Author profile photo

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.

Table of Contents
 
 
 
 

The citizenship by investment market has entered a new phase, defined by higher price floors, stronger compliance standards and a broader applicant base than at any previous point in its history.

What this article covers:

  • Why Caribbean CBI thresholds are rising and what it signals about programme credibility
  • The surge in American CBI demand and the planning motivations behind it
  • New sub-US$100,000 programmes entering the market
  • What the 2026 landscape means for HNW individuals considering a second citizenship

{{target-banner="/resource-article-components"}}

A market that has grown up

Caribbean programme minimums have risen sharply.

Grenada now starts at US$235,000, with analysts projecting a regional floor of approximately US$250,000 by 2027.

This marks the definitive end of the sub-US$100,000 era that characterised the market's earlier growth phase.

Far from signalling reduced value, higher thresholds reflect tighter compliance frameworks and more rigorous due diligence, both of which strengthen the long-term credibility of a citizenship obtained through investment. For clients who have historically viewed lower-cost programmes with scepticism, this shift is meaningful.

American applicants and the citizenship-as-insurance thesis

One of the most notable structural shifts in 2026 is the emergence of American citizens as one of the largest applicant groups in the global citizenship by investment market.

Driven by political uncertainty, international tax planning and a reassessment of single-nationality risk, US demand mirrors what Marlow Bray sees across its own client enquiries: HNW individuals treating a second citizenship as a strategic asset rather than a travel upgrade.

Separately, a new sub-US$100,000 tier is forming via emerging programmes in São Tomé and Príncipe and Botswana, broadening the market at the lower end.

If you are considering a second citizenship or would like to understand how the current market landscape applies to your situation, Marlow Bray's advisory team would be glad to walk through the options with you.

‍Get in touch to arrange a structured consultation.

Contributors
Emma Marshall