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Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis, two picturesque Caribbean nations, offer some of the most attractive and oldest citizenship by investment programs. From visa-free travel to tax advantages and high-quality living standards, these programs provide a pathway to global mobility and financial security. In this article, we unpack the important considerations of Antigua and Barbuda vs St. Kitts and Nevis passports. By understanding their nuances, you can determine which option best aligns with your personal and professional goals.
- Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis both have reputable citizenship by investment program that grants foreigners passports based on their financial contributions.
- Antigua and Barbuda's citizenship by investment program is more cost-effective, with options starting at $230,000, compared to St. Kitts and Nevis's starting point of $250,000.
- St. Kitts and Nevis passports offer visa-free access to 154 countries, slightly surpassing Antigua and Barbuda, which allows access to 151 countries, including China and Hong Kong.
- Antigua and Barbuda has broader inclusivity for dependents, such as siblings, parents over 55, and children under 30, compared to St. Kitts and Nevis’s stricter dependent eligibility criteria.
- St. Kitts and Nevis offers a faster processing time (as little as three months), while Antigua and Barbuda’s program takes around six months.
- Antigua and Barbuda has a minimal residency requirement (five days within the first five years), while St. Kitts and Nevis has no residency requirements.
Overview of Citizenship by Investment Programs
Most countries around the world grant citizenship to foreign investors and their families in return for a significant contribution to the economy of the host country. These contributions typically involve investments in real estate, businesses, government bonds, or national funds.
This is known as citizenship by investment programs, through which you gain access to a broad range of the country’s benefits, including tax exemptions, various government services, business incentives, as well as an expanded range of citizenship rights and privileges (such as voting rights and property ownership). Citizenship by investment programs are much faster than traditional immigration processes.
As more investors look to diversify their assets internationally, these programs’ popularity is skyrocketing. Caribbean Citizenship, in particular, provides you and your family members with visa-free travel to over 140 countries and territories and allows them to live, work, and settle in any other CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) member states.
Key Differences Between Antigua and Barbuda vs. St. Kitts and Nevis Passports
Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis are both Caribbean countries made up of multiple small islands and offer citizenship by investment programs. However, their passports have a few key differences, including:
1. Passport Rankings
According to this Global Passport Index – based on factors like mobility, quality of life, and economic investment – Antigua and Barbuda’s passport ranks 24th in the world, and St. Kitts and Nevis’s passport ranks 20th.
2. Dependents
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program is the most inclusive when you have to consider your entire family, allowing for:
- Spouse or future spouse
- Children under 18
- Children under 30, if supported by the principal applicant or spouse
- Dependent children aged 18 or older who are physically/mentally challenged
- Parents or grandparents over 55 and financially dependent on the principal applicant or spouse
- Unmarried siblings of the principal applicant or spouse
St. Kitts and Nevis’ passport only extends to children under 25 who are studying and fully supported by the main applicant or spouse, or parents and grandparents over the age of 65. Children over 18 who are physically or mentally disabled are also included.
3. Restricted Applicants
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program excludes and restricts applicants from Russia, Belarus, Afghanistan, Chechnya, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, or Yemen. The St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program does not allow applicants from Russia, Belarus, Afghanistan, Chechnya, Iran, or North Korea.
4. Legacy Planning
In Antigua and Barbuda, children born within five years of a parent obtaining citizenship can be registered as citizens (subject to payment of prescribed fees). St. Kitts and Nevis has no time restrictions – meaning children born after obtaining your passport can be registered as citizens at any time.
5. Sponsorship
The Antigua & Barbuda citizenship by investment program allows for applicants to be sponsored by a third party without any additional costs. St. Kitts and Nevis does not.
6. Residency Requirements
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program does not require you to live in the country, but you will have to visit the country for at least five days within the first five years to be able to renew your passport. St. Kitts and Nevis’ citizenship has no residency requirements and has to be renewed too.
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The Process of Acquiring Passports in Antigua and Barbuda vs. St. Kitts and Nevis
The steps to apply for and obtain your second passport are the same for Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis:
Step One: Consult a Specialist
Begin by consulting experts in citizenship by investment programs to help you understand the process and what is required. Specialists can help you choose an investment destination based on both your personal goals and business objectives. This consultation usually serves as a pre-screening.
Step Two: Select an Investment
Next, choose your preferred investment route from the options available – donations, business investment, real estate, or university fund contributions.
Step Three: Documents and Due Diligence
Both citizenship by investment programs have a list of documents you need to submit in addition to your application form, including:
- Passports, birth certificates, and IDs to validate your identity.
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical certificate
- Professional reference
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Affidavit of support for dependents
- Licensed agent form
- Bank statements
Consultants can help you perform the necessary due diligence to ensure these documents are in order before you submit them. This could help you avoid rejection and get quicker approval.
Step Four: Submit Application
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents and filled in all the required forms, they will be submitted to the Antigua and Barbuda or St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Units (CIUs).
Step Five: Application Under Review
The CIU does thorough due diligence and reviews your application. Investors are encouraged to be available to contact during this period, as they may request additional documents or amendments.
Step Six: Preliminary Approval
If the CIU is content with all the documents and forms submitted, they will invite you to complete your investment within a specified timeframe.
Step Seven: Become a Citizen
When the final investment has been made, you will receive a Certificate of Registration confirming your citizenship. Use this to apply for your passport.
Citizenship by Investment Timelines and Cost Comparison
While the steps to obtaining citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda vs St. Kitts and Nevis are similar, the cost and time it takes to get your passport varies slightly. It takes six months to get Antigua and Barbuda citizenship, and can take as little as three months for St. Kitts and Nevis. Both passports are valid for 10 years.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Costs
Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program was launched in 2014. It offers four investment options:
- A non-refundable donation of at least $230,000 to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund (NDF).
- A non-refundable donation of at least $260,000 to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund.
- A minimum investment of $235,000 in government-approved real estate.
- A minimum investment of $400,000 in an enterprise worth $5 million, or a $1.5 million solo investment.
St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Costs
St. Kitts and Nevis’s citizenship by investment program was the first of its kind, launched in 1984, and consistently ranks as the world’s best program in the Financial Times’ CBI Index. It also offers four investment options:
- A non-refundable donation of at least $250,000 to the State Island Contribution (SISC).
- A minimum investment of $325,000 in pre-approved real estate development projects or condominium
- A minimum investment of $600,000 in a single-family private home.
- A minimum investment of $250,000 in an approved public benefit project.
The Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda Passport
Apart from its stunning pink sand beaches and tropical forests with rare birds, Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship comes with many benefits, including:
1. Global Mobility
With an Antigua and Barbuda passport, you can travel visa-free to over 151 countries in the UK, Schengen Area, Hong Kong, and Singapore. You can spend 90 out of 180 days in the Schengen countries, and 180 consecutive days in the UK.
You also receive a B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa to the United States (US) for 10 years. When it expires, they extend it remotely. You can spend up to 180 days a year in the country.
2. International Banking
The country's financial sector is larger and more developed than other Eastern Caribbean nations. If you have Antigua and Barbuda citizenship, you can open accounts in European banks to help with currency control and international banking costs. The background check will not be as strict and lengthy, and refusal is less likely.
3. Real Estate Income
If you opt for citizenship by investing in real estate, you can rent out the property to make a profit. Property yields in Antigua and Barbuda range from 2% to 5% per year. Properties also appreciate in value over time, and after five years, you can sell your property for a higher return.
4. Favorable Tax Policies
After spending 183 days per year in the country, investors can qualify as tax residents, enjoying Antigua and Barbuda’s well-known investor-friendly tax system. You can sell assets, including real estate and businesses, without paying capital gains tax, however, buyers and sellers pay 2.5% to 7.5% in stamp duty (depending on the property type and location). Annual property tax ranged from 0.1% to 0.5% of the market value (depending on the property type and use).
Additionally, income earned outside of the country is not taxed, making it more attractive for expats and investors with interests in multiple jurisdictions. Citizens are not required to pay annual taxes on their total net worth, either.
Companies registered in Antigua and Barbuda are subject to a corporate tax rate of 25% on locally earned profits. The government offers tax holidays, exemptions, and reduced tax rates for businesses operating in tourism, real estate, and other key sectors. International business companies also benefit from low taxation, privacy protections, and financial security.
5. Stable Social and Political Environment
Antigua and Barbuda has a stable political environment. Its democratic political system is based on free and fair elections. This is supported by a stable macroeconomic environment and a pursuit of socioeconomic development, as well as an independent judicial system, and membership in an integrated OECS legal system known for its efficiency, transparency, and reliability.
6. Dual Citizenship
When you get Antigua and Barbuda citizenship, you do not have to renounce your current nationality. This is especially attractive for investors seeking protection against political or economic instability in their home country.
7. Quality of Life
With its beautiful scenery, booming tourism industry, world-class healthcare and education systems, as well as continuous efforts to improve the country’s infrastructure, Antigua and Barbuda offers a high-quality lifestyle.
The Benefits of St. Kitts and Nevis Passport
Known for its cloud-shrouded mountains and pristine beaches, St. Kitts and Nevis offers investors various citizenship benefits, including:
1. Global Mobility
With a St. Kitts and Nevis passport, you can gain visa-free access to 154 countries. Citizens also have the option to obtain a visa-on-arrival for several countries, making it easier to travel for those last-minute meetings. You also receive a B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa to the United States (US) for 10 years.
2. Currency Stability
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 2.7 XCD to 1 USD. The fixed-rate reduced currency volatility, providing financial security for international investors.
3. Real Estate Income
St. Kitts and Nevis’ real estate market is growing rapidly with the influx of tourism activities in the country. Investors can benefit from capital appreciation and rental income of 3.5% to 8%. After holding the property for seven years, the owner can resell the property.
4. Favorable Tax Policies
St. Kitts and Nevis citizens do not have to pay taxes on their personal income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains.
5. Stable Social and Political Environment
The twin-island country has a longstanding history of political stability and consistent governance to maintain this.
6. Dual Citizenship
St. Kitts and Nevis allows for dual citizenship.
Quality of Life
With state-of-the-art schools and healthcare, as well as continuous investments in the national development fund and the country’s infrastructure, St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship offers a high-quality lifestyle.
Which Passport is Better for You? Antigua and Barbuda or St. Kitts and Nevis?
Choosing between Antigua and Barbuda’s or St. Kitts and Nevis’s citizenship by investment program can be difficult, as they both present equally appealing investment opportunities and benefits. Some considerations to keep in mind when picking, include:
1. Accessibility
With a St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship, you can travel to 154 countries visa-free, whereas Antigua and Barbuda only has 151 options. Antigua and Barbuda citizens can also visit China and Hong Kong.
2. Cost
In terms of cost, Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program has a slight advantage, with the lowest investment option at $230,000 and the highest minimum option at $400,000. St. Kitts and Nevis’s lowest investment option is $350,000, with their highest minimum investment option at $600,000.
St. Kitts and Nevis also have lower citizenship processing fees, whereas Antigua has lower government fees.
3. Timing
Your choice will also depend on the time you have available to apply for the citizenship by investment program and the patience you have to wait for it. Antigua and Barbuda citizenship takes six months. St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship takes between three and six months.
4. Inclusivity
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program allows applicants to include unmarried siblings, parents or grandparents over 55 who are financially dependent, children under 18, and children under 30 if they remain financially supported by the principal applicant or spouse. It also accommodates dependent children over 18 who are physically or mentally challenged.
In contrast, St. Kitts and Nevis applies stricter eligibility criteria. Dependents are limited to children under 25 who are studying full-time and financially dependent, parents or grandparents over 65, and dependent children over 18 with disabilities.
How Mirabello Consultancy Can Assist You in Obtaining Antigua and Barbuda or St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship
Mirabello Consultancy specializes in navigating the complexities of citizenship by investment programs, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free application process for investors. Our consultants offer tailored advice to help you select the most suitable citizenship program based on your personal and professional priorities, whether it is cost, global mobility, or family inclusivity. We also assist you in compiling and verifying all necessary documentation, ensuring compliance with government requirements, and streamlining the approval process.
Antigua and Barbuda stands out for its inclusivity, allowing a broader range of dependents and offering slightly more cost-effective investment options. On the other hand, St. Kitts and Nevis excels in processing speed and visa-free travel opportunities, granting access to more destinations worldwide. Consulting citizenship by investment experts like Mirabello Consultancy can help you navigate the process seamlessly and pick a program that aligns best with your goals. Both countries offer investors a gateway to financial freedom, global access, and a high standard of living, making either choice a valuable investment in your future.
FAQ
St. Kitts and Nevis offers visa-free access to 154 countries, slightly surpassing Antigua and Barbuda, which provides visa-free travel to 151 countries. However, Antigua and Barbuda grants unique access to China and Hong Kong, making it an excellent choice for individuals with interests in those regions.
Yes, both programs allow family inclusivity, although Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program allows for more dependents than St. Kitts and Nevis.
Both countries have tax policies that provide relief on personal income, inheritance, wealth, and capital gains tax. Investors can qualify as Antigua and Barbuda tax residents by spending 183 days per year in the country, benefiting from additional exemptions.
The process for obtaining citizenship in either country is the same, but the time it takes differs. St. Kitts and Nevis has a faster timeline, with approvals as quick as three months, compared to Antigua and Barbuda’s six-month process. Antigua and Barbuda offers a lower starting investment threshold ($230,000 vs. $250,000) and allows third-party sponsorship, making it more flexible for certain investors.
