Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is an independent commonwealth country in the Eastern Caribbean region known for its beautiful beaches (365 of them!), turquoise waters, lush tropical landscapes and warm climate. For this reason, it's been a popular tourist destination for decades, luring millions of visitors each year, which is why nearly 60% of Antigua and Barbuda's income is derived from tourism. However, in recent years, the country has been looking to diversify its economy and, at the same time, give the masses who've been seeking a more permanent way to stay in Antigua and Barbuda a chance to do so. And that's how the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) came to be. If you're interested in becoming a citizen of this beautiful twin-island nation, read on for a complete Q&A guide to the Antigua and Barbuda CIP.

What Is the Antigua and Barbuda CIP Program?

The Antigua and Barbuda CIP program was launched under the country's Citizenship by Investment Act (Act No. 2 of 2013) to promote economic growth, support infrastructure development and boost foreign direct investment. The initiative grants eligible individuals and their families citizenship and an Antiguan passport in exchange for a qualifying investment in the country's economy. This investment can take several forms, including donating to the National Development Fund (NDF), establishing a business enterprise, contributing to the University of the West Indies Fund, or investing in a government-sanctioned real estate project.

What Are the Benefits of Obtaining Citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda?

As a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, you'll enjoy many advantages, including:

Visa-free travel: With an Antiguan passport, you'll have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 150 countries and territories, including the Schengen Area, the UK and Hong Kong. You'll also be eligible to apply for a 10-year B1/B2 category visitor visa to the United States and extend it remotely whenever it expires.

Dual citizenship: Antigua and Barbuda recognizes dual nationality, which means you won't have to renounce your existing citizenship status.

Tax benefits: Antigua and Barbuda doesn't impose taxes on personal income, capital gains, inheritance or wealth. Residents also don't have to pay dividends, royalties or interest taxes.

Plan B: Given the increasing political and economic uncertainty worldwide, having a second passport is the ultimate insurance policy. It presents an escape route and a backup plan in case anything goes wrong in your home country.

CARICOM membership: As a citizen, you'll be part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a 15-member regional organization that promotes economic integration and cooperation among its states. This gives you access to trade and business opportunities in the region.

Family inclusion: You can include your spouse (or future spouse), dependent children, parents, siblings and even grandparents in your application.

Who Is Eligible for the Antigua and Barbuda CIP?

To qualify for citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda as a principal applicant, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Have no criminal record
Have a clean bill of health
Be of excellent character (supported by employer references and bank statements)
Make a qualifying investment
Spend at least five days in the country during the first five years of registering as a citizen
Recite the oath of allegiance in Antigua and Barbuda, any high commission, embassy, or consulate of the dual-island nation
Submit to a virtual interview (a requirement that came into effect starting 15 December 2023)

What Are the Investment Options?

When applying for citizenship under the Antigua and Barbuda CIP, you can choose one of the following investment options:

Contributing a non-refundable minimum of USD 100,000 to the National Development Fund. This amount is for a single applicant or a family of up to four people. For larger families of five or more people, the minimum contribution increases to USD 125,000.

Donating at least USD 150,000 to the University of the West Indies, also non-refundable. Should you opt for this type of investment, know that your contribution amount remains the same, regardless of the size of your family. It also entitles one member of your family to a one-year scholarship program at the university.

Investing in approved real estate projects with a minimum expenditure of USD 200,000 that you'll have to keep for at least five years. The purchase can also be made jointly between two individuals as long as each contributes at least USD 200,000.

Direct investment into a qualified business with a minimum outlay of USD 1.5 million individually or a collective venture, with each investor providing a minimum of USD 400,000, amounting to a total capital allocation of at least USD 5 million.

Which Family Members Are Eligible for Citizenship Under the Primary Applicant?

The following family members can be included in the primary applicant's citizenship application:

Spouse (or future spouse)
Children under 18 years old
Children between the ages of 18 and 30, if they're financially dependent on the principal applicant
Mentally or physically challenged children over the age of 18 who are living with and fully supported by the primary applicant
Parents and grandparents of the leading candidate and/or spouse aged 55 and over, who are dependent on the principal applicant for financial support
Siblings of the applicant or spouse, if unmarried, with no children, and who are financially dependent on the main candidate

How Long Does It Take To Get Citizenship?

The average processing time for an Antigua and Barbuda citizenship application is three to four months, provided you've handed in all the required documents on time, passed due diligence checks and made the necessary investment. It's relatively one of the fastest CIPs to obtain in the Caribbean region, especially if you apply through an experienced, efficient immigration consultancy firm like Citizens International.

Become a Citizen of Antigua and Barbuda Today

Second passport programs like the Antigua and Barbuda CIP promise a chance to change your life for the better. It's also worth mentioning that starting 30 June 2024, the minimum investment threshold for the Antigua and Barbuda CIP will be raised to USD 200,000 instead of the current USD 100,000. So, if you're serious about securing a second citizenship and a new start in this beautiful Caribbean nation, now is the time to act. Find the right CIP experts to guide you through the application process and make your dreams of becoming a global citizen a reality.