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What is happening with the Caribbean Passport Programs in 2026?

Investment amounts remain the same, satisfying the common memorandum of 2024. However, biometric checks are mandatory and the due diligence fees are higher.

The minimum investment structures of the five Caribbean CBI nations remained the same since 1. July 2024.

- Dominica - Current Minimum: $200,000 USD (Economic Diversification Fund)
- Antigua and Barbuda - Current Minimum: $230,000 USD (National Development Fund)
- Grenada - Current Minimum: $235,000 USD (National Transformation Fund)
- Saint Lucia - Current Minimum: $240,000 USD (National Economic Fund)
- St. Kitts and Nevis - Current Minimum: $250,000 USD (Sustainable Island State Contribution)

The age of Caribbean citizenships costing around 100.000 USD is over, now the most affordable solutions are from Africa. Moreover, the relationship between Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs and the Schengen Area is currently undergoing major political pressure and regulatory changes. It means the European Union wishes to destroy all citizenship by investment programs and would allow only citizenship through residency schemes in the future.

Schengen Access Status of the 5 Caribbean countries with citizenship by investment programs

- Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia still enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

- Like other visa-exempt travelers globally, Caribbean passport holders will soon be required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorization before flying into the Schengen Zone.

The EU Ultimatum and the 2028 Deadline

The European Union drastically stricken its stance against investor citizenship programs through the revised EU Visa Suspension Mechanism (Regulation 2025/2441). The European Commission gave the Caribbean nations the deadline of June 1, 2028, to completely phase out their CBI programs, or face the total suspension of their Schengen visa-free status.

To save the income of investors from immediate suspensions, the EU has forced the Caribbean states for stronger interim safeguards, such as tightening due diligence, enforcing mandatory applicant interviews, and strictly barring any applicants under EU sanctions.

How much are the due diligence fees in the Caribbean CIP countries in 2026?

Due diligence fees vary across the island nations with passport schemes. However, main applicants usually pay $7,500 to $10,000 for the screening, meanwhile the fee for spouses and adult dependents are from $4,000 to $7,500. Meanwhile underage children are usually exempt. The obligatory interview fee is generally 1000 USD.

Do you want to become a citizen of a paradise island nation? Call our experts at Discus Holdings Ltd. We have more than three decades of experience!

What is happening with the Caribbean Passport Programs in 2026? - Discus Holdings Investment amounts remain the same, satisfying the common memorandum of 2024. However, biometric checks are mandatory and the due diligence fees are higher

The European Union restrictions on large cash payments

From July 2027 the EU enters a unified 10,000 euros limit on large cash payments.

The move is part of the anti-money laundering package (Regulation (EU) 2024/1624, Article 80) upcoming EU-wide cash restriction is part of the European Unions major anti-money laundering package, which introduces a unified 10,000 EUR limit on large cash payments.

What does the new EU cash ban rule mean practically?

The new rule will enter in force from 10 July 2027 and it prohibits accepting payments equal to or exceeding 10,000 euros in commercial or professional cases. If the payment is a multiple transaction it can be still banned if the payments appear connected.

Moreover, the Member States can introduce even lower or stricter limits.

EU Countries with Existing National Cash Payment Limits

- France: €1,000 for tax residents (transactions involving businesses/professionals). Non-residents have a higher threshold of €15,000.
- Spain: €1,000 for business-to-consumer (B2C) or business-to-business (B2B) transactions when a professional is involved. Non-resident tourists have a limit of €10,000.
- Belgium: €3,000 for both goods and services (cash is strictly prohibited for real estate purchases).
- Netherlands: €3,000 for business transactions involving goods.
- Italy: €5,000 (tourists from outside the EU/EEA can use cash up to €15,000 for retail goods and travel services).
- Greece: €500 (historically one of the strictest, though thresholds vary by transaction type; general commercial caps are very low).
- Portugal: €3,000 for cash payments involving commercial entities.
- Slovakia / Slovenia: €5,000 for transactions between businesses or businesses and consumers.

The EU restriction does not apply to private individuals acting outside of a business or trade ( for example two private citizens selling a used item to each other directly).

The EU introduces several limits on foreign activities of its residents and citizens. It closes the visas exemptions for countries with citizenship by investment programs. Moreover, the European Union strictly bans foreign banks from opening bank accounts for EU residents. And finally, even cash payments will be limited.

