Joe Rice You will find everything you need to choose your ideal second citizenship in this Antigua vs Antigua citizenship comparison guide. If you want a Caribbean passport, learn how to be granted citizenship in exchange for an investment in Antigua or Dominica.
Both Dominica’s and Antigua’s citizenship by investment (CBI) programs offer investors a straightforward solution to obtain second citizenship and strong Caribbean passport providing visa free access to over 135 countries.
The basic requirements to apply for economic citizenship in Antigua and Dominica are being over 18 years old, having no criminal record, being in excellent health, and being able to make a qualifying investment. Take a closer look at the ins and outs of both CBI programs, including their benefits, eligibility criteria, application processes, and differences.
Antigua vs Dominica Citizenship: At a Glance
Program Characteristics | Antigua Citizenship by Investment | Dominica Citizenship by Investment |
Application Time | Six months | Six to nine months |
Passport Global Ranking | 51st | 76th |
Visa Free Acess | Visa free travel to 151 countries, including EU countries, the UK, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, and Qatar | Visa free travel to 135 countries, including EU Schengen countries, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Russia |
Qualifying Investment |
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Taxes | Zero income tax, wealth tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax | No income tax on worldwide income, wealth tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax |
Residence Rule | Minimal stay requirements | No stay requirements |
Family Eligibility | Inclusion of spouse or future spouse, children under 30, unmarried siblings, parents and grandparents aged 55 or over | Inclusion of spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents aged 65 or over |
Application Requirements | No in-person interview or language requirements | No in-person interview or language requirements |
Antigua and Barbuda vs Dominica Taxes
The tax implications of citizenship in Antigua and Dominica each have their advantages. Both countries offer tax-friendly policies for Caribbean citizens, including no income tax on foreign income, and no inheritance or wealth tax.
Comparing Dominica versus Antigua and Barbuda taxes, Antigua takes the edge as it is one of the few Caribbean islands that impose no income taxes, whereas Dominica residents only avoid tax on worldwide income.
Tax | Antigua | Dominica |
Income Tax | 0 percent | 15 to 35 percent |
Capital Gains, Inheritance, Wealth Tax | Not levied | Not levied |
Property Tax | 0.1 percent to 0.5 percent | Not levied, except in Roseau and Canefield at 1.27 percent |
Stamp Duty (Buyer) | 2.5 percent | 4 percent |
Stamp Duty (Seller) | 7.5 percent | 2.5 percent |
Sales Tax | 17 percent | 15 percent |
Benefits of the Antigua and Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programs
- Quick application process: The Caribbean citizenship by investment timeline to get a second passport is four to six months.
- Affordable citizenship: The minimum investment needed starts at $200,000 for a single applicant and $230,000 for a family of four.
- Family are eligible: A main applicant can apply for a Caribbean passport for their family, including a spouse, children, dependent parents and grandparents, and siblings.
- Low or no residency requirements: Dominica CBI does not have residency requirements, and Antigua CBI requires just five days of residency in the first five years.
- Multiple investment options: Investors can choose from various investment options to be granted citizenship, including non-refundable donations, real estate purchases, and business investments.
- Visa free access: Caribbean passport holders of Antigua and Dominica have visa free travel to over 135 countries.
- Tax benefits: Dominica taxes do not include worldwide income tax, and Antigua does not have any income taxes at all. Both countries do not impost wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes.
- Political stability: Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica have a long-standing reputation for political stability, providing a secure and stable environment for citizens.
Main Condition of Antigua and Dominica Citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda is a two-island nation located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Tourism represents most of Antigua and Barbuda’s GDP, which is unsurprising for such a stunning place with 365 beaches – one for each day of the year.
Other points of interest include Heritage Quay shopping complex and Nelson‘s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For those looking to catch one of the nation‘s stunning sunsets, Shirley Heights is the place to be while the pristine beaches provide ample opportunity for water activities such as swimming and snorkeling.
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program was created in 2012, offering foreign investors the chance to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship in exchange for an investment in the country. Investors can choose between making a donation, investing in a business, or purchasing pre-approved real estate.
