Family Eligibility in Caribbean Citizenship Programs: Who Can Apply Together?

Posted on by cblanchemain

Caribbean nations such as St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia have some of the world’s most attractive citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs.

For many investors, the key question is not only

how to qualify individually, but also which family members can join a single application.

This detailed guide from Carte Blanche explores every aspect of family eligibility, helping you plan a successful multi-member application.

Why Family Inclusion Matters

Obtaining second citizenship as a family offers:

  • 🔷 Global Mobility: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 140+ countries.
  • 🔷 Generational Benefits: Children inherit citizenship, ensuring long-term security.
  • 🔷 Unified Application: One investment covers multiple dependents, simplifying paperwork and lowering costs.

Understanding Core Requirements

All Caribbean CBI programs share certain fundamentals:

  • 🔷 Good Character: Clean criminal record and strong references.
  • 🔷 Proof of Funds: Legally sourced investment capital.
  • 🔷 Health Checks: Medical certificates for all applicants.

Carte Blanche ensures each family member’s documents meet these standards.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent?

While each island has unique rules, most recognize these categories:

1. Spouse

  • Legally married partner of the principal applicant.
  • Common-law partners may qualify in some programs with evidence of a long-term relationship.

2. Children

  • 🔷 Typically under 18 qualify automatically.
  • 🔷 Adult children up to 25–30 may qualify if full-time students and financially dependent.

3. Parents & Grandparents

  • Usually 55+ (sometimes 65+) and financially dependent on the main applicant.

4. Siblings (Limited Programs)

  • St. Lucia and Dominica allow unmarried, childless siblings under 18 or 25 with certain conditions.

Country-by-Country Family Eligibility

Country Eligible Dependents Highlights
Grenada Spouse, children under 30, parents 55+, unmarried siblings 18+
Dominica Spouse, children under 30, parents/grandparents 65+, siblings under 25
St. Lucia Spouse, children under 30, parents over 55, siblings under 18
St. Kitts & Nevis Spouse, children under 30, parents/grandparents 55+, unmarried siblings under 30
Antigua & Barbuda Spouse, children under 30, parents/grandparents 55+, dependent siblings

(Rules can change; Carte Blanche monitors all program updates in real time.)

Planning Your Family Application

Consolidate Documentation

  • Birth and marriage certificates
  • Proof of dependency for adult children or parents
  • Financial statements

Choose the Right Program

Optimize Investment Strategy

  • 🔷 Determine whether a donation or an approved real-estate purchase best fits your family’s needs.

Carte Blanche’s team designs a strategy that balances cost, speed, and future benefits.

Financial Considerations

  • 🔷 Government Fees: Increase with each dependent.
  • 🔷 Due Diligence Fees: Separate background checks for adults.
  • 🔷 Legal & Processing Costs: Scaled to family size.

Wild fluctuations in fees can occur, so early planning is key.

Timelines and Processing

  • Most applications finalize within 4–6 months.
  • Carte Blanche provides a step-by-step timeline, ensuring every dependent’s documentation is submitted flawlessly.

Advantages of Applying Together

  • 🔷 Unified Citizenship: Everyone enjoys the same rights and privileges.
  • 🔷 Cost Efficiency: Lower total investment than separate applications.
  • 🔷 Simplified Renewal: One renewal schedule for all passports.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • 🔷 Omitting the adult children’s student proof.
  • 🔷 Failing to demonstrate financial dependency for parents.
  • 🔷 Submitting inconsistent documents (names, dates).

    Carte Blanche pre-screens all paperwork to prevent delays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can my adult child over 25 apply with me?

Ans. Yes, if they are a full-time student and financially dependent, depending on the country’s rules.

Q2. Are stepchildren eligible?

Ans. Generally, yes, if legal custody or proof of guardianship is provided.

Q3. Can my unmarried partner qualify as a spouse?

Ans. Some programs accept common-law partners; Carte Blanche verifies eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

Q4. Are there extra fees for parents or grandparents?

Ans. Yes, each dependent adds government and due diligence fees.

Q5. Can siblings join the application?

Ans. Only certain programs (e.g., Dominica, St. Lucia) allow qualifying siblings.

Q6. Is there a minimum investment increase for larger families?

Ans. Yes, each dependent raises the minimum contribution or real estate threshold.

Q7. How long does it take for a family to receive passports?

Ans. Typically, 4–6 months after approval, if documentation is complete.

Final Thoughts

Family inclusion is one of the greatest strengths of Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs.

By understanding eligibility rules and planning ahead, you can secure a second citizenship for your entire family efficiently.

Partner with Carte Blanche for expert guidance on every step—from selecting the ideal jurisdiction to preparing a flawless multi-member application.

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