI, or Citizenship by Investment, refers to government programs that grant full nationality in exchange for a donation or a financial contribution to an approved project. These initiatives award the local passport directly once an applicant clears the government’s due diligence, a review of each person’s financial and criminal background. In addition, it is generally possible to include a spouse and other dependents in the same application.
Each program sets its own investment range. Even so, a group of jurisdictions stands out for offering the cheapest citizenship by investment. These are mainly Caribbean programs that have issued passports under this model for years or decades.
The 5 Cheapest Citizenship by Investment Programs
Ranked from lowest to highest minimum amount, this list shows where to look for the cheapest citizenship by investment. While each jurisdiction offers different contribution routes, the following are the lowest ranges.
Dominica CBI
The Dominica CBI program calls for a non-refundable donation of $200,000 for a single applicant (or $250,000 for 3 dependents) to the Economic Diversification Fund, with no physical residence. The filing usually resolves in 3 to 6 months and may require a virtual interview for applicants and dependents over 16. The passport grants visa-free access to 94 countries, visa-on-arrival access to 36 countries, and eTA access to 6 countries.
The Dominica CBI route also accepts real estate investment. With this path, the citizenship by investment cost turns even lower for large households, since although the minimum investment also sits at $200,000, it covers up to four applicants.
Antigua and Barbuda CBI
The Antigua and Barbuda CBI path requires a minimum donation of $230,000 to the National Development Fund, or a real estate investment starting at $300,000. It also accepts a contribution to the University of the West Indies starting at $260,000, suited for households with several members.
Nevertheless, it’s worth mentioning that applicants must visit the country for a few days during the first five years to secure and maintain citizenship status. If you’re interested in learning more about this requirement, please be sure to contact one of our advisors for further guidance.
Beyond standing among the cheapest citizenship by investment routes, its passport offers wide mobility, with visa-free access to 99 destinations, visa-on-arrival to 38, and eTA access to 6.
Grenada CBI
The lowest-cost Grenada CBI option calls for a donation of $235,000 to the National Transformation Fund, though pricier investment alternatives exist too. It ranks among the best citizenship by investment programs, as it is the only one on this list that offers access to the U.S. E-2 investor visa, which opens the door to running a business there. The full filing usually resolves in 4 to 10 months. The Grenadian passport allows visa-free entry to 95 countries, visa-on-arrival to 37, and eTA access to 7.
St Lucia CBI
The St Lucia CBI program is often the most popular among applicants and it offers the widest variety of routes: a donation of $240,000 to the National Economic Fund for the applicant and up to three dependents; an investment in real estate; or interest-free bonds starting at $300,000. Among its benefits, the passport grants visa-free access to 91 countries, visa-on-arrival access to 41, and eTA access to 5.
St Kitts and Nevis CBI
The St Kitts and Nevis CBI plan, active since 1984 and recognized as the world’s longest-running program, ranks among the cheapest citizenship by investment options. It requires a minimum donation of $250,000 or a real estate purchase starting at $325,000. Its passport facilitates entry to 100 countries visa-free, 39 with visa-on-arrival, and 7 with eTA.
Additional Costs to Consider
Due diligence makes up extra citizenship by investment cost tied to the filing, screening, and interview that rarely reflected in the advertised figure and increase with each dependent added to the process.
Additional Costs by Program
| Cost Type | Grenada CBI | Dominica CBI | St Lucia CBI | Antigua and Barbuda CBI | St Kitts and Nevis CBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Due diligence | Main applicant: $5,000. Dependent: $5,000 (age 17+). | Main applicant: $7,500. Dependent: $4,000 (age 16+). | Main applicant: $8,000. Dependent: $5,000. | Main applicant: $8,500. Spouse: $5,000 (age 16+). Dependent 18+: $4,000. Dependent 12-17: $2,000. | Main applicant: $10,000. Dependent: $7,500 (age 16+). |
| Application/processing | Per applicant: $1,500 (age 17+), $500 (under 17). | Per application: $1,000. | Main applicant: $2,000. Dependent: $1,000. | Individual: $10,000. Family of 4 or fewer: $20,000. Extra dependent: $10,000. | Per applicant: $250. |
| Interview | Per person: $1,000. | Per person: $1,000. | — | — | — |
Before choosing among the cheapest citizenship by investment programs, it matters to weigh the fees, dependents, and refund window, along with certain additional fees that apply depending on the chosen investment route (donation, property, or other paths). You can check these by clicking the links:
How to Move Forward With Your Citizenship by Investment Plan
Building an international plan calls for the backing of experienced professionals. At Kraemer & Kraemer, we offer legal guidance on the filings and citizenship by investment cost, supporting you at every stage of the process.
This backing helps you make the most of dual citizenship to protect your estate and look after your family’s wellbeing. Contact the Kraemer & Kraemer team today to review the cheapest citizenship by investment options and start enjoying the advantages of dual nationality.