If you wish to manage your business and wealth it is time to examine the chance of moving your tax residency in a country with lesser rules, and no or taxation. Our experts at Discus Holdings Ltd are waiting for your questions!

The European Union restrictions on large cash payments - Discus Holdings From July 2027 the EU enters a unified 10,000 euros limit on large cash payments.

New tax residency against the EU foreign banking rules

The new EU rules practically do not let tax residents of the European Union to have bank accounts outside of the bloc in foreign banks.

It means that third countries' financial institutions will be prohibited from offering core services for EU residents, especially deposits, lending and financial guarantees, unless they have local branches or subsidiaries.

Starting January 11, 2027, new European Union regulations stemming from Article 21c of the sixth Capital Requirements Directive will significantly alter how non-EU banks provide services to individuals living inside the bloc.

The rule applies on residents, so those EU citizens, who live permanently outside of the bloc are unaffected. There is grandfathering protection, so the contracts established before July 2026 may remain open if the foreign bank does not change its terms significantly.

Moreover, non-EU banks may still provide services, if the client approaches the bank without marketing, advertising or active solicitation. However, it is almost impossible to prove, so it looks like most foreign banks will simply decline clients with EU tax residency.

Do not forget what happened with the bank accounts for US citizens after introducing the FATCA rules. At the opening of a bank account you must sign a paper that you have nothing to do with the US or the bank will refuse you. Compliance for the financial institutions will be almost impossible.

Non-EU banks may still provide services to an EU resident under a strict "reverse solicitation" exemption, meaning the client must approach the institution entirely on their own initiative without any prior marketing, advertising, or active solicitation by the bank.

The new rules do not directly ban opening accounts, it only creates a situation, when bank account owners must rethink their cross border wealth management structures to comply with the updated European regulations.

Do the new foreign banking rules force you to move your tax residency from the EU?

Moving your tax residency is a challenging decision. There are dozens of sovereign states welcoming you with no or low-taxes based on your local income where your foreign sourced income is exempt. Changing your tax residency can be the solution for the cross country banking rules.

At Discus Holdings Ltd our experts have more than three decades of experience supporting your wealth management and international tax compliance through new residency or citizenship. Call us for advice!

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EU vs. Caribbean CIP Countries

Let's take a look at the EU Visa Suspension Mechanism against the countries with Citizenship by Investment Programs.

The European Union's approach to investor passport or citizenship by investment programs has changed from targeting individual schemes to treating the “Golden Passport” programs as formal ground for suspending visa-free access to the Schengen zone.

The visa suspension reached Vanuatu first. Following the rapid growth of its investor citizenship scheme started in May 2015 - marketed heavily on that investor citizens can secure visa-free entry to the Schengen Area. First, the European Commission raised concerns over the rapid application processing times, lack of information sharing with countries of origin, and exceptionally low rejection rates. This led first to a so-called phased partial suspension of Vanuatu’s Schengen and UK visa waiver agreement before a complete revocation.

The Revised Visa Suspension Mechanism: Regulation (EU) 2025/2441

The fresh legal basis for targeting investor citizenship was significantly strengthened when the EP (European Parliament) and the Council adopted Regulation 2025/2441, amending the underlying Visa Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. Entering into force on the last day of 2025, the amendment revised Article 8 to allow the Commission to trigger visa-free suspensions when a third country operates an investor citizenship scheme that grants nationality without a genuine link between the applicant and the CIP provider nation.

The exact text updates of reasons for triggering a suspension to include from "the operation of an investor citizenship scheme whereby citizenship is granted in exchange for pre-determined payments or investments without any genuine link to the third country concerned."

The 12 and 24-Month Suspension Timeline of the CIP countries' Schengen visas

Under the structural reforms to the Visa Suspension Mechanism (VSM), the timeline of the process and duration of restrictions follow a strict phased escalation:

- Initial Suspension Period: The updated regulations increased the initial duration of a visa-free suspension from nine to 12 months.
- Extended Suspension Period: If the targeted country fails to resolve the security, vetting, or compliance concerns outlined by the Commission during the initial period, the regulation allows an additional 24-month extension of the suspension.

In line with the EU's 8th VSM Report targeting five Eastern Caribbean states (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia), Brussels communicated a “compliance framework requesting a program phase-out transition running through June 1, 2028, backed by the enforcement capabilities of the revised mechanism.”

EU vs. Caribbean CIP Countries - Discus Holdings EU Regulatory Shift and the Visa Suspension Mechanism against the citizenship by investment countries

What is the safest obtainable citizenship by investment in 2026?

