Grenada vs St Kitts Citizenship by Investment Program Analysis

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So, you’ve explored the merits of obtaining a second passport and have narrowed your options to the Caribbean. There are several programs to choose from and your unique circumstances, needs, and goals will determine the best fit for you and your family. In this article, we aim to help your decision-making process by comparing the Grenada vs St Kitts citizenship by investment programs. In no time you’ll be on your way to making an informed decision and getting started on your journey to dual citizenship. 

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Program Benefits​

Fast application process
Minimum investment starts from $235,000
Multiple investment options
Family
eligibility
No residency requirements
Favorable tax environment
Visa free travel to over 140 countries
Dual
citizenship

Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.

Grenada vs St Kitts Citizenship: The Main Points

Grenada Citizenship by Investment

St Kitts Citizenship by Investment

Application Time

Nine months

Four to six months

Global Passport Ranking

74th

53rd

Qualifying Investment

NTF minimum donation: $235,000 (single applicant) / $235,000 (family of four) OR Real estate investment: $270,000 minimum

SISC minimum donation: $250,000 (single applicant) / $250,000 (family of four) OR Real estate investment: $325,000 minimum OR Public Benefit Option: $250,000

Taxes

No income tax on worldwide income, no wealth tax, gift tax, or capital gains tax

No income tax, no wealth tax, gift tax, inheritance tax or capital gains tax

Residency Requirements

No stay requirements

No stay requirements

Family Eligibility

Includes spouse, dependent children under 30, siblings over 18 (unmarried with no children), parents and grandparents

Includes spouse, dependent children up to age 25, parents over 55

Application Requirements

No language test, or residency requirement

No language test or residency requirement

Who can apply for citizenship? 

Before submitting an application for either of these CBI programs, the main 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  
  • Pass a detailed background check 

Grenada Citizenship by Investment

move to carriacou and petite martinique

One of the southernmost islands of the tropical Caribbean, Grenada is a much sought-after Caribbean retirement destination for senior citizens. It is as well known for its spices as it is for its beaches and is one of the world’s largest producers of cinnamon and nutmeg, the latter actually appearing on the national flag. In 2013, Grenada entered the citizenship by investment marketplace, becoming the fourth Caribbean island to do so after St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and Antigua. The program gives foreign investors the opportunity to obtain Grenada citizenship by making a financial contribution to the nation’s economic growth.  

Investment options 

The Grenada CBI program offers two routes by which applicants can obtain citizenship on the island:  

  • A non-refundable minimum donation of $235,000 for a single applicant family of four to the National Transformation Fund (NTF).  
  • Investment in pre-approved real estate for a minimum of:  
  • $350,000 for a property purchase as a sole owner 
  • $270,000 in shares of real estate projects for tourist accommodations  

In addition to the minimum contribution, applicants will be required to pay additional fees such as due diligence fees, application fees, processing fees, government fees, and interview fees.  

Grenada citizenship benefits 

  1. Plan B. As we’ve seen in the past few decades, world politics and economies can be unpredictable, so planning for your family’s future is wise. A second citizenship gives you the flexibility you might need and can create new opportunities and a sense of security. Grenada’s second passports are an excellent plan B.  
  2. Enhanced global mobility. Grenada citizens enjoy visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the UK, the European Union, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Russia.  
  3. No obligatory length of stay. You are not required to live in or even visit Grenada. Your entire application from start to finish can be conducted remotely and there is no residency requirement once you’ve acquired your Grenada passport. There are also no language tests or academic requirements.  
  4. Family inclusion. The CBI application is family-inclusive, embracing your entire family – spouse, dependent children, parents, siblings, and even grandparents. Even better, lifelong citizenship is automatically passed on to the future generation. Moreover, Grenada recognizes dual nationality, so you don’t have to give up your nationality to reap the program’s benefits. 
  5. Tax advantages. Comparing tax advantages of Grenada vs St Kitts citizenship reveal benefits from both countries. Tax residents, non-residents, and citizens alike enjoy an attractive tax structure with no tax on foreign income and no wealth or inheritance tax. 
  6. US visa opportunity. One of the unique benefits of citizenship in Grenada versus St Kitts is Grenada is the only Caribbean country whose citizens are eligible for the E-2 Visa that offers investors the opportunity to settle in the USA. There are only 80 countries that are eligible for this visa. 

Grenada passport 

Looking at the Grenada vs St Kitts passport strength, the Grenada passport ranks 74th in the Global Passport Index, affording holders visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen region of Europe, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Russia.  

Take a look at our Grenada Citizenship Ultimate Guide by local experts

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St Kitts Citizenship by Investment

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The twin-island country of St Kitts and Nevis is the pioneer of Caribbean citizenship by investment programs, being the first to introduce the scheme in 1984. The economy, once dependent on a thriving sugarcane industry, is now mainly fueled by tourism, with manufacturing and offshore banking also contributing to the GDP. The CBI program grants investment citizenship to individuals and families in exchange for a minimum qualifying contribution of $250,000 to the country’s development. 

