Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority To Be Headquartered in Grenada

Vago Barseghyan

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September 25, 2025

The five Eastern Caribbean states - Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia - have formally agreed to establish the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA), a regional body to oversee and harmonise all Citizenship by Investment programmes across the participating five Caribbean nations. The Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority, which will be headquartered in Grenada, marks a major milestone in the ongoing Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Reform agenda aimed at enhancing transparency, security, and global confidence.

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The Caribbean’s Citizenship by Investment industry is undergoing a historic transformation. Following two years of regional and international consultations, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has confirmed the establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA). This new regional watchdog will oversee all CBI activities across five participating nations, marking the most significant Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Reform to date. Set for legislative implementation by October 2025, this initiative responds to growing international scrutiny while

Headquartered in Grenada, the ECCIRA aims to unify and strengthen standards across jurisdictions, introducing uniform due diligence standards, residency requirements, biometric data collection, and strengthened enforcement mechanisms - indicating a new era of integrity and accountability in the Caribbean’s CBI industry. Set for legislative implementation in October 2025, the initiative is a proactive response to international pressure - particularly from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union - ensuring the longevity and credibility of the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programmes.

1. The Birth of a Regional Regulator: ECCIRA’s Establishment

The creation of the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority represents the culmination of years of negotiation among OECS Member States. Under the agreement signed by Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia, each government has committed to passing national legislation by October 2025 to give the Authority binding legal authority.

The ECCIRA will serve as the central regulatory body for Citizenship by Investment programmes across these nations. It will set and enforce regional standards, ensuring uniformity in due diligence, agent licensing, and applicant compliance. With offices across all participating islands and its headquarters in Grenada, the Authority is tasked with executing a comprehensive 92-article agreement designed to standardise operations, enhance transparency, and safeguard the reputation of the region’s CBI industry.

2. Purpose and Rationale Behind the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority

The ECCIRA has been conceived to serve multiple purposes central to the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Reform agenda. Chief among them are:

Harmonisation of CBI Requirements – Ensuring consistent due diligence, investment thresholds, and eligibility standards across all participating states.
Enhanced Oversight and Enforcement – Granting the Authority investigative powers over agents and developers, with the ability to revoke licenses and impose administrative penalties.
Residency and Genuine Link Requirements – Strengthening the connection between new citizens and their adopted countries through mandatory in-person interviews, civic education, and minimum physical presence requirements.
International Reassurance – Addressing the concerns of major global partners, notably the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union, who have raised security and integrity issues regarding CBI programmes.

3. Key Provisions of the Agreement

The new framework introduces several key provisions that will redefine how CBI programmes operate across the Eastern Caribbean:

Mandatory Pre-Qualification for Agents and Developers: Only those vetted and approved by the ECCIRA will be permitted to participate.
Biometric Data Collection: All new applicants must provide biometric data during interviews, while existing citizens must do so upon passport renewal.
Residency and Cultural Integration: Successful applicants must spend at least 30 days within their first five years of citizenship and participate in civic education and cultural orientation.
Harmonised Due Diligence: Although each state will remain responsible for applicant vetting, all must follow ECCIRA’s standardized protocols and risk indicators.
Unified Exclusion Policies: Applicants rejected by one participating state cannot apply to another, preventing “jurisdiction shopping.”
Regional Database and Audits: The Authority will maintain a centralised database of applicants and conduct annual audits of all national CBI units.
Enforcement Powers: The ECCIRA may issue binding Directives and Codes of Conduct, with breaches treated as violations of law subject to fines or license revocation.

Collectively, these provisions address long-standing concerns about uneven enforcement and complexity in the CBI process.

4. Strengthening Security and Due Diligence

One of the core mandates of the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority is to fortify the integrity of the citizenship process. The introduction of biometric data collection - covering both new and existing applicants - marks a significant advancement in regional security protocols.

The ECCIRA will collaborate closely with the CARICOM IMPACS Joint Regional Communications Centre (JRCC), which will now handle due diligence for all applicants across the region. This collaboration ensures that every applicant is subject to robust and standardized background checks, with expanded technological and human resources funded directly from CBI revenues.

5. Economic Sustainability and International Cooperation

While the reforms respond to external scrutiny, they are equally aimed at safeguarding the economic lifeline that CBI revenues represent for the five islands. The US$200,000 minimum investment threshold, introduced in 2024, remains the regional standard - ensuring programmes remain attractive yet credible.

The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States emphasised that dismantling CBI programmes would severely undermine fiscal stability, climate resilience, and post-pandemic recovery efforts. Consequently, the new reforms strike a balance between international compliance and economic sustainability.

The ECCIRA’s creation follows extensive engagement with global partners, including:

US-Caribbean Roundtables (2023–2024)
European Commission consultations (Dominica, January 2024)
UK, US, and EC meetings (Grenada, August 2024; London, January 2025)
Regional stakeholder sessions (March–August 2025)

These dialogues reflect the Caribbean’s proactive approach - working with, rather than against, global regulators to preserve its economic sovereignty.

