If your second passport wasn’t just a legal document—but your escape plan, your backup dream, your golden ticket to somewhere warmer, freer, and far from the noise? For under $100k, you could open the door to year-round sunshine, visa-free travel, and a future that doesn’t rely on one country’s rules.
This isn’t about fantasy—it’s about smart, strategic freedom. Whether you’re craving security, mobility, or just a change of pace, these passport programs deliver real options, fast. Ready to trade stress for palm trees? Let’s walk through the places that could quietly change everything for you, without breaking the bank.
1. Dominica – The Hidden Gem of the Caribbean Citizenship World
Dominica has always been among the cheapest and most reliable of Caribbean second passports. The lush, mountainous island in the Caribbean that requires a minimum investment of $100,000 for a single applicant entices potential citizens with a stable government, good passport access, and a refreshingly unpretentious ambiance. The country allows citizenship after 3,5 years-minimum 116 days/year for 5 years. Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program opened in 2013.
The passport itself is strong — visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 145+ countries, including the UK, Singapore, and the Schengen Area countries. The process is straightforward, there is no need to live in or visit Dominica, and it’s clear. And there is no taxation on foreign income, so it’s a sensible financial strategy.
Dominica is safe, naturally stunning, and not overrun by tourism. If you ever decide to visit, the waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and hot springs will make you wonder why you didn’t come sooner.
Other Relevant Info:
- Best Months to Visit: December to April (dry season)
- Minimum Investment: $100,000 (donation to Economic Diversification Fund)
- Processing Time: 3–5 months
- Residency Requirement: None
- Tax Benefits: No capital gains, inheritance, or foreign income tax
- Languages Spoken: English
- Notable Perks: Family inclusion is available for an additional cost
2. St. Lucia – Passport Power with a Splash of Luxury
St. Lucia offers a sleek, no-nonsense CBI program that has been gaining popularity fast. Introduced in 2016, it’s the new kid on the block but already stands out for its flexibility and efficiency. You can get a passport here starting at $100,000 via a government donation, with other options like real estate or government bonds for those with bigger plans.
St. Lucian passport allows you to travel visa-free to over 140 countries, and the application is simple and efficient! Even more enticing is the island itself — a dreamy mix of rainforests, luxury resorts and volcanic beaches. Whether you’re scheming for your next vacation or simply looking for a Plan B next time it’s cold and grey, St. Lucia offers more than mere documents.
Even though it’s not necessary, should you ever find yourself in St. Lucia, you owe it to yourself to set foot in a postcard — the Pitons are impossible to forget.
Other Relevant Info:
- Best Months to Visit: Mid-December to May
- Minimum Investment: $100,000 (donation to National Economic Fund)
- Processing Time: 3–4 months
- Residency Requirement: None
- Tax Benefits: No worldwide income or inheritance tax
- Languages Spoken: English (with French Creole influence)
- Notable Perks: Government bond investment option with a refund after 5 years
3. Antigua and Barbuda – Best for Families on a Budget
If you’re thinking of securing a second passport for the whole family, Antigua and Barbuda may be your best bet. Their CBI program allows a family of four to apply for just $100,000 (plus fees), making it one of the most affordable options per person. It’s a solid choice with a passport that gives visa-free access to 150+ countries, including the UK and most of Europe.
What’s unique is that Antigua and Barbuda requires only 5 days of physical presence in the first 5 years, so you don’t need to uproot your life to maintain your citizenship. With 365 beaches (yes, one for every day), the island is stunningly scenic, and the culture is relaxed and down to earth, which appeals to travelers and digital nomads alike.
And also, a side note: This option becomes even more appealing for families when their institutions, such as the American University of Antigua, are universities themselves.
Other Relevant Info:
- Best Months to Visit: December to April
- Minimum Investment: $100,000 (National Development Fund donation)
- Processing Time: 3–4 months
- Residency Requirement: 5 days in 5 years
- Tax Benefits: No tax on foreign income
- Languages Spoken: English
- Notable Perks: Includes spouse and two dependents in base price
4. St. Kitts and Nevis – The Pioneer of Caribbean Citizenship
St. Kitts and Nevis is home to the world’s oldest citizenship-by-investment program, founded in 1984. This gives it a very special credibility, and the country has worked out how to make the process efficient, hedged, and, above all, very discreet. The starting price for a single applicant is $100,000, as a donation to the Sustainable Growth Fund.
The eye-catcher in this twin-island nation is the strength of their passports (visa-free access to 150+ countries) and the fast track option to your new passport in 60 days (for an additional fee). The islands themselves are tranquil, green, and tastefully understated — not as ostentatious as some other Caribbean locales, but infinitely charming.
