Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prepares to Launch Its First Citizenship by Investment Program in 2026

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is poised to become the latest Caribbean nation to introduce a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, following significant political change and growing public support. With framework details now emerging, the initiative could transform the nation’s economic landscape while aligning SVG with regional investment migration standards.

A Shift in Political Direction Sparks New CBI Ambitions

The long-standing absence of a CBI program in SVG, the only independent Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member without one, is set to change after the New Democratic Party (NDP) secured a decisive victory in the November 2025 general election. This result snapped a 24-year tenure by the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government, which had historically rejected the concept of citizenship-for-investment.

NDP leader Dr. Godwin Friday, now Prime Minister, campaigned strongly on the promise of introducing a CBI program as a core economic strategy. Early responses from observers and residents suggest that a majority of Vincentians are receptive to the initiative, with a May 2025 poll indicating that roughly 62% support implementing a CBI program, while only 28% opposed it.

Framework: What Government Leaders Are Planning

Following the election, Deputy Prime Minister Major St. Clair Leacock, also Minister of National Security and Immigration, outlined an initial vision for how the CBI program will operate. His comments, made during public broadcasts and interviews, emphasize a multi-institutional governance model grounded in transparency, accountability, and economic impact.

Key Principles Under Discussion

• Multi-agency oversight: SVG intends to assign responsibility for the program across several government bodies, including immigration authorities and the Attorney General’s Office, to ensure robust management and security compliance.
• Regional best practices: Officials have repeatedly stated that the new program will draw from the established frameworks of existing OECS CBI programs, particularly following recent reforms in Grenada and regional agreements that standardize due diligence and security protocols.

Despite these public outlines, precise investment requirements, timeline, and program structure have not yet been officially released. Stakeholders are watching whether SVG will adopt the US$200,000 minimum investment threshold common among Caribbean schemes and adhere to the regional CBI Principles Agreement with the United States

Public Sentiment and Economic Opportunity

Long before the election, national sentiment was gradually shifting. Surveys conducted in 2025 revealed that many Vincentians believe a CBI program could ease economic pressure by attracting foreign capital, creating jobs, and stimulating development in key sectors like tourism and infrastructure. Supporters also dismissed concerns that citizenship-for-investment would diminish national identity or complicate travel access.

Where SVG Stands Regionally in 2026

Should Saint Vincent and the Grenadines launch its CBI program as expected in 2026, it will join five established Caribbean citizenship-by-investment jurisdictions: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. These programs have collectively defined regional standards for investor vetting, minimum contributions, and ongoing regulatory cooperation.

Looking Ahead: Expectations for 2026

While the exact launch date and investment thresholds remain uncertain, the government's commitment to creating a CBI program now appears firm. We will be watching closely for legal frameworks, official program regulations, and policy declarations as SVG prepares to finalize its approach.