For investors seeking dual citizenship, Saint Lucia and Dominica offer appealing Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs allowing applicants to get a passport in exchange for a contribution to the country’s economy in a few months. However, a thorough understanding of each program\’s advantages and drawbacks is crucial when making a vital financial decision. The primary distinctions between the two passports, along with the benefits, are outlined in this article to help investors decide which program to pick.
A second passport might be the ideal emergency backup plan for high-net-worth people and investors, offering them greater value and myriad advantages, including mobility, a more valuable tax system, profitable investments, and political and economic diversification.
For investors seeking dual citizenship, Saint Lucia and Dominica offer appealing Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs allowing applicants to get a passport in exchange for a contribution to the country’s economy in a few months. However, a thorough understanding of each program’s advantages and drawbacks is crucial when making a vital financial decision. The primary distinctions between the two passports, along with the benefits, are outlined in this article to help investors decide which program to pick.
Comparison between st lucia vs dominica citizenship
Notable benefits
The two stunning Caribbean islands, St. Lucia and Dominica, have been leaders in their unique CBI initiatives. With their mesmerizing landscapes, stunning beaches, warm climate, friendly people, and vibrant culture, the two islands offer more than just citizenship, access to new lifestyles, business prospects, and global mobility. The two countries have made significant investments in enhancing their infrastructure, including upgrades to airports, hospitals, accommodations, and marinas. These developments have consistently drawn tourists and investors alike.
Here is a comparison between both programs:
| Benefits | Dominica | St. Lucia |
| Visa-free access | 143 destinations including the Schengen area, China, and Russia | 148 destinations, including Europe’s Schengen area, and the UK |
| Getting a US visa | 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. | Obtaining a 10-year visitor visa to the US. Documents are accepted at any convenient American consulate |
| Citizenship eligibility | 4 to 5 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 submission of the application to the issuance of the passport, assuming there are no areas of concern with the application. |
| Residency requirement | No requirement to reside in Dominica | No residency requirements |
| Family eligibility | Applicants can include spouse, dependent children up to 30 years old, dependent parents above 65 years old | Applicants can include dependent children up to 25 years, and parents above 55 years, as well as siblings under the age of 18 years |
| Tax eligibility | 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, royalties, salaries, and capital gains. |
No tax obligation for non-residents
No income tax on worldwide income, wealth tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax |
| Education | 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. |
Some universities in the UK provide citizens with preferential conditions. Four types of Scholarships by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) are available to students from St. Lucia |
| Opening accounts | Investors can easily open accounts in European banks. | Opening bank accounts in international financial institutions, allowing quick and easy payment in foreign currencies, and preserving assets. |
| 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. The investor can return the money after 3 to 5 years by selling his share. | St Lucia real estate is an investment that brings a stable rental income. The main income of the state is formed by tourism. You can sell the property and recover your investment after five years. |
Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
Applicants looking to obtain a second citizenship either from Saint Lucia or Dominica, must be at least 18 years old. They are required to provide detailed information and evidence of the respective investment. They should have no criminal record and be in good health condition. Applicants must pass a background check, do due diligence, and pay the required non-refundable processing, and administrative fees upon application.
Both Dominica and St. Lucia provide irrevocable and lifelong citizenship within 4 to 5 months. Once they become citizens, they can reside in the country whenever they wish, and live there with no time limit. The cost of living in both countries is relatively low compared to other countries such as the USA and the European states. The application process for both programs can be completed online, and neither country has residency requirements to maintain citizenship.
