In this Antigua vs St Kitts citizenship comparison article, you will find everything you need to make your decision for which citizenship to pursue and how. If you are interested in obtaining a Caribbean passport, keep reading to learn exactly how you can be granted citizenship in exchange for an investment in the country of your choice.
Antigua and St Kitts offer two of the five Caribbean citizenship programs through investment. Both citizenship by investment programs – also called CBI or passport by investment programs – provide investors with a legitimate and straightforward way to obtain a valuable Caribbean passport and second citizenship.
The basic requirements to apply for economic citizenship are as follows: Be over 18 years old, have no criminal record, be in excellent health, and be able to make the required qualifying investment. In return, you will not have to take any language test or fulfill an unreasonable residency requirement.
Benefits of Antigua and St Kitts Citizenship by Investment Programs
Quick application process
Eligibility for your family members
No language requirements
Multiple investment options
Visa free entry to over 150 countries
Comparison of Antigua vs St Kitts CBI
Program Characteristics | Antigua Citizenship by Investment | St Kitts Citizenship by Investment |
Application Time | 4 to 5 months | 12 months |
Passport Global Ranking | 59th. Visa free travel to EU Schengen countries, the UK, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia, amongst others | 53rd. Visa free travel to EU Schengen countries, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia, amongst others |
Qualifying Investment |
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Taxes | No income tax on worldwide income, 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 visitation requirements | No stay requirements |
Family Eligibility | Inclusion of spouse or future spouse, dependent children under 30, unmarried siblings, parents and grandparents aged 55 or over | Inclusion of spouse, children under 25, and parents aged 65 or over |
Application Requirements | No language or in-person interview requirements | No language or in-person interview requirements |
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda is located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The nation is made up of Antigua, Barbuda, and the uninhabited island of Redonda. 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. These beaches are known for their distinctive pink hue, which many enjoy photographing.
The country’s 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 one of the following options:
- Donation of at least $230,000 to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund
- Purchase of pre-approved real estate or shares of real estate worth a minimum of $325,000, to be held for five years
- Business investment of $400,000 in an enterprise worth $5 million in total, or $1.5 million as a single investor
- Donation of $260,000 or more 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
Once you have obtained citizenship, you must spend a minimum of five days in the country within the first five years of being a citizen. This flexibility is an advantage if you tend to travel a lot for work. In addition to this, the tax conditions Antigua and Barbuda offers its residents and citizens are relatively relaxed.
There is no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, income tax, or wealth tax on worldwide income or assets. Antigua and Barbuda citizens can to over 150 Antigua passport visa free countries (including visa on arrival access), such as the European Union, China, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Russia.
As part of the due diligence process, the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit has announced that applicants must complete a Caribbean citizenship interview. Additionally, all family members aged 16 and above will take part in the interview, which will be conducted virtually. The cost will be $1,500 per application.
St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship
St Kitts and Nevis is a twin-island nation in the East Caribbean. The two islands are separated by a stretch of sea known as ‘the narrows’, which is a five-minute trip by water taxi. The nation has the longest-running Citizenship by Investment program in the world, launched in 1984. For an investment starting at $250,000, foreign investors and their families can obtain a passport in just 12 months. Fast and reliable, the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship cost is relatively affordable, and the program’s success has significantly boosted the country’s economy.
The list of St Kitts and Nevis visa free countries (including visa on arrival and eVisa access) for those with a second passport from St Kitts includes over 150 countries worldwide, such as the European Union, the United Kingdom, and many more. St Kitts and Nevis citizens also benefit from a favorable tax environment, with no income, gift, or inheritances taxes.
As an investor, you can choose one of three investment routes:
- Make a non-refundable donation to the country’s Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC), starting at $250,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four.
- Make a minimum investment of $325,000 in pre-approved real estate developments, purchase a condominium unit for at least $325,000, or invest a minimum of $600,000 in a single-family private dwelling.
- Contribute with at least $250,000 to one of the Public Benefit Projects approved by the government.
The citizenship process takes around 12 months or 365 days to complete. As part of the due diligence process, the main applicant is required to partake in a mandatory interview. Additionally, the country’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) may ask dependents aged 16 and over to participate in mandatory interviews. These interviews will be conducted virtually by default.
Successful applicants will be granted citizenship and their Certificate of Registration, which must be collected in person from St Kitts and Nevis or from an approved Embassy or Consulate identified by the CIU.
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Which program to pick?
