Take A Vacation In The Caribbean For 30 Days, Or Why Minimum Stay Requirements Are Not As Bad As They Sound

When the five Caribbean countries with CBI signed a memorandum of agreement last year, we understood that many changes were ahead. Some of these were implemented as soon as two months after signing, but others require time.

For starters, some joint decisions need to be made, and on top of this, each law must pass through parliament in each jurisdiction. Even though nothing is confirmed, minimum stay requirements, new implementations on passport renovation, and stricter monitoring may be just around the corner. 

Extended Stay in the Caribbean? Possible Changes In The CBI Programs 

Last week, we published an article on Italy and how it is changing its naturalization program for foreigners. Something similar is going on in the Caribbean as concerns arise when it comes to cultural bonds. When we analyze both situations, we can see a clear trend. This becomes evident through several amendments proposed for the CBI programs.

Obligated To Take Some St Kitts Holidays? The Countries Are Considering Applying Minimum Stay Requirements

Except for Antigua and Barbuda, which stipulates a minimum five-day stay within the first five years, the others don't have any minimum stay requirements. To prevent a total detachment from the applicants once they receive their nationality, discussions are being held toward establishing a 30-day mandatory stay. It seems like St Lucia or St Kitts holidays are in order.

The experts' opinion is divided. Some state that a 14-day stay would also do the trick when it comes to encouraging a commitment on behalf of the applicant, while others say this will be downright discouraging.

In Mundo’s view, minimum stay requirements don't demand such a great effort, and there's always the chance to choose residency instead of citizenship. After all, who hasn't dreamed of spending thirty days in the Caribbean? There are plenty of things to see in St Lucia, like the Piton twins, or in Granada, in its vast National Park. Furthermore, St Kitts holidays will take you to see one of the iconic Caribbean fortresses dating back to the colonial times. 

Anyway, this is more than a vacation. If we acknowledge the value that comes with a second nationality, one month doesn't make much of a difference. On the contrary, it helps maintain the reputation of the countries among the highest under international standards.

More information here

Other Possible Conditions Beyond an Extended Stay

Same Region, Same Rules

Besides the extended stay, there are firm determinations to create a common regulatory organ. Among other functions, it will monitor the performance of each country and impose fines when standards are not met. The first step towards this will be signing a document stating an intent to participate. After that, each parliament will have to go through its own processes for the laws to be duly passed. 

Avoiding Over-Commercialization

The first time we heard about this was with St. Lucia, and now it seems to be a general interest across the region. Thoughts about stipulating an annual quote for applications are ever-present in the discussions. Among other things, this is intended to prevent over-commercialization and aggressive advertising. Finally, such a quote would be stipulated according to global demand and national capacity for absorption of new citizens. 

St Kitts, Holidays and Culture

The governments want to stipulate special programs after approval to impart civic education, including activities that introduce the local culture, as well as general knowledge about the country and its history. 

Through these activities, a closer encounter between the applicants and the local idiosyncrasy is expected. Eventually, these would contribute to eliminating the gaps between natural citizens and CBI naturalizations. 

Mundo’s View On The Caribbean and Its Future

In an increasingly regulated world, this was about to happen sooner or later, and it's better sooner than later. We see an opportunity to find out what things to see in St Lucia, Grenada, Antigua, and the other territories. We see a chance to embed yourself in your new home while helping it maintain an impeccable reputation. All of this is worth investing a little more of your time, after all.

Disclaimer: the information described in this article may not be 100% accurate or may be outdated at the time of reading. This article doesn't constitute migration or investment advice. Before choosing a CBI program, consult with certified professionals. 

Enjoy Your Extended Stay In The Eastern Caribbean

To sum up, there's no reason to be worried about the tightening conditions. We see it as a natural and inevitable development in the industry as a whole. Taking some Grenada, St Lucia, or Saint Kitts holidays didn't hurt anyone, but it will surely help the involved countries maintain a higher position among the global CBI players. 

If you want to apply for citizenship by investment before these are confirmed, it's better to act quickly. From our side, Mundo can help you obtain citizenship in any of the Caribbean countries or the Republic of Vanuatu. If you prefer the more flexible approach, Panama is always ready to welcome new residents, and it certainly has several programs available for this.

Contact us now and ask us about other services as well, like corporate, banking, trusts, family office, and real estate investment. 

Find out more about our services