Joe Rice
Are you currently considering acquiring Caribbean citizenship by investment? Our detailed guide explores the differences between St Lucia vs Dominica citizenship, highlighting the investment thresholds, qualifying investments, family eligibility, and visa free countries.
Benefits of Dominica and St Lucia's Citizenship by Investment Programs
- Obtain a Caribbean passport from $200,000 for a single applicant and $240,000 for a family of up to four.
- The entire family, including spouses, children, dependent parents, grandparents, and siblings, is eligible to obtain citizenship.
- No residency or in-person interview requirements.
- Tax advantages include no foreign income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains tax.
- Fast application process and time to citizenship, with a low average processing time of six months.
- Numerous investment options, including real estate investment and recoverable government bonds investments.
- Powerful Caribbean passports that provide visa free travel to up to 148 countries, including the UK, EU Schengen countries, China, Russia, and Hong Kong.
St Lucia vs Dominica Citizenship: At a Glance
Program Characteristics |  St Lucia Citizenship by Investment |  Dominica Citizenship by Investment |
Application Time | 10 to 12 months | 6 to 9 months |
Passport Global Ranking | 70th. Visa free travel to EU Schengen States, the UK, Ireland, Russia, Hong Kong, and Singapore | 76th. Visa free travel to EU Schengen States, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, and China |
Minimum Investment Amount | $240,000 for a single applicant or a family of four | $200,000 for a single applicant and $250,000 for a family of four |
Qualifying Investment | Non-refundable contribution, real estate investment, enterprise investment, or government bonds acquisition | Non-refundable contribution or real estate investment |
Taxes | No tax on capital, wealth and inheritance tax | No wealth, gift, inheritance or capital gains tax |
Residence Rule | No stay requirements | No stay requirements |
Eligiblity | Allows children up to 30, parents and grandparents over 55, and siblings | Lower age thresholds |
Qualified Family Members | Inclusion of spouse, children, siblings under 18, and parents and grandparents over 55 | Inclusion of spouse, children, and parents, and grandparents over 65 |
Cost | Lower for single applicants | More affordable for families of four or more |
Application Requirements | No residence or visitation requirements. Plus no interview, education, or managerial experience necessary | No residence requirements. Plus no managerial experience necessary |
Desirability | Appeals to investors seeking citizenship for the families or a recoverable investment | Appeals to investors seeking lower citizenship cost or real estate investments |
Who can apply for Caribbean passports?
For obtaining citizenship and a Dominica or St Lucia passport, a single applicant must fulfill the following requirements:
- Be over 18 years old
- Be able to demonstrate an outstanding character
- Be in excellent health
- Have a clean criminal record
- Make a qualifying investment
- Pass a detailed background check
Saint Lucia Citizenship
Famous for its impressive Piton mountains – Gros Piton and Petit Piton – lush rainforest, and first-class white sandy beaches, this mesmerizing island has always been a tourists’ favorite. The island’s area spans 616 square kilometers, and its highest peak, Mount Gimie, is 950 meters.
The island is well-known for its great variety of birdlife, which includes the Saint Lucian Parrot and over 150 other bird species. To attract foreigners to this fantastic island, the country has built many new infrastructures, such as an international airport, hospitals, top accommodations, and marinas, which eventually led to the development of a flourishing real estate market.
Due to its unique combination of luxury and tranquility, the island has attracted many retirees and expat families seeking to relocate to its shores. Since 2015, the country has run its very own St Lucia citizenship by investment program, which grants citizenship to investors and their families in exchange for a qualifying investment of at least $240,000. With four different investment routes available, the program is one of the most popular citizenship by investment schemes in the Caribbean.
In just 10 to 12 months, you can obtain a St Lucia passport, which allows visa free access to more than 140 countries, including Europe’s Schengen zone, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, and more.
Dominica Citizenship
The low-key but nonetheless stunning Dominica has seen its popularity rise in the last few years. Praised for its tranquility and idyllic settings, the island is a terrain to explore for adventure seekers and nature lovers. It’s also a great place to elect if you are looking to acquire a second passport. For several years in a row, Dominica was vosted best country for citizenship by investment by the CBI Index – the most prestigious study of CBI programs in the world.
Designed to attract foreign investments, the Dominica citizenship by investment program offers citizenship to investors and their families in exchange for a minimum investment of $200,000. With two investment routes available, it has particularly affordable real estate investment options of $200,000. Fast, affordable, and reliable, the program gives investors and their entire families the opportunity to obtain a Dominica passport in 6 to 9 months, with visa free travel to over 140 countries, along with attractive tax benefits.
In July 2023, Dominica introduced new legislation requiring all applicants aged 16 and over to attend a mandatory interview. These interviews can be attended in person in the Commonwealth of Dominic, or they can be scheduled online.
Which program to pick?
There are five Caribbean islands that each offer a citizenship program – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. When it comes to Dominica vs St Lucia, both countries offer fantastic benefits to their citizens. Both of these islands use the Eastern Caribbean dollar, and provide access to over 140 visa free countries, laidback lifestyles, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
When it comes down to deciding which country is the best option for you, it really comes down to your individual circumstances and the needs that you want the CBI program to meet.
Both Caribbean citizenship by investment programs provide optimal benefits for investors and their families seeking dual citizenship, so which one do you pick as a way to get your second passport? Overall, it is important to note that both Caribbean countries share some very strong points, including the inclusion of family members in the application and no residency rules.