Traditionally, the Caribbean countries with passport programs are considered the safest places from the wars of 2026, but the African nation of São Tomé & Príncipe has recently joined the list of safe havens.

Historically, Vanuatu is considered the safest country from wars with a citizenship by investment program. As an isolated archipelago in the South Pacific, this peaceful nation has zero history of involvement in conflicts and has always maintained a neutral stance.

The lowest cost for its citizenship by investment is 135,500 USD for a single applicant. This includes a 135,000 USD non-refundable donation, plus 5,500 USD for due diligence and other processing fees. Discus Holdings Ltd. is an expert in the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program. The official name of the scheme is the Development Support Program (DSP), and we have supported applicants in becoming citizens of Vanuatu since the program started in 2017.

Interestingly, Malta is also considered a safe haven during conflicts, but history teaches us a lesson: as a small island nation serving as an ancient crossroad of culture, commerce, and conflict, Malta was the most strategic location during Mediterranean wars and suffered serious damage several times. Although Malta is a neutral nation now with no direct threat and remains an island of peace, its geography carries historical context.

Conversely, Austria, which was involved in all major European conflicts, has become a genuine safe haven. The Austrians strictly maintain their neutral status, much like neighbouring Switzerland. Austria offers a rare direct citizenship program in Europe, requiring no prior physical residence time; the investment alone is enough to become a passport holder of the European Union.

The West African island of São Tomé and Príncipe has also chosen to become a non-aligned nation, maintaining good diplomatic relations with both African and Western countries. A single applicant must make a 90,000 USD donation, plus an additional 5,000 USD for due diligence. It is now one of the most accessible and affordable solutions for obtaining a new passport.

The reasons to obtain a second or multiple citizenship are almost always the same:

- Freedom of travel
- Low taxes
- Security for the investor and their family

Our colleagues at Discus Holdings Ltd. are experts in supporting investors seeking the best locations. Contact us for a free consultation!

https://discusholdings.com/news/2026/06/01/safest-obtainable-citizenship-by-investment-2026

What is the safest obtainable citizenship by investment in 2026? - Discus Holdings Traditionally, the Caribbean countries with passport programs are the safest places from the wars of 2026, but the African nation of Sao Tome and Principe joined the list of safe havens.

Best “Plan B Citizenship” by Investment programs in 2026

Instead of freedom of travel and low taxation, applicants for second “Plan B” citizenships in 2026 are seeking risk management and geopolitical insulation. This means that the passport value of neutral countries (like Austria) or distant ones (like São Tomé and Príncipe) becomes a guaranteed safe haven during turbulent times.

Another interesting issue is that after almost half a decade of investors’ passport schemes, not only the passport but also the right of physical residency has become crucial.

Which are the best countries with citizenship or residency by investment programs far away from risk zones in 2026?

Interestingly, there are three excellent choices in Europe: Austria, Monaco and Switzerland. These states guarantee your and your family’s security. You can become an Austrian resident as an independent professional, a Swiss resident as an investor, or a Monégasque resident with a bank deposit.

In South America, Paraguay is the best choice; this country is far away from all international tensions in the heart of the continent.

In Africa, Cabo Verde is considered the safest country. The archipelago is far from the mainland, has never entered a war, and is traditionally one of the most peaceful nations in the world. On the other hand, Mauritius shares the same characteristics, and you can become a resident through an investment of $50,000 for a trade license.

Regarding citizenship by investment programs, there are several low-risk countries. Perhaps the passport schemes of Turkey or Jordan are not the best during a global conflict, but in Oceania or the Caribbean, the danger may not reach you.

Vanuatu is so far away in Oceania that it is clear nobody will invade or bomb it. It is one of the fastest and most affordable citizenship by investment programs. The paradise island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe offers its passports for $90,000. These islands are not only peaceful but nowadays also offer a modern lifestyle and good connections.

There are five Caribbean countries with “CIP” schemes: St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, and Grenada. All of these nations are totally worthless from a strategic point of view, but Grenada has one more special benefit: the country is self-sustaining.

Do you wish to find the safest Plan B country for you and your family? At Discus Holdings Ltd, we help you plan the best location, offering freedom of travel, low taxation, and a secure future.

Best “Plan B Citizenship” by Investment programs in 2026 - Discus Holdings Instead of freedom of travel and low taxation, applicants for second “Plan B” citizenships in 2026 are seeking risk management and geopolitical insulation.

