Regarding St Lucia vs Dominica citizenship, you can obtain a Caribbean passport for a minimum contribution of $100,000 and enjoy the benefits of being a Caribbean citizen. In this article, we’ll compare the requirements and benefits of St Lucia vs Dominica Citizenship to help you decide which of them is right for you.
St Lucia and Dominica, two enchanting Caribbean islands, have pioneered their own distinct CBI programs. The allure of acquiring citizenship in these tropical paradises is undeniable.
With picturesque landscapes, warm climates, and vibrant cultures, St Lucia and Dominica offer much more than just legal citizenship—they provide access to new lifestyles, business prospects, and international travel benefits. However, as with any significant financial decision, a comprehensive understanding of the nuances, advantages, and drawbacks of each program is essential. So, let’s jump right into the details of each CBI program.
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Program Benefits
Fast application process
Minimum investment starts from $100,000
Multiple investment options
Family eligibility
No residency requirements
Favorable tax environment
Visa free travel to over 140 countries
Dual citizenship
St Lucia vs Dominica Citizenship: The Main Points
Comparing the St Lucia vs Dominica passport, St Lucia citizenship allows more visa free travel access, while Dominica citizenship is more affordable overall for a single applicant. As you can see, both Caribbean citizenship programs offer straightforward ways for you to obtain Caribbean citizenship, including the option to make real estate investments or financial contributions to acquire second citizenship. And both countries use the Eastern Caribbean dollar as their official currency. So, let’s compare some key factors to help you decide which of the two is best for you.
St Lucia Citizenship by Investment | Dominica Citizenship by Investment | |
Application Time | Three to four months | Two to three months |
Passport global Ranking | 75th. Visa-free travel to the Schengen Zone, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and more. | 78th. Visa-free travel to the Schengen Zone, China, Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the UK, and more. |
Qualifying Investment | NEF: minimum donation of $100,000 (single applicant) / $150,000 (family of four) Real estate: $200,000 minimum investment Government bonds: $300,000 minimum investment Enterprise investment: $1,000,000 (joint $6,000,000 investment) / $3,500,000 (solo investor) | EDF: minimum donation of $100,000 (single applicant) / $175,000 (family of four) Real estate: $200,000 minimum investment |
Taxes | No tax on foreign income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance | No wealth, inheritance, gift, or capital gains tax |
Residence Requirements | No stay requirement | No stay requirement |
Family Inclusion | Inclusion of spouse, children, siblings under 18, and parents and grandparents over 55 | Inclusion of spouse, children, and parents and grandparents over 65 |
Application Requirements | No visitation, education, test, or managerial experience requirements | No visitation, test, education, or managerial experience requirements |
Who can apply for citizenship?
To make an application for citizenship through either of these 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
St Lucia Citizenship
St Lucia is an idyllic island nation known for its picturesque natural beauty, vibrant culture, lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and iconic volcanic landscapes. The island’s rich history means it is a melting pot of cultural influences today, including elements of the English, French, and Dutch. St Lucia boasts ancient archaeological sites, historical ruins, Pigeon Island – a national park, the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, and much more.
In addition to these wonderful offerings, visitors are also attracted by St Lucia’s unique mix of luxury and tranquility. The island’s flourishing real estate market has been continually boosted by the development of infrastructure, including hospitals, marinas, an international airport, and top accommodations.
In 2015, the government established the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program to further promote economic investment in the country. With a variety of investment routes and affordable contribution amounts, the program has continued to be a popular option for individuals and families looking to secure their future with a second passport.
Investment options
The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program offers four investment routes:
- A minimum contribution of $100,000 to the National Economic Fund (NEF) as a single applicant or $150,000 for a family of up to four
- Investment of at least $200,000 in pre-approved real estate projects
- Investment of at least $300,000 in non-interest-bearing Government Bonds
- An enterprise investment of at least $3.5 million as a solo investor or $1 million as part of a joint $6 million venture
Regarding the donation route, applicants will also need to pay government fees, due diligence fees, processing fees, and passport fees. An accurate cost comparison of St Lucia and Dominica citizenship by investment will depend on the investment route and the number of dependents included in your application.