Whether you are fleeing bureaucracy or preparing for a rainy day down the street, St. Kitts and Nevis now offers real value with relatively low fuss. It’s a luxury experience without the luxury price point.
Other Relevant Info:
- Best Months to Visit: November to May
- Minimum Investment: $100,000 (Sustainable Growth Fund)
- Processing Time: 3–6 months (or 60 days with fast-track option)
- Residency Requirement: None
- Tax Benefits: No wealth, income, or inheritance tax
- Languages Spoken: English
- Notable Perks: Oldest and most reputable program
5. Grenada – The Only One With U.S. E-2 Visa Access
Grenada might not be the cheapest option if you’re applying solo (the donation starts at $150,000), but if you’re applying with family and looking for unique U.S. perks, this one’s worth the stretch. Grenada is the only Caribbean CBI country with an active treaty allowing citizens to apply for a U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, making it a clever backdoor to live and work in the U.S.
The process is clean, and the passport offers visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including China—a rare benefit not offered by other Caribbean programs. You can apply via donation or real estate investment and include your spouse, children, siblings, and even in-laws under one application.
Grenada itself is sophisticated but not overcrowded. It’s known as the “Spice Island” and lives up to the name with fragrant markets, beautiful marinas, and a proud, friendly culture.
Other Relevant Info:
- Best Months to Visit: January to May
- Minimum Investment: $150,000 (National Transformation Fund)
- Processing Time: 3–5 months
- Residency Requirement: None
- Tax Benefits: No foreign income, wealth, or capital gains tax
- Languages Spoken: English
- Notable Perks: E-2 Visa eligibility for the U.S.; China visa-free access
6. Vanuatu – Fastest Citizenship Program (But Not Technically Caribbean)
Okay, technically not in the Caribbean—Vanuatu is in the South Pacific, but it’s often grouped in discussions about affordable second passports. Why? Because it’s fast (citizenship in 1–2 months), simple, and accessible at $100,000 for a single applicant through a government donation.
Geographically, it is far, but with a passport that grants visa-free travel to 135+ countries, including to the UK, Singapore, and EU Schengen countries. You don’t have to live there, there’s no interview, and there’s no language test. There are more isolated countries in the world than the Caribbean options, but as wish list items go, it is a good one if you want to get on with it quickly and quietly.
The only caveat: Some banks and EU countries have been scrutinizing Vanuatu’s program more closely in the last couple of years. Still, for many, the ultra-speedy approval time is a big plus.
Other Relevant Info:
- Best Months to Visit: April to October (dry season)
- Minimum Investment: $100,000 (Development Support Program)
- Processing Time: 30 to 60 days
- Residency Requirement: None
- Tax Benefits: No income, inheritance, or capital gains tax
- Languages Spoken: English, French, Bislama
- Notable Perks: Fastest processing time globally
7. Montserrat – The Slow and Scenic Route
There is no direct citizenship-by-investment program from Montserrat, but long-term residency permits and a road to naturalized citizenship are available. Open to a longer timeline and a quieter Caribbean lifestyle? Montserrat is perfect — unspoiled and peaceful, off the grid.
You would begin by buying property or living there under one of their residency permit programs, and the bar isn’t all that high in terms of annual income or investment. After living there for 5 years, you can apply for citizenship. The island is a British Overseas Territory, so that also provides an extra layer of legal security.
It’s not for the fast-track crowd, but for someone looking for a long game in paradise, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Other Relevant Info:
- Best Months to Visit: December to June
- Minimum Investment: Varies (property purchase recommended)
- Processing Time (Citizenship): ~5 years via naturalization
- Residency Requirement: Yes, physical presence required
- Tax Benefits: No capital gains tax; income tax applies
- Languages Spoken: English
- Notable Perks: Very low crime, laid-back local culture
8. Anguilla – Residency Today, Citizenship Tomorrow
Anguilla, another British Overseas Territory, doesn’t offer direct citizenship, but it offers one of the most accessible residency programs in the region. For a $150,000 donation or a real estate investment of around $750,000, you can secure permanent residency. After five years of uninterrupted habitation, you can apply for British Overseas Territory Citizenship, and down the line your residence could bequeath you a full UK passport (until a successful (hopefully) indy referendum is passed and you’re all going to be in the same sorry boat as butter and his other spreads.)
It’s no quick fix, that’s for sure — but Anguilla is a modern, low-crime paradise with world-class beaches and seems like a very enticing option for people who aren’t so tied down that they couldn’t relocate or semi-retire in the Caribbean.
