Obtaining second citizenship to one of the Caribbean nations is becoming a popular strategy among the financially well-to-do. It is considered a smart move because it offers an excellent opportunity to access all kinds of benefits and advantages in life.
For many, the second citizenship program in Caribbean nations presents their chance to attain a lifestyle they had only previously dreamed about. People who have spent much of their lives in the city think of paradise being a tropical country abundant with lush nature where time moves slowly and relaxation is the order of the day, every day. The Caribbean fits the bill with its beautiful beaches, wonderfully green hills, and a laid-back vibe.
If you are drawn to the idea of being able to live in both the country where you originally reside and an island nation in the West Indies (thanks to citizenship by investment programs offering Antigua citizenship or Grenada citizenship, for example), expect tremendous changes to take place in your life. While some of these changes may require much getting used to, they are sure to enhance your quality of life.
To help you prepare for the new life that awaits you in a stunning island nation like Antigua and Barbuda, here are five of the cultural differences you can expect to experience:
Caribbean locals are highly social people. They are friendly and they enjoy long talks about everything and anything under the sun. This often comes as a shock for people from conservative or reserved cultures. Island people naturally have a sunny disposition, which you may soon find to be rather infectious.
The locals easily treat others, even those people who look nothing like them, like family. They are happy to open their homes and share their lives as well as most of their resources. If you mean to establish a life in the Caribbean and eventually start a business here, it is important to match the level of social engagement with the locals’ display.
You are sure to find an abundance of “ island food” (colorful, nutritious and fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables) in the Caribbean, but in addition, you may also be pleasantly surprised by the diverse influences behind the local cuisine. There are touches of European, Indian, and even Oriental flavors in the popular local dishes.
Still, despite the multicultural palate of the Caribbean people, it is unlikely that you will find American fast-food chains in the region. So, if you normally turn to McDonald’s for a quick meal, you won’t find the golden arches here. Instead, head to town to see what cantinas or small restaurants have to offer, which you can bet are tastier and more nutritious.
Antigua has some of the region’s top restaurants, many are operated by international residents who are living their dream in the Caribbean.
Modern developments are underway in the region but expect to do most things in the traditional or old-fashioned way. This basically means that, for example, you will have to personally head to the grocer to restock your pantry. Instead of taking your kids to the arcade for fun, you take them to the beach or go hiking up the hills instead.
It’s inevitable that you will lead a more active lifestyle because people in the Caribbean enjoy the outdoors a lot. Most dining establishments are even al fresco because it would be a waste to stay cooped up most of the time indoors when there are such beautiful environments outside.
If you are used to just shuttling between your office and house, this will surely change once you live the island life.
Evening gatherings even during the workweek are nothing out of the ordinary in the Caribbean islands. Dinners, where there are singing and dancing, are typical occurrences.
If you wish to build strong ties with the locals, brace yourself for evenings spent indulging in good food, great music, and pleasant conversation. Drinking, especially, is something many locals enjoy because it is quite affordable.
As previously mentioned, people in the Caribbean lead a more relaxed way of life. While they are hardworking, most would not allow their jobs to rule over their lives and cause them to lose humility.
Time is quite flexible in this part of the world, which is something that people who flourished in the corporate world may have trouble adjusting to. This may be one reason why the people of the region are happier. Their values are not tied so much to financial and professional success. They tend to value family, community, and an appreciation of the simple joys in life.
This is something that many people who have moved to the Caribbean can attest to. Financial success is just an added benefit for most locals, as creativity is considered more valuable. This is one reason why there are plenty of musicians, painters, and novelists from the region.
This can work to your advantage if you are a businessperson. If you combine your savvy as an entrepreneur with the creative output and process of the locals, you can build a company that can capitalize on the unique yield of local creatives, and introduce it to the rest of the world.
These are just some of the lifestyle changes that can be expected, but they’re certainly are more. After all, second citizenship to a Caribbean nation offers so many advantages.
For instance, being a dual citizen of Antigua and Barbuda comes with visa-free travel opportunities to over 134 countries, including Europe and the UK. Plus, there are different types of tax freedoms for improved wealth management. With such benefits, it is no wonder that there is a growing number of people from across the globe applying for this program.
If you are interested in experiencing a whole new way of life, it’s best to talk to licensed companies that can help you obtain second citizenship to the Caribbean. You and your family could live the island life and gain true peace of mind.
AUTHOR BIO
Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship investment into the Caribbean, North America and Europe. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.
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