You can obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship in exchange for one of the following investment options: A $100,000 donation to the country’s National Development Fund, a real estate investment starting from $200,000, a $150,000 donation to the University of the West Indies Fund, or a $400,000 business investment.
A Caribbean Passport by Investment May Be a Great Option for You If:
- Your current passport allows for limited global mobility. With an Antigua and Barbuda passport, you have visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the European Union, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia.
- You are considering diversifying your assets and looking for a place where you can enjoy a number of tax breaks. In Antigua and Barbuda there is no income tax on worldwide income, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax.
- You want to invest in high-end tourist real estate and benefit from the thriving tourism industry in the Caribbean.
- You are looking for a Plan B for yourself and your family. A second citizenship offers alternatives in instances of global instability.
- You are making plans to retire in a peaceful, sunny paradise. With Antigua and Barbuda citizenship, you and your family can live in any of the 15 member states of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).
Check out our article: Best Place to Retire in Caribbean – What You Need to Know!
What is Citizenship by Investment?
Citizenship by investment programs, also sometimes referred to as economic citizenship or golden visa programs, offer foreign investors the opportunity to receive citizenship of a country in exchange for a contribution to the nation’s economic growth. In the Caribbean region, five countries offer Citizenship by Investment (or CBI) programs: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia.
Usually, the investment takes the form of either a donation to fund government projects or a real estate investment, but some countries offer additional investment routes. The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program also offers the option of creating a business enterprise or supporting the University of the West Indies. Citizenship can be extended to family members and is valid for life, passing down to future generations.
During the application, all documentation provided will go through the due diligence process, performed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of the country you are applying to. This is a vital step in a citizenship by investment application, as it means the documents and information will be checked to confirm the identity, financial profile, and security profile of the main applicant, as well as all family members aged 16 or over. A solid due diligence process is crucial to guarantee the credibility (and longevity) of a CBI program.
Benefits of the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program
In a world where the economy and politics are unpredictable, having a second citizenship opens up opportunities and creates flexibility for you and your family. A Caribbean passport is the ultimate plan B. Obtaining one is affordable, easy, and fast.
Antigua and Barbuda citizens enjoy an attractive tax environment, with no income, wealth, or inheritance tax.
The investment options are affordable, starting at $100,000.
Your entire family can be included in the citizenship application – spouse (or future spouse), dependent children, siblings, parents, and grandparents. And since citizenship is lifelong, it will pass down to future generations.
There are no residency requirements for citizenship, meaning you can do the whole process remotely, without the need to travel to Antigua and Barbuda at any point. The only travel requirement is that, as a new citizen, you spend a total of five days in the country during the first five years.
There are no language tests or academic requirements either.
Antigua and Barbuda passport holders can travel visa-free to over 140 countries, including the European Union, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia.
Why Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island state located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of about 100,000, it consists of two major inhabited islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and a number of smaller islands.
With 365 beaches of clean, clear turquoise waters, the tropical islands of Antigua and Barbuda are considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. As a result, tourism is the key driver of GDP and generates more than 60% of the island’s income, with key target markets being the US, Canada, and Europe. The next largest employers are the financial services industry and the government.
With a long-standing tradition of political stability and a transparent governance system, the government actively encourages foreign investment, offering a supportive legal framework, investor-friendly policies, and incentives that foster business growth, including competitive tax rates, exemptions on capital gains and corporate taxes, and a streamlined process for establishing offshore companies.
Antigua and Barbuda have established themselves as premier tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year. As an investor, you can tap into the thriving tourism industry by investing in luxury resorts, boutique hotels, eco-tourism ventures, marinas, and other related infrastructure. The consistent growth in tourism ensures a steady stream of revenue and attractive returns on investment.
Getting to Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda, despite being a small Caribbean nation, boasts impressive connectivity and is well-connected to the world. The country’s International Airport serves as a major aviation hub in the Caribbean, with a wide range of direct flights to and from various international destinations, including major cities such as London, New York, Miami, Toronto, and Montreal.
In addition to air travel, the islands of Antigua and Barbuda are renowned cruise ship destinations. The country boasts a modern and well-equipped cruise ship port, which welcomes numerous cruise lines and thousands of visitors each year. This provides an alternative mode of travel for tourists and serves as an additional avenue for global connectivity. It is worth noting as well that Antigua and Barbuda’s proximity to other Caribbean countries further enhances its connectivity, allowing for seamless travel throughout the Caribbean region.
Who is eligible for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?
