London, August 15, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The upcoming release of the CBI Index, a comprehensive annual evaluation of citizenship by investment (CBI) programs, is generating significant interest. This report, due later this week, assesses various programs based on nine pillars of excellence, providing a detailed ranking that reflects their performance and attractiveness.

Produced annually by the Financial Times’ PWM Magazine, the CBI Index employs a diverse set of indicators to evaluate the effectiveness and appeal of global CBI programs. Its primary objective is to offer a systematic approach to program evaluation, facilitating informed decision-making regarding economic citizenship.

The 2021 CBI Index showcased fourteen countries worldwide, including five from the Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis. The index also covered nine nations from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, such as Austria, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Egypt, Jordan, Malta, Montenegro, Turkey, and Vanuatu. The Caribbean region has been a trailblazer in the CBI sector, with St Kitts and Nevis pioneering the first citizenship by investment program in 1984.

Since the CBI Index’s introduction in 2017, the Commonwealth of Dominica has consistently ranked at the forefront, recognized as one of the premier CBI programs globally. Launched in 1993, Dominica’s CBI initiative utilizes revenue inflow to address climate change and disaster resilience. In the 2021 report, Dominica achieved a perfect score of ten in five out of nine pillars and a solid nine in the citizenship timeline category, culminating in an impressive total score of 80. Analysts speculate that Dominica may reclaim the title of the best CBI program this year.

St Kitts and Nevis made its mark in the top rankings during the 2021 CBI Index, emerging as the most popular citizenship by investment program. Over the years, this program has broadened its definition of dependents to include siblings of the main applicant or spouse, provided they meet specific criteria. St Kitts and Nevis also scored a total of 80 points, excelling in mandatory travel, citizenship timeline, due diligence, and family pillars.

Saint Lucia, the newest CBI program in the Caribbean, launched its initiative in 2016 and ranked fourth in the 2021 index with a score of 74. The Saint Lucia CBI program received high marks for minimum investment, mandatory travel, citizenship timeline, and processing ease. With a recent change in leadership, there are expectations that Saint Lucia’s program will enter the top three in the 2022 report as the new administration works diligently to rebrand and elevate its standing among global CBI leaders.

The CBI Index relies on official data and publications from top international institutions, supplemented by insights from industry experts. The evaluation process is thorough, ensuring that all programs are ranked according to the following nine pillars:

Freedom of Movement
Standard of Living
Minimum Investment Outlay
Mandatory Travel or Residence
Citizenship Timeline
Ease of Processing
Due Diligence
Family
Certainty of Product
James McKay, the lead researcher for the report, asserts that the CBI Index has established itself as a critical resource for impartial, data-driven assessments of available CBI programs, aiding investors and families in making informed investment decisions in a dynamic environment.

Citizenship experts worldwide are eagerly anticipating the results of the 2022 CBI Index, which is expected to confirm the top rankings for Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis, while showcasing Saint Lucia’s steady rise.

As traditional concepts of citizenship evolve, individuals are increasingly seeking diverse options to broaden their horizons. In this context, citizenship by investment programs facilitate portfolio diversification, granting successful applicants lifelong citizenship independent of their place of residence.

As new programs emerge, maintaining rigorous due diligence remains a top priority. Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis are recognized for their robust due diligence processes, engaging reputable agencies in the UK and USA. All applicants and dependents over the age of 16 undergo extensive background checks conducted by leading governmental and private entities. The CBI Index report emphasizes the critical nature of due diligence, assessing programs in light of global safety and security considerations. Recent years have also seen a focus on family inclusivity, a vital element that CBI nations can leverage to enhance the integrity of their offerings and align with standardized due diligence practices.