Get An Antigua And Barbuda Passport: Steps And Benefits

Antigua and Barbuda passports are issued to citizens in accordance with the country's Immigration and Passport Act of 2014. The passport is an easily recognised travel document that identifies citizens and authorises their travel. There are several avenues through which individuals can obtain citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, including citizenship by birth, affiliation, naturalisation, marriage, and the Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP). The CIP grants citizenship to individuals and their families through significant economic contributions.

Citizenship by investment

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program offers individuals and their families a prestigious route to obtaining a second passport. This program was established by the Honourable Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and is managed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). The CIU is responsible for processing all applications and ensuring strict due diligence checks.

The program offers a wealth of opportunities and provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the EU Schengen Area, the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Antigua and Barbuda's citizenship program stands out for its efficiency and attractive investment options, which include:

• National Development Fund Contribution: A non-refundable donation of at least USD 230,000 to support the country's economic growth. This option is often the quickest and most straightforward path to citizenship.
• University Fund Donation: A contribution of at least USD 260,000 to the University of the West Indies, which is a more cost-effective option for larger families.
• Real Estate Investment: A minimum investment of USD 300,000 in pre-approved real estate projects, maintained for at least five years. This option offers potential for capital appreciation and rental income, with properties ranging from beachfront villas to eco-friendly developments.
• Business Investment: A minimum investment of USD 1.5 million in an approved business venture, or a joint investment of at least USD 5 million with each applicant contributing at least USD 400,000. This route is ideal for entrepreneurs looking to establish or expand businesses in eligible sectors such as tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.

The total cost of obtaining citizenship varies depending on the chosen investment route and family size, ranging from USD 250,000 to USD 400,000. The process typically takes 4-7 months, but it's important to note that the program is currently facing significant backlogs.

To be eligible for the Citizenship by Investment Program, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, pass due diligence checks, demonstrate a legally obtained source of funds, and commit to one of the investment options. Dependents can also be included in the application, such as spouses, children under 28 or 30, and parents over 55 or 58.

The benefits of obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship through investment extend beyond global mobility. The country offers dual citizenship, recognising the right of investors to retain their original nationality. Additionally, there are no residency requirements, and citizens enjoy tax benefits, including no worldwide income tax. Antigua and Barbuda is also known for its high-quality healthcare and education systems, making it an attractive destination for permanent residents.

Citizenship by birth

For children born in Antigua and Barbuda, those born before 31 October 1981 acquired citizenship by birth. Those born in the territory of Antigua and Barbuda after 31 October 1981 also acquired citizenship by birth, except for children born to diplomatic personnel.

For children born outside of Antigua and Barbuda, the rules depend on the date of birth. Before 31 October 1981, people born outside of the country acquired citizenship by birth if a parent or grandparent was a citizen. Those born outside of the country after 31 October 1981 acquire citizenship by birth if at least one parent was a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda.

To obtain an Antigua and Barbuda passport, all applicants, including those applying on the grounds of citizenship by birth, must submit an application form and proof of citizenship, such as a citizenship certificate or birth certificate, to the country's official immigration department, the Passport Office, or an Antigua and Barbuda Consulate or Embassy abroad. The application form can be obtained online or at the Passport Office and must be verified by a government official. The applicant is then required to present the application and the required documents to the Passport Office. The application process takes approximately three weeks, although emergency processing is also available for an additional cost.

Citizenship by naturalisation

To obtain an Antigua and Barbuda passport through citizenship by naturalisation, you must have resided in the country for at least five years out of the seven years preceding your application. This means that, of the last seven years, you must have lived in Antigua and Barbuda for at least five years. Additionally, you must have continuously resided in the country for 12 months immediately before the application date.

Other requirements for citizenship by naturalisation include being of good character and intending to live in Antigua and Barbuda. If you have served the government, you are exempt from the residency requirement.

To apply for citizenship by naturalisation, you must submit the following documents to the Passport Office in St John's:

• Application form
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Police clearance certificate
• Passport-size photos

You must also pay an application fee of 200 Eastern Caribbean dollars ($74) and 5,000 Eastern Caribbean dollars ($1,850) for the granting of a certificate of naturalisation.

Citizenship by marriage

To obtain an Antigua and Barbuda passport through citizenship by marriage, you must be married to a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda for at least three years, and your marriage must still be intact. The basic list of documents required includes:

• A completed application form
• A birth certificate
• A marriage certificate
• Passport-sized photos

The Antigua and Barbuda authorities might require you to prove that your marriage is genuine. Documents such as lease agreements, mortgages, property deeds, auto registrations, and correspondence between spouses can serve as confirmation.

To apply for citizenship, you must submit your application to the Passport Office on Queen Elizabeth Highway. The application form may be obtained online or at the Passport Office. The process will take approximately three weeks, but emergency processing is also available.

Citizenship by affiliation

Antigua and Barbuda offers a Citizenship by Investment program, also known as a "golden visa", which allows individuals and their families to obtain citizenship in exchange for a significant economic contribution to the country. This program provides a pathway to obtaining a second passport, with multiple investment routes available. Here is an overview of the Citizenship by Affiliation options:

Individuals can obtain citizenship by affiliation in Antigua and Barbuda if they meet the following criteria:

• Commonwealth citizens who established permanent residency and lived in Antigua for a minimum of seven years before 31 October 1981.
• Commonwealth citizens who have become domiciled in Antigua and Barbuda post-independence and resided in the territory for at least seven years.
• Individuals who would have become nationals at independence but were ineligible solely because they had to renounce British citizenship to obtain another nationality.
• Minors under 18 who were legally adopted by a national or would have been eligible to be registered as an adoptee while still minors if their parents were nationals.

Investment Options for Citizenship by Affiliation

The investment options for the Citizenship by Investment program include:

• National Development Fund Contribution: A non-refundable donation to support Antigua and Barbuda's economic growth. The minimum contribution is $230,000 for a family of up to four, with an additional $15,000 per additional person.
• Real Estate Investment: A minimum investment of $300,000 in pre-approved real estate projects, maintained for at least five years. Options include luxury resorts, villas, and commercial developments.
• University of the West Indies Fund Contribution: A contribution of $260,000 for families of six or more. This option also entitles one family member to a one-year scholarship at the University of the West Indies.
• Business Investment: A minimum investment of $1,500,000 in an approved business venture or a joint investment of at least $5,000,000 with each contributor investing at least $400,000.

Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

Becoming a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda through the Citizenship by Investment program offers several advantages, including:

• Visa-free travel to over 150 countries, including the UK, Europe's Schengen Area, and Singapore.
• Dual citizenship is allowed, and new citizens do not need to renounce their existing citizenship.
• No residency requirements to maintain citizenship.
• Tax benefits, including no worldwide income tax.
• Access to high-quality healthcare and education systems.
• Fast-track process, with citizenship typically granted within a few months of application submission.

Frequently asked questions