How to Get Citizenship in Antigua – The Definitive Guide
Gaining a second passport in Antigua & Barbuda has become highly sought-after among global citizens seeking greater travel liberty, security, and a fantastic lifestyle on a tropical island paradise. This idyllic Caribbean nation offers one of the most straightforward routes to dual citizenship through the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program.
In this definitive, step-by-step guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to get citizenship in Antigua & Barbuda.
We provide a comprehensive overview of the program, including the different investment options available, from donating to the National Development Fund to purchasing approved real estate, and outline the many benefits of holding an Antiguan passport. These include visa-free access to over 150 countries worldwide.
Whether you are seeking increased travel freedom, a contingency plan for your family, or simply a better quality of life, this guide aims to give you all the information you need to successfully gain citizenship in this tropical paradise. Read on to begin your journey to becoming an Antiguan citizen.
Find out how to get citizenship in Antigua & Barbuda
Contents
Introduction to Antigua Citizenship by Investment Program
Citizenship by Investment in Real Estate
Citizenship by Contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF)
Citizenship by Contribution to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund
Citizenship by Business Investment
Benefits of Antigua Citizenship
Does Antigua Allow Dual Citizenship?
Find Out More
Introduction to the Antigua Citizenship by Investment Program
Nestled in the turquoise waters of the Eastern Caribbean, the twin-island nation of Antigua & Barbuda is renowned for its 365 breathtaking white and pink sand beaches, world-class fishing and sailing, and natural beauty. This English-speaking country comprises the larger island of Antigua, the smaller island of Barbuda, and several surrounding islets.
Beyond its postcard-perfect shores, Antigua offers political stability, safety and security, a robust tourism sector, and a well-established real estate market. Due to these appealing factors, the country has emerged as a top destination for those seeking greater security and freedom through second citizenship.
In 2013, Antigua launched its Citizenship by Investment Program. The program allows qualifying applicants to obtain full citizenship by making a major investment in the country, with investment options including making an investment in government-approved real estate or a financial contribution to the nation’s development fund. The program offers a straightforward pathway to a second passport for those who meet the criteria and make the minimum required investment.
With its warm and sunny climate, welcoming communities and straightforward Citizenship by Investment program, Antigua & Barbuda is an attractive choice for global citizens looking to expand their opportunities.
Citizenship by Investment in Real Estate
One of the best routes for qualifying applicants to get citizenship in Antigua is by making an investment in approved real estate in the country. The minimum required investment for this option is US $200,000, along with government processing and due diligence fees.
Antigua offers a diverse selection of approved developments, ranging from luxurious beachfront villas to stylish residences in boutique condo-hotels. Investors can choose to purchase a resort residence, a private villa in one of Antigua’s gated communities, or even a lavish beach house situated directly on the island’s legendary shores.
The real estate must be held for a minimum of 5 years, after which investors have the option to sell while retaining Antiguan citizenship. Beyond acquiring a valuable second passport, real estate investment provides the opportunity to own high-quality property in one of the Caribbean’s premier destinations. The real estate can serve as a full-time residence, an idyllic vacation getaway, or an income-producing asset for the rental market.
Whether you are seeking a new permanent home, a tropical holiday home, or lucrative investment, the real estate investment pathway offers one of the most attractive routes to citizenship for many applicants looking to gain citizenship in this island paradise.
Find out more About the Fees
For full details on government processing and due diligence fees for the real estate investment option, see our Antigua Citizenship by Investment page.
Discover Approved Real Estate
To browse approved real estate from contemporary apartments to lavish beach houses, explore Antigua Citizenship by Investment real estate on our website.
Citizenship by Contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF)
A second pathway to obtaining citizenship is via a financial contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF). This option provides a simple and cost-effective route to obtaining citizenship in Antigua without requiring the purchase of real estate.
The NDF is a non-profit fund established in 2006 to finance government projects and approved charitable investments in Antigua. To qualify for this option, applicants must make a minimum one-time contribution of US $100,000 to the NDF, plus government processing and due diligence fees. Up to 3 dependents can be added to the application at no additional cost. For families of 5 or more, the contribution rises to US$125,000. Applications should be submitted to the Citizenship by Investment Unit via a local authorized agent.
A key advantage of the NDF route is that it provides one of the most affordable options for a family of four compared to other investment options in Antigua and the Caribbean. By removing the real estate purchase requirement, the process is also a straightforward.
For applicants seeking a lower cost citizenship solution without the need for real estate investment, the NDF therefore offers an ideal route.
Find out more About the Fees
For full details on government processing and due diligence fees for the National Development Fund (NDF) contribution option, see our Antigua Citizenship by Investment page.
Citizenship by Contribution to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund is a third, cost-effective citizenship option, specifically for larger families of 6 or more. This pathway supports the development of UWI’s fourth campus in Antigua through a one-time financial contribution.
To qualify, applicants must donate a minimum of US $150,000 to the UWI Fund, along with government processing and due diligence fees. In return, investors become eligible for Antiguan citizenship without the requirement to purchase real estate or make an active investment.
An added benefit is that one family member included in the application is entitled to a 1-year, tuition-only scholarship at UWI. This enables a loved one to pursue quality higher education opportunities in an English-speaking country.
By supporting the fund, larger families of 6 or more can obtain Antiguan citizenship through a low-cost process without the complexity of real estate investment. Plus, families get the added benefit of a head start to university education for one member of the family.
Find out more About the Fees
For full details on government processing and due diligence fees for the the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund option, see our Antigua Citizenship by Investment page.
Citizenship by Business Investment
The fourth pathway to obtaining citizenship in Antigua is through business investment. This route involves making a substantial investment in an existing or proposed new business venture in Antigua.
For independent investments, applicants must invest a minimum of US$1,500,000 into an Antiguan business. For joint investments with other applicants, the minimum investment per investor is lowered to US$400,000, provided the total value of the joint investment totals at least US$5,000,000.
In addition to the minimum capital investment, government processing and due diligence fees must also be paid per application. The business investment route enables high net worth individuals to gain citizenship by stimulating economic growth and job creation in Antigua. Though substantial capital is required, it opens up citizenship without the need to hold real estate for an extended period.
Find out more About the Fees
For full details on government processing and due diligence fees for the business investment option, see our Antigua Citizenship by Investment page.
Benefits of Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship
- Enjoy visa-free or visa on arrival access to approximately 150 countries and territories worldwide including all EU member states, the UK, Hong Kong and Singapore.
- Full citizenship granted for life which can be passed down to future generations.
- Ability to include family members such as a spouse, children, and parents in the application of the principal applicant.
- Minimal residency requirement of only 5 days of residency in Antigua during the first 5 years.
- Excellent air connections 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
- Political stability in safe and secure Antigua & Barbuda which is a member state of the Commonwealth, Caricom (Caribbean Community) and the Organisation of American States (OAS).
- Dual citizenship permitted without a requirement to renounce current nationality – see section below.
- Wide selection of approved real estate including villas, apartments, condominiums, and land.
- Passport valid for 10 years and can be renewed thereafter.
- No personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, no wealth tax and no tax on income generated outside the country.
- High quality lifestyle with favorable tropical climate, beautiful beaches and world-class fishing and sailing.
Does Antigua Allow Dual Citizenship?
Dual citizenship is allowed in Antigua. This means that successful applicants can retain their existing citizenship while also becoming citizens of Antigua & Barbuda.
There is no requirement to renounce your current nationality when you acquire an Antiguan passport. You can be a citizen of multiple countries simultaneously.
This is a major benefit for many investors seeking a second passport, as it enables them to maintain tied their home country and all the benefits of their original passport while also enjoying all the benefits of Antiguan citizenship and a new Antiguan passport.
Find Out More – Next Steps for Getting Antiguan Citizenship
We hope this guide has provided a helpful overview of how to acquire citizenship in the beautiful nation of Antigua and Barbuda.
As outlined above, obtaining a second passport in this tropical paradise offers many exciting benefits, from visa-free travel to living the island lifestyle.
For more information on the qualifying criteria and investment options, please explore the dedicated page on the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program on our website.
To view approved real estate investments available, browse our listings of Caribbean Citizenship by Investment real estate. We can match you with an approved luxury villa, beachfront condo or scenic home site that meets your requirements.
If you have any questions or would like to get started on your application, contact us today.
We look forward to helping you explore the options for you and your family.
Take the first step towards gaining visa-free access to the world and an enviable Caribbean lifestyle. Begin your journey to dual citizenship today.