Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program provides an opportunity for qualifying investors to gain dual citizenship in a West Indies island paradise with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. An oasis of quiet and calm, Antigua and Barbuda is the perfect Caribbean country to enjoy visa free travel as a citizen in over 140 countries.
Your Guide to Gaining Citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda
A Citizenship by investment program offers individuals the unique ability to obtain citizenship by investing in the country, usually in real estate or government donations. Antigua and Barbuda established their own citizenship by investment initiative in 2012 as a means to promote economic growth sustainably, attract developments and increase foreign direct investment to the nation. You can acquire an Antigua citizenship as a single applicant or a family by either making a charitable contribution, investing in real estate or establishing an approved business.
There are many reasons to choose the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program. From its booming trade and bustling tourism industry to its paradise beaches and private lifestyle, the program’s unique benefits include:
- Quick application process: Get your citizenship application processed in as little as 3 to 6 months.
- Passports for family members: Inclusion of spouse or future spouse, dependent children under 30 and dependent parents or grandparents over 55, unmarried siblings, providing a pathway to Antigua and Barbuda passport and citizenship.
- Dual citizenship lasting generations: Antigua and Barbuda dual citizenship is recognized in the country. Your lifetime citizenship can even be passed down to future generations. You can enjoy the right, but not the obligation, to live and work on the island.
- No travel requirement: There is no need for citizenship applicants to travel to Antigua and Barbuda during the application process.
- Flexible requirements: No interview, education, or English language requirements.
- Visa free travel: Antigua and Barbuda’s passport power is undeniable. Enjoy visa free access to over 140 destinations, including the Schengen zone, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia and more.
- Tax freedoms: No income tax on worldwide income.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Requirements
In order to obtain Antigua and Barbuda economic citizenship, a series of requirements must be met first.
The requirements for Antigua citizenship are:
- Be over 18 years old
- Have an outstanding character
- Hold no criminal record
- Have excellent health
- Be able to make a qualifying investment
- Residence requirement 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 in any Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate of Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s restricted countries list include:
- 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 10 years and maintain no economic ties to any restricted country are eligible to apply citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda.
The following family members are also eligible for the 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.
- 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.
Antigua and Barbuda Investment Options
Applicants to the Antigua Citizenship Program can choose one of the following 4 investment routes:
- National Development Fund contribution: Applicants may choose to make a monetary contribution of US$100,000 to the Antigua National Development Fund. This amount extends to a family of up to four people, which increases to $125,000 for a family of five or more.
- Real estate investment: Applicants may purchase property valued at a minimum of $400,000 in a pre-approved real estate area. Alternatively, the applicant can purchase shares or units in an approved property, worth at least $200,000, or buy property as worth $400,000 or more as a joint investment, with each partner investing a minimum of $200,000. The investment must be maintained for at least five years. In addition, the property must be selected from the government’s approved real estate project list. Property registration, processing fees, and taxes may be paid in addition to the property purchase [See citizenship costs below].
- Business establishment: Applicants can invest $1.5 million to establish an approved business. Two or more applicants may make a joint investment with an individual minimum of at least $400,000 and a total investment of at least $5 million. Any potential applicant(s) under this investment option is advised to make contact with the ABIA to discuss their business proposal.
- University of the West Indies Fund donation: For applicants with families of 6 people or more, there is the option of making a donation of $150,000 or more on the University of the West Indies Fund. Participation in the option entitles one member of the family to a one year, tuition only, scholarship at the University of the West Indies.
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.
How to Apply for Antigua Citizenship by Investment
The Citizenship-by-Investment Unit (CIU) is the government authority responsible for processing all applications.
The CIU assesses each application carefully and may occasionally request the applicant to attend an interview. The CIU further goes through strict due diligence checks and will decline an application if the applicant makes a false statement or excludes any relevant information in the application.
The application process takes between 3 to 6 months, from the time the application is submitted.
When your application is ‘Approved in Principle’ and a letter of ‘Approval in Principle’ is issued, this means that the CIU has granted your request for citizenship, provided that you submit all necessary documentation, pay government fees and make your qualifying investments.
Note that under the real estate option, the time frame may vary depending on the project.
The applicable real estate investment or NDF contribution is payable after the applicant has been approved in principle. Once the investment is consolidated, a certificate of registration will be issued for both the primary applicant and additional dependent which will be submitted to the passport office.
