Beautiful beach at Caribbean Providenciales island in Turks and Caicos Turquoise waters and swaying palms, gentle breezes and sunset cocktails—few places on Earth inspire tranquility quite like the Caribbean. From Aruba to Antigua, Belize to the Bahamas, the region has an irresistible charm that has drawn tourists and escape-seekers for decades. But in recent years, the Caribbean has emerged as more than just a place to get away from it all. With its ultra-light tax policies, generous residency and citizenship-by-investment programs, quality construction, and enduring tourism appeal, the Caribbean has become not only the ultimate safe haven but also a prime property investment destination. It blends aspirational lifestyles with powerful investment fundamentals, making it one of the most strategic places to put capital into real estate right now. Here’s a spotlight on seven standout markets, starting with a luxury favorite. Providenciales, Turks And Caicos The Blue hills Road neighborhood of Providenciales. Powdery sands and turquoise waters set the tone for one of the Caribbean’s most luxurious islands. Providenciales (Provo) offers upscale living and a relaxed, uncomplicated way of life. It’s ideal for those seeking a refined, low-tax, beach-centric lifestyle. Provo is one of the Caribbean’s most elite property markets. It has limited land, and it attracts high-net-worth individuals looking for exclusivity, security, and yield. Grace Bay is the focus, but other areas, like Long Bay and Leeward, are on the rise. Investment Fundamentals: Ultra-luxury market. Home prices often exceed $2.5 million. Oceanfront luxury can go beyond $10 million. Low supply, high demand. Inventory is low because of regulations on construction. Tax-free environment. Turks and Caicos does not apply property tax, income tax, or capital gains tax. Strong rental returns. Vacation rentals can achieve high yields. Strong tourism numbers. Provo welcomes about 1.5 million tourists per year. Open property market. Foreign buyers can buy, own, and manage property without restriction in Turks and Caicos. Property Picks This one-bedroom, one-bathroom, 39-square-meter studio suite is currently on the market for $600,000. It’s located in the Kempinski, a luxury development on an untouched stretch of Grace Bay’s eastern shoreline. This property is well-suited for rental investment potential or as a luxe vacation getaway. This villa has three bedrooms and three bathrooms spread out over 161 square meters. It boasts a modern design, including indoor-outdoor living, a private pool, and lush landscaping. It’s located in Cove Estates, an upscale residential community near Grace Bay Beach. It’s currently on the market for $1.1 million. Residency And Citizenship Opportunities Turks and Caicos offers residency by investment in real estate. You must invest $500,000 in a home or business on Provo or West Caicos or $250,000 in a home or business on Grand Turk, Salt Cay, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, or North Caicos. You also need to provide a medical certificate and police record. This gets you a one-year temporary residence permit that can be renewed annually. After 10 years, you can apply for permanent residency at a cost of $10,000. Turks and Caicos offers a shortcut that people of means can take to jump straight to permanent residency. They can invest in real estate, a business, or a public sector project. The minimum investment amount is a $1,000,000 property purchase on Provo (or $300,000 on another island). On top of the investment, you’ll need to pay $25,000 to qualify for this fast-track permanent residency. After five years of permanent residency, you can apply for Turks and Caicos citizenship. Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic Aerial photo of Caribbean Sea in Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic. Las Terrenas is a lively seaside town on the northern Dominican Republic’s Samaná Peninsula. It boasts a quirky expat community with a European flair because of its large French and Italian population. Walkable beaches, a buzzing café culture, excellent restaurants, and lush nature are parts of life in Las Terrenas. It also has affordable property prices and developing infrastructure, which has helped it capture the attention of international buyers. Investment Fundamentals: Fast-rising property values. Some areas have seen double-digit appreciation of property values in recent years. Accessible beachfront. This is one Caribbean property market where the average expat can afford to buy on the beach. Condos on the beachfront from under $250,000 are available. Villas can be under $500,000. Solid yields. Low prices and high tourism allow for high returns from rental property. No restrictions on foreign buyers. The DR has an open-door policy and places no restrictions on short-term rentals. No chance of blocked views. Buildings can only go to four stories, so there’s little chance of a high-rise obstructing your view. Property Picks This sweet, Criollo-style house is on the market for $275,000. The 145-square-meter property has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a light-filled interior that allows for indoor-outdoor living. It boasts its own pool as well as a landscaped tropical garden. It’s located eight minutes from Las Terrenas’ center. Invest in your own secluded piece of paradise with this four-bedroom, four-bathroom, 350-square-meter villa. It’s ideal for families and renters with its many bedrooms, spacious living room, covered terrace, and enclosed outdoor space, plus an infinity pool. It’s just 10 minutes from the beach and Las Terrenas’ center. This property is currently listed at $490,000. Residency And Citizenship Opportunities The DR offers several paths to residency, including immediate permanent residency through investment in real estate. You must invest at least $200,000 in