Countries with Territorial Taxation and Residency by Investment Programs in 2026

Which countries allow you to become a resident without paying personal tax on your foreign-sourced income in 2026?

While territorial taxation is evaporating for large corporations, it is still a viable and legal path for individuals. In the era of the digital nomad, countries are competing to attract global talent by encouraging them to reside and spend locally. Territorial taxation means that only income generated within the country is taxed, while foreign-sourced income remains tax-free.

Today, more than 40 countries allow residents to legally avoid taxes on foreign earnings. Most of these jurisdictions satisfy all international requirements (OECD, US, EU), ensuring their residents remain 100% compliant.

Europe: Selective Opportunities

In Europe, few opportunities remain to secure residency and enjoy territorial structures:

- Portugal: Following recent legislative shifts, it has become extremely challenging to qualify for the original flat-tax benefits.
- Greece: Investor residents can opt for an annual lump-sum tax of €100,000 on all foreign-sourced income.
- Italy: Offers a premium lump-sum solution; the fixed annual tax is now €200,000.
- Monaco: Has secured its traditional status, maintaining zero personal tax on any income.
- Cyprus: The Permanent Residency by Investment program allows for "non-dom" status, granting 0% tax on dividends and interest for 17 years.
- Malta: Remains an advantageous solution. Under its remittance-based system, foreign income that is not brought into the country is considered "non-dom" income and is tax-exempt.

The Americas: The Purest Territorial Systems

- Panama: Operates a classic territorial tax system where all foreign income is tax-exempt.
- Paraguay: Continues to offer full tax exemptions for foreign-sourced income, making it one of the most accessible options in the region.
- Costa Rica: Maintains its territorial tax status, popular with both investors and remote workers.

Asia & The Middle East: High-Growth Hubs

- United Arab Emirates (UAE): Remains the most popular global solution, as there is still no personal income tax for individuals.
- Thailand: The Asian country recently updated its regulations, moving closer toward a worldwide taxation model.
- Malaysia: Continues to offer territorial taxation; under current law, all foreign-sourced income is tax-exempt until the end of 2036.

Secure Your "Plan B"

Do you want to obtain a residency permit in a country with territorial taxation? Our team at Discus Holdings Ltd has more than 30 years of experience supporting investors in creating secure "Plan B" strategies in low-tax jurisdictions. Ask for a consultation, and let’s plan your next step together!

Countries with Territorial Taxation and Residency by Investment Programs in 2026 - Discus Holdings Discover which countries offer residency with 0% tax on foreign-sourced income in 2026. Comparing territorial tax systems in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Recent shifts in territorial taxation worldwide

Increasingly, countries are abolishing the right to opt out of paying taxes on foreign-sourced income. Let’s take a look at the latest changes.

The United Kingdom abolished its "non-dom regime" in April 2025. Previously, non-domiciled residents could pay taxes only on the foreign income remitted into the country. Now, there is a short four-year "grace period" for recently arrived residents. Everyone else must pay taxes on their worldwide income.

Italy has a "lump-sum" or "flat-tax" system; however, the government has doubled the minimum annual tax from 100,000 euros to 200,000 euros.

Guernsey and Jersey have reformed their traditional offshore tax systems, and restructuring is still ongoing in 2026. Both Channel Islands are reforming their fiscal frameworks to comply with international standards.

Thailand has changed its remittance-based territorial tax solution. If you stay more than 180 days per year in Thailand, you are considered a tax resident and must pay taxes on your foreign-sourced income (specifically on amounts earned after 2023). LTR (Long-Term Resident) visa holders, however, remain exempt from these new tax rules on foreign-sourced income.

Uruguay has surprised new residents with updated regulations on foreign-sourced passive income. From 2026, only high-net-worth investors can be exempted from taxes on foreign-sourced income for eleven years, provided they invest at least two million dollars in real estate or $100,000 into an innovation/research fund. Other newcomers must pay the local 12% flat tax.

Colombia moved aggressively to tax the worldwide income. The highest tax rate for residents is now 41%.

Taxes are only one - though significant - issue when deciding to obtain a new residency or citizenship. Freedom of travel, a territorial tax system, and a secure future for the family have always been the most important drivers. If you need to structure your taxes, reduce your tax burden, or become internationally tax-compliant, you should seek our advice.

