The decision to create a unified framework reflects growing international scrutiny of Caribbean citizenship programs. In recent years, the European Union and the United States have raised concerns that inconsistent standards between countries could undermine border security and weaken the global reputation of Caribbean passports.
By agreeing on common rules, the five nations aim to stop jurisdictions from competing by lowering requirements. At the same time, they want to show their commitment to transparency, strict due diligence, and the long-term stability of the citizenship by investment industry.
For new rules to come into force, all five participating states must complete their domestic legislative procedures, which is expected in September.
Main points of the agreement
The draft agreement was created in July 2025, marking the final step toward setting out shared conditions that will ensure greater consistency in the region.
The most notable changes introduced by the agreement are:
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mandatory physical residency in the country for at least 30 days in total during the first five years after citizenship is granted;
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completion of a mandatory integration programme, which includes studying the country’s laws, history and constitutional principles, as well as a cultural orientation or community service, and a personal interview conducted either in person or virtually;
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introduction of quotas on the number of passports issued per year for each of the participating states;
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limitation of the validity of the investor’s first passport issued to five years, with the opportunity to renew it for a ten-year period only if all required conditions are met.
Introduction of the regulatory authority
Another central element of the reform is the creation of the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority — ECCIRA. This new regional body is set to be launched in September 2025, once the required legislation is enacted in all five states.
ECCIRA will serve as the primary supervisory authority for citizenship by investment across the region. Its role will include unifying due diligence practices, monitoring compliance, and ensuring that all applicants meet the same high standards, regardless of the country where they apply.
The regulator will also be empowered to impose penalties and revoke citizenship in cases of fraud, misrepresentation, or failure to comply with the new obligations.
Current Caribbean CBI rules
Under the current framework, Caribbean citizenship by investment can be obtained with a contribution of $200,000+ to a government fund, with thresholds varying across the countries. In most countries, applicants may also invest in approved real estate, government bonds, government-approved projects, or businesses. Citizenship can be extended to the investor’s spouse, dependent children, and in certain jurisdictions, even parents or siblings.
Investors are not required to live in the country either before or after obtaining citizenship, except in Antigua and Barbuda, and passports are usually issued within a few months once due diligence checks are completed.
