Grenada and Dominica, each boasting their unique charm and allure, have carved a niche for themselves in the world of citizenship by investment. However, the choice between Grenada vs Dominica citizenship can be daunting, as investors must weigh various factors such as investment requirements, visa free travel opportunities, and the overall benefits of obtaining citizenship from either country.
In this guide, we delve into the intricacies of the Dominica vs Grenada citizenship by investment programs, dissecting:
Dominica and Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program Benefits
Fast application process
Minimum investment starts from $200,000
Multiple investment options
Family
eligibility
No residency requirements
Favorable tax environment
Visa free travel to over 140 countries
Dual
citizenship
How Investors Choose a Second Passport between Grenada and Dominica
Personal lifestyle preferences and objectives determine which second citizenship and passport investors choose between Dominica and Grenada. Typical factors include:
- Enhancing global mobility
- Reducing tax obligations
- Relocation preferences
- Citizenship cost
- Family security
Many investors consider Grenada citizenship as it offers more visa free travel options, including the UK and Ireland, which a Dominica passport doesn’t offer. Others opt for Dominica due to the significantly lower cost of obtaining a Caribbean passport.
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Grenada vs Dominica: The Main Points
Grenada Citizenship by Investment | Dominica Citizenship by Investment | |
Application Time | Nine months | Six to nine months |
Passport Global Ranking | 74th. Visa free access to China, Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the UK, Ireland, and the Schengen Area | 78th. Visa free access to China, Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, and, the Schengen Area |
Qualifying Investment | NTF: $235,000 donation for a single applicant or a family of up to four Real estate: $270,000 joint purchase or $350,000 sole purchase | EDF: $200,000 donation for a single applicant and $250,000 donation for a family of up to four Real estate: $200,000 real estate investment |
Taxes | No income tax on foreign income, wealth tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax | No income tax on foreign income, wealth tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax |
Residency Requirements | No stay requirements | No stay requirements |
Family Eligibility | Inclusion of spouse, dependent children under 30, unmarried siblings with no children, parents and grandparents | Inclusion of spouse, children under 30 in education, unmarried daughters under 25, parents and grandparents over 65 |
Application Requirements | No language or residency requirements | No language or residency requirements |
Grenada Citizenship by Investment
Famous for being the “Spice Island” of the Caribbean – due to its production of spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg – Grenada offers a stable political environment, a warm and tropical climate, and a friendly and welcoming local population. Grenada is made up of three main islands: Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique, as well as a collection of smaller islands. Here you’ll find an unspoiled natural environment full of wonderful things to do and see, such as exploring the nation’s rich history by visiting the Underwater Sculpture Park in St George’s. You can also visit the numerous waterfalls and beaches, go on hikes, enjoy watersports, and more.
The third of five Caribbean countries to establish a citizenship by investment program, the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program was launched in 2013 and offers foreign investors and their families a fast and straightforward way to obtain second citizenship in the Caribbean.
Investment options
Grenada’s citizenship program offers two investment routes:
- Non-refundable donation of at least $235,000 to the National Transformation Fund (NTF). For a family of up to four, the minimum donation is also $235,000.
- Investment of at least $270,000 in real estate shares or $350,000 as a sole owner
In addition to the qualifying investment, you will also encounter due diligence fees, application fees, processing fees, interview fees, and government fees.
Family eligibility
- Spouse or future spouse
- Children under 18
- Children aged 18 to 29, if supported by the principal applicant or spouse
- Dependent children aged 18 or older who are physically/mentally challenged
- Parents/grandparents of the principal applicant or spouse if financially dependent on the principal applicant or spouse
- Unmarried siblings of the principal applicant or spouse who are 18 and older without children
Citizenship benefits
The benefits of obtaining citizenship by investment in Grenada are many, including a fast obtainment period and the ability to recover your initial investment when investing in real estate, a second passport for your family members, smooth banking processes on the island compared to non-citizens, and the option to educate your children abroad thanks to the nation’s close historical and economic ties with the UK and US. The investment options are also relatively affordable for individuals and families.
Dominica Citizenship by Investment
Dominica – officially the Commonwealth of Dominica – is an island located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. This beautiful island is known for its lush rainforests and tropical climate and is a popular vacation spot for everyone for families and retirees to digital nomads. The main languages spoken here are English and French Patois, and the island offers plenty in the way of entertainment. The National Museum of Dominica houses an outstanding collection highlighting the nation’s social history, archaeology, culture, and geology, while the Botanical Gardens allows you to have an up-close look at the island’s variety of fauna and flora.
Another attraction is the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program, which was established in 1993, as it offers investors and their families an affordable way to obtain Dominica citizenship in a relatively short period of time.
Investment options
If you choose to pursue the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program, you can apply under the following investment routes:
- Minimum donation of $200,000 to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF). For a family of four, the minimum contribution is $250,000.
- Minimum purchase of $200,000 worth of real estate shares in a development project approved by the government.
In addition to the qualifying contribution amount for each route, you will need to pay fees such as due diligence fees, application fees, passport fees, government fees, and Oath of Allegiance fees.