Investment options 

The St Kitts CBI program offers three investment options: 

  • A $250,000 minimum donation to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) which is a government fund supporting the economic, environmental, and social prosperity of the country. 
  • A $400,000 minimum investment in a government pre-approved real estate project, of which there are many; a $400,000 purchase of a condominium unit, or the purchase of a single-family private dwelling worth at least $800,000. 
  • A minimum of $250,000 invested in a public benefit unit known as Approved Public Benefit Projects. 

St Kitts and Nevis citizenship benefits 

  1. Improved global mobility. Comparing the Grenada vs St Kitts passport visa free countries comparison, a St Kitts passport holder has the advantage, with the option of visa free travel to over 150 countries, including the UK, the European Union, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Russia.  
  2. Plan B. A second citizenship gives you flexibility and creates opportunities in a world where politics and the economy can be unpredictable. Having a St Kitts passport is an excellent plan B.  
  3. Family inclusion. The citizenship application is inclusive, covering your family – spouse, dependent children, and parents. Citizenship lasts a lifetime and is automatically passed on to your descendants. Additionally, you can opt to keep your existing nationality since St Kitts recognizes dual nationality.  
  4. No residency requirements. Not only can you complete the entire application process remotely, but there are also no residency requirements once you’ve acquired your St Kitts passport. You are not required to be physically in St Kitts at any point, and there are no language tests or academic requirements.  
  5. Tax advantages. A comparison of the tax benefits for citizens of Grenada versus St Kitts swings to St Kitts citizenship, with neither tax residents nor non-tax residents required to pay personal income tax in St Kitts. In addition, there is no wealth or inheritance tax. 

St Kitts passport 

Among the five Caribbean countries offering citizenship by investment, the St Kitts and Nevis vs Grenada passport advantages are clear. Grenada provides visa free access to China whereas St Kitts offers the most powerful Caribbean CBI passport.

According to the Global Passport Index which assesses countries’ passports based on factors such as enhanced mobility and quality of life, St Kitts ranks 53rd. The St Kitts passport allows holders visa free travel to over 150 countries including the UK, the European Union, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia.

Take a look at our St Kitts Citizenship Ultimate Guide by local experts

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Grenada vs St Kitts: Which program is right for you?​

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Both the Grenada and St Kitts CBI programs provide overall similar benefits making it a challenge to select the best one for your unique circumstances. Let’s take a detailed look at what differentiates the two investment programs. 

Tax benefits 

  • Personal income tax: St Kitts and Nevis has one of the more attractive tax regimes in the Caribbean when comparing Grenada vs St Kitts tax benefits, with no personal income tax for tax residents or non-residents. In contrast, Grenada residents pay income tax on annual incomes exceeding EC$36,000 with rates starting at 10 percent. 
  • Value Added Tax (VAT): Both Grenada and St Kitts charge VAT on goods and services with a few exceptions. The rate in Grenada is lower – 15 percent compared to 17 percent in St Kitts.  
  • Corporate tax: Tax resident companies in Grenada pay a 28 percent corporate tax whereas in St Kitts the tax rate is 33 percent.  

Visa free countries 

Grenada passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to over 140 countries including Russia and China. Similarly, the St Kitts and Nevis passports grant visa-free travel to over 140 countries, however, the list of countries excludes China.  

Time to citizenship 

Regarding the Grenada vs St Kitts citizenship processing time, both citizenship by investment programs offer fast processing times with a slight variation between the two programs. As the process to acquire Caribbean citizenship through both Caribbean programs requires submitting applications through an Authorized Agent, there is little difference in how to apply for citizenship in Grenada or St Kitts. The Grenada program takes nine months to process, and St Kitt’s citizenship program has a shorter processing time of around four to six months.  

Investment options 

For a comparison of the Grenada citizenship by investment vs St Kitts investment options, those seeking a Grenada passport by investment have only two investment options available; either a donation to the National Transformation Fund or a pre-approved real estate investment. If the investment opportunities in Grenada vs St Kitts for citizens is a key consideration, St Kitts and Nevis passport hopefuls have more investment options – a Sustainable Island State Contribution, property investment, or approved Public Benefit Projects. Additionally, when measuring real estate investment for citizenship in Grenada and St Kitts, St Kitts has more government approved projects.

Citizenship cost

The cost of citizenship in Grenada vs St Kitts in 2024 varies, but Grenada generally has lower investment requirements. The St Kitts and Nevis CBI program has a minimum qualifying investment of $250,000 for a single applicant or a family of four. Grenada’s minimum qualifying investment is currently $235,000 for a single applicant or a family of four, making its CBI program more affordable than St Kitts. Processing and passport fees are also lower in Grenada.

