Why Caribbean citizenship is your essential plan B in a changing world

In an era where governments increasingly encroach on personal freedoms and global instability looms, securing a second citizenship has transitioned from luxury to necessity. Andrew Henderson of Nomad Capitalist argues that Caribbean citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes offer unparalleled advantages for those seeking freedom, resilience, and flexibility. Here’s why diversifying your citizenship portfolio with a small nation’s passport could be the ultimate safeguard.

Trading platforms pexels tima miroshnichenko 7567443.jpg? nc cat=111&ccb=1 7& nc sid=6ee11a& nc ohc=QwTDklpLC6wQ7kNvgEmg1GS& nc zt=23& nc ht=scontent.fpos1 1

TradingView — Track All Markets

Where the world charts, chats and trades markets. We’re a supercharged super-charting platform and social network for traders and investors. Free to sign up.

The decline of traditional citizenship benefits

Citizenship in Western nations like the US, Canada, and EU countries once promised security and privilege. Henderson highlights a stark shift: governments demand more (taxes, compliance, even conscription) while delivering fewer protections. The pandemic exemplified this, as citizens were left stranded abroad, and trust in institutional “safety nets” eroded. Meanwhile, rising surveillance, taxation, and geopolitical risks make holding only a single passport increasingly precarious.

“The pact of citizenship has changed,” Henderson notes. “It’s no longer a benefit—it’s a burden.”

Caribbean citizenship: A lifeline for the disillusioned

Caribbean CBI programmes, such as those in Dominica, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis, provide a compelling solution. For a donation or investment (typically US$100,000–US$200,000), applicants gain visa-free access to 140+ countries, tax advantages, and a physical/legal “escape hatch” during crises. But beyond individual benefits, these programmes reveal a symbiotic relationship between small nations and global citizens.

Dominica’s climate resilience model

A Washington Post profile of Dominica underscores how CBI revenue funds national resilience. After Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017 (damaging 226% of its GDP), Dominica vowed to become the world’s first climate-resilient nation. Citizenship sales financed hurricane-proof housing, reinforced infrastructure, and healthcare upgrades—projects stalled by unfulfilled aid pledges from wealthy nations.

“Citizenship money has been a saviour,” said a former Dominica official. Unlike taxpayer-funded bureaucracies, CBI programmes operate on voluntary exchange: nations gain resources, while investors gain security.

Why small nations offer big advantages

Alignment of interests: Small countries depend on CBI revenue, incentivising them to protect their global citizens’ rights. “They’re run like businesses—responsive and efficient,” says Henderson.
Freedom from overreach: Unlike the US or EU, Caribbean nations don’t impose global taxation or complex regulations. Their focus is attracting high-net-worth individuals, not controlling them.
Diversification: Just as investors hedge financial portfolios, multiple citizenships mitigate risks—whether from political unrest, travel restrictions, or economic downturns.

Western pushback: A sign of threat

Legacy powers increasingly oppose CBI programmes, citing security concerns. Henderson argues this reflects a fear of losing influence: “They want you as a taxpayer cog in their empire.” Critics often spotlight rare abuse cases (e.g., passport holders later convicted of crimes), ignoring robust due diligence processes. Meanwhile, Caribbean nations tighten protocols (e.g., interviews, background checks) to meet Western demands while preserving programme integrity.

The nomad capitalist philosophy

For Henderson, citizenship is a tool for autonomy. He advocates a “passport portfolio”: a primary citizenship for daily life (e.g., residency-friendly EU nations), a Caribbean passport for mobility/tax efficiency, and ancestry-based options (e.g., Ireland, Italy) for redundancy.

Key takeaways:

Act early: CBI programms are becoming costlier and stricter. Delaying risks exclusion.
Think beyond travel: Consider tax policies, global perception, and a nation’s responsiveness to citizens.
Reject scarcity mindset: Multiple citizenships are legal and pragmatic—not a betrayal of your homeland.

Embrace voluntary exchange

In a world where legacy nations prioritise control, Caribbean citizenship represents a voluntary partnership. Investors gain freedom; nations gain resources to thrive. As Henderson concludes, “I’d rather be a citizen of a country that wins by serving people, not ruling them.”

For those seeking sovereignty in an uncertain age, the Caribbean offers not just a plan B—but a blueprint for a freer future.

Learn more about citizenship diversification at Nomad Capitalist.

______________________________