Grenada vs Dominica Citizenship: Choosing the Best CIP for You

Grenada vs Dominica citizenship by investment (CBI): Which one is better? Grenada and Dominica offer two of the five Caribbean citizenship programs, making it possible for foreign investors and their families to obtain citizenship and become passport holders in exchange for an investment in their economies.

Both countries use the Eastern Caribbean Dollar as their official currency, and both Caribbean citizenship by investment programs have very strong advantages, such as good global mobility, tax advantages, and uncomplicated requirements. Any one of the two countries can provide you with a Caribbean passport, which will be an asset, but how do you choose between them? Find out in this article.

Benefits of Grenada and Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programs

How Foreign Nationals Choose a Second Citizenship

Personal lifestyle preferences and goals determine how investors choose a second citizenship, typically including enhancing visa free access, reducing tax liability, relocation, or building a more secure future with a backup plan.

Many investors consider the consider the destinations available for visa free travel. Another significant consideration is the rights acquired and obligations as a new member of the Caribbean community.

The Grenada CBI program appeals to investors looking to relocate to a Caribbean country as the country offers a better quality of life compared to Dominica. Grenada’s higher standard of living includes a better education system, with famous universities, including the renowned St George’s University, offering internationally recognized diplomas.

Grenada vs Dominica: A Citizenship by Investment Program Comparison

As you can see from the table above, Grenada’s passport is stronger when it comes to international travel. However, the Dominica passport program is a more convenient option for investors, thanks to its lower minimum contribution amounts. Both provide excellent tax advantages, including no foreign income tax. Dominica’s program takes six to nine months to process, where as Grenada’s program takes nine months.

Grenada Citizenship by Investment

Grenada is a stunning island nation located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. This Caribbean country comprises three main islands: Grenada itself, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique, along with several smaller islands. 

Known as the “Spice Island”, Grenada is famous for its production of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. You’ll also find the Underwater Sculpture Park in St George’s, which tells visitors about the country’s rich culture and history. Chocolate lovers will enjoy the House of Chocolate and the Belmont Estate, where you can learn about the chocolate-making process. 

Since 2013, global investors interested in securing a Caribbean passport can apply to the Grenada citizenship program and become a Grenada citizen in exchange for an investment. This minimum contribution can take the form of a donation to a government fund starting at $235,000 or the purchase of real estate from $270,000.

The Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program provides investors and their families with a second passport (ranking 74th in the Global Passport index) that allows visa free travel to over 140 Grenada visa free countries, including the UK, EU Schengen countries, China, Russia, Singapore, and countries in the Middle East. Grenada citizens can also apply for the USA E-2 Visa. 

Investment options

1. Donation to the National Transformation Fund (NTF)

The minimum non-refundable contribution for this investment option is as follows:

• Individual applicant: $235,000
• Main applicant + up to 3 dependents: $235,000
• Additional dependents: $25,000 each
• Parent or grandparent aged over 55: $50,000 each
• Siblings: $75,000 each

2. Approved real estate purchase

There are two investment options that you can consider if you are considering the Grenada citizenship by investment real estate purchase: Purchasing shares of government-approved real estate projects at a minimum value of $270,000 or purchasing pre-approved property as a sole owner at a minimum value of $350,000. The condition of an investment in real estate is that the investment must be held for at least five years if the buyer’s goal is obtaining citizenship. 

The condition of an investment in Grenada real estate is that the investment must be held for at least five years if the buyer wishes to acquire citizenship. The real estate purchase also includes government fees worth $50,000 for a family of up to four. There are additional taxes for additional financial dependents.

Family inclusion

The following eligible family members can be included in the application:

• Spouse
• Children of the main applicant under the age of 18
• Children aged 18-29, if supported by the main applicant or spouse
• Children aged 18 or over who are physically or mentally challenged
• Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or the applicant’s spouse, if fully supported by the main applicant
• Siblings of the applicant or of the spouse that are unmarried, regardless of whether they are biological or adopted siblings, aged at least 18 and with no children

Dominica Citizenship by Investment

The Commonwealth of Dominica boasts a wealth of interesting sites and fun activities. Hikers can enjoy a trip up to the world‘s second-largest boiling lake or trek the iconic Waitukubuli National Trail, the only long-distance hiking trail in the Caribbean. Snorkeling enthusiasts can explore the Champagne Reef, where volcanic gas bubbles up from the seabed, and the selection of breathtaking beaches provides a respite for anyone looking to soak up the sun. 

In 2022, for the fourth year in a row, Dominica received the title of “Best Citizenship by Investment Program in the World,” granted by the CBI Index, the most prestigious study of CBI programs in the world. The country’s citizenship program scored the highest of all – together with St Kitts and Nevis – in categories such as affordability, freedom of movement, processing time, and many others. So, if you decide to apply for Dominica second citizenship, you can rest assured that this is one solid CBI program.

Concerning Grenada vs Dominica passport power comparison, Dominica’s passport ranks in the 78th position on the Global Passport Index, granting its citizens visa free access to over 140 countries, including the European Union, Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia, and China. In order to apply for the program and become a Dominica passport holder, you have to choose one of the two available types of investments – the Economic Diversification Fund or purchasing real estate. 

