The decision to acquire a second citizenship is significant, often driven by many factors such as enhanced global mobility, economic diversification, and the pursuit of a better quality of life. However, choosing the right program that aligns with your specific goals and needs is crucial. In this article, we will conduct a detailed comparison of the Antigua vs St Kitts citizenship by investment programs, evaluating their respective benefits, requirements, and potential advantages to help you make an informed decision on your path to securing a Caribbean passport. Whether you’re looking for a tropical escape, a foothold in the global marketplace, or a combination of both, this comparative analysis will help you navigate the world of Caribbean citizenship.Â
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Program Benefits​
Fast application process
Minimum investment starts from $230,000
Multiple investment options
Family eligibility
No residency requirements
Favorable tax environment
Visa-free travel to over 140 countries
Dual citizenship
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Antigua vs St Kitts Citizenship: The Main Points
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment | St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment | |
Application Time | Six months | Four to six months |
Global Passport Ranking | 59th. Visa-free travel to Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the UK, the Schengen Zone, and more. | 53rd. Visa-free travel to Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the UK, the Schengen Zone, and more. |
Qualifying Investment | • NDF: Minimum donation of $230,000 (single applicant or family of four) • Real estate: $300,000 minimum investment • Business investment: $400,000 minimum investment • UWI Fund: $260,000 minimum donation | • SISC: Minimum donation of $250,000 (single applicant) / $250,000 (family of four) • Real estate: $400,000 minimum investment (Approved Project) / $800,000 (single-family home) • PBO: $250,000 minimum investment |
Taxes | No income tax on foreign income, wealth tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax. | No income, wealth tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax. |
Residency Requirements | Five days during the first five years of citizenship. | No stay requirements. |
Family Eligibility | Inclusion of spouse or future spouse, dependent children under 30, dependent siblings, parents and grandparents aged 55 and over. | Inclusion of spouse, children under 25, and parents aged 55 and over. |
Application Requirements | No language requirements. | No language or residency requirements. |
Who can apply for citizenship?Â
To make an application for citizenship through either of these programs, the main applicant must fulfill the following requirements:Â
- Be over 18 years oldÂ
- Be able to demonstrate an outstanding characterÂ
- Be in excellent healthÂ
- Have a clean criminal recordÂ
- Pass a detailed background checkÂ
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Program
Antigua and Barbuda is a stunning Caribbean nation famous for having a beach for each day of the year, sparkling turquoise waters, a rich history and vibrant culture, popular carnival celebrations, and iconic historical sites. Add to this the great weather that makes it easy to spend plenty of time doing outdoor activities, delicious local dishes, and friendly local population – Antigua and Barbuda is an ideal destination for everyone from investors and tourists to families and retirees.
Established in 2013, the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program is a quick and relatively affordable way for investors and their families to obtain Caribbean citizenship in exchange for making a qualifying economic investment in the country.
Investment options
The program offers four investment routes by which applicants can obtain citizenship on the island:
- Non-refundable donation of at least $230,000 to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund (NDF)
- Non-refundable donation of at least $260,000 to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund. This option is geared towards families of at least six members and entitles one of the applicants to a one-year scholarship to the university.
- Minimum investment of $325,000 in government-approved real estate or shares of real estate projects. The investment must be held for five years
- Minimum investment of $400,000 in an enterprise worth $5 million, or a $1.5 million investment as a solo investor
In addition to the minimum contribution amount, applicants will be required to pay additional fees such as due diligence fees, processing fees, and passport fees.
Family eligibility
- Spouse or future spouse
- Children under 18
- Children aged 18 to 30, if supported by the principal applicant or spouse (as well as their spouse and dependent children)
- Dependent children aged 18 or older who are physically/mentally challenged
- Parents or grandparents of the principal applicant or spouse if aged 55 or over and financially dependent on the principal applicant or spouse
- Unmarried siblings of the principal applicant or spouse
Citizenship benefits
Antigua and Barbuda passport holders enjoy many benefits, such as visa-free travel to over 140 countries and the opportunity to obtain a ten-year B-1/B-2 US tourist visa. As a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, Antigua and Barbuda offers its citizens a stable economy, access to European banking services, and a citizenship by investment application process that takes an average of six months to complete.
