The ROI Reality Behind Caribbean Citizenship Programs

For many years, Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs have offered global investors second passports, greater mobility, and new opportunities. But there’s one question that sophisticated investors continue to ask: Does it also deliver financial returns?

For some time, the answer has been unclear. While the lifestyle and travel benefits are unquestionable, many CBI options were viewed as cost centers rather than financial investments. That is beginning to change, dramatically. A clear case is unfolding in Dominica, where one flagship development is delivering tangible returns to its investors and redefining what CBI can offer.

This is the story of Secret Bay. And it’s changing the conversation.

Secret Bay, located on the lush, unspoiled island of Dominica, is one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive eco-luxury resorts. But beyond its natural beauty and architectural elegance lies something even more valuable for investors: a proven track record of ROI.

Since launching its CBI offering in 2019, Secret Bay has distributed over US$5.4 million in returns to investors. With more than 220 CBI investors participating, it has become a case study in how a real estate-backed CBI project can deliver measurable, consistent performance.

This is not a typical “buy-and-hold” real estate play. This is a functioning, revenue-generating asset that has demonstrated:

• Average annual ROI of 3–4%, with some periods exceeding that benchmark
• Ongoing expansion, including newly introduced Waterfront Villas
• Recognition through elite awards, including Two MICHELIN Keys

For investors who demand both asset performance and international mobility, Secret Bay offers a rare blend of both.

Historically, CBI programs were often viewed through a single lens, citizenship acquisition. Investors would contribute to a government fund or buy property and, in return, receive a second passport. The property was often secondary, with limited yield or appreciation prospects.

But as the global investor base has become more discerning, expectations have shifted.

Today’s investors, especially HNWIs and global entrepreneurs, are seeking more:

• Tangible returns on capital
• Asset security in politically stable jurisdictions
• Real estate that is internationally marketable
• A high-quality product tied to a trusted and resilient brand

Secret Bay is one of the few CBI-linked investments that checks every box.

Dominica has consistently stood out among CBI jurisdictions for its disciplined, transparent, and robust due diligence processes. It is widely respected for:

• Low entry thresholds compared to other regions
• A stable political environment
• No tax on global income or inheritance
• Strong commitment to sustainable development

Secret Bay has leveraged this foundation to create a product that benefits from both the strength of Dominica’s CBI program and the power of a well-operated hospitality asset.

Importantly, Secret Bay investors are not locked into one-off returns or speculative property plays. Instead, they’re participating in a project that generates ongoing income through a professionally managed luxury resort business, backed by real market demand.

One of the most compelling validations of Secret Bay’s success came recently with its award of Two MICHELIN Keys, a new global hotel distinction from the renowned MICHELIN Guide.

This is more than just a hospitality accolade. For investors, it represents:

• A confirmation of exceptional guest experiences, which drive repeat bookings and high occupancy
• Enhanced global visibility and reputation, strengthening long-term asset value
• A mark of quality assurance, important for resale potential and future investor confidence

It’s a clear signal that Secret Bay is not just a Caribbean property, it’s an international luxury brand in the making.

What makes Secret Bay stand out is that it was designed from the ground up to serve dual objectives: a luxury product for guests and a profitable investment for CBI participants. Investors benefit from:

• Passive Income: Annual returns based on operating profits from the resort
• Asset Appreciation: As the resort expands and enhances its reputation, property values are positioned to grow
• Second Citizenship: Full eligibility for Dominica’s CBI program, including visa-free access to over 140 countries
• Exit Opportunities: Clear paths for resale after the government-mandated holding period

This model creates a more balanced investment, one that serves lifestyle, legal, and financial goals simultaneously.

For high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and global families, CBI is often seen as a strategic hedge. It protects mobility, offers a safety net, and enhances planning flexibility.

But Secret Bay proves that it can also be an income-generating asset, not just a form of insurance.

This is especially relevant today. In a global environment where markets are unpredictable and many traditional real estate assets are under pressure, the idea of investing in a high-performing, dollar-based Caribbean asset, while gaining second citizenship, becomes incredibly attractive.

Investors are no longer being asked to choose between yield and mobility. At Secret Bay, they can have both.

Secret Bay is setting a precedent.

Its success challenges other real estate-linked CBI offerings to meet higher standards, not only in construction and branding, but in actual investor returns. It shows governments and developers that the new class of global investor wants more than just a passport, they want results.

As the program continues expanding through 2027, including the launch of new Waterfront Villas and enhanced resort features, it will be important to watch how Secret Bay maintains performance while scaling its vision.

Early signs suggest strong potential for long-term growth, both in income and capital appreciation.

If you are considering second citizenship through investment, the Dominica CBI program, anchored by high-performance projects like Secret Bay, presents a rare opportunity.

This is a diversified play:

• Legal security through a second passport
• Income through resort-backed investment
• Legacy potential via inheritance rights
• Asset protection in a stable, non-taxing jurisdiction

It’s more than diversification, it’s strategic alignment for investors who are planning for the next decade, not just the next year.

Secret Bay is doing more than delivering ROI, it’s delivering a new benchmark for what Caribbean CBI investments should be.

For HNWIs and business owners looking for smart ways to combine lifestyle, legal strategy, and portfolio diversification, there are few better-aligned opportunities in the region.

The returns are real. The reputation is global. The time to consider it is now.

Explore how Caribbean citizenship can become one of your most rewarding investments.