Investment options

1. Donation to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)

The minimum non-refundable contribution for this investment route is as follows:

• Individual applicant: $200,000
• Main applicant + spouse: $250,000
• Family of up to four: $250,000
• Additional family members under 18: $25,000 each
• Additional family members 18 or over: $40,000

2. Approved real estate investment

The real estate route requires purchasing shares in one of the developments approved by the government. The minimum amount is $200,000, and the shares are usually in high-end tourist accommodations. The real estate option also includes government fees of $75,000 for an individual applicant and $100,000 for a family of four. There are additional taxes for additional family members.

Family inclusion

Family members can also be included in the application and receive Dominica citizenship. The Dominica CBI Unit announced in September 2022 that it would no longer accept the inclusion of siblings in applications. It means that even though the country’s family requirements are still quite flexible, they currently have the most stringent legislation regarding the inclusion of relatives among the Caribbean citizenship programs.

The following family members are eligible for economic citizenship:

• Spouse
• Children of the main applicant or spouse under 18 years old
• Children aged between 21 and 30 attending an institution of higher learning and supported by the main applicant or spouse
• Unmarried daughters under 25 supported by and living with the main applicant or spouse
• Mentally or physically challenged dependent children, supported by the main applicant or spouse
• Dependent parents and/or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse, over 65 years old

Dominica vs Grenada Citizenship: How to choose your second passport?

Both programs are highly respected Caribbean CBI programs, so the decision of which one to choose will depend on your specific circumstances. The Grenada Caribbean passport is stronger, offering more visa free options, but the Dominica program is more convenient for investors.

Both CBI programs offer similar advantages in global mobility, with access to the European Union, Singapore, Russia, and China. Also, both offer the same two investment routes, with one non-refundable donation option and one real estate option, even though they have different prices. If you have siblings you want to include in your application, for instance, then Grenada is probably the best best Caribbean citizenship scheme. But if you are looking for the most cost-effective program for a single applicant, then the Dominica passport program is the one for you. 

For investors considering the education benefits for Grenada vs Dominica citizens, Grenada comes out on top, with the country boasting one of the Caribbean’s top education institutions in St George’s University.

So, let’s take a look at a few key factors:

Eligibility requirements

You will need to fulfill the eligibility requirements to apply for both Grenadian citizenship and Dominica citizenship by investment. The citizenship requirements for each program define that the primary applicant must:

• Be over 18 years old
• Have an outstanding character
• Have excellent health
• Hold no criminal record
• Pass a detailed background check

Banned nationalities

Seven nationalities are are banned from applying for Grenada’s citizenship program and six nationalities are banned from Dominica’s.

Grenada: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, and Yemen

Dominica: Belarus, Northern Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Russia, and Yemen

Investment options

Dominica and Grenada offer the the same investment routes, including a non-refundable donation to the state fund and an investment in government-approved real estate. While both citizenship by investment (CBI) programs permit purchasing real estate to obtain a second passport, Grenada offers a wider selection of approved real estate projects, with 19 developments compared to Dominica’s 8.

Second citizenship cost 

A cost comparison between Grenada and Dominica citizenship for family results in the Grenada second citizenship program being cheaper. Dominica’s program is cheaper for an individual applicant ($200,000 minimum contribution) and Grenada’s is cheaper for a family of four ($235,000 minimum contribution). To include a family of four in Dominica’s program, applicants must make a non-refundable donation of $250,000.

To buy real estate, the Dominica program requires a $200,000 minimum investment compared to $270,000 for Grenada’s. If opting for sole ownership, Grenada applicants need to invest an additional $80,000 to meet the $350,000 threshold.

Tax benefits for citizens of Dominica and Grenada

Regarding the tax advantages of Grenada citizenship vs Dominica citizenship, both Dominica and Grenada citizens can enjoy favorable tax advantages, including no income tax on foreign income, no wealth tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax. 

Time to obtain citizenship in Dominica

Both programs have fast application processing times, with Dominica taking an average of six to nine months and Grenada an average of nine months. Both programs also require applicants to partake in mandatory interviews as part of the due diligence process. For Dominica, applicants aged 16 and over will be interviewed, while Grenada requires applicants aged 17 and over to be interviewed.  

Visa free countries for Dominica and Grenada citizens

Grenada passport holders can travel visa free to 147 countries, while Dominica passport holders enjoy visa free travel to 146 countries. Visa free countries for Grenada passport holders vs Dominica citizens are relatively even, with both passport holders having access to the Schengen zone, Hong Kong, Russia, China, and several Middle Eastern countries without needing a visa. However, Dominica citizens require a visa to enter the United Kingdom, while Grenadians do not.

In addition to this, Dominica citizens can apply for a ten-year B-1/B-2 Visa to the US, while Grenada citizens can apply for a long-term E-2 Visa for the US.

Passport validity

A Grenada passport needs to be renewed every five years. In comparison, Dominica’s passports are valid for five years for children under 16 and ten years for citizens older than 16.

