US EB-5 vs Caribbean: Golden Visa Programmes Compared
The lowest qualifying amount is $800,000 in United States and $200,000 in Eastern Caribbean (five states). Here is how the two programmes differ on time in the country, the path to citizenship and processing, side by side.
At a glance
| US EB-5 | Caribbean | |
|---|---|---|
| Programme | EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program | Citizenship by Investment Programmes |
| Status | Regional centre authorisation runs to 30 September 2027; grandfathering closes 30 September 2026 | All five accept applications, but the EU has asked for phase-out by June 2028 |
| Lowest qualifying amount | $800,000 | $200,000 |
| Time you must spend there | Must maintain US permanent residence | None, except five days in five years for Antigua |
| Route to citizenship | Naturalisation possible 5 years after the green card | Immediate citizenship |
| Typical processing | I-526E commonly 1-2 years, then the visa queue | Reported averages about 5 to 18 months by country |
| Main routes |
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Which is cheaper, US EB-5 or Caribbean?
The lowest qualifying amount is $800,000 in United States and $200,000 in Eastern Caribbean (five states). The cheapest route is not always the practical one: some low-entry routes are donations or contributions you never get back, while others are investments that can lose value independently of the permit. Add government fees, legal costs and, where relevant, family members before comparing totals.
How much time do you have to spend in each?
United States: Must maintain US permanent residence. Eastern Caribbean (five states): None, except five days in five years for Antigua. A permit that asks for little time in the country is convenient, but a path to citizenship usually depends on genuinely living there.
Which leads to citizenship?
United States: Naturalisation possible 5 years after the green card. Eastern Caribbean (five states): Immediate citizenship. Naturalisation rules are set separately from the investment programme and can change while you are part of the way through.
The biggest caveat for each
US EB-5: Amounts face their first inflation adjustment on 1 January 2027 and regional centre authorisation expires on 30 September 2027 unless Congress renews it.
Caribbean: Visa-free access has already been withdrawn or restricted by the UK and the US, and the EU has asked all five states to end the programmes by June 2028.
More programme comparisons
Information reflects our own independent research as understood in September 2026. These rules change often and differ by nationality. Plain Investor does not sell or advise on any programme. This is general information, not legal, immigration or tax advice; check the official government source and a licensed immigration lawyer before committing money.