Family eligibility
- Spouse
- Children of the principal applicant or spouse under 18
- Children between 21 and 30 attending in full-time education and supported by the principal applicant or spouse
- Unmarried daughters under 25 supported by and living with the principal applicant or spouse
- Mentally or physically challenged dependent children supported by the principal applicant or spouse
- Dependent parents/ grandparents of the principal applicant or spouse over 65 years old
Citizenship benefits
As a Dominica citizen, you can enjoy the many benefits of having a Caribbean passport. This includes affordable investment options, visa free travel to over 140 destinations across the globe, and the opportunity to apply for a long-term B-1/B-2 visitor visa to the US. This visa is particularly useful if you frequently travel to the US as it enables you to remain in the country for up to six months a year and attend business meetings/conferences, take short-term courses, and get treatment at local hospitals. In addition to this, you can benefit from an optimized tax environment, dual citizenship, and the possibility of receiving a return on your investment under the real estate route.
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Our team of industry-leading experts will help you with everything from filing your immigration application to providing professional legal and tax advice. We are wholly committed to your success.
Joe Rice
Head of Caribbean Unit
Grenada vs Dominica Citizenship: Which program is right for you?
The right citizenship program for you will depend on your individual circumstances and expectations. The pros and cons of these Caribbean citizenship by investment programs come down to a few key factors, which we discuss below.
Eligibility criteria
Investors must fulfill the eligibility criteria to apply for both Grenadian or Dominican citizenship by investment. The citizenship requirements for each CBI program define that the main applicant must:
- Be over 18
- Have an outstanding character
- Be in good health
- Hold a clean criminal regard
- Pass a detailed background check
- Make the necessary investment
Restricted nationalities
Seven nationalities are prohibited from applying for Grenada’s citizenship program, and six nationalities are prohibited from participating in Dominica’s.
Grenada: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, and Yemen
Dominica: Belarus, Northern Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Russia, and Yemen
Visa free destinations
Both the Grenada passport and Dominica passport offer visa free access to over 140 countries, including China and Russia. A key difference in the Dominica vs Grenada passport strength is that Grenada passport holders have the added option to travel visa free to the UK and European Union countries, which is one of the key Grenada citizenship advantages over Dominica.
Country | Grenada Passport Holders | Dominica Passport Holders |
Schengen Countries | Visa free | Visa free |
OECS Countries | Passport free | Passport free |
China | Visa free | Visa free |
United Kingdom | Visa free | Visa required |
Hong Kong | Visa free | Visa free |
Ireland | Visa free | Visa required |
South Korea | eTA | eTA |
Saudi Arabia | E-visa | Visa required |
Thailand | Visa required | E-visa |
Additionally, Grenada citizens qualify for the long-term US E-2 Visa.
Passport validity
When comparing Grenada vs Dominica passport validity, all Grenada passports require renewal every five years. In contrast, Dominica’s passports are valid for five years for children under 16 and ten years for citizens 16 and over.
Grenada vs Dominica international flight routes
Dominica and Grenada offer direct international flights to several countries. Dominica residents can travel directly to more destinations in the Caribbean, whereas Grenada offers passport holders more flights across the United States and Canada.
Investment options
Both the Grenada and Dominica citizenship by investment programs offer two investment routes: A fund donation and a real estate investment. Applicants to the Grenada CBI program can make a non-refundable donation to the National Transformation Fund, purchase a property in approved real estate projects as a sole owner, or invest in government-approved real estate shares. Applicants to the Dominica CBI program can make a non-refundable contribution to the country’s Economic Diversification Fund or invest in government-approved real estate projects.
For Dominica citizenship investment options vs Grenada concerning real estate, Grenada offers more real estate projects that qualify for its program.
Citizenship timeline
Both Caribbean nations have a similar processing time to obtain Caribbean citizenship. Dominica is slightly faster when comparing the Grenada citizenship application process vs Dominica, with a six to nine months processing time versus nine months in Grenada.
Flexible requirements
While the Grenadian passport is more powerful, Dominica’s citizenship program is more convenient and streamlined for investors. Grenada citizens get to travel more freely with more visa free countries, but Dominica citizenship by investment has fewer requirements, lower costs, and is processed faster.
The application process for both Caribbean CBI programs can be completed remotely from the comfort of your current location. Additionally, neither Caribbean country requires you to spend any time there in order to maintain your citizenship once it has been granted. Finally, both programs require applicants to partake in mandatory interviews as part of the due diligence process. For Grenada, this includes applicants aged 17 and older. For Dominica, this includes applicants aged 16 and older. Fortunately, the interview process for both programs is conducted virtually.
Family inclusion
Grenada offers broad eligibility criteria when comparing qualified dependents in Dominica vs Grenada. Both countries allow children under 18 or those in full-time education, mentally challenged dependent children, and dependent parents and grandparents. However, Dominica has a minimum age limit of 65 for dependent parents and grandparents, whereas Grenada does not. Furthermore, Grenada allows unmarried siblings of the main applicant and spouse to apply for citizenship.