Grenada vs Dominica international flight routes

Dominica and Grenada offer direct international flights to several destinations. Dominica residents have more international flight destinations and routes within the Caribbean, whereas Grenada offers investors more flights to destinations in the United States.

Dual citizenship

Both of these Caribbean countries recognize dual citizenship and award lifetime citizenship that can be passed down to future generations. Having Caribbean citizenship is a great advantage, particularly in times of political and economic instability. Caribbean passports are an excellent Plan B, particularly when creating your ideal future for you and your family.

So, what's next?

As you can see, the right passport program for you and your family will depend on your individual circumstances and needs. There’s no doubt, however, that both Grenada and Dominica offer attractive citizenship by investment schemes that will afford you a lot of excellent benefits. However, these are not the only Caribbean islands with strong CBI programs. We suggest you check all of them before committing to one citizenship program.

Check out our guides and comparison articles below:

• Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Comparison Guide
• St Lucia vs Dominica Citizenship 
• St Kitts and Nevis vs Dominica Passport
• Grenada vs St Kitts Citizenship
• Grenada vs St Lucia Citizenship
• St Kitts vs St Lucia Citizenship
• Antigua vs St Lucia Citizenship
• Antigua vs St Kitts Citizenship
• Antigua vs Dominica Citizenship
• Antigua vs Grenada Citizenship

Or, if you prefer, contact us directly. Our experts will be able to create a bespoke CBI plan, specific for your and your family’s circumstances.

Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?

• Global approach by local experts. We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean CBI programs.
• 100 percent approval rate. We have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial, free-of-charge, due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
• Independent service and full transparency. We will present to you all the investment options available, and all expenses will be discussed in advance, with no hidden fees.
• An all-encompassing solution. A multidisciplinary team of immigration lawyers, investment specialists, and tax experts will take into consideration all your and your family’s mobility, tax, and lifestyle needs.
• Confidential service and secure data management. All private data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server

Frequently Asked Questions about Dominica vs Grenada Citizenship

Can I acquire Grenada citizenship?

Yes, the Grenada program offers foreign investors the opportunity to become a citizen by making a minimum investment of $235,000 in the country. In order to apply, you must be over 18 years old, have no criminal records, go through a background check and be able to make a qualifying investment. All applications are processed by the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Unit.

Can I acquire citizenship in Dominica?

Yes, you can become a Dominica citizen if you apply for the Citizenship by Investment Program. As a solo investor, you can make a qualifying investment of $200,000, and as a family of four, you can make a minimum investment of $250,000 in the country. The whole process takes between six  and nine months. All applications are processed by the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit.

What is the best Caribbean passport?

There are five countries in the Caribbean that offer economic citizenship programs: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. The most important Caribbean citizenship benefits are common to all five Caribbean CBI programs, such as being able to travel visa free to over 140 countries, enjoying tax breaks, and receiving your passport after as little as four months. Also, all Caribbean nations accept dual citizenship and multiple citizenships. 

However, all five programs have differences regarding investment routes, minimum investment amounts, and family eligibility. So, if you are planning to obtain Caribbean citizenship, get in contact with us to find the right program for you and your family. 

Which Caribbean passport is the most affordable? 

For solo investors, Antigua offers the most affordable second citizenship program, with a $100,000 initial investment amount. For a family of four, Antigua and Barbuda is also the most affordable option with a $100,000 contribution amount, followed by Grenada with a $235,000 minimum contribution amount.

Saint Lucia or Dominica citizenship: Which one to pick?

Both Caribbean passports offer excellent mobility and visa free access to over 140 countries. However, Dominica and Grenada offer the added benefit of visa free access to China and Russia. The differences between both citizenship schemes are small but important. Compared to Grenada, Dominica and St Lucia are more affordable thanks to their lower contribution amounts. Grenada, on the other hand, allows the investor to apply for a US E-2 investor visa. Dominica offers a quicker processing period of six to nine months, while St Lucia and Grenada take about nine months.

Which Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment?

Five Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment programs: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. To acquire Caribbean citizenship, you must fulfill the requirements of the chosen citizenship by investment program, such as being older than 18, having a clean criminal record, and being able to make a qualifying financial investment in the country’s economy.

The Citizenship by Investment Unit of each country will follow a thorough due diligence process, which includes background checks and mandatory interviews.

Can citizenship from Grenada or Dominica be revoked?

Under specific conditions, citizenship for individuals from Dominica or Grenada may be revoked, particularly if citizenship was acquired through fraudulent methods such as misrepresentation or withholding of significant information during the application process. Additionally, dual citizens who pose a threat to national security or engage in activities deemed detrimental to the interests of the country and the Caribbean community may face Caribbean citizenship revocation.

How does political stability in Grenada compare with Dominica?

Grenada and Dominica’s political stability varies, but both countries generally have track records of democratic governance and peaceful transitions of power. Grenada could be perceived as more politically stable than Dominica due to the negative reputation of the Dominica CBI program, leading to the removal of certain privileges.