EU officials are signaling stricter scrutiny of Caribbean citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs. The European Commission says these programs may now endanger visa-free travel to the Schengen area.

In its 8th annual Visa Suspension Mechanism report, the Commission shifts focus from “genuine links” concerns to framing CBI programs as an inherent security risk. It states, “The operation of such programmes constitutes, in itself, a ground for suspending the visa-free status of third countries.”

The report highlights Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. Officials note these programs operate on a “much greater scale” than similar schemes elsewhere. Between them, over 100,000 passports have been issued, with applications remaining high at 13,113 in 2023 and 10,573 in 2024.

Security vetting remains a key concern. Processing times are short, and rejection rates are low. For instance, Antigua and Barbuda rejected just 1.7% of applications in 2024, Saint Lucia 5.3%, and Dominica 6.5%. While the countries have strengthened vetting, raised minimum investment thresholds to $200,000, and improved transparency, the Commission says concerns persist.

Moreover, the EU report explicitly urges the five nations to ensure adequate security screening “pending the discontinuation” of their CBI schemes. This wording suggests that the Commission could ultimately expect these programs to end rather than just improve.

Failure to comply could trigger formal procedures, including the suspension of visa-free travel. The Commission’s approach mirrors its handling of Georgia, where phased restrictions on diplomatic and official passport holders precede broader measures if reforms are insufficient.

The report does not provide concrete deadlines but demands measurable progress “without delay.” Candidate countries for EU membership face an even stricter stance, as they must abolish investor citizenship programs to comply with EU law.

This follows a 2025 European Court of Justice ruling against Malta, which found that transactional citizenship schemes violate EU law.

Overall, the EU’s new position signals a tough stance on CBI programs in the Caribbean. Authorities warn that continued operation without adequate vetting could jeopardize visa-free access, prompting Caribbean nations to act quickly.

The Commission emphasizes that security, transparency, and compliance will be central to preserving visa privileges for citizens of these countries.

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