| Requirements | Dominica | St. Lucia |
| Investment options | § 1. Non-refundable Contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)
2. Real Estate Investment in a government-approved project
|
1. Non-refundable Contribution to the National Economic Fund
2. Real Estate Investment in a government-approved project: 3. Government National Action Bond 4. Enterprise Project- Infrastructure option
|
| Age | 18 years and above | 18 years and above |
| Criminal Record | Clean | Clean |
| Health conditions | Excellent health | Excellent health |
| List of required documents | § D1 – Disclosure Form[1]
§ D2 – Fingerprint and Photograph Verification Form (to be completed in front of a fingerprinting officer) § D3 – Medical Questionnaire and Certificate (to be completed by a licensed medical practitioner) § D4 – Investment Agreement (to be completed by the main applicant only) § Sale and Purchase Agreement – (real estate option only) § Application Form 12 (two completed and notarized copies) § Color copies of all passports held § Birth Certificate § Marriage Certificate/Dissolution of Marriage Certificate, if applicable § Police Record from country of birth, country of citizenship, country of residence § Color copies of all identity documents/books or cards § Documents related to the source of funds § Eight passport-size photos § Proof of residential address § Copy of university/college diplomas § Official transcripts from an institution of higher learning confirming enrolment for children aged 18 to 30 who are currently in a recognized institution of higher learning. § Notarized affidavit of support for each dependent aged 18 or over included in the application, except the spouse. § HIV test results (for all applicants aged 12 or above) § Letter of employment/financial statements § 12 months of bank statements § Notarized affidavit of source of funds § Proof of payment of relevant fees
|
§ National passport
§ Birth certificate. § Marriage certificate § Copies of all pages of a foreign passport § Proof of residential address § Two photos § Diploma of education § Medical certificate § Documents confirming source of investment |
| Process of obtaining citizenship | § Conducting preliminary due diligence to detect potential rejection risks timely.
§ Collection of documents and applications § Applying 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 |
§ Conducting preliminary due diligence
§ Document preparation. § Due diligence and application processing § Investing § Getting a naturalization certificate |
Investment options
Both Saint Lucia and Dominica provide straightforward CBI programs, however, Saint Lucia offers more investment options than Dominica, which is more beneficial to those looking to diversify their investment portfolios. The two programs are relatively affordable, whether you are a solo applicant or a family.
The below table shows the options that can help you select the best program based on your objectives and priorities.
| Investment option | Dominica | St. Lucia |
| Non-refundable contribution | § 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) |
National Economic Fund
$100,000 for a single applicant $150,000 for a family of four Due diligence: (Applicant alone: $7,500, each qualifying dependent over 16 years: $5,000) Non-refundable processing fees: (Applicant alone: $2,000, each qualifying dependent: $1,000) |
| Real estate | 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) |
Real Estate Investment:
$200,000 minimum investment Non-refundable administration fee: (Main applicant: $30,000, Main applicant and spouse: $45,000, each qualifying dependent (18 years: $5,000) Due diligence: (applicant alone $7,500, each qualifying dependent over 16 years: $5,000)
|
| Bonds | Not available | 3. Government National Action Bond
$300,000 A one-time administrative fee is payable upon the grant of citizenship is applicable – US $50,000. |
| Enterprise Project – Infrastructure option | Not Available | Main applicant $100,000,
Applicants up to 3 qualifying dependents An additional, non-refundable administration fee of US$15,000 will apply. |
Reasons to choose Saint Lucia
Reasons to choose Dominica
Sources
[1] https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/dominica-citizenship/required-documents/
Comparison between Saint Lucia & Dominica
Notable benefits
The two stunning Caribbean islands, St. Lucia and Dominica, have been leaders in their unique CBI initiatives. With their mesmerizing landscapes, stunning beaches, warm climate, friendly people, and vibrant culture, the two islands offer more than just citizenship, access to new lifestyles, business prospects, and global mobility. The two countries have made significant investments in enhancing their infrastructure, including upgrades to airports, hospitals, accommodations, and marinas. These developments have consistently drawn tourists and investors alike.
Here is a comparison between both programs:
| Benefits | Dominica | St. Lucia |
| Visa-free access | 143 destinations including the Schengen area, China, and Russia | 148 destinations, including Europe’s Schengen area, and the UK |
| Getting a US visa | 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. | Obtaining a 10-year visitor visa to the US. Documents are accepted at any convenient American consulate |
| Citizenship eligibility | 4 to 5 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 submission of the application to the issuance of the passport, assuming there are no areas of concern with the application. |
| Residency requirement | No requirement to reside in Dominica | No residency requirements |
| Family eligibility | Applicants can include spouse, dependent children up to 30 years old, dependent parents above 65 years old | Applicants can include dependent children up to 25 years, and parents above 55 years, as well as siblings under the age of 18 years |
| Tax eligibility | 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, royalties, salaries, and capital gains. |
No tax obligation for non-residents
No income tax on worldwide income, wealth tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax |
| Education | 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. |
Some universities in the UK provide citizens with preferential conditions. Four types of Scholarships by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) are available to students from St. Lucia |
| Opening accounts | Investors can easily open accounts in European banks. | Opening bank accounts in international financial institutions, allowing quick and easy payment in foreign currencies, and preserving assets. |
| 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. The investor can return the money after 3 to 5 years by selling his share. | St Lucia real estate is an investment that brings a stable rental income. The main income of the state is formed by tourism. You can sell the property and recover your investment after five years. |
Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
Applicants looking to obtain a second citizenship either from Saint Lucia or Dominica, must be at least 18 years old. They are required to provide detailed information and evidence of the respective investment. They should have no criminal record and be in good health condition. Applicants must pass a background check, do due diligence, and pay the required non-refundable processing, and administrative fees upon application.
