Having a contingency plan is wise as the global landscape grows more unpredictable. Acquiring citizenship in a Caribbean nation can offer crucial security and enhance the quality of life for applicants and their families. However, the decision between st lucia vs antigua passport hinges on the investor’s financial and personal situation, aspirations, and preferences.
In this article, we will outline the key distinctions and advantages of each option and compare Saint Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Programs.
Remarkable benefits
Both Caribbean citizenship by investment programs offer their holders a lot of advantages, the most important of which are powerful passports, global mobility, preferential education, and tax-friendly policies. Here is a comparison between both programs:
| Benefits | Antigua and Barbuda | St. Lucia |
| Visa-free access | 154 destinations including the Schengen area, China, and the UK | 148 destinations, including Europe’s Schengen area, and the UK |
| 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. | Obtaining a 10-year visitor visa to the US. Documents are accepted at any convenient American consulate |
| 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. | 8 to 10 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 residency requirements, but after becoming citizens, applicants must visit the country for 5 days during the first 5 years of citizenship | No residency requirements |
| 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 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, wealth tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax |
No tax obligation for non-residents
No income tax on worldwide income, wealth tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax |
| 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. |
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, solving the issue of currency control. Settlements between counterparties require fewer costs and time. | 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. In five years the property can be sold, thus the investor can return the money. | 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
To apply for Antigua & Barbuda and St Lucia’s second citizenship, applicants must be over 18 years old, and provide detailed information and evidence of the respective investment. They should have no criminal record and no severe illnesses. Applicants must pass a background check, do due diligence, and pay the required non-refundable processing, and administrative fees upon application.
Both programs grant citizenship and passports to eligible applicants within 4 to 5 months, and once citizenship is granted, the applicant becomes a lifelong citizen. For St. Lucia, applicants do not need to come to St. Lucia at any stage of obtaining citizenship as all procedures are carried out remotely. The same applies to Antigua and Barbuda, as applicants are not required to visit the country during the application process, 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 | St. Lucia |
| Investment options | § 1.Non-refundable Contribution to the National Development Fund
2. Real Estate Investment in a government-approved project 3. Contribution to the University of West Indies Fund |
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 | No severe illness | Excellent health |
| List of required documents | § National passport
§ Birth certificate. § Personal reference § Marriage certificate, if applicable § Affidavit of support for each dependent, if applicable § Basic application form § Investment confirmation form § Photograph and signature certificate form § Police certificate of no criminal record § Tax returns and income statements. (If an investor chooses a property purchase, he should provide a purchase agreement |
§ 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 | § 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 |
§ Contacting an agent and conducting preliminary due diligence
§ Document preparation. § Due diligence and application processing § Investing § Getting a naturalization certificate |
Investment options
Both st lucia vs antigua passport programs are affordable, providing diverse investment options. The following table shows the options that can help you pick the best route based on your priorities and goals.
| Investment option | Antigua and Barbuda | St. Lucia |
| 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) |
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, and due diligence |
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)
|
| 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 |
| 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. |