We have more than three decades of experience at Discus Holdings Ltd. Contact us today, and let’s plan your new physical residency or citizenship and tax structure together.

Shifts in territorial taxation worldwide 2026 - Discus Holdings Increasingly, countries are abolishing the right to opt out of paying taxes on foreign-sourced income. Let’s take a look at the latest changes.

Reduced Fee for Nauru Citizenship and Passport Until July 2026!

With a starting investment of $90,000 USD, Nauru now offers one of the most competitive citizenship programs in the world - outpacing current costs in Vanuatu, São Tomé, and Sierra Leone.

The Nauruan government has introduced a temporary $25,000 USD reduction on the initial contribution fee, valid for all qualifying applications submitted by June 30, 2026.

Investing in Resilience: The ECRC Program

Nauru's Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship (ECRC) Program is unique. As the smallest independent and island nation of just 12,000 residents and 21 square kilometres, Nauru is on the frontlines of the global climate crisis. Decades of phosphate mining left the island's interior destroyed, while rising sea levels now threaten the low-lying coastal communities.

Your investment directly funds the "Higher Ground Initiative." This massive national project aims to relocate the population from the vulnerable coastline to the "Topside" plateaus, which sit roughly 20 meters above sea level. By obtaining citizenship, you are not just securing your own travel freedom; you are financing the survival of a nation.

The 2026 "Special Project" Pricing for Nauru Citizenship

Until the end of June, Nauru has simplified and lowered its fee structure to make the program more accessible:

- Main Contribution: $90,000 USD (Reduced from the standard $115,000 USD).
- Application Fees: Now only $5,000 USD for the principal applicant (a significant drop from previous rates).
- Dependent Fees: Only $2,000 USD for dependent teenagers and adults.
- Due Diligence: Fees have also been streamlined to $6,000 USD for the main applicant and $3,000 USD for dependents.

Why Choose Nauru's passports in 2026?

A Nauruan passport offers visa-free access to roughly 90 destinations, including key hubs like Hong Kong, Singapore, and the UAE. With a processing time of just three to four months and no residency requirements, it is a fast, legal, and impactful solution. The passport and citizenship of Nauru not only guarantee the freedom of travel, but are also great tools to secure the future of your family.

Secure your global mobility while supporting climate action.

Contact our experts at Discus Holdings Ltd today to navigate these recent price changes and start your application before the July deadline.

Reduced Fee for Nauru Citizenship and Passport Until July 2026! - Discus Holdings Nauru's government has lowered the citizenship investment fee by $25,000 until June 30, 2026. Secure your second passport for $90,000

Why do you need a second citizenship more than ever in 2026?

Citizenship has become a common commodity, with numerous offers available from countries all over the world. As costs and professional fees have decreased, it is now possible to find legitimate investment opportunities that offer a passport in exchange for your capital.

By 2026, the world has witnessed a total transformation of the global political and economic landscape. To understand the necessity of a second or dual citizenship, one only needs to remember how the USA and the EU fought against these schemes as recently as 2024. Today, there are 16 active citizenship programs, with several newly announced schemes allowing investors to obtain dual or multiple citizenships.

How can a second citizenship in 2026 increase your personal and financial security?

You must be prepared for the shifts in the international political scene that have already begun to affect your inner circles. You must consider the security and future of your:

- Family
- Personal Affairs
- Business Interests

With dual or multiple citizenship in 2026, you can diversify your business operations and taxation while creating a "safe haven" for your family. You are not required to live in the country of your second citizenship; in many cases, you do not even have to visit the country to complete the process. Requirements always depend on the specific regulations of the host nation.

How much does it cost to invest in a second citizenship in 2026?

The year 2025 began with a significant fee increase from Caribbean CIP countries (St. Kitts, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Lucia, and Dominica) as they unified their pricing and investment thresholds. However, this price hike allowed other countries to enter the market with more affordable alternatives to traditional Caribbean options.

In Africa, countries like Sierra Leone, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Botswana now offer competitive solutions. For instance, São Tomé and Príncipe requires an investment of $90,000, while a passport from Botswana requires only $75,000.

Are you looking for the most secure way to obtain a second citizenship in 2026? Seek expert support. At Discus Holdings Ltd, our job is to guide you through this complex and challenging process!

https://discusholdings.com/news/2026/02/16/second-citizenship-2026

Why do you need a second citizenship more than ever in 2026? - Discus Holdings Citizenship has become a common commodity, with numerous offers available from countries all over the world.