To be eligible for the Antigua & Barbuda citizenship program, you must meet certain criteria. These include being at least 18 years old, having a clean criminal record, and being in good health. The main applicant can also include specific family members such as their spouse and children who are under 18 years old.
Main applicant
The requirements for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship are:
- Be over 18 years old
- Be of excellent character (proved through bank statements and employer references)
- Hold no criminal record
- Have excellent health
- Be able to make a qualifying investment
- Spend a minimum of five days in Antigua and Barbuda within five calendar years of registering as a citizen.
- Be willing to take the oath of allegiance in Antigua and Barbuda itself, or any Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate of Antigua and Barbuda.
At Global Citizen Solutions, we offer an initial pre due diligence assessment, free of charge, so you can be assured that your application will be successful even before you sign the contract with us.
Antigua and Barbuda’s restricted countries list includes:
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Yemen
- Sudan
Individuals born in these restricted countries, but 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 ten years and maintain no economic ties to any restricted country are eligible to apply citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda.
Family members
The following family members are also eligible for the investment program:
- Spouse or future spouse
- Children under the age of 18
- Children aged 18 to 30, if they are supported by the main applicant or spouse (as well as their spouse and dependent children)
- Dependent children, aged 18 or over that are physically/ mentally challenged
- Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse if aged 55 or above, and financially dependent on the main applicant or spouse
- Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouse
Qualifying Investments: Four Options
In order to qualify for economic citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda, you must choose one of the following investment routes:
1. National Development Fund (NDF)
In order to receive citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, you must make a non-refundable contribution to the country’s National Development Fund (NDF). The minimum investment necessary depends on the number of members of the family included in the citizenship application.
The National Development Fund (NDF) was created and established under section 42(2) of the Finance Administration Act 2006 for the purpose of funding government-sponsored projects, including public-private partnerships and approved charitable investments. It means that when you make a donation to the Fund, it helps support projects that improve the living conditions of the Antigua and Barbuda population.
 Single Applicant or Family Up to 4 |  Family of 5 or more | |
Minimum Donation | $100,000 | $125,000 |
Processing Fee | $30,000 | +$15,000 for each additional applicant |
Due Diligence Fee | Main applicant and spouse: $7,500 each | |
Passport Fee | $300 per passport | |
2. Real estate
This is an excellent opportunity to tap into the profitable touristic market of the Caribbean. Invest in shares of resorts, villas, or other high-end touristic accommodation projects, that have been previously approved by the Antigua and Barbuda government. Investors can resell their property after five years.
| Single Applicant or Family Up to 4 |  Additional Family Member | |
Minimum Investment | $200,000 | |
Processing Fee | $30,000 | +$15,000 for each additional applicant |
Due Diligence Fee | Main applicant and spouse: $7,500 each | |
Passport Fee | $300 per passport | |
3. University of the West Indies Fund
This option is available for families of six people or more. You can make a donation to the University of the West Indies fund, and obtain Caribbean citizenship citizenship for the whole family. This option entitles one member of the family to a one-year, tuition-only, scholarship at the University of the West Indies.
| Family of 6 or More | Additional Family Member | |
Minimum Donation | $150,000 | |
Processing Fee | No fee | $15,000 for each additional applicant |
Due Diligence Fee | Main applicant and spouse: $7,500 each | |
Passport Fee | $300 per passport | |
4. Business Investment
You must invest in a local business project that has been previously approved by the Antigua and Barbuda government. There are projects in the areas of commerce, engineering, tourism, among others. You can act as a sole investor, or make a joint investment with other people, as long as you contribute the minimum amount necessary.
| Family of 6 or More | Additional Family Member | |
Minimum Donation | OPTION 1: $1,500,000 as a solo investor OPTION 2: $400,000 (in a joint $5,000,000 enterprise) | |
Processing Fee | No fee | $15,000 for each additional applicant |
Due Diligence Fee | Main applicant and spouse: $7,500 each | |
Passport Fee | $300 per passport | |
Later inclusion of family members:
It is possible to include additional members of the family at any time after the conclusion of the citizenship process. Regardless of the investment option, the fees are:
- Spouse or other dependent aged 18 or over: $50,000
- Dependent child aged five or younger: $10,000
- Dependent child aged 6 to 17: $20,000
The Pros and Cons of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
Pros
Family-friendly: This is the most affordable CBI program for families in the Caribbean. Minimum investment of $100,000 (NDF donation) for a family of four, or $150,000 (donation to the University of the West Indies Fund) for a family of six or more.
Well connected: Antigua and Barbuda has frequent direct flights to New York, Miami, London, Toronto, Montreal, among other major cities.
Cons
Travel requirement: This is the only Caribbean CBI program with a travel requirement, albeit a small one. Although there is no need to be physically present in Antigua and Barbuda at any point during the citizenship process, once you become a citizen, you must spend a minimum of five days in the country, in total, during the first five years.
Extreme weather: Antigua and Barbuda is vulnerable to hurricanes, such as Hurricane Irma, which caused serious damage to the island of Barbuda in 2017. This is a factor to take into consideration if you are planning to invest in touristic accommodation.
Citizenship by Investment - Step by Step
Once you decide to apply for the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program, our expert team at Global Citizen Solutions will guide you through the following steps to gain your second passport:
1. Choose your investment route
2. Gather documents and complete all application forms
3. Submit your application through GCS
4. Receive approval from the CIU
5. Make your investment and send confirmation
6. Become an Antigua and Barbuda citizen
- Choose your investment route: Decide which of the four investment routes is best for you: making a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF), purchasing shares of pre-approved real estate projects, making an enterprise investment, or donating to the University of the West Indies Fund.
- Complete all application forms: Complete all the forms and necessary documents as provided by Global Citizen Solutions.
- Submit your application: Your dedicated Investment Migration Specialist will submit the citizenship application on your behalf*.
- Receive the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) approval of application: Within 60-90 days of applying, you will receive a confirmation letter with the status ‘approved in principle’.
- Make your investment: Make the investment and send proof to the CIU.
- Become a citizen: Take the oath or affirmation of allegiance at an Embassy, High Commission, or Consular Office of Antigua and Barbuda, and become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda. You and your family will receive your passports at an address of your choice.
*The CIU doesn’t accept applications directly from applicants, but only from Authorized Agents
Antigua and Barbuda Taxes
Tax Considerations
Residents and citizens of Antigua and Barbuda enjoy relatively relaxed tax conditions. There are no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, income tax, or wealth tax on worldwide income or assets.
Individuals in the country temporarily will only be taxed on income derived from Antigua and Barbuda. However, proposed amendments to Part III, section 5 of the Income Tax Act will change taxation on worldwide income to taxation limited to locally sourced income.
Key tax considerations include:
- Business and corporate tax rate is 25% of net profits, although attractive concessions are available to qualifying companies, such as a tax holiday on profits up to a 20-year period and an import or export customs duty waiver.
- A sales tax similar to VAT is applicable at a standard rate of 15%, which is levied on local consumption.
- Property tax is levied on all properties. The taxable value is based on the property’s current market value construction replacement cost with the applicable tax rate dependent on the classification of the property (residential or commercial).
For more information, check out our Antigua and Barbuda tax guide.
List of Documents
Antigua and Barbuda document requirements
Application forms:
- Citizenship by Investment Application Form AB1
- Photograph and Signature Certificate Form AB2
- Medical Certificate Form AB3
- Investment Confirmation Form AB4
- Agent Form Form AB5
Passport application forms:
- Antigua & Barbuda Passport L Form (16 and older)
- Antigua & Barbuda Passport M Form (Under 16)
Citizenship by investment- Investment options
- Real Estate Developer Application Form AB8
- Business Investment Application Form AB9
Forms for Agents & Representatives:
- Representatives and Service Providers Form AB6
- Agent’s License Form Form AB7
Required documents for submission:
- Completed AB1-5 application forms
- Completed citizenship by investment forms, according to which of the investment options is chosen, AB8-AB9.
- Original Police Certificate from the country of citizenship or residence. This document is required for each country in which the person lived for 6 consecutive months or longer since reaching the age of 18.
- Original excerpt of the full birth record or certified copy of the birth certificate.
- Certified copy of proof of name change [if applicable].
- Certified copy of current passport(s) showing name, photo citizenship/nationality, date and place of issue, expiry date, passport number, and issuing country.
- Eight original passport-sized photos of each applicant taken within the last six months. One of the photos in each set of 8 must be certified.
- Medical Certificate including original results of an HIV test (an HIV test is required for all persons twelve (12) years and older applying for citizenship. The HIV test results must be not older than three months.
Other supporting documents required from the main applicant:
- At least one original bank reference letter issued by an internationally recognized bank, not older than six months.
- At least one original professional reference (e.g. from an attorney, notary public, official accountant or other professional of similar standing) not older than six months.
- One original document of evidence of residential address (e.g. certified copy of a recent utility bill or bank statement showing full name and address, or written confirmation from a bank, attorney, chartered accountant, or notary public).
