Barbuda-Antigua-certified-copy-passport-officeThe Antigua and Barbuda passport is a citizen’s ticket to greater travel opportunities. When it comes to Caribbean passports, Antigua and Barbuda’s is straightforward to obtain and comes with a number of fantastic benefits. So, keep reading as we break down the different types of Antigua passports, the different routes for obtaining citizenship, and more!

Whether it’s the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea or landscapes filled with rich vegetation, there’s something decidedly magical about Antigua and Barbuda. Expats from all over the world have been drawn in like magnets, enticed by the prospect of becoming a citizen of this gorgeous island nation. Thanks to Antigua and Barbuda’s second citizenship scheme, gaining citizenship and a Caribbean passport has never been easier.

Ranked 59th in the Global Passport Index, the Antigua and Barbuda passport ranks high and offers exclusive travel rights. With visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, Hong Kong, and Singapore, it is a considerable asset for global citizens and international families who value free movement.

Antigua and Barbuda Passport Benefits

Long-term US visa opportunity Long-term US visa opportunity
Fast processing time Fast processing time
Extended family eligible Extended family eligible
Visa-free travel to over 140 countries Visa-free travel to over 140 countries
No education or English-language requirements No education or English-language requirements
Tax optimization Tax optimization

Antigua and Barbuda Passport Types

Passports for citizens are issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Passport Office, a government department that is located on Queen Elizabeth Highway. The office produces the following four types of Antigua and Barbuda passports:

  • Adult passports – Issued to any adult citizen of Antigua and Barbuda who is over the age of 16, this passport is valid for ten years.
  • Minor passport – Issued to citizens of Antigua and Barbuda who are under the age of 16, this passport is valid for five years.
  • Diplomatic passports – Issued to individuals such as Ministers of Government who are authorized to represent Antigua and Barbuda in diplomatic and other international affairs.
  • Official passports – Issued to government officials representing Antigua and Barbuda’s interests overseas.

The passport is valid for ten years for adults and five years for children under the age of 16.

Obtaining a Passport

The grounds for obtaining an Antigua and Barbuda passport are as follows:

  • Birth or descent
  • Naturalization
  • Citizenship through a parent
  • Marriage to a citizen
  • Repatriation
  • Work for the country’s government or special services to the state
  • Adoption by a citizen
  • Investment

Antigua and Barbuda passport by investment

To receive a passport by investment, investors must apply for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program. Launched in 2012, this investment program has succeeded and substantially promoted economic development in the country. You can acquire Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by contributing a minimum amount of $100,000 to the country’s National Development Fund (NDF) or by making a qualifying contribution under one of the other routes under the investment program.

There are four investment options for those interested in obtaining citizenship:

  • Make a non-refundable contribution for a minimum amount of $100,000 to the National Development Fund
  • Invest in a pre-approved real estate project to a minimum value of $200,000. It can be a single property, a joint investment, or shares of resorts or villas. The investment must be maintained for at least five years.
  • Invest $1.5 million to establish a business. An applicant investing in this route also has the option to make a joint investment with a minimum value of $400,000 and a total investment of at least $5 million.
  • Donate a minimum amount of $150,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund. This option is the most cost-effective option for families of six or more and entitles one family member to a one-year, tuition-only scholarship at the University of the West Indies.

For a full citizenship by investment overview, visit our Ultimate Guide:

Check out our Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Ultimate Guide by local experts

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Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment requirements:

In order to be a successful passport applicant, you need to fulfill the following mandatory requirements:

  • Be over 18 years old
  • Have an outstanding character
  • Hold no criminal record
  • Be in excellent health
  • Residence requirement of five days within five 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.

Do I need to stay in Antigua and Barbuda?

antigua and barbuda citizenship by investment family member Antigua and Barbuda is internationally famous for its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, lush vegetation, and luxury Antigua and Barbuda real estate. No wonder many have called it a “piece of paradise.” However, whether or not you would like to reside on the island once you obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is entirely up to you. The country imposes very few restrictions on its citizens who invest.

Applicants do not need to travel to the country during the citizenship by investment application process. The application can be done entirely remotely. Moreover, there are no interview, education, or English-language requirements.

Once you acquire Barbuda citizenship, the only requirement you must fulfill is to spend a minimum of five days in the country (consecutive or not) within five calendar years of registering as a citizen. 

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Select an Authorized Agent to handle your application

2. Submit the required documentation to the Citizenship by Investment Unit

3. The CIU conducts due diligence checks and approves your application

4. Make your investment

5. Become an Antigua and Barbuda citizen

Now, actually applying for the Antiguan passport requires a few extra steps. Once the CIU approves the citizenship by investment applications, all applicants must visit the Passport Office (which is part of the Immigration Department) and submit Proof of Citizenship to a Passport Officer. Complete an application form (found online or at the Passport Office), take it to a certifying official, and show the application with the required documents to the Passport Office.

The Passport Office can request additional information to streamline the application process. The entire procedure takes about three weeks. Emergency processing is available, and applicants can get their renewal in three to five working days for an extra charge.

Who can obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?

There are undeniable advantages to becoming an Antigua and Barbuda citizen. For a very affordable investment, you can get a passport that will give you visa-free access to over 140 countries, citizenship of a stable Caribbean island, and profitable tax benefits

Antigua and Barbuda is an excellent option for families seeking second citizenship, as this CBI program offers the most affordable option for families of up to four people: A $100,000 donation to the National Development Fund. Applicants can include dependent children, parents, and more.

The following family members can be included in your Antigua and Barbuda citizenship application:

  • 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 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

Why use Global Citizen Solutions?

Global Citizen Solutions is a multidisciplinary firm offering bespoke residence and citizenship solutions in Europe and the Caribbean. 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.

So, why work with Global Citizen Solutions to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?

  • Authorized International Marketing Agent. Global Citizen Solutions have official certification by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to promote and market their Citizenship by Investment program. You can find a copy of our certificate by clicking the image on the right
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Antigua and Barbuda Passport

What is Antigua and Barbuda's passport ranking 2023?

Antigua and Barbuda’s passport ranks 59th according to the Global Passport Index. Antigua passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area countries, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia.

Must I stay in Antigua and Barbuda if I become a citizen?

According to the country’s citizenship by investment program rules, successful applicants – after receiving Antigua and Barbuda citizenship – must spend a minimum of five days in the country (consecutive or not) within the first five years of registering as a citizen.

Can my family apply to the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program?

Antigua and Barbuda has a very family-friendly citizenship by investment program. Extended family members, such as dependent siblings, children, parents and grandparents, and future spouses, are eligible to become Antigua and Barbuda passport holders.

Do Antiguans need a visa to visit the UK?

No, Antigua and Barbuda citizens can enter the UK and stay for up to six months, visa-free.

Do Russians need a visa for Antigua?

No, Russian citizens have visa-free access to Antigua and Barbuda. They can stay in the country for up to three months without a visa.

What are Antigua and Barbuda visa-free countries?

Countries to which Antigua and Barbuda citizens can travel visa-free or with an arrival visa/visa-on-arrival include:

Visa-free:

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, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Visa-on-arrival:

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.

Read more in our article: Antigua and Barbuda Visa-Free Countries.

Do US citizens need a passport for Antigua?

US citizens must present a valid US passport when visiting Antigua and Barbuda and proof of anticipated departure from the country. This includes travelers arriving by airplane and by private sea-going vessels.

The passport must be valid for 180 days following your departure date. No visa is required if you have an onward/return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and evidence of your ability to support yourself.

How can I obtain an Antigua and Barbuda passport?

You can qualify for citizenship through birth, naturalization, investment, or special circumstances. A streamlined way to obtain a second passport from Antigua and Barbuda is through the country’s citizenship investment program. Investors can receive Antigua and Barbuda citizenship in exchange for investing in the country by making a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund, investing in a pre-approved real estate project, establishing a business there, or donating to the University of the West Indies Fund. Once you receive citizenship, you can make your passport application.

What is the Antigua and Barbuda passport price?

The CBI minimum investment required for Antigua and Barbuda passports is $100,000. The overall passport price will vary depending on the investment route and whether you include a family member (or members). Other options allow you to invest a minimum amount of $200,000 in real estate, donate $150,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund, or buy shares of at least $400,000 in a local business. Additional costs include processing fees, due diligence fees, and passport fees. The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) processes your application.

How does the Antigua and Barbuda passport look?

Type:

Passport

Issued by:

Antigua and Barbuda

Purpose:

Identification

Eligibility:

Antiguan and Barbudan nationality law

Expiration:

10 years (5 years for children under 16)
 

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