Final Thoughts

The establishment of the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority, headquartered in Grenada, marks a historic turning point in the evolution of the region’s CBI programmes. It embodies the collective will of Caribbean nations to ensure their Citizenship by Investment frameworks remain both economically vital and globally respected. The ECCIRA agreement stipulates that the Authority will become operational 30 days after the deposit of the fifth instrument of ratification, anticipated by early 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA)?

ECCIRA is a newly established regional body designed to regulate and oversee all Citizenship by Investment programmes in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia.

2. Why will the ECCIRA be headquartered in Grenada?

Grenada was chosen due to its strong regulatory reputation and active, well-managed Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme, making it an ideal base for regional oversight and coordination.

3. What is the goal of the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Reform?

The reform seeks to harmonise standards across all participating states, strengthen due diligence and transparency, and protect the long-term integrity and economic viability of CBI programmes. Read further details in our article on Caribbean CBI Reform details.

4. When will ECCIRA become operational?

The Authority is expected to gain full legal authority by early 2026, following parliamentary approval and ratification by all five participating states.

5. How will ECCIRA affect current and future CBI applicants?

Applicants will be subject to enhanced vetting procedures, mandatory biometric data collection, in-person or virtual interviews, and residency requirements designed to ensure genuine links to their chosen country.

6. What are the potential benefits of ECCIRA for the Caribbean region?

ECCIRA enhances global credibility, protects visa-free access benefits, and reinforces the economic resilience of participating nations by ensuring the longevity of their CBI programmes.

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Vago Barseghyan

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Vago Barseghyan

Antigua and Barbuda enjoys a tropical maritime climate, characterised by warm temperatures year-round, with an average of 27°C (81°F). The islands have a relatively dry season from January to April, with a wetter season from May to November. The islands have robust infrastructure and emergency systems in place to manage such events.

Originally inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples, the islands were colonised by the British in the 17th century. The cultural landscape is a blend of African, British, and indigenous influences. This rich history is reflected in local music, dance, and festivals, with calypso, reggae, and steelpan music being particularly popular. Cricket, a legacy of British rule, is the most popular sport, and sailing is also popular, reflecting the islands' strong maritime culture.

Antigua and Barbuda boasts 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, along with coral reefs, lagoons, and lush vegetation. The country’s landscape is primarily flat, with rolling hills and volcanic rock formations. The islands are also home to rich biodiversity, making them a haven for nature lovers.

Antigua and Barbuda have a stable democratic government based on the British parliamentary system. The country is generally regarded as having a manageable level of bureaucracy, with a reasonably straightforward process for interacting with government agencies. Retirees will find that essential services like renewing a driver’s licence, paying taxes, or obtaining necessary permits are relatively simple, although some processes can be slow due to limited resources. The government has been making strides in digitising services to reduce in-person visits and streamline processes.

Antigua and Barbuda is known for its lively events and festivals, particularly Carnival, one of the year's most anticipated events. Antigua Sailing Week is another major event, attracting sailors and spectators from around the world. These festivals are deeply rooted in the local culture and provide a vibrant social scene for retirees.

Dominica has a tropical rainforest climate, with high humidity and heavy rainfall, particularly on the windward side of the island. Temperatures are warm year-round, averaging 26°C (79°F), with cooler conditions in themountainous interior. The island’s lush greenery is a result of its abundantrainfall.

Dominica's culture is a vibrant mix of indigenous Kalinago heritage, African traditions, and European colonial influences, particularly French and British. The island was originally settled by the Kalinago people, and their influence is still present today, especially in the Kalinago Territory. African traditions have also left a profound mark, particularly in the island’s music, dance, and festivals. Dominica’s outdoor sports are heavily influenced by its rugged terrain, with hiking and diving being popular among locals and expatriates alike, although there is of course cricket for those with more sedentary dispositions.

Known as the "NatureIsland," Dominica is characterised by its rugged terrain, rainforests ,waterfalls, and geothermal activity. The island is home to the UNESCO-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park, as well as numerous rivers and lakes. Dominica’s unspoiled natural beauty is a major draw for retirees who appreciate ecotourism and outdoor adventures.

Dominica’s government operates under a parliamentary democracy, with a legal system rooted in English common law. While the country’s bureaucracy is smaller and more accessible, some processes can be slow, particularly in rural areas. However, the government is generally cooperative and accommodating, particularly for expatriates. It’s advisable to have local assistance or a legal advisor to navigate more complex processes, such as property transactions or dealing with land registries.

Dominica hosts several unique cultural events, including the World Creole Music Festival and Carnival. The island’s festivals are deeply connected to its Creole heritage, offering retirees a chance to immerse themselves in local traditions and music. Dominica’s Independence celebrations also feature traditional dances, music, and cuisine.

Grenada has a tropical climate with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year, averaging around 28°C (82°F). The dry season runs from January to May, while the wet season is from June to December. Although Grenada is located on the southern edge of the hurricane belt and is less impacted the another Caribbean islands, it is not immune to these storms as has been seen recently with Hurricane Beryl. The island has since improved its hurricane preparedness and infrastructure resilience and the value of these improvements has led to greater preparedness for such events.

