For Nigerian nationals, traveling the world effortlessly is a dream of mere impossibility. Out of 199 countries in the world, the Nigerian passport ranks number 99, giving visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to the passport holders in only 45 countries, with the majority being African counties. This only suggests that Nigerians have a harder time applying for a visa each time they may want to visit their desirable countries. However, with the citizenship by investment opportunities offered by Caribbean countries and other popular destinations such as Turkey, Nigerian citizens can grab a lifetime opportunity to secure a second passport and citizenship to further unlock the doors of their traveling possibilities.
So, as a Nigerian, how do you secure a second passport in these countries? Follow our guide below to discover your chances of becoming a dual citizen in Caribbean countries, which includes:
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Antiqua and Barbuda
Dominica
Since 1993 when the Dominica citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program was launched, Dominica continues to garner foreign investors and holidaymakers who find the mountainous Caribbean Island a safe haven and second home to be with their families. Famous for natural hot springs and its tropical rainforests, life in Dominica is relatively cheap with low-cost housing, food, and leisure, as well as a low crime rate.
However, for Nigerian Nationals who wish to acquire the Dominica passport, there are different citizenship-by-investment pathways: a donation to the Dominica Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) and investing in the approved real estate by the Dominican government.
- Dominica Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)
For Nigerian Nationals seeking to acquire a Dominica passport and citizenship through the Economic Diversification Fund, the program allows a minimum of $100,000 contribution, which the government utilizes for project development. The following donations must be made by investors who are either single or with spouses and dependents:
Single Applicant | USD $100,000 |
Applicant + Spouse | USD $150,000 |
Applicant + Spouse + 2 Children | USD $175,000 |
Additional Dependent | USD $25,000 each |
Eligible Siblings (18 to 25 years) | USD $50,000 each |
- Dominica Real Estate Investment for Nigerian Nationals
Since the inception of Dominica’s citizenship-by-investment program, the real estate option is deemed the most attractive pathway to securing a second passport because investors can recover their money after a few years. Nigerian Nationals can also leverage this opportunity. And the requirement is a minimum investment of $200,000 in Dominica government-approved real estate for a single applicant.
The minimum investment for a Dominican Real Estate: is $200,000, with additional government fees as shown below:
Main applicant | USD $25,000 |
Spouse | USD $10,000 |
Family of up to 4 | USD $35,000 |
Family of up to 6 | USD $50,000 |
Family of 7 or more | USD $70,000 |
Additional dependents | USD $25,000 each |
Eligible siblings 18 to 25 | USD $50,000 each |
Benefits of getting a Dominican Passport
- Visa-free travel to over 146 countries.
- Dual citizenship allowed
- Duty-free trading in the Caribbean
- No residency requirement
- Tax relief benefits
Grenada
Grenada’s natural beauty, reach and diverse culture has not only made the Caribbean country a popular destination for globetrotters but a retirement option for those in civil service. There are many things to love about Grenada which include its aromatic white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and lush green picturesque sceneries.
The government of Grenada offers Citizenship-by-Investment programs for foreign investors who want to secure citizenship and a second passport from the Caribbean country. If you are a Nigerian passport National, Grenada is a great option, because not only does it have a strong passport status but the Grenada passport gives its holders visa-free access to over 144 countries.
There are two ways for Nigerian nationals to acquire a Grenada Passport
- A contribution to the Grenada Transformation Fund (NTF)
- Real Estate Investment
Grenada National Transformation Fund The Grenada Transformation Fund was introduced in 2013 to aid in the sustainable growth and development of the economy of the Caribbean country. For Nigerian investors who are interested in securing the Grenada passport through the National Transformation funding program, the requirement is a non-refundable donation of at least $150,000. A detailed breakdown of the donation is shown below.
Single Applicant | US $150,000 |
Main applicant and Spouse | US $200,000 |
Family up to four members | US $200,000 |
Any additional dependent after the third dependent | US $25,000 |
Extra fees and Due diligence
Due Diligence | USD 5,000 per person 17 and over
USD 0 for dependents 0 to 16 |
Application fee | US $1500 per person |
Passport fee | US $250 person |
Grenada Real Estate Investment program for Nigerian nationals
Grenada real estate is a booming industry and for Nigerian investors, consider this option your ideal pathway to your traveling freedom. Unlike the National Transformation Fund program for which the donation is non-refundable, the real estate program comes with the benefit of recovering your investment by reselling the real estate after 5-years.
