Citizenship by Investment for Families

Family eligibility is built into programme law, not marketing language

CBI programmes do not simply let an applicant add every relative. The law defines who counts as a qualifying dependant. A spouse and minor children are common; adult children, parents, grandparents and siblings are much more programme-specific and often require proof of financial dependency or full-time study. A legally recognised spouse can usually be included in Caribbean family applications, but the application must document the marriage and the spouse undergoes the same integrity checks. A marriage shortly before filing can receive extra scrutiny because governments need to confirm the relationship is genuine.

Adult children require a separate eligibility check

Minor children are usually the simplest dependant category. Birth certificates, custody documents and consent from a non-applying parent can still be required. Adopted children need evidence that the adoption is legally valid and recognised for programme purposes.

Parents, grandparents and siblings vary widely by programme

Once a child reaches adulthood, the rules diverge. Some programmes permit students up to a specified age if they are financially dependent; others use narrower definitions. Marriage can end dependency. A 23-year-old full-time student and a 23-year-old employed graduate may therefore be treated differently. Parental inclusion can depend on age and support. Some programmes accept a parent or grandparent only above a stated age and only if the main applicant provides substantial financial support. Others have broader definitions but charge a higher contribution or government fee.

Family eligibility should be tested person by person before any programme is ranked. A 22-year-old university student, a financially independent 22-year-old, a 58-year-old parent and a 58-year-old parent supported by the applicant may be treated very differently even though a marketing page might describe all of them simply as 'family members'.

Family size changes both contribution and due-diligence cost

Grenada is notable for allowing siblings within its dependant framework where the statutory conditions are met. Most CBI programmes do not provide a general sibling category. Never assume that a brother or sister can be added just because parents can. Current Caribbean pricing increasingly uses household bands. Grenada's NTF covers up to four applicants at US$235,000; Saint Lucia's NEF covers the main applicant plus up to three dependants at US$240,000; St Kitts and Nevis applies US$250,000 for up to four. Other programmes add processing or dependant charges on top.

Later additions should be planned before the original application

List every person you want included, their age, marital status, study status and financial dependency. Then compare eligibility before comparing passport benefits or prices. The 'best value' programme for a single applicant can be impossible or materially more expensive for a family with an adult child and dependent parents. Start with a family map rather than a programme list. Note each proposed applicant's relationship, age, marital status, study or employment position and financial dependency. Those facts determine which relatives can travel through the application together and which may require a separate route or later procedure. Once eligibility is mapped, request an itemised cost for that precise household. Separate the base investment from due-diligence charges, dependant supplements and post-approval costs. This makes it possible to compare programmes that use very different definitions of a qualifying family.