With their pristine beaches, stunning nature, and mesmerizing landscapes, antigua and barbuda vs dominica passport are two of the five Caribbean countries that offer foreign investors and high-net-worth individuals a legitimate and straightforward way to obtain second Caribbean citizenship in exchange for investing in the country’s economy. However, to pick the most suitable program, it’s essential to know the distinctions and pros of each one. In this article, we will highlight the key differences and benefits of the two passports, aiding investors in determining which program best aligns with their needs and priorities.
Comparison between the 2 programs of antigua and barbuda vs dominica passport
Ample opportunities
The citizenship schemes in Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica, are reliable, fast, and affordable, with similar positive points, such as powerful passports providing visa-free access to more than 140 destinations, and access to a 10-year B1/B2 visa for the United States, among others. They both provide tax-friendly policies, flexible requirements, attractive business opportunities, as well as access to new and high-quality lifestyles. Investors who originate from states with complex geopolitical environments can leverage both citizenships to enter advanced economies freely, contact business partners, and relocate to another country with their families. Investors can also avail themselves of registered and regulated offshore banks, which are more private and flexible than traditional banks.
The two islands with their white sandy shores, macroeconomic stability, world-class health care, high level of medical institutions, burgeoning education system, as well as numerous entertainment activities, offer rich and fertile land for families to live, work, and savor life.
| Benefits | Antigua and Barbuda | Dominica |
| Visa-free access | 154 destinations including the Schengen area, China, and the UK | 143 destinations including the Schengen area, China, and Russia |
| Getting a US visa | Citizens receive a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to the US for 10 years, and when it expires, they extend it remotely. With this visa, investors can spend up to 180 days a year in the USA, get treated in American clinics, and participate in conferences and business meetings. | Citizens of Dominica are eligible for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to the US for 10 years. With this visa, investors can spend up to 180 days a year in the USA, get treated in American hospitals, take short-term courses, and attend business meetings and conferences. |
| Citizenship eligibility | 3 to 4 months from the date of submitting your application to the issuance of the passport, assuming there are no areas of concern. | 4 to 5 months from the date of submitting your application to the issuance of the passport, assuming there are no areas of concern. |
| Residency requirement | No residency requirements, but after becoming citizens, applicants must visit the country for 5 days during the first 5 years of citizenship | No requirement to reside in Dominica |
| Family eligibility | Applicants can include spouse, children up to 30 years old, parents and grandparents above 55 years old, and unmarried siblings regardless of age | Applicants can include spouse, dependent children up to 30 years old, dependent parents above 65 years old |
| Tax eligibility | No tax obligation for non-residents
No income tax on worldwide income, wealth tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax |
No tax obligation for non-residents
No income tax on worldwide income, no wealth tax, and no inheritance tax. Tax residents do not pay taxes on dividends, interest, and royalties, and no taxes on salaries and capital gains. |
| Education | Families of 6 or more who contribute to the University of West Indies can get free education for one of the dependents for one year.
Citizens can also study at British universities, and receive scholarships, and grants for travel, tuition, books, equipment, and accommodation in the UK because Antigua is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Free and compulsory primary and secondary education in schools that are organized as per the British model. |
Dominica has a well-structured Education System, which is compulsory from the age group of 5 to 16. Education is free and is provided by both government and denominational schools.
Dominica also offers a platform for higher education, a testament to its commitment to knowledge development and innovation. |
| Opening accounts | Investors can easily open accounts in European banks, solving the issue of currency control. Settlements between counterparties require fewer costs and time. | Investors can easily open accounts in European banks. |
| Application requirements | Mandatory interview for primary applicants and all dependents aged 16 and above, and thorough examinations | Mandatory interview for primary applicants and all dependents aged 16 and above, and thorough examinations |
| Real estate income | Rent the property out and make a profit. In five years the property can be sold, thus the investor can return the money. | Rent the property out and make a profit. The investor can return the money after 3 to 5 years by selling his share. |
Eligibility Criteria
The first step towards obtaining the Caribbean passport is contacting an Authorized Agent of the Caribbean economic citizenship program. Potential applicants are required to undergo a basic due diligence process to ensure they are a safe addition to the country and have no criminal history.
Both programs neither require specific business experience, education, or language. The citizenship is irrevocable and granted for life and provided within 3 to 5 months. The key to fast processing is to prepare a fully comprehensive application and ensure it is 100% complete for the government. Applicants do not need to come to Dominica at any stage of obtaining citizenship as all procedures are carried out remotely. The same applies to Antigua and Barbuda, however, new citizens are required to spend at least 5 days in the country within the first 5 years of obtaining citizenship.
| Requirements | Antigua and Barbuda | Dominica |
| Investment options | Non-refundable Contribution to the National Development Fund
Real Estate Investment in a government-approved project Contribution to the University of West Indies Fund |
Non-refundable Contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)
Real Estate Investment in a government-approved project |
| Age | 18 years and above | 18 years and above |
| Criminal Record | Clean | Clean |
| Health conditions | No severe illness | Excellent health |
| List of required documents |
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| Process of obtaining citizenship | Contacting an agent and conducting preliminary due diligence
Collection of documents and applications Due diligence Fulfilment of the investment condition Obtaining a passport and taking an oath |
Conducting preliminary due diligence to detect potential rejection risks timely
Collection of documents and applications Submitting the application to the Dominica CBI Unit Due diligence and an interview Fulfilment of the investment condition, and transferring the money to the state fund or buying the real estate. Obtaining a passport and a naturalization certificate |
Investment options
Both Dominica and Antigua & Barbuda’s programs are affordable, however, Antigua’s program has more diversified investment options, as applicants that have a family of 6 members or more can donate $150,000 or more to the University of the West Indies Fund, entitling one person to a one-year scholarship
| Investment option | Antigua and Barbuda | Dominica |
| Non-refundable contribution | National Development Fund
$100,000 for a single applicant or a family of four $125,000 for a family of five or more (government fees: $30,000) Due diligence (Main applicant: $7,500, Spouse: $7,500, Dependent aged 12-17: $2,000, Dependent aged 18 years and over $4,000) |
Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)
§ $100,000 for a single applicant $150,000 for the main applicant and spouse $175,000 for a family of four (processing fee per application: $1,000) Due diligence (Main applicant: $7,500, Spouse: $4,000, Dependent over 16 years: $4,000) |
| Real estate | Real Estate Investment:
$200,000 minimum investment In addition to government fees, and due diligence |
Real Estate Investment:
$200,000 minimum investment In addition to government fees for the main applicant $25,000, main applicant and up to 3 dependents: $35,000, family of up to 6 members: $50,000 and the due diligence fee for the main applicant $7,500, spouse $4,000) |
| Education | Contribution to the University of West Indies Fund
$150,000 for a family of six In addition to government fees, and due diligence |
Not available |
In conclusion, both Caribbean countries offer solid popular citizenship programs and a legitimate and straightforward way to obtain a valuable Caribbean passport and second citizenship.
Why invest in Antigua & Barbuda?
Why invest in Dominica?
[1] https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/dominica-citizenship/required-documents/