The cost of Grenada vs St Kitts real estate investment for citizenship also differs. Applicants in Grenada can make a joint investment in real of $270,000 to qualify, whereas St Kitts and Nevis applicants are required to purchase at least $400,000 worth of real estate in a joint purchase. The Grenada vs St Kitts citizenship cost is even wider for a sole real estate purchase, with Grenada’s minimum investment requirement of $350,000 vs $800,000 in St Kitts and Nevis.

Family inclusion 

Regarding family inclusion in Grenada vs St Kitts citizenship program, Grenada’s CBI program is more inclusive, allowing for more family members to accompany the main applicant: 

  • Spouse 
  • Dependent children of the main applicant under age 30 
  • Siblings over 18 (unmarried with no children) 
  • Parents and grandparents of the main applicant 

The St Kitts CBI program allows for the inclusion of the following family members: 

  • Spouse 
  • Dependent children of the main applicant or spouse under 18; and between 18 and 25 (if fully supported by the main applicant or spouse); or 18 and over and mentally/physically challenged  
  • Parents of the main applicant or spouse aged 55 and older who are fully supported by the applicant  

Citizenship requirements 

Both Caribbean citizenship programs have a similar requirements, including mandatory virtual interviews. St Kitts and Nevis requires successful applicants to collect their Certificate of Registration in person in St Kitts and Nevis or from an approved Consulate or Embassy. 

Neither country has residency requirements, but there’s a slight difference in the Grenada vs St Kitts dual citizenship policies regarding real estate investments. Successful applicants in Grenada must maintain their real estate purchase for five years, whereas the minimum hold period in St Kitts is seven years to maintain a St Kitts and Nevis passport.

Pros and Cons of Grenada vs St Kitts Citizenship Comparison

Grenada

Strong points 

  • Lower minimum investment for single applicant and family applications
  • More approved real estate projects
  • More flexible family eligibility requirements  

Weak points 

  • Fewer investment options
  • Program not as globally renowned as St Kitts and Nevis’

St Kitts

Strong points 

  • More investment options, included an approved public benefit project
  • More visa free countries at 153 vs 147 in Grenada
  • St Kitts and Nevis passport ranks higher at 53rd on the Global Passport Index  

Weak points 

  • More expensive for a single applicant and family
  • High age limit form parents and no eligibility for grandparents
  • No visa free entry to China

Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?

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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 Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions about Grenada vs St Kitts Citizenship

The St Kitts CBI program grants citizenship and St Kitts passports to qualifying investors and their families in exchange for an investment of at least $250,000 in the country’s development. It is the oldest established Caribbean passport by investment scheme, as it was launched in 1984. 

The Grenada CBI program was launched in 2013 to allow investors and their families who are desirous of obtaining a Grenada passport the opportunity to do so by making a minimum investment of $235,000 in the country’s economy.

Both passports have their merits. According to the Global Passport Index, which ranks country passports based on factors such as enhanced mobility and quality of life, the St Kitts passport ranks higher in 53rd place while the Grenada passport is 74th.

The advantage of a St Kitts passport is that you can travel to over 150 countries visa free. With a Grenada passport, holders have visa free access to over 140 countries and are eligible for the US E-2 visa, which allows Grenadians to relocate to the US in exchange for an investment.

Individual preferences, investment goals, and personal circumstances will determine which Caribbean country between Grenada and St Kitts is better. Both countries have citizenship by investment programs offering a second passport and favorable tax regime. Grenada is a greener and more scenic island with pristine beaches. St. Kitts is less mountainous with lower annual rainfall. Regarding culture, Grenada has its spice factories and period estates, while St Kitts and Nevis has Brimstone Fort, the Sugar Train Railway, and former plantations.

When looking at Grenada vs St Kitts residency requirements, neither program requires applicants to reside in the country to qualify for citizenship. However, one of the benefits of Grenada citizenship vs St Kitts is successful applicants can sell real estate acquired to obtain citizenship two years earlier than new St Kitts citizens.

When assessing the education and healthcare benefits in Grenada vs St Kitts citizenship, it’s evident that Grenada citizens generally have access to a better education system due to well-known institutions such as St George’s University, attracting students worldwide. Neither of the family benefits of Grenada vs St Kitts citizenship include tuition-free education, which is offered to eligible applicants making a non-refundable contribution to Antigua and Barbuda’s University of the West Indies Fund.

If healthcare is a key consideration in comparing Grenada and St Kitts citizenship programs, the two countries are relatively even in terms of health infrastructure. St George’s University specializes in medicine programs, positively impacting the country’s healthcare sector through advanced medical training. At the same time, Joseph N. France General Hospital in St Kitts is affiliated with the island’s University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus, which supports medical education and training initiatives.

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