St Lucia citizenship benefits
Becoming a citizen of St Lucia comes with several advantages, such as being able to benefit from a favorable tax environment. Concerning the tax advantages of St Lucia vs Dominica citizenship, both countries impose no worldwide income tax, wealth, or inheritance tax; however, St Lucia has a lower overall tax rate of 30 percent for eligible tax residents. A comparison of St Lucia and Dominica citizenship for families presents a more affordable citizenship cost for a family of four, with St Lucia’s non-refundable contribution requirement of $150,000 vs $175,000 in Dominica.
The nation has invested much in developing its infrastructure and improving its airports, hospitals, accommodations, and marinas, all of which have continued to attract tourists and investors. Another attraction is the cost of living, which is relatively low compared to places like the UK and the US.
St Lucia passport
St Lucia passport holders benefit from enhanced global mobility thanks to visa free access to more than 140 countries across the globe. The passport is ranked 75th on our Global Passport Index based on enhanced mobility, quality of life, and economic investment. A St Lucia passport is valid for five years following the granting of citizenship. After it is renewed, the passport is valid for ten years.
Take a look at our St Lucia Citizenship Ultimate Guide by local experts
Dominica Citizenship
Dominica, officially the Commonwealth of Dominica, is an enchanting island in the Caribbean that is not to be confused with the Dominican Republic. This gem, located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, is neighbored by the islands of Guadeloupe, Marie-Galante, and Martinique. Widely known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean”, Dominica is a welcome retreat for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
As you can imagine, Dominica’s commitment to preserving its pristine natural environment is what sets it apart. The island boasts several protected areas, including the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can find the Boiling Lake, one of the world’s largest hot springs. The island’s volcanic origins also give rise to unique black sand beaches and geothermal wonders. Beyond its natural wonders, Dominica offers a warm and vibrant culture influenced by African, indigenous Kalinago, and European traditions. The welcoming locals, known as “Dominicans,” celebrate their heritage through music, dance, and festivals, making visitors feel right at home.
Another attractive aspect of the island is the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program. Since its establishment in 1993, the program has been ranked the best country for citizenship by investment for four years in a row by the CBI Index – a practical and reliable comparison tool for CBI programs published by the Professional Wealth Management magazine of the Financial Times.
Investment options
Under Dominica’s economic citizenship program, you can choose from the following investment routes:
- Non-refundable contribution of at least $100,000 to the Economic Diversification Fund
- Minimum investment of $200,000 in a pre-approved real estate development
In addition to the required qualifying investment, applicants will also need to pay government fees, due diligence fees, application fees, passport fees, and a fee for the Oath of Allegiance. The overall cost of your application will depend on the number of dependents included in your application.
Dominica citizenship benefits
There are many benefits to obtaining Dominica citizenship when it comes to tax, healthcare, education, and cost of living. The country boasts a favorable tax regime where, if you choose not to live there, you can benefit from no income tax on global income, no wealth tax, and no inheritance tax. In terms of healthcare, inhabitants can access hospitals, healthcare clinics, and a variety of medical services on the island.
Over the years, Dominica’s economy has become increasingly driven by the tourism industry, agriculture, and the financial sector, and investors will encounter a variety of investment opportunities through which they can both diversify their asset portfolios and directly benefit the country. The cost of living in Dominica is relatively affordable in comparison to other Caribbean countries, the UK, and the US. Housing and transportation are generally affordable, but imported goods tend to cost a bit more due to the process of getting them to the island.
Dominica passport
The Dominica passport ranks 78th on our Global Passport Index, which – as mentioned above – considers factors such as enhanced mobility, quality of life, and economic investment. Dominica passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, China, Hong Kong, Russia, and Singapore. Dominica second passports are valid for up to ten years once it is issued, but for children under 16, the passport is valid for five years.