Citizenship cost
For a Grenada vs Dominica citizenship comparison regarding cost, both the Grenada and Dominica CBI programs offer relatively affordable investment routes. However, Dominica’s minimum investment amount is lower for individuals, starting at $200,000, compared to $235,000 in Grenada. In contrast, Grenada’s program is cheaper for families of four members, starting at $235,000 compared to $250,000 in Dominica.
In addition to the qualifying contribution to the country’s economy for each program’s investment routes, here is a comparison of the Grenada vs Dominica citizenship cost concerning additional fees. The table below breaks down the fees associated with the CBI programs.
Cost | Grenada | Dominica |
Application Fee | $1,500 per person | $1,000 per application |
Due Diligence Fee | $5,000 per family member aged 17 or over | $7,500 for a single applicant $4,000 per family member aged 16 or over |
Government Fee | Real estate: $50,000 for a family of up to four | Real estate: $75,000 for a single applicant $100,000 for a family of up to four |
Interview Fee | $1,000 per applicant aged 17 or over | N/A |
Processing Fee | $500 per person under 18 $1,500 per person aged 18 or over | N/A |
Passport Fee | N/A | $500 per passport |
Oath of Allegiance Fee | N/A | $250 per person |
As you can see from our Grenada vs Dominica citizenship guide, there are many benefits to each Caribbean citizenship program. The right option to obtain Caribbean passports for you and your family will depend on your circumstances and the kind of advantages you would like to benefit from. For families of four, Dominica offers a more affordable route, but if you require easy access to the UK – perhaps for business – then Grenada is the better option. Why not contact us today to help you kickstart your application and get you one step closer to your dream of second citizenship in the Caribbean.
Tax benefits
In regard to the Grenada vs Dominica tax benefits for citizens, the governments of both Dominica and Grenada have created favorable tax environments with policies intended to attract foreign investment in their respective Caribbean islands. These policies include no income tax on foreign income, no wealth tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax, and even tax exemptions or holidays. For example, Dominica has double tax treaties with the US and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), meaning you will not face restrictions on the repatriation of profits or imported capital. Grenada, on the other hand, offers a lower tax rate of ten percent for hotels, villa-type accommodations, and dive operations.
Dominica vs Grenada Citizenship Pros and Cons
Grenada
Strong points
- Visa-free access to the UK
- Flexible family eligibility requirements
- Opportunity to obtain a US E-2 Visa to settle in the US
- Higher passport rank
Weak points
- More expensive for single applicants and families
- Longer average processing time
- Only five years passport validity
Dominica
Strong points
- Affordable investment options starting at $200,000
- Opportunity to apply for a B-1/B-2 Visa to the US
- Fast obtainment period
- Voted the “Best Citizenship by Investment Program in the World” for four years in a row by the CBI Index
Weak points
- The program has faced criticism, resulting in visa-free travel restrictions for citizens
- Only 8 approved real estate options versus 19 in Grenada
- Fewer direct international flight options
Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?
When working with Global Citizen Solutions, you will benefit from the following:
- 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.
Get in touch with a Caribbean Citizenship by Investment specialist
Frequently Asked Questions about Grenada vs Dominica
When it comes to obtaining Caribbean citizenship, you can choose from five countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. If it’s a choice between the Caribbean countries of Grenada and Dominica, the best choice for you will depend on your individual circumstances and requirements. Both passports enable visa-free travel to over 140 countries, but Grenadian passport holders have the added benefit of access to the UK. Grenada also ranks slightly higher on the Global Passport Index, but Dominica offers more affordable investment options.
Yes, you can acquire Grenada citizenship through the country’s citizenship by investment program. By investing a minimum of $235,000 in the country, and meeting the program’s eligibility requirements, you can obtain a Caribbean passport for you and your family. Citizenship is lifelong and can be passed down to future generations.
Yes, you can obtain citizenship in Dominica by applying to the country’s citizenship by investment program. Under the program, you can make a real estate investment or make a donation to the Economic Diversification Fund. The minimum contribution amount is $200,000 for a single applicant or $250,000 for a family of four. All applicants must meet the program’s eligibility requirements, such as be older than 18 and have a clean criminal background, in order to become Dominica passport holders.
Both Grenada and Dominica are politically stable, with democratic governance and regular and peaceful elections. However, one of the benefits of Grenada citizenship over Dominica is that the Grenadian government has successfully managed its citizenship program without facing penalties, unlike Dominica, where citizens encounter restricted visa-free travel and international mobility due to program mismanagement.
The best Caribbean citizenship by investment program for you will depend on your individual circumstances and needs. To help you choose, here is our list of comparison articles:
- Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Comparison
- St Kitts vs Dominica Citizenship
- St Lucia vs Dominica Citizenship
- Antigua vs St Kitts 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
Some of the main differences between the CBI programs of Grenada and Dominica include:
- A lower minimum investment requirement of $200,000 in Dominica versus $235,000 in Grenada
- A lower minimum real estate investment of $200,000 in Dominica versus $270,000 in Grenada
- The option to purchase a single property or make a joint investment in real estate in Grenada’s program
- The option to obtain a US E-2 Visa with Grenada citizenship
