Acquiring Citizenship by Investment in Antigua & Barbuda - The Ultimate Guide
In an uncertain world increasing numbers of people are looking for the security of a second citizenship for themselves and their families. A second passport can provide increased freedom to travel internationally, peace of mind, as well as enhanced financial security. Several Caribbean island nations offer citizenship to eligible applicants including the island of Antigua & Barbuda.
We put together this guide for investors wondering how to get citizenship of Antigua & Barbuda and considering applying for the island’s Citizenship by Investment Program. The Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program enables qualifying investors to apply for full citizenship in exchange for a significant investment in the nation’s economy. There are several approved investment routes available to investors. Our guide covers all aspects of the program from eligibility requirements, investment options and application costs through to the benefits of citizenship.
Introduction
In 2013 Antigua and Barbuda launched a Citizenship by Investment Program which offers eligible applicants full citizenship in exchange for an investment in a designated real estate project or a financial contribution to the country’s economy.
Antigua’s Citizenship by Investment Program offers good value for money for individual applicants and families apply for second citizenship.
“Antigua’s Citizenship by Investment Program offers good value for money for individual applicants and families apply for second citizenship”
Benefits
Full Citizenship for Life
Successful applicants become full citizens with the right to live and work in Antigua & Barbuda and in other CARICOM (Caribbean Community) countries. Antiguan citizens also enjoy all the rights and privileges of citizenship of a Commonwealth country in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
Minimal Residency Requirement
Successful applicants are only required to reside in Antigua & Barbuda for a minimum period of 5 days during the first five years.
Visa-Free Travel Worldwide
Successful applicants receive an Antiguan passport which offers visa-free or visa on arrival access to approximately 150 countries worldwide, including the EU-Schengen area, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia and many others.
Financial Advantages
Antigua & Barbuda’s attractive tax regime offers freedom from inheritance tax, capital gains tax and wealth tax.
Fast Track Application Process
Thanks to a straightforward application process you could receive your new Antiguan passport in 3 to 4 months.
Family-Friendly Program
The program allows for family members to apply together, including spouses, children, parents and grandparents of the main applicant.
Dual Citizenship Permitted
Antigua & Barbuda recognizes dual citizenship so there is no requirement under Antiguan law for applicants to give up their current citizenship.
Requirements
Applicants for citizenship of Antigua & Barbuda must meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be able of good character with no criminal record
- Must be able to make at least the required minimum investment
The following family members of the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse) can be included in the application:
- Spouse
- Dependent children aged under 18 the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse)
- Children aged 18 to 30 who are financially dependent on the main applicant
- Children aged 18 or over who are physically or mentally disabled, living with and fully supported by the main applicant
- Parents or grandparents of the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse) who are aged 55 or older and financially dependent
- Unmarried siblings of the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse)
Investment Options
- 1 Option 1 Real Estate Investment
An investment in an approved Antigua real estate project (N.B. the property must be held for a minimum of 5 years).
Joint investment: Minimum US $200,000.
Independent investment: Minimum US $400,000.
Search our Antigua Citizenship by Investment real estate for approved properties in Antigua.
- 2 Option 2 Financial Investment
A non-refundable financial contribution to Antigua’s National Development Fund (NDF).
Main applicant: US $100,000
Family of up to four members: US $100,000
Family of five members or more: US $125,000
- 3 Option 3 Business Investment
An investment into an eligible business, either as sole investor or joint investor.
Independent investment: Minimum US $1,500,000
Joint investment: Minimum US $400,000 each (with a minimum of 2 persons and a total investment of US $5,000,000)
Application Process
The application process involves the following steps:
- 1 Compile Application
Complete all required forms for the Antigua Citizenship by Investment Program in the English language and gather together all required supporting documents with the guidance and support of an authorized Agent. We can introduce you to a qualified and authorized Agent with experience of handling citizenship applications.
- 2 Submit Application
Submit application to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) via an authorized Agent for review and due diligence.
- 3 Application Review & Determination
The application will be thoroughly reviewed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). Applicants may be required to attend an interview. Strict due diligence (including AML (anti-money laundering), CTF (counter-terrorism financing) and criminal record checks will be conducted by multiple organizations including the CIU, international due diligence firms and regional and international law enforcement agencies. Approval in principle or rejection is usually provided within a period of 90 days.
- 4 Conclude Investment
If approved, applicants are required to pay the balance of the required investment and the remaining fees.
- 5 Citizenship Granted
The passport(s) will then be made available for collection either in Antigua & Barbuda or at an Embassy or Consulate, usually within a period of 30 days. At this time successful applicants will take an oath of allegiance.
Real Estate
Searching for real estate approved for the Antigua Citizenship by Investment Program? Several of our property listings in Antigua are approved projects under the CIP program.
Several of the listings on our site are officially approved projects which means that an investment in to one of them provides eligibility to apply for citizenship of Antigua & Barbuda.
Search our Antigua Citizenship by Investment real estate options or contact us to discover your options.
Costs & Fees
Non-refundable government processing fees – 10% payable upon submission of application; remainder payable upon receipt of approval letter:
- $50,000 USD for the main applicant.
- $50,000 USD for any spouse, dependent child aged 18-25 or parent aged 65+.
- $25,000 USD for any dependent child aged under 18.
Non-refundable due diligence fees – payable upon submission of application:
- $7,500 USD for the main applicant.
- $7,500 USD for any spouse.
- $2,000 USD for any dependent child aged 12-17.
- $4,000 USD for any dependent child aged 18-25.
- $4,000 USD for any parent aged 65+.
Passport fee:
- $300 USD per person for issuance of passport.
Find Out More
We would be delighted to discuss your options and consider whether the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program would be a good fit for you.
To request a telephone callback, please complete the contact form and a specialist citizenship advisor will be in touch as soon as possible.
We look forward to hearing from you.