St Kitts vs Antigua citizenship – how do you decide? As we can see in this article, both Caribbean countries offer solid, popular citizenship programs with similar positive points, such as tax-friendly policies for Caribbean citizens, flexible requirements, and visa free travel worldwide.
Visa free countries
Concerning the best passport for visa free access in Antigua and St Kitts, there isn’t a significant difference in Antigua vs St Kitts passport visa free countries. Antigua and Barbuda passport holders enjoy visa free access to 151 countries, whereas St Kitts and Nevis citizenship offers visa free access to 154 countries.
While St Kitts has more visa free countries, including popular destinations such as the Schengen Area and other European countries like the UK, as well as Singapore, and Hong Kong, a recent bilateral agreement between Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China enabled Antigua citizens to travel to China without a visa.
Citizenship cost
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program is the clear winner when comparing the cost of citizenship by investment in Antigua versus St Kitts. The lowest investment requirement in St Kitts is $250,000, whereas the Antigua program is $20,000 cheaper at $230,000.
While St Kitts has lower citizenship processing fees, Antigua has lower government fees overall, including due diligence fees. Furthermore, the lower minimum investment in Antigua means a lower total investment requirement for single applicants and family applications.
Investment opportunities
The investment options in St Kitts and Antigua both include non-refundable contributions to their national development fund. There are many Caribbean real estate investment opportunities in Antigua and St Kitts for citizenship; however, with 44 government-approved real estate projects, Antigua and Barbuda’s program offers more real estate investments.
Citizenship timeline
Versus European citizenship programs, Caribbean citizenship programs offer the fastest route to second citizenship, and comparing the timeline for obtaining citizenship in St Kitts vs Antigua presents a noticeable difference. Citizenship applications take 12 months to be processed in St Kitts. Antigua’s program may grant second passports in as little as 4 to 5 months.
Additionally, Antigua and Barbuda provides the investment option of contributing to the University of the West Indies Fund and obtaining a year’s free tuition for a financially dependent family member.
Citizenship requirements
The application process for citizenship by investment in St Kitts compared to Antigua is similar, with no in-person interview requirements to acquire citizenship. However, the terms of Antigua’s citizenship program include maintaining five days of residency in the first five years of obtaining Caribbean citizenship. In contrast, St Kitts citizenship has no language or residency requirements to maintain St Kitts and Nevis dual citizenship.
The minimum investment period for investments in eligible real estate projects in Antigua and St Kitts is five years. After this period, investors have the option to sell the property while retaining their citizenship.
Both nations are members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and have thriving tourism and hospitality industries that are often linked to investment opportunities for potential citizens. Both countries are also part of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), influencing their economic and political policies.
Age limits for family members
Regarding family inclusion in Antigua vs St Kitts citizenship programs, the eligibility requirements for family members are similar, although Antigua and Barbuda allow siblings and grandparents to be included while St Kitts does not. The application processing times of the citizenship programs are also quite similar, with Antigua and Barbuda taking an average of 4 to 5 months and St Kitts and Nevis taking 12 months.
Family member | Antigua and Barbuda | St Kitts and Nevis |
Spouse | No age limit | No age limit |
Siblings | Unmarried | Not eligible |
Children | Under 30 | Under 25 |
Parents | 55 and over | 65 and over |
Grandparents | 55 and over | Not eligible |
Individual residents’ taxes and fees
Both Antigua’s and St Kitts’ taxation policies are convenient and beneficial, not only for high-net-worth individuals and investors. There are no local or foreign income taxes, or taxes on dividends, interest, and royalties. The table below compares a selection of tax rates from each country.
Taxes and fees | Antigua and Barbuda | St Kitts and Nevis |
Social security fees | 5.5 percent | 5 percent |
Real estate purchase tax | 2.5 percent | N/A |
Property owners' tax | 0.1 to 0.5 percent | 0.4 to 0.96 percent |
Real estate sale tax | 7.5 percent | 6 to 10 percent |
Sales tax | 17 percent | 17 percent |
Antigua vs St Kitts Passport Strength and Validity
Concerning the Antigua and Barbuda vs St Kitts Nevis passport, both passports rank well on the Global Passport Index, with St Kitts passport ranking 53rd and Antigua and Barbuda at 59th. Both the St Kitts and Nevis passport and the Antigua and Barbuda passport are valid for ten years. The renewal cost for the St Kitts and Nevis passport is $370, while Antigua and Barbuda’s renewal process costs $1,000. To renew your passport, you would need the following:
- Expiring passport
- Certificate of naturalization or citizenship
- Birth certificate
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Passport photos
- Proof of oath swearing and fulfillment of stay requirement (for Antigua and Barbuda)
So, which investment program should you choose in order to obtain a Caribbean nationality? The best economic citizenship for you and your family will depend on your specific circumstances and priorities.
Strong points of the St Kitts and Nevis program:
- Average processing time of 12 months
- Longest-running CBI program
- Multiple investment routes
- More visa free travel destinations
Strong points of the Antigua and Barbuda program:
- Most affordable for families: $230,000 National Development Fund donation for a family of four and $260,000 University of the West Indies Fund donation for families of six or more
- Most affordable for single applicants: $230,000
- More family members eligible for inclusion
- Multiple investment routes
- Travel to China without a visa
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.
To see the full list of reasons why to work with us for your Caribbean citizenship application, click here.
Don’t forget to check our other Caribbean comparison articles:
- 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
- Grenada vs Dominica Citizenship
- Antigua vs St Lucia Citizenship
- Antigua vs Grenada Citizenship
- Antigua vs Dominica Citizenship
Frequently Asked Questions about Antigua vs St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Programs
Can I acquire Antigua citizenship?
If you’re seeking to obtain Caribbean citizenship from Antigua and Barbuda, the country’s citizenship program is the best way to receive a powerful Antigua and Barbuda passport in exchange for an investment in the country. There are four investment options: Making a real estate investment in shares of an approved real estate project, making a minimum contribution of $230,000 to a National Fund, investing in a University Fund, or making a business investment. All applications are processed by the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit.
Can I acquire St Kitts citizenship?
In order to obtain citizenship in this Caribbean country, you must make an investment, which can be a donation to a government fund, a property investment, or a contribution to a government-approved Public Benefit Project. After a few months, you and your family will receive a St Kitts and Nevis passport and lifetime citizenship. All applications are processed by the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit.
Antigua and Barbuda or St Kitts and Nevis citizenship?
Both citizenship programs offer excellent benefits. Having a Caribbean passport means accessing visa free travel to over 150 countries, a favorable tax regime, and many more advantages. The Antigua and Barbuda passport program has a lower threshold for minimum investment, starting at $230,000, as well as lower due diligence fees for the main applicant and eligible family members. Saint Kitts and Nevis offers the longest-running CBI program in the world. As you can see, the best Caribbean citizenship is the one that best fits your needs.
Which countries offer Caribbean citizenship by investment?
Five countries offer investors the opportunity to acquire Caribbean citizenship by investment: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. St Kitts and Nevis has the world’s longest-running citizenship by investment program, in operation since 1984.
To apply to one of these investment schemes, you must be over 18 years, have no criminal records, and make an investment in the Caribbean nation of your interest, usually a non-refundable contribution to a national fund or an investment in a pre-approved real estate development. Other attractive investment opportunities are government bonds or university donations. You and your family can receive Caribbean citizenship in a few months, with tax benefits and the chance to travel to over 150 visa free countries worldwide.
Is Antigua or St Kitts better?
This question has no definitive answer. For example, the tax advantages of St Kitts and Nevis vs Antigua and Barbuda citizenship are relatively even. Additionally, as members of the British Commonwealth, there is no difference in the dual citizenship rules in Antigua and Barbuda vs St Kitts and Nevis, as the two countries recognize dual citizenship.
It primarily depends on your unique circumstances and requirements. Each island has its own unique charm and attractions that appeal to different people for different reasons. Additionally, depending on what they need, each country’s citizenship program will be better for different investors.
For example, the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program’s investment options are more affordable than St Kitts’, and it allows more family members to be included. During the first five years of citizenship, you must spend at least five days in the country. By contrast, the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship program has no stay requirements, but its minimum investment amount is higher, and it does not allow siblings or grandparents to be included as dependents.
Is St Kitts cheaper than Antigua?
In terms of obtaining citizenship by investment, St Kitts has a higher minimum contribution amount than Antigua and Barbuda. When it comes to the cost of living, both St Kitts and Antigua have been described as more expensive than other Caribbean nations. Even so, the cost of living in these two nations is still more affordable than in the US or the UK.
Which passport is better Antigua or St Kitts?
When comparing the Antigua and Barbuda vs St Kitts and Nevis passport, the winner will depend on your individual needs. For visa free travel, Antigua and Barbuda citizenship allows you to travel visa free to 151 countries, while St Kitts passport holders have visa free access to 154 countries.
