When you think of paradise, what springs to mind? A hammock swaying among the palm trees, a white sandy beach beneath your toes and a glistening turquoise sea gently lapping at the shore, for starters.

It’s no surprise, then, that the Caribbean appeals to many when they are looking to take the leap to living abroad. And with citizenship by investment programs becoming increasingly popular, they provide an accessible way for people to relocate abroad and invest in the local economy at the same time.

“Countries offering Citizenship by Investment programs, and in particular those of the Caribbean, are constantly improving the vetting of their applicants to remain leaders in the investor immigration market.” Comments Micha-Rose Emmett, Managing Director at CS Global Partners.

So, what can you expect from a Caribbean lifestyle? And what does the process entail?

A Diverse Culture 

The Caribbean is a vast expanse of around 7,000 islands, and while not all of them are inhabitable, you can expect to find a diverse culture awaits you in this part of the world. Thriving and close-knit local communities are found among the island in the Caribbean; each with their own rituals, way of life and local language.

It’s likely that everyone will know one another in your new hometown; if you’ve never lived in a small town or village before, then you’ll need to get used to everyone knowing everything about you. Of course, this is no bad thing; as it means that everyone looks out for one another.

Home Away from Home

As our world becomes increasingly global, you’re likely to find people from all over the world residing in the Caribbean. Whereas previously the Caribbean was a popular holiday destination many of us dreamed to call home, CBI programs have made that dream a reality for many. Such global citizens now reside in countries such as Grenada, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda.

The amenities now on offer mean that the Caribbean is much like a home away from home for many residents, as the islands cater far better to expats than they previously did.

A Slow Pace of Life

While the Caribbean does cater to residents from across the world, you can expect a slower pace of life. The environment is often laidback, and when combined with a reliance upon waiting for shipments to arrive, you can find yourself waiting for goods to arrive. The infrastructure has certainly improved however, and with the United States close by you are often never short of essential items.

Outdoor Activities

With sunshine in abundance most of the year, the Caribbean climate lends itself well to an outdoors lifestyle. With glorious beaches to discover and rainforests all around; the Caribbean is full of natural wonders for you to discover.

Relaxing on the beach is something you’ll become accustomed to (not that it will be too much of a hardship!), and water sports are a necessity for those who can participate. Jet skis, parasailing and surfing are popular activities.

Dominica.

Eating Seasonally

You’ll become used to eating with the seasons, especially when shipments don’t arrive. Eating local seasonal goods is cheaper as no import costs are added onto the items. They are also tastier as goods are caught and picked closer to home meaning they are fresher on your plate.

The Caribbean diet is also a relatively healthy one to follow too according to Michelle Kerns at Live Strong, “The traditional Caribbean diet fulfils many of the balanced nutrition guidelines. It’s rich in seafood, a variety of fruits and vegetables and lean protein while being low in refined grains, sugar and salt. Adopting a low-fat, low-calorie version of the Caribbean diet may help lower your risk of chronic medical problems like heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer.”

Socializing and Celebrations 

If you like a celebration, then the Caribbean is the place for you. You can expect dinner parties and gatherings to be a plenty. And with music, food and drinks all on offer at festivals throughout the year, you’ll never be short of a party to find. And then there’s the rum, of course.

If all of this sounds like a life you’d like to lead, then here’s how you can make the Caribbean dream a reality.

Citizenship by Investment 

A citizenship by investment program enables successful individuals from overseas to invest into a countries economy and gain citizenship status in return. Programs are designed to improve a countries economic future and provide people with a safe haven to live in.

And overnment real estate initiatives are one way to Move to the Caribbean.

“The sale of real estate is part of a citizenship by investment program,” said Emmett. “These programs are designed to provide the local economy with a significant contribution. These contributions could also be used to create more businesses and spark further intriguing and diversified enterprises. In my mind, it is supremely important to give something tangible back to the local communities to help them to thrive long term.”

Qualifying individuals classed as “main applicants” are also able to include certain family members such as their spouse, children, parents and grandparents. Every family member is vetted by the government to ensure only deserving individuals are awarded citizenship status.

Applications are submitted to an International Marketing Agent, who works with a Local Agent to submit the application to the government. Individuals who work on behalf of the applicant are also vetted by the government to ensure they provide a top-quality service. Agents provide guidance on how to fill out the forms and necessary documents, which include: birth, marriage, police and medical certificates.

Once the application has been finalised in preparation for submission, the applicant is required to pay upfront for the due diligence, application and processing fees to the government.

Applications are then reviewed by an independent third party, who then submit a report to the government for evaluation. A committee will then make a recommendation to the cabinet based on the report findings, with the final decision lying with the cabinet on whether citizenship will be granted.

Rebecca Moore is a freelance writer covering various topics including; citizenship, travel, business and tech. Follow her on Twitter.