The minimum investment for Grenada real estate program is $220.000. And below is the breakdown of the additional government processing fees after the approval of the application:
Main applicant + Spouse + 2 Children | USD $50,000 |
Additional dependents | USD $25,000 |
Application fee | USD $1,500 each |
Application fees for dependents under 18-years | USD $500 each |
Benefits of getting a Grenada passport
- Visa-free travel and visa-on-arrival to over 144 countries.
- Grenada passport valid for a period of 5-years
- Grenada passport can be renewed after expiration
- Dual citizenship allowed
- Strong and stable economy
- Tax exemptions
- No residency requirement
- Investment is recoverable
- As the only Caribbean country with an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa with the United States, holders of Grenada passport can invest and run a business in the US
How long does it take to get a Grenada passport?
It takes just about 3 to 4 months to obtain a Grenada passport but depending on some situations, the process can take up to 6 months.
What do you get after investing in Grenada, and completing all the necessary documentation?
The Grenadian government will issue you a passport and certificate of naturalization, which automatically grants you the citizenship of Grenada
What is the Validity of a Grenada passport?
The Grenada passport is valid for 5-years but can be renewed thereafter.
Saint Lucia
Located in the eastern Caribbean Sea on the boundary of the Atlantic Ocean, the country is well-known for its natural beauty, lush rain forests, and white-sand beaches. The island also has a rich culture which is evident in its music, food, and festivals.
For Nigerian nationals, there are four different programs offered by the Saint Lucian government to become a citizen of the country.
- Saint Lucia National Economic Fund (NEF)
- Real estate investment
- Business Investment
- Government bond
Saint Lucia National Economic Fund:
Under this option, investors are required to make a non-refundable donation of $100,000 to the national economic fund for Saint Lucia.
See the breakdown of the investment amount below:
Single applicant | US $100,000 |
Applicant + Spouse | US $140,000 |
Applicant + Spouse + 2 Children | US $150,000 |
Applicant + Spouse + 4 Children | US $150,000 (with $15,000 each for the additional 2 children). |
Extra fees and Due diligence
Main Applicant – Due diligence | US $7,500 |
Each qualifying dependent over 16 years of age | US $5,000 |
Real Estate Investment
For the real estate investment, Nigerian investors are to invest at least $300,000 to acquire the Saint Lucia citizenship. The Saint Lucia real estate investment option is considered the best choice because investors can resale the property after 5 years. Below are the extra government fees payable:
Main applicant | US $30,000 |
Main applicant + spouse | US $45,000 |
Dependents aged 18 and above | US $10,000 |
Dependents aged 17 and below | US $5,000 |
Other dependents after the sixth family member | US $10,000 |
Investment in Business
This option enables an investor to invest in a government-approved business project to secure a Saint Lucia passport and citizenship. See the required amounts to be invested below:
The minimum investment for a single applicant | US $3.5 million |
Group investments | US $6 million at least with $1 million for each applicant |
Government processing fee for the main investor | US $50 million |
Government processing fee for other dependents | US $25,000 each |
Investment in Government bonds
Another way that Nigerian nationals can secure Saint Lucia citizenship and passport is by buying government bonds. Valid until December 31st, 2022, Nigerian passport holders can take advantage and buy the Saint Lucia Covid-19 Relief Bond for $250,000 to acquire a second passport and citizenship from the Caribbean country. See details of extra processing fees below:
Applicant | US $250,000 |
Applicant + Spouse + 2 Children | US $250,000 |
Applicant + Spouse + 4 Children | US $280,000 |
Government processing fees | US $30,000, including a family of up to 6 |
Due diligence – main applicant | US $7,500 |
Each qualifying dependent over 16 years of age | US $5,000 each |
Benefits of getting a Saint Lucia passport
- Visa-free travel and visa-on-arrival to over 146 countries.
- Saint Lucia passports for adults are issued valid for a period of 10-years but 5-years for children
- Saint Lucia passport can be renewed after expiration
- Dual citizenship allowed
- Tax freedom
- No residency requirement
- Investment is recoverable
- Family members included
How long does it take to get a Saint Lucia passport?
