You will find everything you need to make your decision in this Dominica vs Antigua citizenship comparison article. If you are interested in obtaining a Caribbean passport, learn how you can be granted citizenship in exchange for an investment in the country of your choice.
Both citizenship by investment programs offer investors a legitimate and straightforward way to obtain second citizenship and valuable Caribbean passport facilitating visa free access to over 140 countries. The basic requirements to apply for economic citizenship are to be over 18 years old, have no criminal record, be in excellent health, and have the ability to make a qualifying investment. There is no language test or residency requirement.
Antigua vs Dominica Citizenship: At a Glance
Program Characteristics | Antigua Citizenship by Investment | Dominica Citizenship by Investment |
Application Time | Three to six months | Three to six months |
Passport Global Ranking | 59th. Visa free travel to EU Schengen countries, the UK, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia, amongst others | 78th. Visa free travel to EU Schengen countries, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Russia, amongst others |
Qualifying Investment |
|
|
Taxes | No income tax on local or 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 stay 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 | nclusion of spouse, unmarried daughters under 25, all children under 30 if in studies, parents and grandparents aged 65 or over |
Application Requirements | No in-person interview or language requirements | No language or residency requirements |
Benefits of Antigua and Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programs
Quick Caribbean citizenship application process
Dual citizenship eligibility for the whole family
Little to no residency requirements
Multiple investment options
Visa free travel to over 140 countries
Favorable tax benefits, with no worldwide income or capital gains tax
Strong reputations for economic and political instability
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 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 between making a donation, investing in a business, or purchasing pre-approved real estate.
Investment options:
- Donation of at least $100,000 to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund
- Purchase of pre-approved real estate or shares of real estate worth a minimum of $200,000, 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 $150,000 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
Residents and citizens of Antigua and Barbuda enjoy relatively relaxed tax conditions. There is no capital gains taxes, inheritance tax, income tax, or wealth tax on worldwide income or assets. Antigua and Barbuda passport holders also enjoy visa free access to over 150 Antigua passport visa free countries. These countries include those in the European Union, the UK, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Russia. 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
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
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, 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 by investment 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 citizenship, you can rest assured that this is one solid CBI program.
The Dominica 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 must choose between making an economic donation or making a real estate purchase.
Investment options:
- Donation of at least $100,000 to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)
- Purchase government-approved real estate for at least $200,000
Family members can also be included in the application and receive 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 by investment 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
Have a look at our Dominica Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
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 and Dominica passport holders include over 150 countries, such as those in the Schengen Area, Hong Kong, the UK, Ireland, Singapore, China, and Russia.
Dominica citizens can travel to China visa free, as well as other regions like Europe’s Schengen zone; however, Dominicans don’t have access to the UK and Ireland without a visa, making Antigua and Barbuda citizenship the best option for global investors seeking a strong second passport.
Tax-friendly policies
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.
Concerning 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.
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 countries recognize dual citizenship, meaning you can maintain your first nationality when looking to obtain second citizenship in either of these countries. 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, as well as a younger age of 55 for financially dependent parents and grandparents.
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 | undefined |
Strong points of the Dominica program:
- It’s the most affordable citizenship for a single applicant: the total program costs (donation + fees) are less than $110,000.
- 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: program costs for a family of four (donation + fees) can be $148,000. Larger families opting for the University Fund may pay less than $180,000 for all the program costs (donation + fees).
- 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.
Antigua and Barbuda vs Dominica Taxes
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 |
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 passports in the country or at an embassy or consulate overseas. Regarding the Antigua and Barbuda versus Dominica passport validity, Dominican passports are valid for five years, whereas Antigua and Barbuda passports are valid for ten years.
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.
To see the full list of reasons why to work with Global Citizen Solutions for your Caribbean citizenship application, click here.
Don’t forget to check our other Caribbean citizenship programs and comparison articles:
- Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Comparison Guide
- Antigua vs St Kitts Citizenship
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions about Antigua vs Dominica Citizenship
Can I acquire Antigua citizenship?
If you are interested in acquiring citizenship from Antigua and Barbuda, the country’s citizenship program is the best way to receive a Caribbean passport in exchange for an investment in the country. There are four investment options: Buying shares of a Caribbean real estate project, making a minimum contribution of $100,000 to a National Development Fund (NDF), investing in a University Fund, or making a business investment.
Can I acquire Dominica citizenship?
Five Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment to foreigners interested in contributing to the region’s development in exchange for a Caribbean passport, and Dominica is one of them. In order to obtain citizenship in this Caribbean country, you must make an investment, which can be a donation to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) starting at $100,000, or purchasing real estate worth $200,000, pre-approved by the government. After a few months, you and your family will receive a Dominica passport and lifetime citizenship.
Antigua vs Dominica citizenship: which one to pick?
Regarding Antigua and Barbuda vs Dominica citizenship by investment comparison, both investment programs offer excellent benefits. For example, obtaining a Caribbean passport through the Antigua and Barbuda investment program offers visa free access to over 150 countries, a favorable tax regime, and many more advantages. The Dominica passport also allows you to visit China without needing a visa, while Antigua offers this for China and the UK.
In terms of the cost of obtaining citizenship in Antigua vs Dominica, Dominica has a minimum investment of less than $110,000 for a sole applicant (including government fees and due diligence fees). If you are applying as a family, however, Antigua and Barbuda is the more affordable choice. You can acquire this Caribbean citizenship with a minimum investment of $148,000 (family of four) or $180,000 (family of six or more). A Dominica versus Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment cost comparison differs depending on the age of family members, as investment requirements and due diligence fees may change.
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 an investment in the Caribbean country 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 (and therefore Caribbean passports) in a few months, with tax advantages and the chance to travel to over 140 visa-free countries worldwide. All five countries recognize multiple citizenship.
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 to wait three to six months to obtain Caribbean citizenship in either country.
