Caribbean citizenship by investment programs (CIPs) are renowned for their efficiency and quick processing times, which typically range from two to six months.
While this is generally a positive aspect and one of the main selling points of Caribbean CIPs, the expedited nature of these programs may leave some families, especially those expecting a new addition, wondering if they should wait or even reconsider their application to avoid leaving their newborn as the only family member without a second passport.
Fortunately, Caribbean CIPs have developed a solution that allows applicants to add newborns to their application even after they have been approved and granted citizenship.
Each Caribbean country has its own specific regulations regarding the addition of newborns, and the process, fees, and requirements may vary depending on whether the laws fall under citizenship by descent or the citizenship by investment program.
Despite the differences, there are some common elements that applicants who wish to add dependents after approval can expect, such as additional fees, renewed due diligence requirements (depending on the time elapsed), and time constraints on when children can be added (if the regulations fall under the citizenship by investment act).
It is important to note that there is a significant difference between adding a newborn (later) to a CIP under its laws and regulations, or if a person wants to pass on their citizenship to their children by descent.
The distinction between the two depends on a variety of factors such as time elapsed between obtaining citizenship by investment and the birth of a child (or application to add that child in the application post-approval), the government’s specific laws, the birthplace of the child (some may fall under birthright citizenship or Jus Soli), and more.
Let’s take a closer look at each Caribbean CIP and its unique requirements for adding children after approval:
Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda offers one of the most family-friendly citizenship by investment programs in the world, and this extends to the process of adding dependents after approval. Main applicants who have obtained citizenship through the country’s program can add their newborn children under the age of 17. The associated fees are based on the age of the child at the time of addition: $25,000 for children above five years of age and $10,000 for children below five.
Antigua & Barbuda also has a one-generation citizenship by descent policy, which means that a child born abroad after October 31, 1981, can obtain Antiguan citizenship if at least one parent was a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda at the time of birth.
Dominica
Dominica permits the addition of newborns and grants them citizenship in exchange for a small fee of US$ 2,000. Since the application falls under citizenship by descent legislation, the application fees may vary from year to year. However, the process itself remains relatively simple and consistent, with the main requirement being that applicants must apply before the child reaches five years of age.
Under Dominica’s citizenship legislation, a child born on the territory of Dominica can automatically acquire Dominica citizenship regardless of their parents’ nationality. Additionally, a child can obtain citizenship if at least one parent is a Dominica citizen.
Grenada
Grenada’s requirements for adding newborns fall under the citizenship by investment program if the addition is made within one year of approval. After that, they shift to citizenship by descent laws. Applicants can add a newborn within the first 12 months of approval by paying a fee of US$ 25,000. After the 12-month period has elapsed, they can apply for citizenship by descent, which involves additional fees, POAs, stamps, and other requirements, amounting to approximately US$ 10,000.
While the citizenship by descent route is more cost-effective, it is also a lengthier process that demands more documentation and procedures. Applicants must weigh the pros and cons of each option to determine the best course of action for their situation.
St Kitts & Nevis
As the pioneer of citizenship by investment programs, with its inception in 1984, St Kitts & Nevis has consistently updated and refined its program over the years. In a recent change to its regulations concerning the addition of dependents or newborns after approval, main applicants are now required to pay US$ 10,000 for a child born after the application is submitted but before the Certificate of Registration is issued. For those who apply under the accelerated route, the fee is US$ 15,000 for a newborn.
St Kitts & Nevis also has a citizenship by descent framework that allows children and grandchildren of St Kittitian and Nevisian citizens to apply for naturalization if one of their parents is a naturalized citizen and if they did not apply at the time their parents were naturalized.
St Lucia
In 2023, St Lucia updated its post-approval dependent addition regulations, requiring main applicants to pay US$ 5,000 to add newborn children after receiving their approval. It is crucial to note that applicants have only one year from the date of their naturalization to add any newborn children, and children born after one year cannot be added through this process.
However, children can apply for citizenship by descent, with their application being evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The law allows for the granting of Saint Lucian citizenship either by birth in Saint Lucia or by birth outside of Saint Lucia to a parent or parents who are not themselves Saint Lucian citizens by descent. This means that only one generation of children can be naturalized for an investor who obtained their citizenship by investment.
The Process
The process of adding newborns to a CIP application post-approval is quite simple, as all you need to do is contact the registered agent who assisted you in obtaining citizenship by investment in the first place and they will handle the case for you.
NTL Trust has vast experience in adding newborns to Caribbean citizenship by investment applications, we offer this service to our clients and any others who want to add their newborns with ease and without hassle.
The documentation is quite simple as well, all the documents you need to provide for the newborn are birth certificates, IDs, passports (if available), address, marriage certificates, or custody certificates (if divorced), and some other minor civil documents that depend on the applicant’s nationality and the country they are applying to.
It is also important to note that the government maintains the right to conduct another round of due diligence on the main applicant and any relevant adult dependent within the original application, but typically it is the main applicant who undergoes due diligence again.
The Optimal Choice For Families
Caribbean citizenship by investment programs offer a valuable opportunity for investors to add newborn children to their applications even after approval. By understanding the unique requirements, fees, and timelines associated with each country’s program, families can make informed decisions that best suit their needs and circumstances.
For a more comprehensive assessment of your situation and to learn more about Caribbean citizenship by investment, contact NTL Trust today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with one of our second citizenship experts.
Our knowledgeable team will guide you through the process and help you navigate the intricacies of adding dependents to your application, ensuring a smooth and successful experience for you and your growing family.
