Becoming A Citizen Of Barbuda: A Comprehensive Guide

Antigua and Barbuda offers citizenship by investment, allowing individuals and their families to obtain citizenship in exchange for a significant investment in the country. The program was introduced in 2012 or 2013 to promote economic growth, attract real estate development, and increase foreign direct investment. There are four main investment routes: a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund, a donation to the University of the West Indies Fund, real estate investment, and business investment. The minimum investment required is $100,000, although some sources state $230,000, and the procedure takes at least 6 months.

Investment options: National Development Fund, real estate, business, or University of the West Indies Fund

Investment Options for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

Antigua and Barbuda offers four primary investment routes to citizenship. Each option requires a significant financial commitment but provides different benefits and opportunities for investors.

National Development Fund (NDF) Contribution

The NDF contribution is a non-refundable donation to support Antigua and Barbuda's economic growth. For a family of up to four, the minimum contribution is $230,000. For larger families, an additional $15,000 per person is required. This option is often the quickest and most straightforward path to citizenship, and the funds are used for various national development projects, including infrastructure improvements and social programs.

Real Estate Investment

Applicants can invest a minimum of $300,000 in pre-approved real estate projects, including luxury resorts, villas, and commercial developments. This investment must be maintained for at least five years. Real estate investments offer potential for capital appreciation and rental income. It's important to conduct due diligence on the chosen property, considering factors such as location, developer reputation, and market conditions.

University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund Donation

The UWI Fund option is ideal for large families of six or more members. By contributing $260,000 to the UWI Fund, families can save significantly compared to the NDF option. This route entitles one family member to a one-year scholarship at UWI, one of the Caribbean's top universities. It's important to note that attending the university is not required to obtain citizenship.

Business Investment

The business investment option requires a minimum investment of $1.5 million by an individual or a joint investment of at least $5 million, with each person contributing at least $400,000. This route is designed for entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish or expand businesses in eligible sectors such as tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. Business investments can create employment opportunities and contribute to the local economy.

Additional Costs and Requirements

Regardless of the chosen investment route, additional costs include due diligence fees, processing fees, passport fees, and interview fees. Applicants must also meet specific criteria, submit the required documentation, and undergo background and due diligence checks. The entire process typically takes around four to seven months.

Application process: Submit forms, receive approval, make investment, become citizen

To become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, you must submit an application for citizenship to the Passport Office on Queen Elizabeth Highway. The application process for citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda involves several steps, including submitting forms, receiving approval, making an investment, and fulfilling residency requirements. Here is a detailed breakdown of the process:

Submit Forms

Firstly, applicants must complete and submit the required application forms, along with the necessary documents. The specific forms and documents may vary depending on the investment route chosen and individual circumstances. However, some commonly required documents include:

• Citizenship by Investment Application Form AB1
• Photograph and Signature Certificate Form AB2
• Medical Certificate Form AB3
• Investment Confirmation Form AB4
• Licensed Agent Form Form AB5
• Passport application forms (L Form for individuals aged 16 and older, and M Form for those under 16)
• Real Estate Developer Application Form AB8 or Business Investment Application Form AB9 (depending on the chosen investment route)
• Representatives and Service Providers Form AB6 and Agent's License Form Form AB7 (for agents and representatives)

In addition to these forms, applicants will need to provide various supporting documents, such as police certificates, birth certificates, passport copies, medical certificates, bank references, professional references, proof of address, marriage certificates, divorce documents, and a statement of the source of funds for the investment.

Receive Approval

Once the application forms and supporting documents have been submitted, the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) will review the application. The CIU is the government authority responsible for administering the program and conducting thorough due diligence checks on applicants. The CIU will verify the accuracy of the information provided and assess whether the applicant meets the eligibility criteria. This process typically takes around 60-90 days, after which the applicant will receive a confirmation letter with the status "approved in principle."

Make Investment

After receiving approval from the CIU, the applicant can proceed to make the required investment. The investment options typically include:

• A contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF) of a minimum non-refundable amount of USD 230,000.
• A contribution to the University of the West Indies of a minimum non-refundable amount of USD 260,000.
• The purchase of real estate with a minimum value of USD 300,000 from an approved real estate project.
• The direct purchase of an eligible business for a minimum amount of USD 1.5 million as an individual or a joint purchase with each contributor investing at least USD 400,000, totaling a minimum of USD 5 million.

