Obtaining Antigua And Barbuda Citizenship: A Comprehensive Guide

Antigua and Barbuda offers a citizenship-by-investment program that grants individuals and their families a second passport and visa-free travel to over 150 countries. The program was established in 2012 to promote economic growth and development in the country. To qualify for citizenship, applicants must be over 18, make a significant economic contribution, and meet character, health, and criminal record requirements. The investment options include contributing to the National Development Fund, investing in real estate or an eligible business, or donating to the University of the West Indies Fund. The process is designed to be straightforward, with a typical timeline of 3 to 6 months for approval.

Citizenship by Investment

Antigua and Barbuda's Citizenship by Investment Program offers a pathway to citizenship for individuals and their families through significant economic contributions. The program was established in 2012 to promote economic growth, attract foreign investment, and boost development in the country. It is particularly appealing to high-net-worth families seeking access to new markets and visa-free travel to key destinations.

The program offers multiple investment routes to citizenship, each requiring a substantial financial commitment. The options include:

• National Development Fund Contribution: A non-refundable donation of a minimum of USD 230,000 (for up to four people) or USD 255,000 (for five or more people) to support the country's economic growth. This option typically offers a quicker and more straightforward path to citizenship.
• Real Estate Investment: Applicants can purchase property worth at least USD 300,000 in pre-approved real estate development areas. The investment must be maintained for a minimum of five years. This option provides the added benefit of potential capital appreciation and rental income.
• Business Establishment: Applicants can invest USD 1.5 million individually or make a joint investment of at least USD 5 million (with each applicant contributing a minimum of USD 400,000) to establish a business. This route is designed for entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses in the country.
• University of the West Indies Fund: A family of six can contribute USD 260,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund, which includes processing and government fees. This option also entitles one family member to a one-year scholarship at the university.

The benefits of obtaining citizenship through this program include visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the EU Schengen Area, the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Additionally, applicants can include their spouse, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and siblings in their application. There are no residency requirements, and dual citizenship is recognised, offering advantages for business expansion and tax relief.

To qualify for the program, applicants must be over 18 years of age, have a clean criminal record, demonstrate excellent health, and meet the specified investment criteria. The processing time for applications is typically between 3 and 7 months, but backlogs may impact this timeline.

Dual citizenship

Antigua and Barbuda recognizes dual citizenship, which can be beneficial for business expansion and tax relief. The country's Citizenship Law states that a citizen will not be deprived of citizenship or refused registration as a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda if they are a citizen of another country. Additionally, citizens are not required to renounce the citizenship of another country before obtaining an Antiguan passport.

There are several ways to obtain citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, including by birth, descent, marriage, and naturalization. For those seeking dual citizenship, the Citizenship by Investment Program offers an appealing option. Established in 2012, the program allows applicants to gain citizenship through significant economic contributions to the country. The minimum investment starts at USD 230,000, and applicants can choose from several investment options, including contributions to the National Development Fund, the University of the West Indies, real estate purchases, or the direct purchase of an eligible business.

The Citizenship by Investment Program offers several benefits, including visa-free travel to over 150 countries, the right to live, work, and study in Antigua and Barbuda, and access to a tropical climate and beautiful beaches. Applicants can also include their spouse, dependent children, parents, and siblings in their application. The processing time for applications is typically three to four months, and there is no requirement to travel to Antigua and Barbuda during the application process.

To qualify for the Citizenship by Investment Program, applicants must be over 18 years of age, meet the application requirements, and select one of the available investment options. Applicants must also meet certain character requirements, such as holding no criminal record and being in excellent health.

Application process

The application process for citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda involves several steps, and applicants must meet specific criteria and submit the required documentation. Here is a detailed breakdown of the process:

• Initial Due Diligence: Sign a client agreement with an authorized agent, complete the necessary government forms and provide supporting documentation. This includes submitting various forms (AB1-AB5), passport-sized photographs, a certified copy of your current passport, marriage certificate (if applicable), police clearance certificates, medical examination results, professional and educational certificates, bank statements, financial references, and source of funds documentation. All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.
• Government Processing: Once the application is submitted, the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) will review and process it, conducting thorough due diligence checks. The CIU will decline an application if false statements are made or relevant information is omitted.
• Approval and Investment: Upon approval, applicants will receive a confirmation letter with the status "approved in principle." At this stage, applicants must make the required investment and send proof to the CIU. The investment options include contributing to the National Development Fund, investing in approved real estate or an eligible business, or donating to the University of the West Indies Fund.
• Citizenship Oath: After the investment is confirmed, applicants will take the oath or affirmation of allegiance at an Embassy, High Commission, or Consular Office of Antigua and Barbuda. This oath can be taken in Antigua and Barbuda or at an embassy overseas and must be live-streamed for the CIU to witness.
• Passport Issuance: Following the completion of the above steps, applicants and their dependents will receive their passports at their chosen address.

It is important to note that the processing time for citizenship applications is typically estimated at 3-6 months. However, there may be significant backlogs, so it is advisable to confirm the current processing timelines before initiating the application process.

Investment options

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program offers several investment routes to applicants seeking alternative citizenship. The program was established to promote economic growth, attract foreign investment, and support infrastructure development. Here are the four primary investment options:

• National Development Fund Contribution: A non-refundable monetary contribution of US$230,000 (up to four people) or US$255,000 (five people and more) to the National Development Fund. This fund supports various development projects and social programs in the country. It is often the quickest and most straightforward path to citizenship.
• Real Estate Investment: Applicants can purchase property worth at least US$300,000 in pre-approved real estate development areas. The investment must be maintained for a minimum of five years. Property options include luxury resorts, villas, and commercial developments. Real estate investments offer potential for capital appreciation and rental income.
• Business Establishment: Applicants can choose to invest US$1.5 million individually or make a joint investment of at least US$5 million with each applicant contributing a minimum of US$400,000. This option is designed for entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish or expand businesses in eligible sectors such as tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
• University of West Indies Fund: For a family of six, a non-refundable investment of US$260,000 makes them eligible for citizenship. This option includes processing and government fees, and one family member is entitled to a one-year scholarship at the University of the West Indies. This route is particularly cost-effective for larger families.

Each investment option provides a pathway to obtaining Antiguan citizenship and a second passport, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries worldwide, including the EU Schengen Area, the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The program also stands out for its efficiency, with a processing time of 4 to 7 months.

Benefits of citizenship

Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

Visa-Free Travel

Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda can travel to over 150 countries without a visa, including the UK, Europe's Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Russia. This provides citizens with excellent global mobility and freedom to travel.

Dual Citizenship

Antigua and Barbuda allows dual citizenship, which means individuals can hold citizenship in this country and their original nationality. This provides advantages for business expansion and tax relief. There are no residency requirements to maintain citizenship, and dual citizens have equal rights and privileges, such as the right to vote and access social services.

Tax Benefits

There is no tax on worldwide income for citizens of Antigua and Barbuda. This includes no personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax. This makes it an attractive option for individuals looking for tax advantages.

High-Quality Healthcare and Education

Citizens have access to high-quality healthcare and education systems in the country. This ensures that individuals and their families have access to quality services and opportunities.

Efficient and Attractive Investment Options

The citizenship by investment program offers multiple investment routes starting at $230,000, including contributions to the National Development Fund, real estate investments, university fund donations, and business investments. The process is designed to be straightforward and efficient, with a fast-track option available for those seeking quicker processing times.

Family Inclusion

The citizenship program allows for extensive family inclusion. Spouses, dependent children, siblings, parents, and grandparents can be included in the application. This makes it a family-friendly option, especially for larger families.

Frequently asked questions