Frenchman’s Cove. Grand Anse Beach. Ffryes Beach. Pinney’s Beach. Seven Mile Beach. Magens Bay Beach. These are a few of the most well-known, scenic, fun-filled, and idyllic coastal areas you will find in the Caribbean.
These beaches, though, are only a portion of the things that you will enjoy and love doing in the Caribbean. Whether you plan to retire in one of the countries here or call one as your second home, you will get more from your long or short stay here if you acquire Caribbean citizenship legally.
Benefits of Getting a Caribbean Passport
Although it is usually easy to get a visa or even enter a Caribbean country without one, if you have the right travel document, and plan to stay in this region for longer periods, you will benefit more by acquiring a Caribbean passport.
When you apply for citizenship in the right Caribbean country, you will:
1. Have one of the most powerful passports in the world
Passports are ranked in terms of power by the number of countries holders can enter without a visa or get one upon their arrival. At present, there are several Caribbean nations with passports that are considered powerful since they afford holders this benefit.
Barbados, the Bahamas, and St. Kitts and Nevis lead the pack, as people issued passports by these nations can enter more than 150 countries, including those in the Caribbean, without a travel visa or apply for one when they arrive at their destination.
Passports issued by Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada, on the other hand, are allowed the same travel benefits to more than 140 countries.
Lastly, Antigua and Barbuda and Dominican passport holders are allowed visa-free or visa applications upon entry in more than 130 countries.
When you are a frequent flyer, having a passport issued by one of these countries can make traveling more convenient and less stressful for you. You can save money and time on obtaining visit visas, as well.
2. Have dual citizenship
The Caribbean countries that offer Citizenship by Investment Programs or CIP allow foreigners to obtain a second passport without the need to renounce their original nationality. Hence, you can be a legal citizen of two nations.
As long as you invest in the right program, you can have two passports, which you can use freely based on convenience when you travel. More importantly, you will have access to the benefits, rights, and privileges these two countries offer.
Lastly, your family can be citizens of your chosen Caribbean country, as well. The CIP allows the main applicant to include their spouse, dependent children, and parents in their applications.
3. Have a home in the Caribbean without too many requirements
One of the pathways you can take to be a citizen in the Caribbean through CIP is by purchasing a government-approved residential property.
These homes are typically located in prime spots and near beaches. Because of this, you will have a home in the Caribbean that gives you and your family picturesque views and easy access to the sun, sea, and sand.
Many nations that offer CIP have no minimum stay requirements, as well. Although Antigua and Barbuda require dual citizens to stay in the country for at least five days within five years, this is something you can easily do since staying here for less than a week is impossible with all the beautiful sights and fun activities you can see and do here.
Another perk of acquiring a second passport in the Caribbean is that you won’t be required to be in the country when you apply.
With a home of your own, an accessible beach, and the freedom to stay for as long as you want in your chosen Caribbean nation, you will experience a more relaxing and delightful life here.
How to Apply for a Second Passport
Several countries in the Caribbean offer some form of citizenship by investment program. Your first step, therefore, when applying for a second passport, is to choose which island nation you want to call your home.
You can narrow down your list of countries and programs to select from by working with a citizenship consultancy firm.
With the consultant’s assistance, you will be able to select the best country and program that fits your lifestyle, needs, and interior design preference. You will also get help with finding the perfect home in the Caribbean that meets all your requirements.
Once you find the ideal property, your consultant will guide you throughout the application process. He or she will share with you all the details you need to know about, including all the relevant costs.
Aside from giving you advice, your consultant can also help you create a plan that will help you prepare your finances and go through all the steps successfully.
With the assistance of your consultant and some research on your part beforehand, you will avoid costly mistakes and surprises. These will help reduce your worries and anxieties about your application and ensure the process goes smoothly.
When you have a passport issued by a Caribbean country, your travels to this part of the world will be more relaxing and pleasant. You will also have an easier time exploring all the world-famous beaches this part of the globe has to offer and even those in other regions.
Best of all, you will have a home where you can enjoy everything that the Caribbean has to offer.
AUTHOR BIO:
Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship investment into the Caribbean, North America and Europe. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.