Dominica vs St Lucia Citizenship Processing Times
Regarding the benefits of St Lucia citizenship vs Dominica citizenship, both citizenship by investment programs offer fast processing times with little variation between the two programs. The St Lucia citizenship program takes three to six months to process, and Dominica’s citizenship program has a similar processing time.
Take a look at our Dominica Citizenship Ultimate Guide by local experts
Which program is right for you?
Tax benefits
Both countries offer favorable tax environments for individuals and companies, including no capital gains tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax.
Visa free travel
Both countries offer visa-free travel to over 140 countries across the globe, including the Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia. Additionally, St Lucia citizens benefit from visa-free travel to the UK, while Dominica citizens enjoy visa-free access to China.
Investment routes
Saint Lucia offers more investment options than Dominica, which is more beneficial to those looking to diversify their investment portfolios. However, both programs are relatively affordable, whether you are a solo applicant or family.
Flexible requirements
The application process for both programs can be completed online, and citizenship is lifelong once granted. Neither country has residency requirements to maintain citizenship.
Family inclusion
Regarding family applications, St Lucia is more inclusive, allowing eligibility for parents and grandparents over 55, compared to a higher age threshold of 65 in Dominica, as well as siblings under 18.
St Lucia family eligibility
- Spouse
- Children of the main applicant or spouse under 21; between 21 and 30 and fully supported by the main applicant or spouse; 21 or over and mentally/physically challenged
- Parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse aged 55 and above
- Siblings of the main applicant or spouse who are unmarried, without children, aged 18 or younger, and have received consent from their parent or guardian to apply for citizenship by investment
Dominica family eligibility
- Spouse
- Children of the main applicant or spouse younger than 18 years old
- Children between the ages of 21 and 30 who attend an institution of higher learning and are supported by the main applicant or spouse
- Unmarried daughters younger than 25 who are supported by and living with the main applicant or spouse
- Dependent children who are mentally/physically challenged and supported by the main applicant or spouse
- Dependent parents and/or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse who are older than 65
Keep reading
You may find our other Caribbean citizenship comparison articles helpful:
- Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Comparison
- St Kitts vs Dominica Citizenship
- Antigua vs St Kitts 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
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.
Dominica in Pictures
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I acquire St Lucia citizenship?
You can acquire St Lucia citizenship by making a qualifying economic investment under the island’s citizenship by investment program. The minimum required contribution is a $100,000 donation to the National Economic Fund. You can also make a real estate investment, purchase government bonds, or make an enterprise investment.
Can I acquire Dominica citizenship?
Yes, you can acquire Dominica citizenship by investment. To do so, you must make a minimum contribution of $100,000 to the Economic Diversification Fund or a real estate investment of at least $200,000.
St Lucia or Dominica citizenship: Which one to pick?
Both St Lucia and Dominica offer excellent Caribbean CBI programs that afford benefits such as visa-free travel to over 140 countries and favorable tax benefits. Dominica’s citizenship program is more affordable for an individual applicant, with the overall cost (including application and due diligence fees) amounting to less than $110,000.
For those concerned with the financial requirements for citizenship in St Lucia vs Dominica for families, St Lucia’s program offers more investment options and is more affordable for large families.
A St Lucia passport must be renewed five years after it has been issued, and then every ten years following this. Regarding a Dominica passport, an adult passport is valid for ten years and children under 16 are issued Dominica passports for five years.
Do I need to visit St Lucia or Dominica during the application process for citizenship?
Both citizenship by investment programs of St Lucia and Dominica do not require the principal applicant or their family members to visit the country during due diligence processes. Applicants can make the necessary real estate investment or donation from abroad, and the mandatory citizenship interview can be conducted virtually.
You can include your family members when applying for Dominica or Saint Lucia citizenship. Under Saint Lucia’s program, your spouse, dependent children, parents and grandparents aged 55 or over, and siblings under 18 can apply for Caribbean passports. Dominica allows the inclusion of your spouse, dependent children, unmarried daughters under 25, and dependent parents and grandparents over 65.
