How to Get Antigua Citizenship – The Ultimate Guide
We put together this guide for individuals considering applying for a second passport and wondering how to get Antigua Citizenship.
There are several ways you can become a citizen of this beautiful Eastern Caribbean island nation, each of which has criteria which must be met in order for you to become eligible.
This guide explores the various pathways to citizenship under the country’s Citizenship by Investment Program, the criteria for each route and the benefits of acquiring citizenship in detail.
How to Get Antigua Citizenship – The Ultimate Guide
Contents
Introduction to Antigua Citizenship by Investment Program
Citizenship by Investment in Real Estate
Citizenship by Contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF)
Benefits of Antigua Citizenship
Does Antigua Allow Dual Citizenship?
Find Out More
Introduction to Antigua Citizenship by Investment Program
Located in the Eastern Caribbean, the English-speaking sovereign state of Antigua & Barbuda comprises the larger and more populous island of Antigua, the much less populous island of Barbuda and several smaller islands.
The country is famed for its 365 white and pink sand beaches which count among the most beautiful beaches on the planet and warm turquoise waters offering world-class fishing and sailing. Breathtaking natural beauty is not the country’s only asset. The country has a strong tourism sector and a well established real estate market offering high quality property for sale. Antigua & Barbuda is also warm and welcoming, politically stable, safe and secure.
Thanks to these various factors, Antigua has emerged in recent years as one of the top destinations for individuals searching for the security and freedom that can come with a second passport.
The country launched a Citizenship by Investment program (CIP) in 2013 which offers applicants meeting certain stringent criteria the opportunity to obtain full citizenship in exchange for either an investment in approved real estate in Antigua or a significant financial contribution to a government fund designed to support the economic development of the nation.
Citizenship by Investment in Real Estate
Under the Citizenship by Investment Program, qualifying individuals who make an investment in designated real estate may be eligible for citizenship.
The real estate route offers full ownership and shared ownership options.
Full Ownership
To qualify for the real estate route of the Program under the full ownership option, a principal applicant is required to make a minimum investment of US $400,000 in real estate in the country.
The investment must be held for 5 years before resale.
Family members may be included in the application of the principal applicant subject to payment of additional fees:
Shared Ownership
Under the shared ownership option, two principals making an investment of at least US $200,000 in qualifying real estate in Antigua may qualify.
As under the full ownership option, family members may be included in the application of the principal applicant subject to payment of additional fees. N.B. The same fee structure applies.
Processing Fees for Full Ownership & Shared Ownership:
- For a single applicant, or a family of 4 or less – US $30,000
- For a family of 5 or more – US$ 30,000 plus US $15,000 for each additional dependent
Approved Real Estate
Searching for approved real estate? Discover a wide selection of approved Antigua Citizenship by Investment real estate
Citizenship by Contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF)
A second pathway to obtaining citizenship is via the National Development Fund (NDF) which was first launched in April 2006.
To qualify for this route, applicants must make a one-time payment of US $100,000 to the fund.
A spouse, dependent children and dependent parents aged 58 years and over may be included within the application with no additional NDF contribution required, although government and due diligence fees will be payable per each individual which are outlined within the fees section.
Applications should be submitted to the Citizenship by Investment Unit via a local authorized agent. Applicants are required to pay the full due diligence fees and 10% of the government processing fee upon submission of the application documents. The balance of the government processing fees, passport fees and contribution are due upon receipt of a letter of approval.
Benefits of Antigua Citizenship
- Enjoy visa-free or visa on arrival travel to approximately 150 countries and territories worldwide including all EU member states, the UK, Hong Kong and Singapore.
- Full citizenship is granted for life.
- Family members (spouse, children and parents) can be included in the application of the principal applicant.
- Minimal residency requirement – There is a requirement to reside in Antigua for only 5 days during the first 5 years.
- Excellent air links via Antigua’s modern international airport (which is a transport hub for the region) connecting the country to the USA, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean region
- Safe and secure, stable country which is a member state of the Commonwealth, Caricom (Caribbean Community) and the Organisation of American States (OAS).
- Dual citizenship allowed – see section below.
- Wide choice of approved real estate investment options, including freehold homes and villas, apartments and condos, and land, with both full and shared ownership options available.
- Passport issued valid for 10 years and can be renewed thereafter.
Does Antigua Allow Dual Citizenship?
Dual citizenship is allowed in Antigua. This means that you can be a citizen of Antigua & Barbuda and also a citizen of other countries. You can therefore apply for citizenship of Antigua and keep your original citizenship. Antigua does not report citizenship information to other countries.
Find Out More
Would you like to find out more about becoming a citizen of Antigua?
To explore your options in more detail, please explore the full details of the Antigua Citizenship by Investment Program on our website or contact 7th Heaven Properties, the Luxury Caribbean Property Specialist.
To discover approved real estate investment on other nearby islands which could be your gateway to a second passport, explore the full range of Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Real Estate options we can introduce you to.
We look forward to helping you explore the options for you and your family.