- It takes just about 3 to 4 months to obtain the Saint Lucia passport but depending on some cases, the process can take up to 6 months.
After investing in Saint Lucia and completing all the necessary documentation, what do you get?
- The government will issue you a passport and certificate of naturalization, which automatically grants you citizenship in the Caribbean country.
What is the Validity of the Saint Lucia passport?
The Saint Lucia passport is valid for 10-years for adults and 5-years for children but can be renewed thereafter.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis are twin-island in the Caribbean that is known for their stunning beaches, crystal-clear water, and relaxed tropical atmosphere. The country is a member of the British Commonwealth and offers foreign investors an excellent opportunity to make the beautiful country their second home through its Citizenship-by-investment program. Launched in the year 1984, individuals holding St. Kitts & Nevis passport can travel to over 156 visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries including the EU countries, the UK, and Singapore.
How can Nigerian nationals acquire Saint Kitts and Nevis passports?
To obtain a Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship, there are two options for Nigerian nationals:
- A contribution to the Saint Kitts Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF)
- Real Estate Investment
Saint Kitts and Nevis Sustainable Growth Fund
Launched in April 2018, foreign investors can acquire a second passport by contributing a minimum of US $150,000 to Saint Kitts and Nevis's Sustainable Growth Funding program. The funds are however used by the government in developing sustainable sectors such as healthcare, education, tourism, culture, etc.
To qualify for Saint Kitts and Nevis’s passport under this option, see the table below for the breakdown of the donation:
Single Applicant | USD $150,000 |
Applicant + Spouse | USD $175,000 |
Applicant + Spouse + 2 Children | USD $195,000 |
Additional Dependent | USD $10,000 each (Regardless of age) |
Addition of Siblings | USD $20,000 per sibling |
Extra fee for Due diligence
Main Applicant | USD $7,500 |
Additional dependent (16-years and above) | USD $4,000 each |
Passport fee | USD $350 per person |
Saint Kitts and Nevis Real Estate Investment
To acquire a second passport through Saint Kitts and Nevis's real estate investment program, Nigerian nationals are required to invest a minimum of USD $200,000 in the approved government real estate.
The minimum investment for Saint Kitts and Nevis's Real Estate is USD $200.000. But on approval of the application by the government, there are extra government processing fees as shown in the table below:
Main applicant | USD $35,000 |
Spouse | USD $ 20,000 |
Additional dependents | USD $10,000 each (regardless the age) |
Eligible siblings 18 to 25 | USD $40,000 each |
Extra fee for Due diligence
Main Applicant | USD $7,500 |
Additional dependent (16-years and above) | USD $4,000 each |
Passport fee | USD $350 per person |
How long does it take to recover St. Kitts Nevis’s real estate investment?
- A $200,000 investment is held for 7-years before resale
- A $400,000 investment is held for 5-years before resale
Benefits of getting a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport
- Visa-free travel and visa-on-arrival to over 156 countries.
- Saint Kitts and Nevis passport valid for a period of 10 years
- Saint Kitts and Nevis passport can be renewed after expiration
- Dual citizenship allowed
- Tax exemptions
- No residency requirement
How long does it take to get a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport?
It takes just about 3 to 4 months to obtain a Saint Kitt and Nevis passport but depending on some situations, the process can take up to 6 months.
What is the Validity of a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport?
Saint Kitts and Nevis’s passport is valid for 10 years but can be renewed thereafter.
Requirements for Saint Kitts and Nevis passport renewal
You can apply to renew a St. Kitts and Nevis passport without any help from the agent. The passport renewal usually takes two to three months but there is an option for an accelerated fast track processing time of just two to three weeks with a surcharge fee. To apply, simply visit the nearest St Kitt’s consulate and present the following documents:
- Passport Copy (old passport).
- Copy of naturalization certificate
- A filled and completed passport application form.
- Two (2) recent passport-size photos.
- Copy of the Birth certificate
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) issued by St. Kitts & Nevis.
How much does it cost to renew a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport?
- The official fee for Saint Kitts and Nevis passport renewal is USD $100 per person.
Antigua and Barbuda
As a twin-island nation located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, it is estimated that about 4,500 U.S. citizens own a home in Antigua and Barbuda. The twin-island country is a great place for Nigerian investors who wants to have a second passport and dual citizenship, as Antigua and Barbuda passport is an excellent opportunity to travel around the world visa-free to over 150 countries, including all the Schengen countries, Singapore, the UK, Hong Kong, and more.
