No Residency Requirement on Caribbean Citizenship Programs for the Next Six Months

Caribbean citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs are undergoing a significant but temporary update. Recent reports confirm that the previously expected mandatory residency requirements have been suspended for at least six months. This pause follows political developments that delayed the coordinated rollout of new regional regulations.

Background: Why Was the Residency Requirement Delayed?

Several Caribbean nations — including Saint Lucia, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada — had been preparing to introduce sweeping changes to their CBI programs. These proposed reforms included:

• A mandatory physical residence requirement of at least 30 days within the first five years after citizenship approval;
• Collection of biometric data and compulsory interviews;
• The creation of ECCIRA, a unified regional regulatory authority designed to enhance transparency and oversight.

However, the implementation of these changes was paused following the announcement of general elections in Saint Lucia. Because all participating nations had agreed to adopt the new rules simultaneously, any delay in one country effectively halted the process for all.

What Does This Mean for Investors?

For now — and for at least the next six months — investors can continue to apply under the current, more flexible framework. This means:

• No physical residency requirement;
• No obligation to spend time in the country after approval;
• Fast, streamlined, and straightforward processing remains unchanged.

This creates a valuable opportunity for individuals seeking a second citizenship without additional commitments or residency obligations.

Why Are Caribbean Countries Considering New Requirements?

The push for reform stems largely from international pressure, particularly from the EU and the United States. These external partners have urged Caribbean governments to:

• Strengthen security checks and due diligence;
• Ensure deeper ties between economic citizens and the host nation;
• Maintain the international reputation and integrity of their CBI programs.

As a result, the proposed changes are expected to resurface once political processes across the region stabilize.

Conclusion

The temporary suspension of residency requirements provides a strategic advantage for prospective investors. For at least the next six months, Caribbean CBI programs will continue to operate under their traditional, flexible rules — without mandatory residency or additional procedural steps.

However, significant reforms may be introduced later in the year. Investors considering Caribbean citizenship may find that now is the ideal time to apply before new residency and compliance obligations are implemented.