real estate or in term deposits in DR banks or securities traded in the DR. You can also make a capital contribution to a DR business. This makes you eligible for citizenship in just six months, although the process can take up to two years. The DR has one of the most affordable invest-for-residency options in the world as well as offering one of the fastest paths to citizenship available in the world. Ambergris Caye, Belize Ambergris Caye, Belize Belize’s tourism crown jewel, Ambergris has become Belize’s de facto luxury real estate destination, driven by beachfront scarcity and increasing international attention. San Pedro, the island’s main town, is a vibrant, walkable hub where golf carts are the main mode of transportation and the community is tight-knit. The market has become a draw for buyers from the U.S. and Canada seeking accessible tropical lifestyle investments. Investment Fundamentals: Foreign-buyer friendly. Full ownership rights for foreigners and no capital gains tax. U.S. dollar currency peg. Belize’s currency is fixed 2:1 to the U.S. dollar, offering currency predictability. High tourism. Visitor numbers to Belize have more than doubled in the past decade. Growing rental demand. Increased short-term rental activity has led to solid yields, with beachfront condos and villas seeing high occupancy. Reduced hurricane risk. Only about 5% of hurricanes that form in the Caribbean ever make landfall on Belize. Property Picks This simple apartment with sea views is currently listed at $369,000. It boasts fresh white walls and clean lines, making it the perfect calming place to unwind after a long day at the beach. The apartment has two bedrooms and two bathrooms spread out over 111 square meters. This gorgeous villa is ideal for entertaining, with 221 square meters of living space that includes three bedrooms, a loft, and a one-bedroom, one-bathroom casita. It has a dipping pool, plus a 67-square-meter deck from which to take in the lush tropical surroundings. It’s currently listed at $1,150,000. Residency And Citizenship Opportunities It’s easy to establish residency in Belize, and it offers a wide range of visa types, including residence by investment in real estate. To qualify, you must invest at least $250,000 in Belize real estate. This makes you eligible for temporary residency that’s valid for one year and can be renewed. After one year of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency and put yourself on a path to citizenship. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman island, Cayman Islands Grand Cayman is the gold standard of luxurious Caribbean island living. It combines pristine beaches with world-class infrastructure, and it attracts the world’s jetset with its offshore banking options as well as high-end dining, shopping, and lifestyle amenities. Investment Fundamentals: Thriving financial sector. Grand Cayman is a magnet for funds, trusts, and corporate offices. Transaction volume. The Cayman Islands see about $1 billion in real estate transactions annually. Zero taxation. No income, capital gains, inheritance, or property tax. High-end property. Grand Cayman has some of the most prestigious property in the Caribbean—particularly Seven Mile Beach. No restrictions on foreign buyers. Anyone can buy property here, and you don’t need to live here to do it. You can purchase a property yourself or through a company or trust. Property Picks This one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is just 20 steps from one of the most beautiful beaches in the world—Seven Mile Beach. It was recently renovated and features tasteful interior finishes and furniture. This is an ideal buy-to-let property. It boasts over 75% occupancy on Airbnb. It’s currently on the market for $583,175. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom waterfront condo is currently on the market for $848,000. It boasts 118 square meters of living space with stylish finishes and all furnishings—you could move in today if you wanted to. It has solar panels to help offset your electricity bills, and it’s in a secure gated community that’s close to town and shopping. Residency And Citizenship Opportunities The Cayman Islands offers residence through investment in real estate. There are various ways to qualify, but one of the simplest is to invest at least $2.4 million in developed real estate and prove that you can support you and yours financially. You’ll also need to confirm your good health and good character. The application fee is $610, with $122,000 due at close and an additional $1,220 for each dependent, payable annually. Only 250 of these certificates are granted annually. After you’ve been a permanent resident for 12 months and have lived in Cayman for at least five years, you can apply for naturalization as a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC). Beautiful Willemstad embankment, Curacao With colorful Dutch architecture, multicultural charm, and an easygoing pace of life, Curaçao attracts sun-seekers from around the world. It has a thriving, mostly European expat community, and it attracts divers, adventurers, remote workers, and those seeking comfortable coastal living. Investment Fundamentals: Dutch legal and financial system. The property purchase is transparent and well-structured. Tourism rebound. Post-pandemic, Curaçao’s tourism numbers are on an upward trend as it attracts increasing numbers of Europeans and South Americans. Affordability. Properties range from affordable inland homes to luxury oceanfront villas. Mid-range properties sell for between $150,000 and $300,000, while luxury properties easily exceed $1 million. No restrictions on foreign buyers. It’s easy for non-residents to buy property. Hurricane-free haven. Curaçao lies outside the Main Development Region for tropical cyclones, so the risk of a hurricane making landfall here is very low. In fact, it’s