How can Nigerian citizens acquire an Antigua and Barbuda passport?
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has three different citizenship-by-investment programs and these include:
- Antigua and Barbuda National Transformation Fund (NTF)
- Real estate investment
- Business investment
Antigua and Barbuda National Transformation Fund
Under Antigua and Barbuda’s National Transformation Fund, Nigeria investors are required to donate a minimum of $100,000 to the state fund. See the breakdown of the investment amount below
Single Applicant | US $100,000 |
Main applicant and Spouse | US $100,000 |
Family up to 4 members | US $100,000 |
Family of 5 members of more | US $125,000 |
Extra fees and Due diligence
Main Applicant – Due diligence | US $7,500 |
Main applicant + Spouse | US $7,500 |
Dependents aged 12-17 | US $2000 per person |
Dependents aged 18 and above | US $4000 per person |
Processing fees | USD 30,000 (for a family of 4 or less) &
USD 15,000 for each additional dependent |
Passport fee | US $300 |
Antigua and Barbuda Real Estate Investment
Nigerian nationals interested in obtaining a passport through the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship-by-Investment real estate program are required to invest at least US $200,000. The good news, the investment is recoverable after 5-years.
Shown below is the breakdown of the additional government processing fees:Extra fees and Due diligence
Main Applicant – Due diligence | US $7,500 |
Spouse – Due diligence | US $7,500 |
Dependents aged 12-17 | US $2000 per person |
Dependents aged 18 and above | US $4000 per person |
Government processing fees | US $30,000 (for a family of four) |
Government fees for additional dependents | US $15,000 |
Passport fee | US $300 |
Business Investment
Foreign investors can also secure a second passport through the Antigua and Barbuda business investment program but you must invest a minimum of $1.5 million for an individual or $5 million for a group of investors with a minimum of $400,000 each.
Extra fees and Due diligence
Main Applicant – Due diligence | US $7,500 |
Spouse – Due diligence | US $7,500 |
Dependents aged 12-17 | US $2000 per person |
Dependents aged 18 and above | US $4000 per person |
Government processing fees | US $50,000 (for a family of four) |
Government fees for additional dependents | US $15,000 |
Passport fee | US $300 |
Benefits of getting an Antiqua and Barbuda passport
There are many benefits of getting an Antigua passport and these include:
- Visa-free travel and visa-on-arrival to over 150 countries.
- Eligibility to apply for the 10-year US B-1/B-2 visa
- Antigua passport valid for a period of 5-years
- Antigua passport can be renewed after expiration
- Dual citizenship allowed
- Strong and stable economy
- Tax freedom
- No residency requirement
- Investment is recoverable
How long does it take to get an Antigua and Barbuda passport?
It takes just about 3 to 4 months to obtain the Antiguan passport but depending on some situations, the process can take up to 6 months.
What is the Validity of the Antigua and Barbuda passport?
The Antigua passport is valid for 5-years but can be renewed thereafter.
Requirements for Antigua and Barbuda passport renewal
You can apply to renew your Antigua passport without any help from an agent. The processing time for the passport renewal is usually 3 weeks. But however, there is an option for emergency processing at an extra cost. To apply, simply visit the nearest Antiqua and Barbuda consulate and present the following documents:
- Passport Copy (old passport).
- Copy of naturalization certificate
- Evidence that the investment has been held for 5-years
- A filled and completed passport application form.
- Two (2) recent passport-size photos.
- Copy of the Birth certificate
How much does it cost to renew an Antigua and Barbuda passport?
The official fee for Antiguan passport renewal is USD $300 per person.
General eligibility to secure a second passport and citizenship
- Investor must hold a clean criminal record.
- You must have excellent health
- Be of outstanding character
- Be above 18-years old
- No false information
- Financial investment
Nigerian passport Vs Caribbean country passport
Nigerian passport | 45 visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries |
Dominica passport | 146 visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries |
Grenada passport | 144 visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries |
Saint Lucia passport | 146 visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries |
Saint Kitts and Nevis passport | 156 visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries |
Antiqua and Barbuda passport | 150 visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries |