Antigua and Barbuda citizenship offers investors and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) enhanced mobility, greater security, attractive investment opportunities, and the many benefits of dual citizenship—making its Citizenship by Investment Program (CIB) one of the most highly regarded in the world. Launched in 2013, the program has built a solid reputation for transparency and reliability and has attracted high-profile individuals, including Oprah Winfrey, Giorgio Armani, and Silvio Berlusconi. To further meet this growing interest, Antigua has simplified its application procedure with a commonsense approach and better investment alternatives.
In this article, we will delve into Antigua’s CBI program, its benefits, and the reasons behind it being one of the safest and most successful programs in the Caribbean region.
Antigua’s CBI Program At A Glance
Established in 2013, Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment Program is highly popular among HNWIs who are looking for a stable and long-term investment option and a peaceful lifestyle in one of the world’s most idyllic locations. Antigua and Barbuda scored[1] 67 points (74%) and ranked in the 4th place in the CBI Index Report 2024. The reputation of Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program is significantly impressive due to its high level of integrity and transparency. The program is managed by the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), the government authority responsible for handling and qualifying investments, donations, and due diligence checks for eligible applicants.
The Twin Islands allows dual citizenship, permitting its citizens to obtain irrevocable citizenship. Antigua citizenship is granted to qualified applicants for life within a period of 6 to 8 months with no residency requirements. However, after acquiring the citizenship, applicants must visit the country for 5 days at any time during the first 5 years of citizenship. Spouses, children up to 30 years old, parents, grandparents, and unmarried siblings can be included in the application. Making a significant investment is the primary requirement to gain Antigua’s citizenship, and applicants can choose between three investment options:
- Contribute to the National Development Fund (NDF)
- Invest in an approved real estate project
- Donate to the University of West Indies (UWI) Fund.
Numerous Pros of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
Obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship offers numerous advantages.
- Free Movement: Antigua’s passport is considered one of the most desirable passports and ranked 27th in the world. It gives its holder the highest degree of mobility between various destinations, with visa-free access or visa upon arrival to 153 destinations, including Europe’s Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, and some Latin American countries. Antigua’s passport holders can stay in the Schengen countries for up to 90 days during six months, and 180 days a year in the UK.
- 10-year US Visitor Visa: Citizens have the right to get a 10-year B-1/B-2 tourist visa to the USA and spend up to 180 days a year. During their stay, they can attend conferences, hold business meetings, and receive medical treatment at US clinics.
- Member of CARICOM and OECS: Antigua and Barbuda citizens leverage the regional benefits of being citizens of the Caribbean Community, which includes mainly the freedom of movement and goods, unmatched investment opportunities, highly skilled labor, and developed infrastructure.
- Appealing Tax Regime: The Antigua and Barbuda tax regime does not impose taxes on personal income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains. Tax residents don’t pay taxes on dividends, interest, or royalties.
- Right to Live, Work, and Study: Investors can move to the country and stay as long as they wish at any time. The stunning Island, with its mesmerizing beaches, excellent accommodations, and amenities, is known for its political stability, high quality of life, and solid financial services.
- Myriad Business Opportunities: The country offers investors who are looking to expand and broaden their businesses massive opportunities in various sectors, mainly hospitality and tourism, real estate, agriculture, renewable energy, ICT, and agro-food manufacturing, as well as health and wellness sectors. Antigua and Barbuda is an attractive investment hub due to its skilled and well-educated population, robust ICT infrastructure, high level of safety and security, low crime rates, generous financial incentives, business-friendly currency, and strong investor protection.
- Right to Keep Dual Passports: The country recognizes dual citizenship. Therefore, investors are not required to renounce other citizenships unless their country of origin requires that. Citizenship is granted for life and is irrevocable.
- Unique Offer for Big Families: Antigua and Barbuda offers the most cost-effective route for families of six or more. This route requires a contribution of $260,000. However, it provides one family member with a one-year scholarship to the UWI, granting the student the opportunity to receive a world-class education while immersing in the cultural and vibrant environment of the Caribbean.
- Straightforward Path for the Entire Family: Obtaining Antigua’s citizenship takes 4 to 5 months. The process can be done remotely without any need to pass language or history tests. Applicants can add spouses, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 55, and unmarried siblings to the application.
- Diversified Investment Options: The country provides various investment routes. Investors contributing to real estate can return invested money in 5 years.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for citizenship and gain Antigua and Barbuda’s passport by investment, applicants should meet the below requirements:
- Be over 18 years old
- Minimum Investment threshold: Applicants must either contribute $230,000 to the National Development Fund (NDF) to support national development projects in the nation or invest $300,000 by buying shares or properties in a government-approved project. Applicants also can donate $260,000 to the University of West Indies, an option designed for families of at least six people.
- Good Health: Applicants should provide a recent medical examination certificate to prove that they are free from any contagious diseases.
- Clear Criminal Record: Background checks and due diligence are necessary to verify that applicants have no criminal history.
- Valid Passport and Identity Documents: A copy of a valid passport, birth certificate, and other legal identification documents has to be provided.
- Financial Sustainability: Proof of stable financial resources is required to show the ability to support oneself and dependents without falling back on the state.
- Pass a Due Diligence process: Applicants must pass a due diligence check to prove their qualification for the problem. The procedure is mandatory and confidential.
Family Inclusion Requirements
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program allows the investor to add their family to the application. The list of eligible family members includes:
- Spouse or future spouse
- Children below 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 or mentally challenged.
- Dependent parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse, if aged 55 or abode and fully supported by the main investor of the spouse.
- Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouse.
Restricted Countries
The list of restricted countries of Antigua and Barbuda includes Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan, Russia, and Belarus. But certain individuals can apply for citizenship if they moved in before the age of majority and have continued to reside permanently in any country other than those listed above for at least 10 years. They can also apply if they have had no economic relationship with any of the restricted countries.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide a complete set of verified documents, including[2]:
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 AB7
Additional Documents
Along with the government forms that the investor submits to apply for citizenship, applicants should submit the following documents:
- Completed AB1-5 application form
- Completed application forms specific to the citizenship by investment process.
- Valid passport or travel document for identification purposes.
- Eight recent passport-sized color photographs for each applicant.
- Original police clearance certificate from the applicant’s country of citizenship or residence.
- Certified documentation of name change (if applicable).
- Medical certificate, including original HIV test results.
- At least one original bank reference letter from an internationally recognized bank, issued within the last six months.
- One professional reference letter from a qualified professional such as a lawyer, notary public, certified accountant, or equivalent, issued within the last six months.
- Proof of residential address, such as a certified copy of a recent utility bill, bank statement, or a formal letter from a bank, attorney, chartered accountant, or notary public.
- Marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable).
- Statement outlining the source of investment funds for Antigua and Barbuda.
- Affidavit of support for each dependent (excluding spouses) over the age of 18.
- Certified copy of military service records or proof of exemption (if applicable).
Ensuring all documents are complete and up to date will facilitate a smooth application process.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Investment Options
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program is considered one of the most appealing and affordable options in the Caribbean. It provides applicants with three investment routes.
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National Development Fund Contribution
The NDF is a non-profit fund subject to parliamentary oversight and audited by an internationally recognized accounting firm to ensure its transparency. This non-refundable fund is designed for investors seeking an affordable, quick, and straightforward route to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.
Donation Amount
| Applicant with a family | $230,000 |
Government Fees
| Main Applicant | $10,000 |
| Main Applicant with up to 3 dependents | $20,000 |
| Additional Dependent | $10,000 |
Due Diligence Fees
| Main Applicant | $7,500 |
| Spouse | $7,500 |
| Dependent aged 12-17 | $2,000 |
| Dependent 18 years and over | $4,000 |
-
Real Estate Investment:
To qualify for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment under the real estate option, the government requires applicants to invest designated officially approved real estate with a value of at least $300,000 in addition to the government processing and due diligence fees. Applicants investing in an approved real estate project can avail of lucrative returns from the high rental income, without any need to make a larger qualifying investment to include family members.
Investment Amount
| Investment Amount | $300,000 |
Government Fees
| Main Applicant | $10,000 |
| Main Applicant with up to 3 dependents | $20,000 |
| Additional Dependent | $10,000 |
Due Diligence Fees
| Main Applicant | $7,500 |
| Spouse | $7,500 |
| Dependent aged 12-17 | $2,000 |
| Dependent 18 years and over | $4,000 |
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University of the West Indies Fund Donation:
Antigua and Barbuda government announced in May 2020 that applicants with large families can gain citizenship by contributing to the University of the West Indies Fund. This option is suitable for families of six or more. It also entitles one family member to a one-year tuition scholarship to the West Indies University. The main applicant must make a non-refundable donation of $260,000.
Donation Amount
| Contribution Amount | USD 260,000 |
Due Diligence Fees
| Main Applicant | USD 7,500 |
| Spouse | USD 7,500 |
| Dependent aged 12-17 | USD 2,000 |
| Dependent 18 years and over | USD 4,000 |
UWI: A Global University Rooted In The Caribbean
Established in 1948 in Jamaica, the University of the West Indies is the Caribbean’s leading higher education institution[3], playing a crucial role in regional development for over 75 years. As one of only two regional universities globally, UWI serves nearly 50,000 students across five campuses in the English-speaking Caribbean: Mona (Jamaica), St. Augustine (Trinidad and Tobago), Cave Hill (Barbados), Five Islands (Antigua and Barbuda), and the Global Campus. Rooted in the Caribbean, the UWI is dedicated to addressing present and future challenges by providing world-class education. Its global strategy, developed over the last decade, has extended its reach with international centers in partnership with institutions in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, making it one of the most globalized universities in the world.
In 2019, the university established its fifth campus, Five Islands Campus in Antigua and Barbuda. To finance this expansion, an innovative government-backed initiative called The UWI Fund was launched in May 2020, operating under Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. This forward-thinking initiative not only benefits individuals seeking citizenship but also contributes significantly to the growth and excellence of higher education in the region.
How to Obtain Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship?
To acquire Antigua’s and Barbuda Citizenship and passport, applicants are required to go through ten steps.
Step 1: Applicants should choose their investment route, by selecting one of the three investment options that align with their goals.
Step 2: Applicants select their authorized agent from the CIUS’s list of approved agents and enter into a service agreement to proceed with the application process.
Step 3: The authorized agent provides advice and assistance to the client to prepare the necessary documents and government forms.
Step 4: The applicant’s file will be complete at this stage. Due diligence and government application fees will be due. If the applicant chooses the real estate option, a down payment to reserve the property will also be required.
Step 5: The authorized agent, at this stage, will submit a complete application to the government of Antigua and Barbuda on behalf of the applicant. As part of the citizenship process, applicants must complete the mandatory interview requirement.
Step 6: After the government assesses the applicant’s file and due diligence is completed, an “Approval in Principle” will be issued.
Step 7: The applicant is required to make the applicable investment for the selected option and send proof to the CIU.
Step 8: The government issues the naturalization certificate.
Step 9: Passport applications are submitted, and passports will be issued within 1 week.
Step 10: Passports and naturalization certificates are delivered to the client. Balance of fees will be due.
Antigua and Barbuda mandates a residency requirement in the country for a minimum of five days during the first five years after acquiring citizenship.
Procedure and Time Frame
While the government authority oversees the program as a whole, the CIU reviews all applications, conducts interviews, and thoroughly examines all applicants. The unit also performs due diligence checks and may deny an application if the applicant has made false statements or omitted significant details. The CIU enforces strict due diligence measures and will reject an application if the applicant provides false information or fails to include important material in the application. It is estimated that the process will take between 3 and 4 months from the date of application submission to the issuance of the passport, assuming there are no issues with the application. For real estate investment, the timeline may vary depending on the selected project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before taking any investment risk, investors looking to acquire second citizenship may have several concerns and questions.
- What are the options to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment?
To obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment, applicants can select from three investment routes:
- A non-refundable $230,000 contribution to the National Development Fund.
- A $260,000 contribution to the University of West Indies Fund.
- A real estate investment worth $300,000 in a government-approved project.
- How can I get Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?
To qualify for obtaining an Antigua and Barbuda passport by investment, applicants need to submit an application through an authorized agent to the CIU. The CIU examines the application thoroughly and conducts the mandatory interview. The CIU undertakes strict due diligence checks and will decline an application if the applicant makes a false statement or omits any relevant information. Applicants must either contribute to the National Development Fund, purchase real estate in a government-approved project, or make a university contribution.
- How strong is Antigua’s passport?
The Antigua & Barbuda Passport is considered a strong travel document and provides visa-free access to 153 countries, including Schengen countries, Singapore, the UK, China, Russia, and Hong Kong, among others. It is ranked 27th among global passports.
- How long does it take to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship and passport?
It is estimated that the process will take between 6 and 8 months from the date of application submission to the issuance of the passport, assuming there are no areas of concern with the application.
- Can you buy Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?
An applicant can buy Antigua and Barbuda citizenship either by making a non-refundable contribution to the NDF, purchasing real estate in a government-approved project, or contributing to a university.
- Is it easy to get Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?
Applicants over 18 years of age who have no criminal record and are willing to invest worth $230,000 can straightforwardly get Antigua’s citizenship.
- Can I live and work in Antigua and Barbuda with citizenship?
Obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship provides applicants and their families full residence rights, including the ability to live, work, and study in the country.
- Why Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program is unique?
It is the only Caribbean country that has designed an investment plan for families of six or more people. Six people can apply for passports by investing $260,000 into the University of West Indies Fund. Furthermore, one family member has a right to study at the university for one year for free.
- Why do applicants need a licensed agent’s help?
Utilizing a licensed agent when applying for the Antigua and Barbuda program is not just a suggestion; it is a primary requirement for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment. This mandate was established by the government to ensure transparency, efficiency, and compliance.
- Is Antigua and Barbuda citizenship worth it?
Most successful applicants of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program believe that citizenship is worth it because of the low investment requirement, the short processing time, the country’s strong passport for visa-free access, the right to hold citizenship alongside existing citizenship, and the ability to include family members in the citizenship application.
For more information about Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program, the procedures, requirements, and benefits, please contact us on WhatsApp.
[1] https://cbiindex.com//wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CBI-Index-2024-Report.pdf
[2] https://cip.gov.ag/how-to-apply/application-forms
[3] https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-west-indies