Antigua and Barbuda Leads Caribbean Initiative for Stricter Regulation of Citizenship by Investment Programs

Antigua and Barbuda, along with four other Caribbean nations—Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts & Nevis, and Saint Lucia—are spearheading a proposal for enhanced oversight of their citizenship by investment (CBI) programs.

A draft agreement dated July 1, 2025, aims to establish the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (EC CIRA), which would enforce mandatory residency requirements, annual application limits, and standardized administrative processes for applicants.

One of the key changes proposed is a requirement for new citizens to spend a minimum of 30 days within the territory of their chosen state within the first five years after obtaining citizenship.

This initiative is designed to foster greater integration and civic involvement, with applicants also expected to complete a mandatory integration program covering civic education and cultural orientation.

To curb over-commercialization and maintain the value of citizenship, a quota system will limit the number of citizenship approvals each year for each state, diverging from the current competitive approach among nations.

The EC CIRA would have the authority to monitor compliance, enforce rules, and conduct investigations into the CBI programs, thereby centralizing regulatory powers that were previously managed independently by each state.

Enhanced due diligence measures will also be introduced, requiring thorough background checks and mandatory interviews for applicants, including dependents.