- Original excerpt of marriage record or certified copy of marriage certificate(s) if applicable (i.e. if married persons apply together).
- Certified copy of divorce documents (if applicable).
- Statement of the source of funds to be invested in Antigua and Barbuda.
- An affidavit of support for each dependent (excluding spouse) over 18 years of age.
- Certified copy of Military Records or exemption from military service (if applicable)
Other documents required for the real estate investment route:
- Copy of duly executed real estate contract (Purchase and Sale Agreement) to be submitted with the application forms.
- Evidence of title transfer, to be submitted after the applicant receives approval in principle.
OBS: This is not an exhaustive list, as the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) may request additional documents if necessary.
Certification of documents
Where a document is required to be produced in support of the application for citizenship by investment, it must be certified and authenticated in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction from where the document originates.
The person certifying the document must provide the following information; full name in capitals, the capacity in which the person is acting, residential or business address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
Where a notary public certifies a document to be a true copy of the original, that document must be authenticated by:
- An apostille in accordance with the provisions of the Hague Convention abolishing the requirement for legislation for foreign public documents, in the case of a jurisdiction that is a party to that convention.
- Validation of the certificate of the notary public by the appropriate government department in the case of a jurisdiction that is not a party to that convention.
Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?
- Global approach by local experts. We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean CBI programs.
- 100% approval rate. We have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial, free-of-charge, due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
- Independent service and full transparency. We will present to you all the investment options available, and all expenses will be discussed in advance, with no hidden fees.
- An all-encompassing solution. A multidisciplinary team of immigration lawyers, investment specialists, and tax experts will take into consideration all your and your family’s mobility, tax, and lifestyle needs.
- Confidential service and secure data management. All private data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
To see the full list of reasons why to work with Global Citizen Solutions for your Caribbean citizenship application, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions about Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment:
How to get Antigua and Barbuda economic citizenship?
You must choose one of the following investment options:
- Donate a minimum of $100,000 for the NDF (National Development Fund)
- Make a real estate investment of at least $200,000
- Invest $1.5 million in an approved business venture, or contribute $400,00 in a business worth $5 million in total
- Donate $150,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund
On top of these investments, you must have no criminal record, hold excellent health, and be over 18 years old.
Are there residency requirements for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment?
After becoming an Antigua and Barbuda citizen, you must stay in the country for at least five days in total during the first five years. This will be required when you renew your passport for the first time.
What is the validity of the Antigua and Barbuda passport?
There is an initial five-year validity, after which the passport can be renewed every ten years. The Antigua passport allows visa-free access to over 140 countries.
What is Antigua and Barbuda’s passport ranking?
Antigua and Barbuda passport ranks in the 59th position in the Global Passport Index. It grants visa-free travel to over 140 destinations, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen zone.
Can I live and work in Antigua and Barbuda with citizenship?
Once you obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship, you and your family will gain full residency rights and be able to live, work and study in the country. To find out more about living in this beautiful island nation, have a look at our guide with the best towns for living in Antigua and Barbuda.
What’s the application processing time for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?
The citizenship application usually takes between 3 and 6 months to be completed.
Do I need to travel to Antigua and Barbuda to complete the process of citizenship?
The citizenship process can be done remotely, and there is no need to travel at any point. Once you obtain citizenship, however, you will be required to spend a minimum of five days in Antigua and Barbuda, in total, at some point in the first five years.
Does Antigua allow dual citizenship?
Yes, the country allows dual nationality, and also multiple nationalities. That’s one of Antigua citizenship benefits.
How long does it take to be a citizen of Antigua?
If you apply for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program, it will take around six months to become a citizen.
How much does Antigua citizenship cost?
In order to apply for the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program, you will have to invest a minimum of $100,000 in the country (plus government fees). There are four investment options that are eligible for the program: making a National Development Fund contribution, purchasing real estate, contributing to the University of the West Indies Fund, or investing in an approved business enterprise (sole or joint investment).
The most affordable option for a single applicant will cost $137,500 in program costs. This amount includes a 100,000 donation to the country’s National Development Fund, $30,000 processing fees, and $7,500 due diligence fees. It doesn’t include lawyers, agents, and other fees.
Can a US citizen have dual citizenship with Antigua?
Yes, both countries recognize dual citizenship, so you can simultaneously have US citizenship and Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.
What documents are required for citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda?
You will need proof of identity, bank records, police certificate, and health records, as well as the application forms provided by our team at Global Citizen Solutions. The complete list of documents can be found in this article.
You must also send the relevant documents of your family (spouse, dependent children, siblings, parents, and grandparents).