Antigua and Barbuda passport
The Antigua and Barbuda passport ranks 59th on our Global Passport Index, which considers factors such as enhanced mobility, quality of life, and economic investment. The passport is valid for five years and Antigua and Barbuda passport holders can benefit from enhanced global mobility, including visa-free access to over 140 destinations, such as the Schengen Zone, Hong Kong, Russia, and Singapore.
St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Program
The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program is a prestigious and well-established initiative that allows individuals from around the world to acquire citizenship in the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis by making a qualifying investment. Situated in the Eastern Caribbean, this twin-island nation offers not only a picturesque tropical paradise but also a unique opportunity for investors seeking a second passport and the associated benefits that come with it.Â
Investment optionsÂ
The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program offers the following investment options:Â
- A non-refundable donation to the State Island State Contribution (SISC) starting at $250,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four.Â
- Invest at least $325,000 in shares in pre-approved real estate development projects, purchase a condominium worth at least $325,000, or purchase a single-family private home for at least $600,000. The investment must be held for seven years.Â
- Invest a minimum of $250,000 directly in an Approved Public Benefit Project.Â
In addition to the qualifying contribution, you will need to pay due diligence fees, government fees, application fees, and passport fees, depending on the investment route you choose.Â
Family eligibility
- Spouse
- Children under 18Â
- Children aged 18 to 25, if in full-time education and fully supported by the principal applicant or spouse
- Dependent children aged 18 or older who are physically/mentally challengedÂ
- Parents of the principal applicant or spouse aged 55 or over and financially dependent on the principal applicant or spouseÂ
St Kitts and Nevis citizenship benefitsÂ
As a citizen of St Kitts and Nevis, you will have access to quality education, a lenient taxation system, a robust banking sector, a strong economy, and the opportunity to obtain a B-1/B-2 visa to the US that is valid for ten years. Â
St Kitts and Nevis passportÂ
The St Kitts and Nevis passport is strong, ranking 53rd on our Global Passport Index based on enhanced mobility, economic investment, and quality of life. Through the nation’s CBI program, you can become a St Kitts and Nevis passport holder in just four to six months and pass your lifelong citizenship down to future generations.Â
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Which program is right for you?
In this section, we’ll be comparing Antigua and St Kitts citizenship benefits under a few key points.Â
Taxes and fees for individual residentsÂ
Antigua vs St Kitts tax benefits for citizens are similar, with both countries offering advantageous tax environments and policies from which citizens can benefit. In the table below, we’ll outline some tax benefits of citizenship in Antigua compared to St Kitts.Â
Taxes and fees | Antigua and Barbuda | St Kitts and Nevis |
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 |
St Kitts and Nevis’ zero local and worldwide income taxes make it the best island in the Caribbean for retirees to live when it comes to optimizing taxes.
Visa-free countriesÂ
Visa-free travel with Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis citizenship is similar, with analysis of Antigua vs St Kitts passport strength showing visa free access to over 150 countries with both passports. St Kitts and Nevis passports grants slightly more access, with a 153 visa free countries compared to 151 with an Antigua passport; however, Antigua citizens can travel to China visa free.
Investment optionsÂ
Both CBI programs offer multiple investment options, including a fund donation, real estate investment, and business investment. Antigua also offers the opportunity to donate to the University of the West Indies Fund, with the added benefit of receiving a year’s free tuition at the university for a family member.
Dual citizenshipÂ
You may wonder: Which is better for dual citizenship: Antigua or St Kitts? Well, both countries recognize dual citizenship and allow applicants to maintain their existing citizenship when they are granted citizenship in the country.Â
Citizenship costÂ
For an Antigua vs St Kitts citizenship cost comparison, obtaining citizenship in Antigua is significantly cheaper, with an investment threshold of $230,000 vs $250,000 in St Kitts. It’s the same case for a Caribbean passport application for a family of four, costing $230,000 in Antigua and Barbuda vs at least $250,000 in St Kitts and Nevis. For real estate investments, applicants must invest at least $325,000 in approved real estate projects in Antigua and at least $325,000 in St Kitts, making the St Kitts program twice as expensive.
Besides the qualifying investment, Antigua and Barbuda’s program has lower due diligence fees, with a main applicant fee of $7,500 vs $10,000 in St Kitts and Nevis.
