You can obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment by applying to the nation’s citizenship program. The following investment options are available: A $100,000 donation to the 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.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything from the program requirements, fees, procedure, and time frame to the excellent benefits that await Antigua passport holders. So, keep reading to discover why the Antigua citizenship by investment program appeals to individuals looking to secure a sustainable future in this island nation.
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 include family 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.
Why choose a Caribbean passport by investment?
- Your want to enhance your 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 member states of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Check out our article: Best Place to Retire in the Caribbean – What You Need to Know!
Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda's Citizenship by Investment Program
1. Plan B: 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.
2. Tax benefits: Antigua and Barbuda citizens enjoy a relaxed tax environment. There are no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, income tax, or wealth tax on worldwide income or assets
3. Visa-free access: Antigua and Barbuda passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the European Union, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia.
4. Quick process: The application process is fast, taking an average of three months, and the investment options are affordable, starting at $100,000.
5. Flexible requirements: There are no language tests, academic requirements, or residency requirements for citizenship. You can do the whole process remotely without needing to visit Antigua and Barbuda. However, as a new citizen, you must spend a total of five days in the country during the first five-year period of citizenship.
6. Family inclusion: Your entire family can be included in the application – spouse (or future spouse), dependent children, siblings, parents, and grandparents. Citizenship is lifelong and will be passed down to future generations.
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 this stunning nation 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 percent of the island’s income, with key target markets being the US, Canada, and Europe.
Boasting a long-standing tradition of political stability and a transparent governance system, the government actively aims to increase foreign direct 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 yearly visitors. 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.
Getting to Antigua and Barbuda
Despite being a small Caribbean nation, this twin-island state boasts impressive connectivity to the rest of 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.
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 annually. It is also worth noting that Antigua and Barbuda’s proximity to other Caribbean countries further enhances its connectivity, allowing for seamless travel throughout the Caribbean region.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Requirements
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 eligible members of the family, such as their spouse and children 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 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.
Restricted countries
- 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 at least ten years and maintain no economic ties to any restricted country are eligible to apply for citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda.
Family members
The following 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 who 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 Investment 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 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.
National Development Fund | 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 | |
Interview Fee | $1,500 per application | |
2. Real estate
This is an excellent opportunity to tap into the profitable tourist 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.
Real Estate Investment | 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 | |
Interview Fee | $1,500 per application | |
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 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. Check out our article: University of the West Indies Fund (UWI) – What You Need to Know.
University of the West Indies Fund | 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 | |
Interview Fee | $1,500 per application | |
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, and tourism, among others. You can act as a sole investor or make a joint investment with others, as long as you contribute the minimum necessary amount.
Business Investment | 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 | |
Interview Fee | $1,500 per application | |
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
Pros and Cons of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
Pros
Family-friendly: Most affordable CBI program for families in the Caribbean: Minimum contribution 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, and 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 consider if you plan to invest in touristic accommodation.
Citizenship by Investment - Step-by-Step Procedure
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: 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. |
2. Complete all application forms: Complete all the forms and necessary documents as provided by Global Citizen Solutions. |
3. Submit your application: Your dedicated Investment Migration Specialist will submit the citizenship application on your behalf*. |
4. 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'. |
5. Make your investment: Make the investment and send proof to the CIU. |
6. 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.
Mandatory interview
As part of the due diligence process, the CIU has announced that applicants who submit their application on or after 15 December 2023 will undergo an interview. Additionally, all family members aged 16 and above will participate in the interview, which will be conducted virtually once the CIU’s due diligence has been completed. The cost will be $1,500 per application.
Antigua and Barbuda Document Requirements
The following section provides a list of documents required to submit your application for citizenship by investment:
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 percent 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 CBI application, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions about Antigua and Barbuda CBI Program
How to become an Antigua and Barbuda citizen?
You must choose one of the following investment options to obtain economic citizenship:
- 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 $400,000 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?
You do not need to visit Antigua during the CBI application process. Once you obtain citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, there is a personal visit required to maintain it. You must stay in the country for at least five days during the first five years. This will be required when you renew your passport for the first time.
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. You are granted citizenship for a lifetime, but the Antigua passport is subject to renewal. There is an initial five-year validity, after which your Antigua passport can be renewed every ten years.
Can I live and work in Antigua and Barbuda with citizenship?
Obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda has many benefits, such as visa-free travel. Additionally, 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 citizenship by investment?
If you apply for Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship program, the application usually takes around three to four months to complete.
Does Antigua allow dual citizenship?
A benefit of Antigua citizenship is dual nationality and multiple nationalities are recognized.
How much does Antigua citizenship cost?
To apply for the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program, you must invest a minimum of $100,000 in the country (plus government fees). The four investment options are making a National Development Fund contribution, investing in approved real estate projects, contributing to the University Fund, or an approved business investment (sole or joint investment).
The most affordable option for a single applicant will cost $137,500, which includes a $100,000 donation to the country’s National Development Fund, $30,000 processing fees, and $7,500 due diligence fees. This 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, and 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).
Can I include my family in my Antigua citizenship application?
Yes, you can include your spouse or future spouse, dependent children, parents and grandparents aged 55 or older, and unmarried siblings in your application for second citizenship. They must meet the program’s requirements to be included. Additionally, if you would like to include them at a later date, you can do so at an additional fee.
