Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI) was launched by the Antigua government in 2013 to improve the nation’s socioeconomic development. The program provides investors and their families the chance to secure citizenship by making an investment. This guide offers everything you should know about citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda, including:

• Program overview
• Citizenship benefits
• Eligibility criteria
• Investment options
• Fees and processing charges
• Required documents
• Application process
• Pros and cons of citizenship

Overview of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

Citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda was introduced under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Act No. 2 of 2013 to promote economic growth by supporting infrastructure development and increasing foreign direct investment, ensuring a sustainable future for the country.

The citizenship program is overseen by the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), the government authority responsible for handling qualifying investments, donations, and due diligence checks of eligible citizenship applicants.

In accordance with the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment (Amendment) Regulations that came into effect on 1 August 2024, foreign investors have four options, starting from $230,000 to be granted citizenship and an Antigua and Barbuda passport. One of the primary approved investments includes contributing to the National Development Fund (NDF), a dedicated fund created under section 42(2) of the Finance Administration Act 2006 to finance government-sponsored projects, including public and private partnerships and approved charitable projects. Alternative investments include:

• Sole or joint purchase of approved real estate projects
• Establishing an approved business
• Donating to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund

Successful applicants and their families gain several benefits, including visa free travel to over 150 countries, including the UK, EU Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia and China.

Key Program Details

• Visa free countries: 151
• Visa free to Schengen Area: Yes
• Tax framework: No income taxes
• Processing time: 6 months
• Minimum government fund contribution: $230,000
• Minimum real estate investment: $300,000
• Minimum total for one applicant: $260,600
• Minimum total family of four: $269,400
• Eligible dependents:
  • Spouse
  • Children under 30 or with disabilities
  • Parents and grandparents over 55
  • Unmarried siblings
• Passport validity:
  • 10 years for citizens 16 and over
  • 5 years for citizens under 16
• Visit or residency requirement: Five days in the first five years
• Citizenship interview: Yes (virtual)

Ten Benefits of the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program

Eligibility Criteria for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

Requirements for the primary applicant

• Be over 18 years old
• Be of excellent character (proved through bank statements and employer references)
• Hold a clean criminal record
• Be in good 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 online, in Antigua and Barbuda itself, or any Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate of Antigua and Barbuda

Requirements for family inclusion

• 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
• Dependent parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse if aged 55 or above and fully supported by the main investor or spouse
• Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouse

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Act treats biological, stepchildren, and legally adopted children equally. The Act allows financially dependent stepchildren and legally adopted children of the main applicant or their spouse to obtain citizenship.

Including eligible dependents post citizenship approval

• 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

Restricted countries

Antigua and Barbuda’s restricted countries list includes:

• Afghanistan
• Iran
• North Korea
• Somalia
• Yemen
• Sudan
• Russia
• Belarus

Specific individuals can apply for citizenship, provided:

• They 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
• Have maintained no economic ties to any restricted country

Qualifying individuals born in restricted countries may incur additional costs to obtain an Antigua and Barbuda passport due to enhanced due diligence requirements.

Investment Options for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

1. National Development Fund contribution

Obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda is possible following significant economic contributions of at least $230,000 to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund.

The non-refundable contribution is designed for investors seeking the most affordable, fastest and straightforward route to qualify for citizenship by investment.

2. Approved real estate investment

Real estate investment applicants can make an Antigua and Barbuda real estate investment worth at least $300,000 in a government-approved real estate project, which include private homes and luxury resorts.

Approved real estate investment applicants benefit from a lucrative investment with a high rental income potential without the requirement to make a larger qualifying investment to include family members.

3. University of the West Indies Fund donation

The main applicant must make a non-refundable donation of $260,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund.

The University of the West Indies Fund (UWI) option has no additional investment requirement or processing fees, making it suitable for large families of six or more. It also entitles one family member to a one-year, tuition-only scholarship at UWI.

4. Approved business investment

There are two approved business investment options to qualify for Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship program: Invest $1.5 million as a solo investor or make a joint investment by contributing $400,000 to an approved business enter valued at least $5 million.

Potential investors, such as entrepreneurs, can use the business investment option to create jobs for locals and contribute to the economy. Approved industries include tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology.

Fees and Processing Charges

Besides the required investment, obtaining direct citizenship requires paying fees to complete the application process:

• Government fee (processing fee)
• Due diligence fee
• Interview fee
• Passport fee
• Courier fee

Regarding processing fees, the amount is determined by the investment chosen and the number of dependents included. For contributions to the NDF and business and real estate investments, investors must pay a processing fee of $10,000 as a single applicant or $20,000 for up to four family members, and $10,000 for each additional family member. In contrast, the University of the West Indies Fund option does not entail a government processing fee for the principal applicant and up to five dependents. The courier fee varies dependent on the licensed agent, typically costing about $300 per applicant.

Estimated expenses for a family of four

Here is an example of the estimated cost to obtain citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda for a family of four, including government fees. The example includes a primary applicant, spouse, and two children aged 9 and 17.

Required Documents for Citizenship by Investment

As stated on the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment official website, cip.gov.ag, during the application, all documentation provided will go through a strict due diligence process adhearing to the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) regulations, the government authority responsible for managing citizenship applicants.

The following documents are required:

Application forms:

• Citizenship by Investment Application Form AB1
• Photograph and Signature Certificate Form AB2
• Medical Certificate Form AB3
• Investment Confirmation Form AB4
• Licensed 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

Ensure documents are certified and authenticated in accordance with Antigua and Barbuda immigration law. The certifying person should provide: Full name (in capitals), role, residential/business address, phone number, and email.

If a notary public certifies a document as a true copy, authentication is needed through:

1. Apostille, following the Hague Convention for jurisdictions that are party to it.
2. Validation of the notary public’s certificate by the relevant government department for jurisdictions not part of the convention.

Oath of Allegiance

An Oath of Allegiance to Antigua and Barbuda must be sworn in the presence of a notary public or an individual authorized by the Antigua and Barbuda government to administer oaths for successful applicants and their family to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment. The oath can be taken in Antigua and Barbuda or at an embassy overseas, and it must be live-streamed for the CIU to witness.

Steps on How To Get Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

Potential applicants must submit their citizenship application to an authorized agent licensed by the CIU.

*The Antigua CIU only accept citizen applications submitted by Authorized Agents.

Citizenship processing time

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship timeline is about six months, beginning from submitting the complete application to issuing citizenship documents.

Month one (preparation)

• Choose the qualifying investment
• Choose an Authorized Agent
• Prepare the required documents and submit to the CIU

Months two to four (processing)

• The CIU outsources background checks
• Complete the virtual interview
• Make the required investment

Months four to six (Approval)

• Pay the passport fee and obtain a Certificate of Registration
• Obtain an Antigua and Barbuda passport

Why choose Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?

• Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI program is respected worldwide, proven by the government’s expanding diplomatic relations.
• New residents enjoy unspoiled beauty and life on a tropical island.
• Antigua and Barbuda passport holders can travel visa free to 151 countries, including the UK, EU countries, China, Russia, and Qatar.
• Successful applicants gain lifetime citizenship for themselves and their families.
• Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is the most affordable Caribbean citizenship for families.
• The program has a confidential application process with no exchange of information with other governments.
• The CBI program has no in-person interview or language test requirements.
• Visiting Antigua and Barbuda is not required to obtain a passport, and it can also be renewed at a consular office abroad.
• There is no personal income, wealth, capital gains, or inheritance tax in Antigua and Barbuda.

Compliance and Legal Structure

The Citizenship by Investment Act of 2013 forms the legal basis for the citizenship program. The Act defines the program’s investment routes, investment thresholds, application processes, due diligence procedures, and applicant requirements before and after obtaining citizenship.

Core requirements include:

• Minimum investment amounts
• Due diligence procedures
• Application fees
• Application process and timeline
• Grounds for citizenship denial, revocation, and renouncement
• Rights and responsibilities of new citizens

Dual citizenship law

Antigua and Barbuda recognizes dual citizenship, allowing successful applicants to maintain two citizenships or more without the requirement to renounce Antigua and Barbuda citizenship. Antigua and Barbuda dual citizenship includes parity in rights and privileges for citizens with multiple citizenships, such as the right to vote, access social services, and maintain a passport.

Key amendments to the program

May 2019: Antigua and Barbuda extends Limited Time Offer (LTO) until 31 October 2020.

April 2020: Iraq nationals now eligible to apply for citizenship.

May 2020: University of West Indies Fund option established.

April 2020: Permits stateless people from Brunei, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to apply for citizenship by investment.

March 2024: Signs the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

August 2024: Raises the minimum monetary contribution from $100,000 to $230,000 as per the MoU.

Pros and Cons of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

Pros

• Family-friendly: The most affordable Caribbean citizenship by investment for a family application of two or more applicants.
• Well connected: Antigua and Barbuda has frequent direct flights to New York, Miami, London, Toronto, and Montreal, among other major cities.
• Long-term US visa: Citizens can apply for a ten-year visitor visa to the US.
• Excellent global mobility: An Antigua and Barbudan passport facilitates visa free access to over 150 destination, including CARICOM member states the EU Schengen Area, China, and Russia.

Cons

• Residency requirement: The only Caribbean CBI program with a residency requirement.
• Extreme weather: Antigua and Barbuda is vulnerable to hurricanes.

Antigua and Barbuda CBI Comparison with other Caribbean Nations

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program is one of five Caribbean citizenship programs. Here is a brief comparison of the highlights of each Caribbean citizenship by investment program:

• Antigua and Barbuda: Offers the most affordable Caribbean citizenship by investment program for a family of four.
• Dominica: Offers the most option to purchase property and acquire citizenship.
• Grenada: Is the only Caribbean CBI country offering eligibility to the US E2 Visa program.
• St Kitts and Nevis: Was the first country to establish a citizenship by investment program.
• St Lucia: Provides the most diverse investment options.

Antigua and Barbuda Passport Power Ranking

The Antigua and Barbuda passport is a strong Caribbean passport that facilitates visa free travel to 151 countries and territories worldwide. The passport ranks 51st on the Global Passport Index, and destinations Antiguan and Barbudan passport holders can visit without a visa include the UK, Ireland, China, Russia, Qatar, Singapore, and EU countries in the Schengen Area. Antigua and Barbuda citizens also qualify to apply for a US visitor visa.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda