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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.
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.