been more than a century since the last hurricane impacted Curaçao. Property Picks This brand-new home is on the market for 399,000 euros (about $453,085). It features 110 square meters of living space situated on a 561-square-meter lot. Inside, it’s fully furnished with premium materials and high-quality appliances. It has two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms with a modern kitchen. Outside, there’s a pool and covered area for barbecues. It’s located in Villapark Fontein in northern Curaçao. This six-bedroom villa offers a true taste of luxury. It’s located in Blue Bay, a golf and beach resort in southwestern Curaçao, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. It was designed with attention to detail and features an oversized Miranti front door, a wooden ceiling imported from Venezuela, and French doors that open to carefully crafted outdoor living spaces, including a large pool. It’s on the market for $995,000. Residency And Citizenship Opportunities Curaçao offers the Curaçao Investor Permit Program—a residence by investment program with an option to invest in real estate (among other investment classes). The program has different investment thresholds with different allowances. Here’s an overview of the main options: $280,000 investment – three-year residence permit $425,000 investment – five-year residence permit $850,000 investment –indefinite residence permit To maintain your residency status, you only need to spend one day per year in Curaçao. If you want to apply for Dutch citizenship, however, you need to spend at least four months per year in Curaçao. You can apply for Dutch citizenship after five years of residency in Curaçao. Trinidad And Tobago Maracas Bay, Trinidad and Tobago The twin-island nation is known for its vibrant culture and Caribbean beauty. It’s an oil and gas powerhouse with an industrial economy and a strong local market. Trinidad is the economic hub of Trinidad and Tobago. It’s busier, more industrial, and more business-oriented. Tobago is more serene and tourism-driven, with a growing market for vacation homes and retirement properties. Note that to buy property as a foreigner, you may need approval from the Ministry of National Security. You should hire a local attorney for due diligence, title checks, and contract review. Investment Fundamentals: Oil and gas-driven GDP. Trinidad and Tobago may have the Caribbean’s most industrialized economy. Stable local demand. It doesn’t rely on international buyers as much as other more tourism-driven Caribbean islands. Affordability. On Trinidad, homes range from $100,000 to $400,000 in middle-income areas like St. Augustine, Arima, and San Fernando. On Tobago, inland homes can cost as little as $100,000, while beachfront and villa-style homes range from $300,000 to $1 million plus. Dual investment play. Trinidad is good for steady cash flow, while Tobago is poised for long-term appreciation. Low hurricane risk. This is another Caribbean island where you don’t need to worry about a hurricane affecting your property investment. Property Picks This four-bedroom, three-bathroom detached home is found in Buccoo on the island of Tobago. With 240 square meters of living space spread out across two floors, it offers plenty of space for you and your family or your renters. It’s located in a desirable residential area just minutes from the beach, although it also boasts an above-ground swimming pool. It’s on the market for $493,274. For those with a bit more budget flexibility, this luxury villa is on the market for $2.3 million. It features six bedrooms and six bathrooms with 650 square meters of living space, including stunning views, a swimming pool, and private parking. It’s located in northwest Trinidad close to amenities—grocery stores, bars, restaurants, and sports facilities. Residency And Citizenship Opportunities Trinidad and Tobago does not offer a residence by investment program. Panoramic landscape view of Terre-de-Haut Island, Guadeloupe, Les Saintes. Guadeloupe combines the warmth and color of the Caribbean with the sophistication of France. An official overseas department of France, it offers EU stability, French cuisine, top-tier health care, and solid infrastructure. Investment Fundamentals: Eurozone economy. Guadeloupe uses the euro. Any property buy on this island is euro-backed. Legal stability. It adheres to French and EU regulatory frameworks. Lifestyle market. Guadeloupe’s property market sees low turnover but strong long-term value retention. No restrictions on foreign buyers. Foreigners can buy property in Guadeloupe without restrictions. Property Picks This charming little apartment is ready to use, in perfect condition with one bedroom, a modern bathroom, a washing machine, and a functional, equipped kitchen. It boasts a spacious terrace with sea views of a paradisiacal beach. It’s in a gated residential complex with a shared pool and a restaurant, located in Saint-Francois on Grande-Terre. It’s currently listed at $261,804. This charming four-bedroom villa with a pool is on the market for $670,738. Made to plan by an architect, it features 170 square meters of living space that includes quality construction, an open-plan kitchen, and tasteful decorations. The villa sits on an 1,100-square-meter enclosed plot with flowering trees and landscaping. It’s located in Saint-Francois on Grand-Terre. Residency And Citizenship Opportunities Guadeloupe does not offer a residence by investment program. MORE FROM FORBES ForbesThinking Of Retiring In Thailand? Here’s What You Need To KnowBy Kathleen PeddicordForbesClaiming Social Security Overseas: A Quick Guide For U.S. CitizensBy Kathleen PeddicordForbes3 Great Places To Retire In Canada And Enjoy The Good Life Up NorthBy Kathleen Peddicord Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work. Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades