Acquiring Citizenship by Investment in Antigua & Barbuda - The Ultimate Guide
In today’s increasingly uncertain world, forward-thinking individuals are increasingly looking to second citizenship programs as a pathway to enjoying increased global mobility, peace of mind and financial security. By making a qualifying investment into the economy of certain Caribbean island nations, eligible investors and their families can apply to become full citizens of countries such as Antigua & Barbuda.
Gaining citizenship of Antigua & Barbuda through its Citizenship by Investment Program unlocks a world of benefits. Our comprehensive guide outlines the program’s various advantages as well as everything you need to know about applying, from eligibility rules to application costs and typical processing times.
Find out what kind of investment you would need to make in order to qualify for the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship Program. There are several investment options to choose from. Our guide outlines these routes, including the requirements of the real estate investment option and the financial contribution option, along with details of the application process.
Drawing on years of experience in the Caribbean, we have created this in-depth resource for those considering applying for the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program. Read on to discover why investors choose Antigua & Barbuda to protect their future and find out how this trusted program could provide greater security, freedom and flexibility for you and your family.
Introduction
Introduced in 2013 to spur economic growth, Antigua & Barbuda’s highly-rated Citizenship by Investment Program provides a straightforward path to citizenship for eligible investors. Applicants can choose from four investment options: the National Development Fund (NDF), the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund, an investment in an approved real estate development, or an investment in an approved business.
The program is managed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit in the capital St John’s and has historically attracted investors from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia seeking greater travel freedom. More recently, rising numbers of Americans have applied, recognizing the value of a second passport as an insurance policy amid global instability.
The program offers investors and their loved ones a trusted route to security, stability, and opportunity. For global citizens seeking a potential Plan B, Antigua & Barbuda provides a sound solution for uncertain times.
Antigua offers one of the most cost-effective Caribbean citizenship programs, enabling families of up to four to acquire citizenship for the comparatively low contribution of just US $100,000 to the National Development Fund.
“Antigua offers one of the most cost-effective Caribbean citizenship programs, enabling families of up to four to acquire citizenship for the comparatively low contribution of just US $230,000 to the National Development Fund”
Benefits
Full Citizenship for Life
Successful applicants of the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program become full citizens of the country with the right to live and work in Antigua & Barbuda with no restrictions.
Your citizenship rights can be passed on to future generations, allowing your children and grandchildren to enjoy all the same benefits and safeguarding your family’s future.
As Antiguan citizens, successful applicants can also take advantage of the country’s membership of CARICOM (the Caribbean Community) which provides nationals of Antigua & Barbuda with the right to take up residence, work without permission and establish a business in any other CARICOM member states. There are 15 member states of CARICOM: Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago.
Antiguan citizens also enjoy all the rights and privileges of citizenship of a Commonwealth country in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
Acquiring citizenship of Antigua & Barbuda can therefore unlock an array of opportunities across CARICOM and the vast Commonwealth.
Minimal Residency Requirement
A key benefit of the Antigua & Barbuda program is the minimal residency requirement for new citizens. Successful applicants are only required to reside in Antigua & Barbuda for a minimum period of 5 days during the first five years.
However, as a citizen you have the option to spend as much time as you desire in this idyllic island paradise, renowned for its high quality of life, natural beauty and pleasant tropical climate. Why not take advantage of your citizenship and enjoy a relaxed Caribbean lifestyle by residing part-time or full-time in this beautiful and welcoming country?
Visa-Free Travel Worldwide
Upon obtaining citizenship through the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, you can apply for an Antiguan passport through a separate application process.
As a citizen of Antigua & Barbuda, you will enjoy enhanced global mobility to travel and conduct business. The Antiguan passport is globally recognized and highly valued for its extensive visa privileges, allowing holders visa-free or visa on arrival access to approximately 150 countries and territories worldwide.
For example, with an Antiguan passport you can enjoy visa-free travel to Europe’s Schengen area and the UK.
The passport also provides visa-free access to major destinations such as Hong Kong, Singapore and many others.
Financial Advantages
Antigua & Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Program offers successful applicants who take up residence a highly appealing tax regime – including no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, no wealth tax and no tax on income generated outside the country. Along with the country’s natural beauty and enviable lifestyle, these tax advantages have made Antigua & Barbuda one of the most sought-after destinations for investors seeking second citizenship in the Caribbean. For those seeking the opportunity for substantial wealth preservation together with an unparalleled quality of life, Antigua & Barbuda provides a unique opportunity to prosper in an island paradise.
Fast Track Application Process
Antigua & Barbuda offers a rapid route to acquiring second citizenship in the Caribbean. The country seeks to rapidly process applications while maintaining strict due diligence standards. Thanks to a streamlined application process, your application could be processed within 4 to 6 months from submission, providing you with swift access to all the benefits of citizenship of Antigua & Barbuda and the peace of mind that comes with expanded opportunities.
Family-Friendly Program
The Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program readily welcomes families, allowing the main applicant to include immediate relatives in their application. Spouses, children, parents and grandparents can all apply for citizenship alongside the main applicant. In addition, the right to citizenship passes to future generations, allowing descendants to inherit all the benefits of citizenship as well. So, for families, applying for citizenship in Antigua & Barbuda creates a legacy of security and access to opportunity for generations to come.
Dual Citizenship Permitted
A key advantage of the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program is that dual citizenship is permitted. Unlike some countries, Antigua & Barbuda’s laws fully recognize dual nationality. Applicants can therefore acquire a valuable second passport without having to renounce their existing citizenship. This makes the program ideal for investors looking to enjoy the benefits of a new citizenship while retaining their current one.
Requirements
In order to be eligible for the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, an applicant must be able to meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age,
- Be of good character with no criminal record,
- Be able to satisfy the minimum required investment and pay the required processing, due diligence and administrative fees,
- Pass due diligence checks.
- Nationals of the following countries are not eligible to apply for citizenship in Antigua & Barbuda (with the exception of individuals who migrated before the age of majority and/or have maintained permanent residence in any country other than those on the restricted country list, for a period of not less than 10 years and maintain no economic ties to any restricted country): Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen
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
Applicants can qualify for the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program by making an investment in an approved Antigua real estate project (N.B. the property must be held for a minimum of 5 years).
Investment Amount
Minimum Investment: US $300,000
Search our Antigua Citizenship by Investment real estate for approved properties in Antigua.
N.B. You must hold the real estate for 5 years. After the 5 year period you can sell it while still retaining Antiguan citizenship.
Administrative Fees
In addition to the real estate investment outlined above, additional administrative fees are payable.
Applicants are required to pay government processing and due diligence fees as part of the application process.
Government Processing Fee
- Single Applicant: US $10,000
- Family of up to 4 persons: US $20,000
- Additional family members: US $10,000 each
N.B. 10% of the Government Processing Fee is non-refundable and due upon submission of an application.
Due Diligence Fee
- Main applicant: US $8,500
- Spouse: US $5,000
- Dependant aged 11 years or less: US $0
- Dependant aged 12 to 17: US $2,000 each
- Dependant aged 18 years or above: US $4,000 each
- 2 Option 2 National Development Fund (NDF)
Applicants can qualify for the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program by making a non-refundable financial contribution to Antigua’s National Development Fund (NDF).
Investment Amount
- Family of up to 4 persons: Minimum US $230,000
- Family of 5 persons or more: Minimum US $230,000
Administrative Fees
In addition to the contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF) outlined above, additional administrative fees are payable.
Applicants are required to pay government processing and due diligence fees as part of the application process.
Government Processing Fee
- Single Applicant: US $10,000
- Family of up to 4 persons: US $20,000
- Additional family members: US $10,000 each
N.B. 10% of the Government Processing Fee is non-refundable and due upon submission of an application.
Due Diligence Fee
- Main applicant: US $8,500
- Spouse: US $5,000
- Dependant aged 11 years or less: US $0
- Dependant aged 12 to 17: US $2,000 each
- Dependant aged 18 years or above: US $4,000 each
- 3 Option 3 University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund
Applicants can qualify for the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program by making a contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund (UWIF).
The fund is a mechanism for financing the university’s fourth landed campus.
This option is one of the most affordable options available for large families and is only available to families consisting of 6 persons or more.
Making a contribution via this route entitles 1 family member to 1 year of tuition at the University of the West Indies.
Investment Amount
- Family of minimum 6 persons: US $260,000
Administrative Fees
In addition to the contribution to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund outlined above, additional administrative fees are payable.
Applicants are required to pay government processing and due diligence fees as part of the application process.
Government Processing Fee
- Family of 6 persons: Included
- Each additional dependant: US $15,000 each
N.B. 10% of the Government Processing Fee is non-refundable and due upon submission of an application.
Due Diligence Fee
- Main applicant: US $7,500
- Spouse: US $7,500
- Dependant aged 11 years or less: US $0
- Dependant aged 12 to 17: US $2,000
- Dependant aged 18 years or above: US $4,000
- 4 Option 4 Business Investment
Applicants can qualify for the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program by making an investment in an existing or proposed business.
Investment Amount
- Minimum independent investment: US $1,500,000
- Minimum joint investment: US $400,000 per investor (total value of the investment: US $5,000,000)
Administrative Fees
In addition to the business investment outlined above, additional administrative fees are payable.
Applicants are required to pay government processing and due diligence fees as part of the application process.
Government Processing Fee
- Single applicant or a family of up to 4 persons: US $30,000
- Family of 5 or more: US $150,000
- Each additional dependant: US $15,000
N.B. 10% of the Government Processing Fee is non-refundable and due upon submission of an application.
Due Diligence Fee
- Main applicant: US $7,500
- Spouse: US $7,500
- Dependant aged 11 years or less: US $0
- Dependant aged 12 to 17: US $2,000
- Dependant aged 18 years or above: US $4,000
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).
Mandatory Interview
Applicants are required to attend a mandatory interview which will be conducted virtually.
Due Diligence
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.
Determination
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
Administrative Fees
In addition to the contribution to the Government’s National Development Fund (NDF) or the real estate investment outlined above, additional administrative fees are payable.
Applicants investing via the apply to the NDF, real estate investment, and business investment routes are required to pay government processing fees.
Government Processing Fee
- Family of up to 4 persons: US $30,000
- Additional family members: US $15,000 each
N.B. 10% of the Government Processing Fee is non-refundable and due upon submission of an application.
Interview Fee
- There is a fee of US $1,500 per application for the interview
Due Diligence Fee
All applicants are required to pay due diligence fees as part of the application process.
- Main applicant: US $7,500
- Spouse: US $7,500
- Dependant aged 11 years or less: US $0
- Dependant aged 12 to 17: US $2,000
- Dependant aged 18 years or above: US $4,000
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.