Investment options:
- $230,000 non-refundable contribution to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund
- Purchase of pre-approved real estate investment worth a minimum of $300,000
- Business investment of $400,000 in an enterprise worth $5 million in total, or $1.5 million as a single investor
- $260,000 non-refundable donation to the University of the West Indies Fund – this option is available for families of six members or more and entitles one person to a one-year scholarship
Residents and citizens of Antigua and Barbuda enjoy relaxed tax conditions. There is no capital gains taxes, inheritance tax, income tax, or wealth tax. Antigua and Barbuda passport holders also enjoy visa free access to 151 Antigua passport visa free countries. These countries include those in the European Union, the UK, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia, and Qatar. While the country has no stay requirements, successful CBI applicants must spend five days in the country during their first five years of citizenship.
The following family members are eligible for the investment program:
- Spouse or future spouse
- Children under the age of 18
- Children aged 18 to 30, if they are supported by the main applicant or spouse (as well as their spouse and dependent children)
- Dependent children aged 18 or over who are physically/mentally challenged
- Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse if aged 55 or above and financially dependent on the main applicant or spouse
- Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouse
Dominica citizenship
Known as the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean, Dominica offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, an ocean teeming with fluorescent-colored sea life, bubbling natural hot springs, and a variety of festivals throughout the year.
In 2022 the CBI Index Report voted Dominica the best country for citizenship by investment. This was the fourth time in a row. The country’s citizenship by investment program scored the highest of all programs in categories such as affordability, freedom of movement, processing time, and many others. So, if you decide to apply for Dominica citizenship, you can rest assured that this is one solid CBI program.
In order to apply for the Dominica citizenship by investment program and become a Dominica passport holder, you must choose between making an economic donation or making a real estate purchase.
Investment options:
- $200,000 non-refundable contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)
- Government-approved real estate investment of at least $200,000
The Dominica passport ranks in the 76h position on the Global Passport Index, granting its holders free access to 135 countries, including European Union Schengen countries, Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia, and China.
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
Have a look at our Dominica Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
Dominica vs Antigua citizenship: Which program to pick?
As we can see in this passport comparison article, both Caribbean countries offer solid, popular citizenship programs with similar positive points. This section will compare the pros and cons of Antigua and Dominica citizenship under a few key points.
Visa free travel
Both Caribbean passports enable enhanced global mobility. Visa free countries for Antigua passport holders comprise 151 countries, including all European Union countries, Hong Kong, the UK, Singapore, China, Qatar, and Russia.
Dominica passport holders can travel to 135 destinations without a visa, including China, Europe’s Schengen Area, and Russia. However, Dominicans cannot travel to the UK and Ireland without a visa, making Antigua and Barbuda citizenship the best option for global investors seeking a strong second passport.
Flexible requirements
A benefit of applying to the Caribbean CBI programs is that they offer flexible stay requirements, and the requirements for obtaining citizenship in Antigua vs Dominica are similar in some respects. For example, the application process for both programs can be completed remotely from the comfort of your home.
However, if you want to obtain second citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, you will need to spend a total of five days in the country during your first five years of citizenship. While Dominica has no residency requirements, it does have a mandatory virtual interview requirement for applicants aged 16 or older.
Dual citizenship
Both Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica recognize dual citizenship. Investors can apply for Dominican or Antigua dual citizenship by investment and maintain their original nationality, provided the country allows it.
Family Eligibility
Family inclusion in Antigua and Dominica citizenship programs includes dual nationality for spouses, children, parents, and grandparents. The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program allows more dependents to acquire citizenship, with the option to include dependent siblings. Additionally, Antigua and Barbuda has a lower age limit for dependent parents and grandparents at 55 versus 65 for applicants of Dominica’s program.
Due diligence
When it comes to a comparison of the due diligence process in the Antigua and Dominica CBI programs, both processes are extremely thorough and conducted by the countries’ Citizenship by Investment Units. Both programs require applicants aged 16 and older to attend mandatory Caribbean citizenship interviews, which are conducted online. The due diligence fees for each program are also similar, as seen in the table below.
Antigua and Barbuda | Dominica |
Main applicant and spouse: $7,500 each | Single applicant: $7,500 |
Family members over 18: $4,000 each | Family members aged 16 or over: $4,000 each |
Family members aged 12-17: $2,000 each | - |
Strong points of the Dominica program:
- It’s affordable citizenship for a single applicant: The total program costs (donation + fees) are less than $210,000.
- A Dominica passport allows for visa free entry to China.
- A Dominica passport is valid for five years (if under 16 years) and ten years (if 16 and older).
Strong points of the Antigua and Barbuda program:
- Most affordable for families: The program cost for a family of four (donation) is $230,000. Larger families opting for the University Fund may pay $260,000.
- Family-friendly requirements: in your application, you can include siblings, children up to 30 (in study or not), parents and grandparents aged 55 or over.
- An Antigua passport allows visa free access to the UK and Ireland, while a Dominican passport does not.
- An Antigua and Barbuda passport is valid for five years (first passport) and ten years (second passport and beyond).
If you prefer to contact our experts at Global Citizen Solutions, we have extensive experience in Caribbean citizenship programs and local representatives in each of the five countries in the region that offer citizenship by investment. So, after discussing the preferences and lifestyle of your family, we can help you find the best Caribbean citizenship to suit your needs.
How to Obtain Dominica or Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
When applying to one of these Caribbean programs, the process is fairly straightforward and includes the following steps:
- Preliminary due diligence with Global Citizen Solutions
- Document preparation
- Due diligence
- Payment of investment
- Receiving your passport
As you can see, your investment payment is only required once you have received a letter from the country’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) stating that your application is approved in principle.
The Antigua and Barbuda and Dominic Citizenship by Investment Unit does not accept applications directly from applicants but only from Authorized Agents. As such, it is essential to use an agent like Global Citizen Solutions.
Antigua vs Dominica Passport Renewal
Both Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda citizens can renew their Caribbean passports in the country or at an embassy or consulate overseas. Regarding the Antigua and Barbuda versus Dominica passport validity, Antigua and Barbuda and Dominican passports are both valid for ten years for citizens over 16 and five years for those under 16.
The Antigua Passport renewal fee is $1,000 for an adult passport and $500 for a child’s passport. The Dominica passport renewal fee is $960 for all passports, including the courier and service charges.
Why use Global Citizen Solutions?
Global Citizen Solutions is a multidisciplinary firm offering bespoke residence and citizenship solutions in Europe and the Caribbean. In a world where the economy and politics are unpredictable, having a second citizenship opens up opportunities and creates flexibility for you and your family.
So, why work with Global Citizen Solutions to obtain Caribbean citizenship?
- 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.
Don’t forget to check our other Caribbean citizenship programs and comparison articles:
Frequently Asked Questions about Antigua vs Dominica Citizenship
Can I acquire Antigua citizenship?
You can obtain Antigua citizenship through an investment in the country’s economy. There are four investment options: Buying shares of a real estate project, making a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF), donating to the country’s University of the West Indies Fund (UWI), or making a business investment. The minimum investment starts from $230,000, and a licensed agent must submit the application to Antigua’s citizenship unit.
Can I acquire Dominica citizenship?
You can acquire Dominica citizenship by investing in the country’s citizenship program. There are two investment options: Buying shares of a real estate project or making a non-refundable contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF). The minimum investment starts from $200,000, and the application must be submitted to Dominica’s citizenship unit by an Authorized Agent.
Antigua vs Dominica citizenship: Which one to pick?
Both Antigua and Dominica’s investment programs are appealing. The Antigua and Barbuda passport offers 151 visa free countries and zero income taxes, whereas Dominica provides the cheapest Caribbean citizenship program for single applicants. The minimum investment required for a family is cheaper in Antigua’s program, and more family members are eligible for citizenship, but Dominica is one of the cheapest Caribbean nations to live in and has a rapidly growing tourism industry.
Which countries offer Caribbean citizenship by investment?
Five Caribbean countries offer investors the opportunity to acquire Caribbean citizenship by investment: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. To apply to one of these investment programs, you must be over 18 years of age, have no criminal records, and make a minimum contribution to the Caribbean country of your interest.
How long does it take to get a passport from Antigua and Barbuda or Dominica?
The timeline for obtaining citizenship in Dominica compared to Antigua is roughly the same. Investors can expect the citizenship process to last six months in Antigua and six to nine months in Dominica.
How can investors compare Antigua with Dominica?
Investors can compare Antigua and Dominica by evaluating their citizenship programs’ minimum contribution for donations and available real estate options, eligibility criteria, passport power and number of visa free destinations, and the financial outlook for future investments.
What are the disadvantages of Antigua Citizenship?
A disadvantage of Antigua’s Caribbean citizenship program is that it’s more expensive than Dominica’s program, requiring a $230,000 minimum investment. Additionally, Antigua offers the only one of the five Caribbean citizenship programs with a minimum residency requirement.
What are the disadvantages of Antigua Citizenship?
A disadvantage of Dominica’s second citizenship program is that there are only two investment options versus four in Antigua. Additionally, the country’s program has been penalized in recent years, leading to the withdrawal of visa free access for Dominica passport holders by two foreign governments.