Citizenship cost
St Lucia and Dominica citizenship benefits include a minimum investment requirement of $200,000 or $240,000. While acquiring citizenship in Dominica is slightly cheaper for a sole applicant, the St Lucia citizenship by investment program offers a cheaper route for a family of four. The Dominica real estate option is cheaper, with a minimum investment requirement of $200,000 versus $300,000 for St Lucia’s.
Investment options
Concerning the investment options to obtain a Dominica vs St Lucia passport, St Lucia is the clear winner, with four investment options in St Lucia’s program versus two in Dominica. One of the strongest points of the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment of all five Caribbean countries offering CBI is the number of investment routes it offers — a donation to the NEF, St Lucia real estate investment, enterprise investment, and government bonds.
So, if you are looking to broaden your investment portfolio while acquiring a second passport, St Lucia is the best option. On top of that, due to its highly touristy profile, you’ll be able to live a luxury lifestyle and take part in the booming tourist economy.
Time to citizenship
The time to citizenship in St Lucia vs Dominica is relatively similar. Dominica’s process is slightly faster, taking 6 to 9 months compared to 10 to 12 months in St Lucia. Both Caribbean citizenship programs require applicants to participate in mandatory Caribbean citizenship interview as part of their due diligence processes.
In terms of tax benefits, both St Lucia and Dominica are tax-friendly, imposing no foreign income, inheritance, capital gains, or wealth tax.
Taxes |  St Lucia |  Dominica |
Income tax | 0 to 30 percent (excl. global income) | 15 to 35 percent (incl. global income) |
Property tax and fees | 2 percent (buyer) 2.5 to 5 percent (seller) | 10.5 percent incl. fees (buyer) 2.5 percent (seller) |
Social contributions | 5 percent | 6 percent |
Taxes on dividends, interest, royalties | No tax on dividends 10 percent on interest and royalties | No taxes |
Visa free travel
The St Lucia passport ranks 70th in terms of passport power compared to 76th for the Dominica passport. St Lucia passport holders have access to 148 visa free countries verus 135 visa free travel destinations for Dominica passport holders.
Although it has a lower position on the passport ranking, Dominica passport holders have visa free access to Russia and China, countries that are not visa free with a St Lucia passport. However, St Lucia passport holders can enter European Union countries and the UK without a visa, which is not available for Dominica citizens.
Qualified dependents
St Lucia is more inclusive with regards to family members, accepting parents and grandparents over 55 (compared to 65 in Dominica) and siblings under 18 – which may make a difference depending on your specific situation.
Dominica, on the other hand, is the epitome of peace and tranquility. Barely touched by tourism, the island is a great place to pick if you’re looking for affordable Citizenship by Investment. Elected the best country for Citizenship By Investment, Dominica is praised for the affordability and quality of its citizenship.
In conclusion, your decision will have to be based on the type of country profile you favor. If it’s a low-key and untouched island that you’re in search of, you should go for Dominica. If you’re attracted by luxury and a booming tourist industry, then St Lucia is the right choice.
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 comparison articles:
- Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Comparison Guide
- 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 St Kitts Citizenship
- Antigua vs Dominica Citizenship
- Antigua vs Grenada Citizenship
Frequently Asked Questions about St Lucia vs Dominica Citizenship
Can I acquire St Lucia citizenship?
Thanks to St Lucia citizenship by investment, investors and their families can acquire citizenship in 10 to 12 months in exchange for a minimum investment of $240,000. The program offers four investment routes: A donation to the NEF, real estate investment, enterprise investment, and government bonds. All applications are processed by the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit.
Can I acquire Dominica citizenship?
Thanks to Dominica citizenship by investment, investors and their families can obtain second citizenship in just 6 to 9 months. The qualifying investment is $200,000, and available investment routes are a donation to the Dominica Economic Diversification Fund and real estate investment. All applications are processed by the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit.
St Lucia or Dominica citizenship: Which one to pick?
Both Caribbean citizenship by investment programs have excellent benefits. Citizenship of St Lucia will give you more visa free travel access, while citizenship of Dominica is more affordable overall. Both countries accept dual citizenship. Dominica allows donations and real estate investments, while St Lucia has a refundable government bonds option. Costs vary, but St Lucia tends to be more affordable for larger families.
What is the validity of the passport received through St Lucia's and Dominica's citizenship by investment programs?
The St Lucia passport must be renewed every ten years. Dominica passports are also valid for ten years. Children under 16 must renew their passport after five years in both Dominica and St Lucia.
Do I need to visit St Lucia or Dominica during the application process for citizenship?
Both the Dominica and St Lucia CBI application processes can be completed remotely, including the mandatory citizenship interview.
Can my family members also apply for citizenship through the St Lucia and Dominica investment programs?
Both Dominica and St Lucia allow family members to be included in your CBI application. This additional dependent must meet the requirements of the country’s program. Dominica allows a spouse, children under 30, and parents and grandparents over 65 to be included. St Lucia allows a spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 55, and siblings under 18.
Which is better, Dominica or St Lucia?
Dominica and St Lucia Dominica offer natural beauty, investment opportunities in eco-tourism, and laid-back lifestyles. Both Caribbean CBI programs are affordable. St Lucia is better for families you and offers more investments, whereas Dominica’s Caribbean passport is cheaper for single applicants and offers visa free access to China.