Flexible requirementsÂ
The application process for both programs can be completed remotely. Qualifying for a second citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis requires applicants to be aged 16 and older and partake in mandatory interviews, which are conducted online. Once you have been granted citizenship in St Kitts, you must collect your Certificate of Registration in person on the island or from an approved Consulate or Embassy. One of the primary St Kitts citizenship benefits over Antigua is there is no residency requirement in St Kitts. Once you have obtained citizenship in Antigua, you must spend at least five days in the country during the first five years of citizenship in order to maintain it.Â
Age limits for eligible family membersÂ
Regarding Antigua vs St Kitts citizenship comparison for family applications, both programs allow for the inclusion of family members in the main applicant’s citizenship by investment application. St Kitts and Nevis has more restricted requirements, not allowing siblings or grandparents to be included. The table below outlines each program’s age limits for eligible family members.Â
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 | 55 and over |
Grandparents | 55 and over | Not eligible |
As you can see, Antigua and Barbuda is more flexible in terms of who it allows to be included in the application. A further advantage of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program is that it allows for the later inclusion of family members at any time following the conclusion of the citizenship process, at an additional fee.Â
St Kitts vs Antigua Citizenship by Investment Pros and Cons
Antigua
Strong pointsÂ
- Most affordable route for larger families thanks to the NDF ($230,000 donation) and the UWI Fund ($260,000 donation)Â
- More affordable business investment option, starting from $400,000Â
- Multiple investment routesÂ
- More flexible family eligibility requirementsÂ
- Opportunity to obtain a ten-year B-1/B-2 visitor visa to the USÂ
Weak pointsÂ
- Weaker passport and fewer options to travel visa free
- Program not as globally respected as St Kitt’
- Stay requirement
St Kitts
Strong pointsÂ
- Longest-running CBI programÂ
- No stay requirementsÂ
- Higher rank of 53rd on the Global Passport IndexÂ
- Opportunity to obtain a ten-year B-1/B-2 visitor visa to the USÂ
- PBO contribution and real estate investment amount stays the same no matter the number of dependentsÂ
Weak pointsÂ
- Most expensive Caribbean CBI program
- High age limit for parents and no eligibility for grandparents
- Fewer real estate projects
Keep reading
You may find it helpful to check out our other Caribbean citizenship comparison articles:
- Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Comparison
- St Kitts vs Dominica Citizenship
- St Lucia vs Dominica Citizenship
- Grenada vs Dominica Citizenship
- Grenada vs St Kitts Citizenship
- Grenada vs St Lucia Citizenship
- St Kitts vs St Lucia Citizenship
- Antigua vs Grenada Citizenship
- Antigua vs St Lucia Citizenship
- Antigua vs Dominica Citizenship
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- Global approach by local experts. We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean citizenship 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Antigua vs St Kitts Citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis are two of five nations in the Caribbean that offer citizenship by investment (CBI) programs. Through these programs, you can obtain citizenship in the country by making an economic contribution under one of their investment routes. The minimum contribution amount is $230,000 for Antigua and $250,000 for St Kitts. Â
In terms of the cost of citizenship in Antigua vs St Kitts, Antigua is more affordable with a minimum investment starting at $230,000. In comparison, the minimum contribution to obtain St Kitts citizenship is $250,000. Both programs include additional fees such as due diligence fees, application fees, and passport fees. As such, the overall cost of citizenship in both countries will depend on the investment route and the number of family members included in the application.
A comparison of investment options in Antigua and St Kitts citizenship programs shows the following: Antigua offers two fund investment options (National Development Fund and University of the West Indies Fund), real estate investment, and a business investment, while St Kitts offers a fund donation (Sustainable Island State Contribution), real estate investment, and a contribution to an Approved Public Benefit Project.Â
The processing time for Antigua and St Kitts citizenship programs is similar, with Antigua’s average processing time being six months and St Kitts’ being four to six months.
No, there are no language requirements for citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis or Antigua and Barbuda.
Yes, you can include your family in your citizenship application to Antigua and St Kitts. Both nations allow the inclusion of a spouse, children, and parents. Antigua and Barbuda also allows applicants to include siblings and grandparents. Family members must satisfy the eligibility requirements for each program.