Your authorized agent/representative will advise you of dates available to either:
- Visit Antigua and Barbuda to collect your passport and to take the oath or affirmation of allegiance
- Visit an Embassy, High Commission, or Consular Office of Antigua and Barbuda to collect your passport and to take the oath or affirmation of allegiance.
There is a requirement to reside in Antigua and Barbuda for a minimum of five days during the first five years of obtaining citizenship.
The application process is fairly straightforward and application forms can be obtained from a local authorized agent, who has been licensed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), or an authorized representative. Get in touch with our specialists at Global Citizen Solutions for more information on how we can support you throughout your application.
Step-by-Step Guide for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Application
To apply to the Antigua Citizenship Program, follow these simple steps to directly acquire citizenship.
1. Select a licensed authorized agent to process your application
2. Complete all the application forms and necessary documents as provided by your authorized agent. Make sure all the documents are legalized according to Antigua and Barbuda government standards (more information on document requirements below).
3. Government authority performs its due diligence and background checks on each applicant.
4. Within 3 to 6 months of applying, your application should be ‘Approved in Principle’ and a letter will be issued. This means citizenship has been approved, subject to the applicant’s submission of all necessary documentation and confirmation of either the real estate/business establishment investment or contribution to the NDF.
5. Choose whether you want to invest in the NDF, real estate or business investment route then make the qualifying investment.
6. Pay your passport fees and can get your Antigua passport.
Antigua and Barbuda Document Requirements
Important information: Applications for citizenship are only handled by registered Authorized Persons.
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 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.
- 8 original passport-sized photos of each applicant taken within the last 6 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 3 months.
Other supporting documents required from the main applicant:
- At least 1 original bank reference letter issued by an internationally recognized bank, not older than 6 months.
- At least 1 original professional reference (e.g. from an attorney, notary public, official accountant or other professional of similar standing) not older than 6 months.
- 1 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.
- A sworn 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.
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:
a) 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.
b) 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.
Antigua Citizenship Costs
When thinking about the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship exact costs, there are a number of separate fees to consider. Here is a complete breakdown of fees for each of the 4 investment options:
Option 1 – Donation to the National Development Fund (NDF)
NDF Minimum donation:
- Single applicant or family up to 4: $100,000
- Family of 5 or more: $125,000
Processing fees:
- Single applicant or family up to 4: $30,000
- Family of 5 or more: $15,000 for each additional dependent
Due diligence fees:
- Main applicant: $7,500
- Spouse: $7,500
- Dependent aged 11 or younger: $0
- Dependent aged 12 to 17: $2,000 each
- Dependent aged 18 or over: $4,000 each
Passport fees:
- $300 per person
Option 2 – Pre-approved Real Estate
Real Estate Investment:
Minimum investment (single or joint ownership of property): $200,000
Processing fees:
- Single applicant or family up to 4: $30,000
- Family of 5 or more: $15,000 for each additional dependent
Due diligence fees:
- Main applicant: $7,500
- Spouse: $7,500
- Dependent aged 11 or younger: $0
- Dependent aged 12 to 17: $2,000 each
- Dependent aged 18 or over: $4,000 each
Passport fees:
- $300 per person
Option 3 – Donation to the University of West Indies Fund
UWI minimum donation:
- $150,000
Processing fees:
- Single applicant or family up to 6: $0
- Family of 7 or more: $15,000 for each additional dependent
Due diligence fees:
- Main applicant: $7,500
- Spouse: $7,500
- Dependent aged 11 or younger: $0
- Dependent aged 12 to 17: $2,000 each
- Dependent aged 18 or over: $4,000 eac
Passport fees:
- $300 per person
Option 4 – Business investment
Minimum investment:
- Single investor: $1.5 million
- Joint investment: $400,000 minimum (of a $5 million total investment)
Processing fees:
- Single applicant or family up to 6: $0
- Family of 7 or more: $15,000 for each additional dependent
Due diligence fees:
- Main applicant: $7,500
- Spouse: $7,500
- Dependent aged 11 or younger: $0
- Dependent aged 12 to 17: $2,000 each
- Dependent aged 18 or over: $4,000 eac
Passport fees:
- $300 per person
Additional Dependents:
Fees for adding dependents at a later date (regardless of investment option):
- Spouse or other dependent aged 18 or over: $50,000
- Dependent child aged 5 or younger: $10,000
- Dependent child aged 6 to 17: $20,000
Important note: Government processing fees may be subject to change by the Antigua and Barbuda government. Check their website for fee schedule updates.
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 six 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.
