This article was written by Emma Marshall — Community Manager
We believe this article is accurate at the time of writing, but regulations evolve. We'd welcome you to contact us for a quick, up-to-date confirmation—we're always glad to help.
Processing times for Caribbean citizenship by investment programmes have nearly doubled since 2024. For well-advised applicants, that shift signals something worth understanding before you apply.
What this article covers:
- Why CBI due diligence timelines have extended to 90 to 120 days or longer
- The international compliance standards now driving those changes
- What extended processing means for your planning timeline
- How to read due diligence rigour as a quality signal
Why Processing Times Have Extended
Caribbean citizenship programmes that once processed applications in 45 to 60 days now routinely take 90 to 120 days, with complex cases running longer still. The shift reflects a deliberate expansion of vetting standards: mandatory interviews, biometric enrolment, and cross-referencing with INTERPOL records, financial intelligence databases, and sanctions lists have become standard procedure. Governments in both the Caribbean and Europe have aligned their screening processes with FATF benchmarks and broader AML frameworks, responding to sustained international scrutiny of the sector. These are not bureaucratic delays. They represent a fundamental change in how programmes assess applicants.
What This Means for Serious Applicants
For anyone considering citizenship by investment, the practical implication is straightforward: build your timeline around 90 to 120 days as a baseline, not a worst case. But the strategic implication runs deeper. Programmes with rigorous due diligence protect their reputational standing, which directly protects the value of your passport long after issuance. A citizenship obtained through a credible, well-scrutinised programme is a durable asset. One issued through a programme that later faces suspension or international censure carries real risk. At Marlow Bray, we help clients plan around these realities before commitments are made, selecting the right programme, sequencing applications correctly, and setting expectations throughout.
If you are at the consideration stage and want to understand how due diligence timelines could affect your plans, speak with an adviser at Marlow Bray.