Other Relevant Info:
- Best Months to Visit: November to May
- Minimum Investment: $150,000 (residency via donation route)
- Processing Time: Residency ~3–4 months; citizenship after 5 years
- Residency Requirement: Yes—must live there to maintain status
- Tax Benefits: No capital gains, estate, or income taxes
- Languages Spoken: English
- Notable Perks: Stable British legal system, pristine environment
9. Turks and Caicos Islands – The Ultra-Lux Residency Path
While Turks and Caicos doesn’t offer a formal CBI, it does have a Permanent Residency Certificate (PRC) program that opens the door to naturalization and eventual citizenship. It’s one of the more upscale options, catering to those who are okay with higher real estate investment requirements (around $300,000–$500,000) and a longer wait time for a passport.
After five years with PRC, you may apply for naturalization as a British Overseas Territories Citizen, and from there, potentially full British citizenship. The beaches are stunning, the infrastructure is excellent, and it has a vibrant expat community, especially from the U.S. and Canada.
This is a “lifestyle investment” as much as a legal one—best suited to those who plan to live or vacation there regularly.
Other Relevant Info:
- Best Months to Visit: December to April
- Minimum Investment: Real estate purchase (starting ~$300,000+)
- Processing Time: Residency in 3–6 months; citizenship after ~5–7 years
- Residency Requirement: Yes
- Tax Benefits: No income or capital gains tax
- Languages Spoken: English
- Notable Perks: Proximity to U.S., luxury standard of living
10. The Bahamas – Naturalization Route with Prestige
The Bahamas doesn’t offer CBI, but wealthy investors and residents often gain citizenship through naturalization, especially those who reside there for 10 years or more. While that sounds long, residency permits can be obtained by investing around $250,000 in real estate, and the quality of life in the Bahamas is hard to beat.
This isn’t the path for someone needing a second passport immediately, but if you plan to live there part-time or full-time, and you’re looking for a luxurious, tax-friendly environment with elite global branding, it’s a strong contender.
Plus, you get a well-respected passport, visa-free to over 150 countries.
Other Relevant Info:
- Best Months to Visit: November to April
- Minimum Investment: $250,000+ in real estate for permanent residency
- Processing Time: 10 years for citizenship via naturalization
- Residency Requirement: Yes—must be physically present
- Tax Benefits: No personal income, inheritance, or capital gains taxes
- Languages Spoken: English
- Notable Perks: High prestige, strong banking, and infrastructure
11. Barbados – Where the Residency is Sweet and the Citizenship Worth the Wait
Barbados is one of the most developed and cosmopolitan islands in the Caribbean, and while it doesn’t offer citizenship by investment directly, it does allow long-term residency leading to naturalization, and it’s surprisingly accessible. Through investment or by obtaining a Special Entry and Reside Permit (SERP), Americans can set down roots here and work their way toward a second passport in around 5–7 years.
And what a place to wait. Barbados offers relaxed island life with a dash of British propriety: there are good roads, sound legal systems, and a welcoming atmosphere for entrepreneurs, retirees, and families. It’s also politically secure, and its passport allows visa-free access to more than 160 nations, including the U.K., Canada, and E.U. states.
Though it’s not the speediest track, if you want your second passport to be stamped with world-class beaches, way of life, and peace of mind, then this one comes with a lot of pluses.
Other Relevant Info:
- Best Months to Visit: December to April (dry season)
- Minimum Investment: ~$300,000 in real estate or high-net-worth qualifications
- Processing Time: 5–7 years via naturalization
- Residency Requirement: Yes—physical presence required
- Tax Benefits: Progressive system, but no capital gains tax
- Languages Spoken: English
- Notable Perks: High-quality education and healthcare, digital nomad visa available
12. Saint Vincent & the Grenadines – The Quiet Path to Caribbean Belonging
Not all second passports are about fast-track convenience—some are about alignment with a slower, more grounded lifestyle, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines embodies that beautifully. There is no official CBI program; however, it does have a citizenship by naturalization program after 7 years of legal residence, with a pretty cheap cost of living and not terribly hard to establish a business or invest.
The chain of islands is laid back and incredibly scenic, but is far less touristy than its neighbors. What makes Saint Vincent different is its low-key charm, close community — this is not a place meant for flash and glitz, but depth and true connection. For retirees or expats ready to go slow, it’s a natural fit.
While it won’t work if you need a second passport quickly, it rewards patience with a respectable citizenship, visa-free access to 130+ countries, and a genuine Caribbean lifestyle you can afford.
Other Relevant Info:
- Best Months to Visit: December to May
- Minimum Investment: Not fixed; residency may require basic local income or business presence
- Processing Time: ~7 years via naturalization
- Residency Requirement: Yes—long-term physical presence required
- Tax Benefits: No capital gains or inheritance tax
- Languages Spoken: English
- Notable Perks: Underrated beauty, affordability, strong sense of local community