Both Dominica and St. Lucia provide irrevocable and lifelong citizenship within 4 to 5 months. Once they become citizens, they can reside in the country whenever they wish, and live there with no time limit. The cost of living in both countries is relatively low compared to other countries such as the USA and the European states. The application process for both programs can be completed online, and neither country has residency requirements to maintain citizenship.
| Requirements | Dominica | St. Lucia |
| Investment options | § 1. Non-refundable Contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)
2. Real Estate Investment in a government-approved project
|
1. Non-refundable Contribution to the National Economic Fund
2. Real Estate Investment in a government-approved project: 3. Government National Action Bond 4. Enterprise Project- Infrastructure option
|
| Age | 18 years and above | 18 years and above |
| Criminal Record | Clean | Clean |
| Health conditions | Excellent health | Excellent health |
| List of required documents | § D1 – Disclosure Form[1]
§ D2 – Fingerprint and Photograph Verification Form (to be completed in front of a fingerprinting officer) § D3 – Medical Questionnaire and Certificate (to be completed by a licensed medical practitioner) § D4 – Investment Agreement (to be completed by the main applicant only) § Sale and Purchase Agreement – (real estate option only) § Application Form 12 (two completed and notarized copies) § Color copies of all passports held § Birth Certificate § Marriage Certificate/Dissolution of Marriage Certificate, if applicable § Police Record from country of birth, country of citizenship, country of residence § Color copies of all identity documents/books or cards § Documents related to the source of funds § Eight passport-size photos § Proof of residential address § Copy of university/college diplomas § Official transcripts from an institution of higher learning confirming enrolment for children aged 18 to 30 who are currently in a recognized institution of higher learning. § Notarized affidavit of support for each dependent aged 18 or over included in the application, except the spouse. § HIV test results (for all applicants aged 12 or above) § Letter of employment/financial statements § 12 months of bank statements § Notarized affidavit of source of funds § Proof of payment of relevant fees
|
§ National passport
§ Birth certificate. § Marriage certificate § Copies of all pages of a foreign passport § Proof of residential address § Two photos § Diploma of education § Medical certificate § Documents confirming source of investment |
| Process of obtaining citizenship | § Conducting preliminary due diligence to detect potential rejection risks timely.
§ Collection of documents and applications § Applying 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 |
§ Conducting preliminary due diligence
§ Document preparation. § Due diligence and application processing § Investing § Getting a naturalization certificate |
Investment options
Both Saint Lucia and Dominica provide straightforward CBI programs, however, Saint Lucia offers more investment options than Dominica, which is more beneficial to those looking to diversify their investment portfolios. The two programs are relatively affordable, whether you are a solo applicant or a family.
The below table shows the options that can help you select the best program based on your objectives and priorities.
| Investment option | Dominica | St. Lucia |
| Non-refundable contribution | § 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) |
National Economic Fund
$100,000 for a single applicant $150,000 for a family of four Due diligence: (Applicant alone: $7,500, each qualifying dependent over 16 years: $5,000) Non-refundable processing fees: (Applicant alone: $2,000, each qualifying dependent: $1,000) |
| Real estate | 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) |
Real Estate Investment:
$200,000 minimum investment Non-refundable administration fee: (Main applicant: $30,000, Main applicant and spouse: $45,000, each qualifying dependent (18 years: $5,000) Due diligence: (applicant alone $7,500, each qualifying dependent over 16 years: $5,000)
|
| Bonds | Not available | 3. Government National Action Bond
$300,000 A one-time administrative fee is payable upon the grant of citizenship is applicable – US $50,000. |
| Enterprise Project – Infrastructure option | Not Available | Main applicant $100,000,
Applicants up to 3 qualifying dependents An additional, non-refundable administration fee of US$15,000 will apply. |
Reasons to choose Saint Lucia
Reasons to choose Dominica
Sources
[1] https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/dominica-citizenship/required-documents/