The CARICOM was established in 1973 by English-speaking countries of the Caribbean. Its purpose was to promote economic integration and cooperation, similar to the European Union (EU) and the Schengen area in Europe. Like it’s European counterpart, it enables the following within the CARICOM member states –

• Free movement of Goods
• Free trade in Services
• Free movement of Skills
• Free movement of Capital
• Right to Establishment

There are 15 member states in the CARICOM. They are –

• Antigua and Barbuda – CBI Program
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Dominica – CBI Program
• Grenada – CBI Program
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Jamaica
• Montserrat
• St Kitts and Nevis – CBI Program
• St Lucia – CBI Program
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Suriname
• Trinidad and Tobago

The FIVE CARICOM countries (Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis and St Lucia) that run CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT programs in the Caribbean all offer CARICOM passports. Hence, if you were to apply for and obtain Citizenship of any one of the 5 Caribbean countries you would have access  to the following in terms of travel :

• St Kitts and Nevis : Visa-free travel to 156 countries + CARICOM passport
• Antigua and Barbuda : Visa-free travel to 152 countries + CARICOM passport
• St Lucia : Visa-free travel to 146 countries + CARICOM passport
• Grenada : Visa-free travel to 144 countries +CARICOM passport
• Dominica : Visa-free travel to 143 countries +CARICOM passport

Holders of CARICOM passports get a Common ED Card, have access to the CARICOM line at immigration checkpoints in airports and do not need a visa for travel into member states.  Caribbean Passports have the 2 letters “CC” and 2 words “Caribbean Community” written in each passport issued by a member state.

The “CARICOM Single Market & Economy (CSME)” provides to wage earners, self-employed persons and to persons establishing businesses the freedom to engage in gainful economic activity. The CSME has brought about the following changes beneficial to holders of CARICOM passports :

• Abolition of Work Permit
• Introduction of the CARICOM Skills Certificate (Recognition of Skills Qualifications)
• Definite entry for 6 months
• Indefinite stay in a member state, subject to certain conditions being met
• The right to transfer one’s social security benefits from one CARICOM country to another

By meeting the relevant laws of a member country, a CARICOM National can stay beyond 6 months or conduct the below-mentioned activities in another CARICOM country :

• Staying indefinitely
• Taking up residence
• Working without permission
• Providing Services
• Establishing a business

Migratesmart® can help you obtain citizenship (and passport) of all FIVE Caribbean countries that offer Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs. Citizenship of any one of the FIVE Caribbean countries will enable you to derive the economic benefits of a CARICOM passport. Let us guide you to obtain a passport that is best suited to your individual needs.