The European Union has told Caribbean countries that if they continue selling citizenship through investment programs, EU will require visas for their citizens.
The European Union has issued a direct ultimatum to Caribbean nations offering citizenship-by-investment programs: stop selling passports, or EU member states will impose visa requirements on your citizens.
This affects anyone holding or considering a Caribbean golden passport—programs in countries like Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda that sell citizenship to foreign investors in exchange for a capital contribution or real estate purchase. A golden passport typically grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to the EU and Schengen area; if the EU follows through, that benefit evaporates.
Caribbean golden passports could lose their EU visa-free access if countries don't end citizenship sales.
If you already hold a Caribbean passport through investment, the timeline is unclear, but the pressure is real. If you're considering one, weigh the EU visa threat against other benefits (Caribbean residency, tax planning, alternative travel access). Some investors are accelerating applications before any rule change takes effect. Consult a citizenship advisor to model the scenarios for your situation.
Source: original report ↗
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