The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples before being colonised by Europeans. Grenadian culture is characterised by a strong sense of community, vibrant music, and dance traditions, such as calypso and soca. French influence on the island is evident in its place names and culinary traditions. Cricket and football are the most popular sports, and sailing and water sports are also widely enjoyed.

Known as the "SpiceIsle," Grenada is famous for its aromatic plantations, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. The island’s volcanic origin provides a diverse landscape of mountains, rainforests, and coastal areas. Grenada’s natural beauty is complemented by its extensive marine life, making it ideal for snorkelling and diving.

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Grenada’s Spicemas Carnival is the island’s most significant cultural event, celebrated with colourful parades, music, and dance. The island also hosts the Grenada Sailing Festival and the Pure Grenada Music Festival, both of which attract international visitors. These events provide a lively social calendar for retirees.

Saint Kitts and Nevis has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging between 24°C (75°F) and 31°C (88°F) throughout the year. The islands have a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November. Located within the hurricane belt, Saint Kitts and Nevis is vulnerable to hurricanes, especially between June and November, but the islands have strong building codes and disaster response plans in place to reduce the impact of the senatural events.

The cultural heritage of Saint Kitts and Nevis is shaped by its history of indigenous Carib and Arawak inhabitants and European colonisation. Saint Kitts was the first Caribbean island to be colonised by the British, and Nevis has a rich history as a major sugar producer. The islands' cultural roots are a blend of African, British, and French influences, reflected in the local cuisine, music, and festivals. Cricket and football are deeply ingrained in the local culture and, along with sailing and hiking, are integral to the islands' cultural life.

The twin islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis are known for their volcanic mountains, rainforests, and beaches. The islands are home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Brimstone Hill Fortress and offer stunning views from places like Mount Liamuiga. The islands’ natural beauty is one of their strongest appeals to retirees.

Saint Kitts and Nevis operates under a stable parliamentary democracy, with governance structures similar to those of other Commonwealth countries. The islands have a relatively low level of bureaucracy, and dealing with the government on a day-to-day basis is generally straightforward. Most routine administrative tasks, such as obtaining permits, paying taxes, or registering property, are manageable, although some processes can take longer than expected due to limited staffing. The government is trying to modernise its operations, including digitising more services, which should help reduce delays and improve overall efficiency.

The islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis host several vibrant festivals, including Carnival, the Saint Kitts Music Festival, and Culturama, which is unique to Nevis. These events celebrate local culture, music, and heritage, offering retirees plenty of opportunities to engage with the community and enjoy local traditions.

Saint Lucia enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). The dry season extends from December to May, while the wet season is from June to November. Saint Lucia is situated near the edge of the hurricane belt, making it prone to hurricanes and tropical storms but less so than those further north. The government has invested in improving hurricane preparedness and infrastructure resilience to protect the island from future storms better.

Saint Lucia's culture is a unique blend of African, French, and British influences, reflecting its complex history of colonisation. The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak and later the Carib people, before being contested by the French and British for centuries. The French influence is particularly strong in the island's Creole language, cuisine, and Catholic traditions, while British colonial rule has left its mark on the legal system and sports, particularly cricket. The island’s dramatic landscapes, including the iconic Pitons, provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor sports like hiking and diving, which are popular among locals and retirees alike.

Saint Lucia is famous for its dramatic Pitons, volcanic peaks that rise sharply from the sea. The island’s landscape includes rainforests, beaches, andSulphur Springs, the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano. Saint Lucia’s natural beauty is among the most striking in the Caribbean, attracting retirees who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views.

Saint Lucia’s government is a parliamentary democracy, and the country has a reputation for a relatively efficient bureaucracy compared to other Caribbean nations. For retirees, dealing with the government is typically hassle-free for most day-to-day tasks like renewing a driver’s licence, paying taxes, or obtaining residency permits. Saint Lucia has been proactive in improving its e-government services, allowing for easier access to information and quicker processing of certain requests online.

Saint Lucia is famous for its Jazz and Arts Festival, which attracts international artists and music lovers. The island’s Carnival is another major event, featuring parades, music, and dancing. Additionally, the La Rose and La Marguerite festivals celebrate the island’s unique cultural heritage, offering retirees a rich cultural experience.

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority To Be Headquartered in Grenada

1. The Birth of a Regional Regulator: ECCIRA’s Establishment

2. Purpose and Rationale Behind the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority

3. Key Provisions of the Agreement

4. Strengthening Security and Due Diligence

5. Economic Sustainability and International Cooperation

Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA)?

2. Why will the ECCIRA be headquartered in Grenada?

3. What is the goal of the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Reform?

4. When will ECCIRA become operational?

5. How will ECCIRA affect current and future CBI applicants?

6. What are the potential benefits of ECCIRA for the Caribbean region?

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