It is important to note that the investment options and minimum amounts may vary depending on family size and other factors, so it is essential to review the latest information from official sources.

Become Citizen

Once the investment is made and proof is sent to the CIU, the applicant can take the oath or affirmation of allegiance at an Embassy, High Commission, or Consular Office of Antigua and Barbuda. At this point, the applicant becomes a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda and will receive their passport.

It is important to note that there are additional requirements to maintain citizenship. Citizens must spend a minimum of five days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first five years of obtaining citizenship. This requirement must be met to renew the passport after its initial five-year validity period.

Application requirements: No criminal record, excellent character, good health, qualifying investment, etc

To become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, you must meet the eligibility criteria and submit the required documentation. Here are the key application requirements:

No Criminal Record

A clean criminal record is essential for applicants seeking citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda. This requirement ensures that individuals with a history of criminal activity are not granted citizenship.

Excellent Character

The character requirement is assessed through due diligence checks conducted by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). These checks aim to verify the applicant's identity, reputation, and integrity. Any false statements or omissions in the application may result in rejection.

Good Health

Applicants are required to undertake a full medical examination, including an HIV test and a full blood count, as part of the application process. This requirement ensures that applicants are in good health and do not have any significant health conditions that may impact their ability to contribute to the country.

Qualifying Investment

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program offers several investment routes to obtaining citizenship:

• National Development Fund Contribution: A non-refundable donation of a minimum of USD 230,000 to support the country's economic growth.
• University Fund Donation: A non-refundable contribution of a minimum of USD 260,000 to the University of the West Indies. This option is designed for larger families of six or more members.
• Real Estate Investment: A minimum investment of USD 300,000 in pre-approved real estate projects, maintained for at least five years. This option includes luxury resorts, villas, and commercial developments.
• Business Investment: A minimum investment of USD 1.5 million in an approved business venture as an individual or a joint investment of USD 5 million with each applicant contributing at least USD 400,000.

Other Requirements and Considerations:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Dependents, including spouses, children, and parents, can be included in the application.
• Required documents include a valid passport, proof of investment, health insurance, and other supporting documents.
• Applicants must undergo rigorous screening and background checks prior to consideration by the CIU.
• There is no language test or English proficiency requirement for citizenship applications.

Family inclusion: Spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program offers applicants the chance to include their family members in their application for citizenship. This includes the applicant's spouse, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and siblings.

The following family members are eligible for citizenship by investment:

• Spouse of the main applicant
• Children of the main applicant or their spouse who are under 30 and financially dependent on the principal applicant
• Children of the main applicant or their spouse who are 18 or older but physically or mentally handicapped, residing with and fully dependent on the principal applicant
• Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or their spouse who are 55 or older and financially dependent on the principal applicant
• Siblings of the main applicant or their spouse, if unmarried

In addition, applicants can also include future spouses and future children of dependent children in their application. There are fees associated with including future spouses and future children, which range from $10,000 to $50,000.

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program is considered one of the most "family-friendly" programs among Caribbean citizenship programs. The program allows for large families of six or more to obtain citizenship, making it an attractive option for those seeking to include their family members in their application.

The program offers several benefits for families, including visa-free travel to over 150 countries, fast processing times, and access to a high-quality Caribbean education system. There is also no requirement to reside in Antigua and Barbuda before or after obtaining citizenship, making it a convenient option for those who cannot relocate.

Benefits: Visa-free travel, tax advantages, enhanced security, dual citizenship, etc

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship comes with a host of benefits, including:

Visa-Free Travel

Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda can travel to over 150 countries and territories without a visa, including the UK, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Russia, the European Union's Schengen Area, and China. This freedom of movement makes international travel significantly easier and more accessible.

Tax Advantages

There are no taxes on personal income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains in Antigua and Barbuda. This means citizens can keep more of their money and optimise their tax obligations. Additionally, residents do not pay taxes on dividends, royalties, or interest. The flat corporate tax rate is also relatively low at 25%, and some industries benefit from reduced rates.

Enhanced Security

Holding citizenship of a country provides an added layer of security and protection when travelling or living abroad. Antigua and Barbuda passports are highly regarded and offer visa-free access to key global destinations.

Dual Citizenship

Antigua and Barbuda allows its citizens to hold dual citizenship, meaning you can retain your original nationality while also enjoying the benefits of Antiguan citizenship. This provides the advantage of having the rights and privileges of two countries and can open up a range of opportunities.

Frequently asked questions