Grenada vs Dominica citizenship: which one is better? Grenada and Dominica are two of the five Caribbean countries that offer excellent Citizenship by Investment programs, making it possible for foreign investors and their families to obtain citizenship and become passport holders in exchange for a qualifying investment in the country. Both Caribbean citizenship by investment programs have very strong advantages, such as good global mobility, tax benefits, and uncomplicated requirements. Any one of the two countries can provide you with a Caribbean passport that will be an asset, but how to choose between them? Find out in this article. 

Benefits of Grenada and Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programs

Tax benefits for Caribbean citizens Tax benefits for Caribbean citizens
All family can be included All family can be included
No travel or residency required No travel or residency required
Visa-free travel to over 140 countries Visa-free travel to over 140 countries
Second passport in a few months Second passport in a few months

Dominica vs Grenada Citizenship Comparison: At a Glance

Program Characteristics Grenada Citizenship by Investment Dominica Citizenship by Investment
Application time Two to three months Two to three months
Passport Global ranking 76th. Visa-free entry to EU Schengen countries, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, and China, amongst others. Possibility of applying to US E2 visa 78th. Visa-free entry to EU Schengen countries, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, and China, amongst others
Qualifying investment NTF minimum donation:
$150,000 (single applicant) / $200,000 (family of four)
Real Estate investment:
$220,000 minimum
Investment routes: National Transformation Fund, real estate		 EDF minimum donation:
$100,000 (single applicant) / $175,000 (family of four)
Real Estate investment:
$200,000 minimum
Investment routes: Economic Diversification Fund, real estate
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 rules No stay requirements No stay requirements
Family eligibility Inclusion of spouse, dependent children under 30, unmarried siblings with no children over 18, parents and grandparents Inclusion of spouse, children under 30 in education (or unmarried daughters under 25), and parents and grandparents over 65
Application requirements No language or residency requirement No language or residency requirement

As you can see from the table above, Grenada’s passport is stronger when it comes to international travel. However, the Dominica citizenship program is a more convenient option for investors, thanks to its lower minimum contribution amounts. Both provide excellent tax advantages and take two to three months to process.

Grenada Citizenship by Investment

Grenada is a stunning island nation located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The country is composed of 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, foreign investors interested in securing a Caribbean passport can apply to the Grenada citizenship program and become a Grenada citizen in exchange for a qualifying investment. This minimum contribution can take the form of a donation to a government fund starting at $150,000, or the purchase of real estate from $220,000. 

The Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program provides investors and their family members with a second passport (ranking 76th in the Global Passport index) that allows visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the UK, EU Schengen countries, China, Russia, and Singapore. Grenada citizens can also apply for the USA E-2 visa. 

Investment Options:

Grenada National Transformation Fund: Minimum Donation

  • Single applicant: $150,000
  • Main applicant + up to 3 family members: $200,000
  • Additional family members: $25,000 each
  • Parent or grandparent aged under 55: $50,000 each
  • Siblings: $75,000 each

Grenada real estate route:

There are two options that you can consider if you are opting for the Grenada citizenship by investment real estate option.

Option 1: Purchasing shares of pre-approved real estate projects at a minimum value of $220,000.  

Option 2: 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 wishes to acquire citizenship. 

The condition of an investment in real estate is that the investment must be held for at least five years if the buyer wishes to acquire citizenship.

The real estate option also includes government fees worth $50,000 for a family of up to four. There are additional taxes for additional family members.

Check out our article: Grenada Real Estate – A Complete Guide.

Although the application process is fast, you will need to be eligible to apply, and there are certain requirements to acquire Grenadian citizenship. The Grenada citizenship requirements define that the primary applicant must:

  • Be over 18 years old
  • Have an outstanding character
  • Be in good health
  • Hold a clean criminal record
  • Pass a detailed background check
  • Provide proof of funds, which must be legal income

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
  • Unmarried siblings of the applicant or of the spouse, regardless of whether they are biological or adopted siblings, aged at least 18 and with no children

Check our Grenada Citizenship Ultimate Guide by Experts

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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 citizenship, you can rest assured that this is one solid CBI program.

Dominica 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 real estate investment. 

Investment options:

Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) – Minimum Donation: 

  • Single applicant: $100,000
    Main applicant + spouse: $150,000
    Family of up to four: $175,000
    Additional family members under 18: $25,000 each
    Additional family members 18 or over: $50,000

Real Estate:  

In this case, the investor must purchase shares of real estate in one of the developments previously approved by the government.

  • Minimum amount: $200,000 

The real estate option also includes government fees, worth $25,000 for a single applicant and $50,000 for a family of four. There are additional taxes for additional family members.

You will need to be eligible to apply. The citizenship requirements 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

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

Find out more in our Dominica Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide

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Dominica vs Grenada Citizenship - Which program to pick?

Both programs are highly respected Citizenship by Investment programs, so the decision of which one to choose will depend on your specific circumstances. Both CBI programs offer similar advantages in global mobility, with access to the European Union, Singapore, Russia, and China. Also, both offer equivalent investment routes, with one 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 option. But if you are looking for an affordable option for a single applicant, then Dominica is the one for you. 

Time to obtain citizenship 

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

Tax benefits 

Both Dominica and Grenada citizens can enjoy favorable tax benefits, including no income tax on worldwide income, no wealth tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax. 

Cost and family inclusion 

If cost is one of the main factors in your decision, then the Dominica citizenship program is the one for you. The program is more affordable than Grenada’s for both a single applicant ($100,000 minimum contribution) and a family of four ($175,000 minimum contribution). 

When it comes to family inclusion, the Grenada citizenship program is more family-friendly, offering applicants the opportunity to include a spouse, dependent children under 30, unmarried siblings with no children over 18, parents, and grandparents.

However, these are not the only Caribbean countries with strong CBI programs. We suggest that you check all of them before committing to one citizenship program. Read our guides and comparison articles:

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.

To see the full list of reasons why to work with Global Citizen Solutions for your Caribbean citizenship application, click here.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Dominica vs Grenada Citizenship

Can I acquire Grenada citizenship?

Yes, the Grenada Citizenship by Investment program offers foreign investors the opportunity to become a citizen by making a minimum investment of $150,000 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 Citizenship by Investment Unit.

Can I acquire Dominica citizenship?

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 $100,000, and as a family of four, you can make a minimum investment of $175,000 in the country. The whole process takes between two and three months. All applications are processed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit.

What is the best Caribbean passport?

The most important Caribbean citizenship benefits are common to all five Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs, such as being able to travel visa-free to over 140 countries, enjoying tax breaks, and receiving your passport after as little as six months. Also, all Caribbean countries 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, Dominica, St Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda offer the most affordable citizenship programs, with a $100,000 minimum contribution amount. For a family of four, Antigua and Barbuda is the most affordable option with a $100,000 contribution amount, followed by St Lucia with a $150,000 minimum contribution amount.

St 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 programs 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 two to three months, while St Lucia and Grenada take three to four months.