For years, Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes have offered investors greater global mobility, with visa-free access to the Schengen Area being one of their strongest advantages. However, recent developments from the European Commission have introduced a new level of uncertainty.
As outlined in the EU’s latest position, five Caribbean nations have been asked to phase out their CBI programmes by June 2028, with additional interim measures expected before then. This marks a significant shift for investors who have relied on these programmes as part of their international planning.
If you already hold a Caribbean passport, the conversation is no longer about replacing it. It is about strengthening your overall strategy through diversification.
The European Commission’s revised visa suspension mechanism, introduced in December 2025, allows the EU to suspend Schengen visa-free access for countries operating Citizenship by Investment programmes.
While discussions between the EU and the affected countries continue, the development highlights one important reality: policies can change.
For investors, this reinforces the value of building a diversified international portfolio rather than relying on a single solution.
According to Yiannos Trisokkas, CEO of Velment and a migration expert with more than 25 years of experience, successful international investors increasingly focus on combining different residency and citizenship options instead of depending on one programme alone.
Real estate-based residency in Europe provides an additional layer of stability while also creating opportunities for property ownership in established markets.
Among the most attractive options today are Greece, through its well-established Golden Visa programme, and Cyprus, which offers permanent residency through property investment while progressing towards Schengen accession.
Rather than replacing an existing passport, these options can complement an investor’s broader international strategy.
Velment’s boutique developments are carefully selected to support investors seeking quality real estate alongside European residency opportunities.
Located in Paiania, close to Athens International Airport, Lopes Residences combines modern design with everyday convenience.
Highlights include:
Situated in Limassol, Aster Residences offers contemporary apartments in one of Cyprus’ most sought-after locations.
Key features include:
The recent developments surrounding Caribbean CBI programmes serve as a reminder that international mobility strategies should evolve alongside changing regulations.
For many investors, establishing a presence in Europe through real estate offers more than residency. It provides access to high-quality property in stable markets while expanding long-term options for themselves and their families.
Whether through Greece’s established Golden Visa programme or Cyprus’ permanent residency pathway, thoughtful diversification can help create greater certainty in an increasingly changing global landscape.
To learn more about securing European residency through real estate in Greece or Cyprus, contact the Velment team at info@velment.com to discuss the options that best align with your long-term objectives.
