Situated at the meeting point of the Atlantic ocean and the Caribbean sea, Antigua and Barbuda is a beautiful island country in the Caribbean. Famous across the world for its white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, lush green rainforests and charming beach resorts, the country also boasts of a thriving economy, safe environment and welcoming population. If you are looking to obtain a second passport, then you should definitely consider the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program. In this article, we will take you through Antigua and Barbuda Cost of Passport, application procedure, investment expenses and more.
Antigua and Barbuda Passport – Benefits
- You can obtain an Antigua and Barbuda by investing a minimum of $100,000.
- You can obtain your passport within a five months period
- Your family members are also eligible for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship program
- With an Antigua and Barbuda passport, you have visa-free access to more than 140 countries across the world
- There are no requirements in terms of language or interview
- Antigua and Barbuda does not levy taxes on worldwide income
- The country also recognizes dual citizenship
Real estate Investment in Antigua and Barbuda
Foreign investors can obtain citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda through investment in government-approved real estate projects. The projects mainly comprises five star hotel complexes or resorts overlooking the beach. The minimum amount of investment in this route is $200,000
As per the Citizenship by Investment program, the investor needs to keep the property for a minimum period of five years. After completion of five years, the investors are allowed to sell the real estate purchase and return the invested money.
Investors must note that during the five year tenure, they are eligible to receive rental income ranging from 3%-8% per annum.
Check out our article: The Complete Guide to Antigua Real Estate.
Business Investment in Antigua and Barbuda
If you are planning to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship through the business investment option, then you need to invest a minimum of $1.5 million in a government approved business mentioned as per the Citizenship by Investment program.
Applicants can also make joint investment for obtaining citizenship. But in that case the total investment must be $5 million or more, with each applicant investing a minimum amount of $400,000.
Moreover, the primary applicant needs to pay a government fee of $30,000 for a family of up to four members. The fee increases by $15,000 for each additional dependent.
Contribution to the University of West Indies fund
Since 2020, foreign investors can also choose to contribute to the University of West Indies fund. This investment route is suitable for applicants with more than six family members. Investors must note that the contribution to the University of West Indies fund is non-refundable.
For a family of six members, you need to contribute a minimum of $150,000. In the case of larger families, In addition to this, for each additional dependent family member, you need to pay a minimum amount of $15,000. The application processing fee is also included in the contribution amount.
This citizenship by investment option offers a free year of education at the University of West Indies for one family member included in the application. This offer remains valid up to five years after obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda.
Check out our article: University of the West Indies Fund (UWI) – What You Need to Know.
Contribution to the National Development Fund
To obtain Antigua citizenship at a minimum cost, you can also choose to contribute to the National Development Fund. You can invest a minimum of $100,000 and obtain citizenship for yourself and family members up to four people. This contribution is also non refundable.
If you are including more than five family members, you need to pay an additional $25,000. In addition to the contribution, the investor needs to pay a state fee of $30,000 for a family of up to four members. Investors must note that $15,000 must be paid for each additional dependent family for more than four members.
Antigua and Barbuda Passport – Investment Options
If you are planning to apply for the Antigua and Barbuda passport, you can route your investment through four ways under the Citizenship by Investment program. They are as follows:
You can make a real estate purchase that is government approved.
You can make a government approved business investment
You can choose to contribute to the University of the West Indies Fund
You can also contribute to the National Development Fund (NDF)
Antigua and Barbuda Passport – Requirements
For obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, foreign investors need to meet certain requirements. They are as follows:
- The primary applicant should be over the age of eighteen
- The applicant should possess an excellent character
- The applicant should have no criminal record
- The primary applicant should have a high personal net worth
- The applicant should be able to stay in Antigua and Barbuda for five days within five years after registering as a citizen
- The applicant should be able 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 Cost of Passport -Detailed Break Up
| Antigua and Barbuda | The National Development Fund (NDF) | |||
| Type of Fee | Individual | For a Family of 4 | Family more than 4 members |
| Processing Fees | $30,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 for a family of four members with incremental fee of $15,000 per additional dependent |
| Contribution | $100,000 | $100,000 | $125,000 |
| Due Diligence fees | $7,500 | $7,500+$7,500 for spouse $2,000 per dependent (12-17 years old) $4,000 per dependent (18 years and above) |
$7,500+$7,500 for spouse $2,000 per dependent (12-17 years old) $4,000 per dependent (18 years and above) |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Real Estate and Business Investment Option | |||
| Type of Fee | Individual | For a Family of 4 | Family more than 4 members |
| Processing Fees | $30,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 for a family of four members with incremental fee of $15,000 per additional dependent |
| Contribution | $400,000 | $400,000 | $400,000 |
| Due Diligence fees | $7,500 | $7,500+$7,500 for spouse $2,000 per dependent (12-17 years old) $4,000 per dependent (18 years and above) |
$7,500+$7,500 for spouse $2,000 per dependent (12-17 years old) $4,000 per dependent (18 years and above) |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Due Diligence and Passport Fees | |
| Type of Individual | USD |
| Principal applicant | $7,500 |
| Spouse | $7,500 |
| Dependent child (0 – 11 years old) | $0 |
| Dependent child (12 – 17 years old) | $2,000 |
| Dependent (18-30 years old) | $4,000 |
| Dependent parents (55 years old and above) | $4,000 |
| Passport Fee – Each person | $300 |
Processing fees for family application
| Antigua and Barbuda | Additional Dependents | |
| Type of Individual | USD |
| Spouse | $75,000 |
| Dependent child (0 – 11 years old) | $25,000 |
| Dependent child (12 – 17 years old) | $25,000 |
| Dependent parents (55 years old and above) | $75,000 |
Antigua and Barbuda Passport – Documents Required
Here is a comprehensive list of documents that you need to submit for obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship
Application forms that you need to submit:
- 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 that you need to submit:
- Antigua & Barbuda Passport L Form (16 years and older)
- Antigua & Barbuda Passport M Form (Under 16 years of age)
Citizenship by investment- Investment routes
- 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 investment option is made, 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 birth certificate.
- Certified copy of proof of name change [if applicable].
- Certified copy of current passport(s) highlighting name, photo citizenship/nationality, date and place of issue, expiry date, passport number, and issuing country.
- 8 original passport-sized photographs of each applicant that have been taken within the last 6 months. One of the photos in each set of 8 must be certified.
- Medical Certificate consisting of original results of an HIV test (an HIV test is required for all persons twelve years and older applying for citizenship in the country. The HIV test results should not be older than 3 months.
Other supporting documents required from the main applicant:
- Minimum one original bank reference letter issued by an internationally recognized bank. This should not be older than 6 months.
- Minimum one original professional reference (For instance, from an attorney, notary public, official accountant or other professional of similar standing). This should also be not older than 6 months.
- One original document of evidence of residential address (Like 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 (if applicable)
- Certified copy of divorce papers (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 the age of 18.
- Certified copy of Military Records or exemption from military service (if applicable)
Other documents required for the real estate investment route:
- Copy of real estate contract (Purchase and Sale Agreement) needs to be submitted with the application forms.
- Evidence of title transfer to be submitted after the applicant receives approval in principle.
Antigua and Barbuda Passport Application Process
Here is the detailed timeline of the Antigua and Barbuda application process:
Month 1 – Time for Preparation
- You need to first select the investment option that is suitable to your needs and requirements
- Select an authorized agent to handle your application
- Collect all your documents and submit to the Citizenship By Investment Unit
30 -60 Days – Processing Time
- The CIU agency will conduct a background check and approve your application
- Next, you need to make your financial investment and submit proof of your investment
Month 5 – Apply for Citizenship
- After you pay the passport fees, you can obtain your certificate of registration
- Once you receive your certificate of registration, you are considered a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Antigua and Barbuda passport renewal fee?
You need to pay an amount of $1000 for the renewal of an Antigua and Barbuda passport. You can renew your passport after five years and then after every 10 years.
How powerful is the Antigua and Barbuda passport?
As per the passport index, the Antigua and Barbuda passport ranks 63rd. With an Antigua and Barbuda passport, an individual can access visa free travel to more than 140 countries including popular destinations like the Schengen area, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Singapore
Can I include family members in my Antigua and Barbuda citizenship application?
Yes, your entire family is eligible for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship program. This means, you can also include your extended family members like your dependent siblings, grandchildren, and future spouses.
What are the Antigua and Barbuda Visa free destinations?
Visa free countries
Albania, Andorra, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Kiribati, Kosovo, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway, Palestinian Territories, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Trindad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Visa on arrival countries:
Angola, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Comoros, Dem. Rep. Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Togo, Turkey, Tuvalu.
To know more about Antigua and Barbuda passport cost, you can check out the following articles:
Antigua and Barbuda Passport – How does it Compare?
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment – The Ultimate Guide by Experts
The cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda
Banks in Antigua: Your Guide to Banking in Antigua and Barbuda
