Launched in 2013, the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program is one of the newest in the Caribbean. The government introduced the program to increase foreign direct investment in the country, which comes with an array of advantages. These include tax benefits, a quick application process, and visa free travel to over 150 countries.

One of the top benefits of the Citizenship by Investment Program: Antigua and Barbuda is that it allows investors and their families to obtain citizenship.

In order to obtain a second passport, applicants have to make a financial contribution through one of four investment options:

  • 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
  • A $400,000 business investment

Additionally, rigorous monitoring of each application by Antigua’s government authority overseeing its program ensures applicants meet all eligibility criteria before being granted citizenship.

This guide will break down all the information you should know about the Antigua Citizenship by Investment Program. Read on to learn about the Antigua and Barbuda Investor Visa requirements, the application process, associated government and processing fees, time frame, and excellent benefits that await Antigua passport holders.

What is the Antigua Citizenship by Investment Program?

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program was launched under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Act, Act No. 2 of 2013 to promote economic growth, attract development, support the development of infrastructure, and increase foreign direct investment in the country.

This scheme grants citizenship and an Antigua passport to foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in the country. These include making a donation to the National Development Fund, investing in approved real estate projects, creating a business enterprise, or supporting the University of the West Indies.

Citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda comes with several benefits, such as visa free access to over 150 countries worldwide, a quick application process, and the opportunity to include your family in the application.

Antigua and Barbuda Passport Benefits

CARICOM and Commonwealth member CARICOM and Commonwealth member
Great tax benefits Great tax benefits
Visa free access to over 150 countries Visa free access to over 150 countries
Quick application process Quick application process
No tests required No tests required
Whole family included Whole family included

1. Plan B: Having a second citizenship opens up opportunities and creates flexibility for you and your family. Antigua and Barbuda is part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Commonwealth, entitling Antigua and Barbuda passport holders to certain privileges in the Caribbean, the UK, and other member states.

2. Attractive tax regime: Antigua and Barbuda citizens enjoy relaxed Antigua and Barbuda taxes. There are no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax and the country does tax personal income earned from foreign sources.

3. Visa free travel: Antigua and Barbuda passport holders enjoy visa free travel to over 150 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 for a family of up to four.

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 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.

Does Antigua and Barbuda allow dual citizenship?

Yes, according to the Constitution of 1981 of the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Act, the principal applicant and financially dependent members of their family can hold Antigua and Barbuda dual citizenship.

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program, you must meet specific criteria, e.g., being at least 18 years old, having a clean criminal record, and being in good health. The principal applicant can also include eligible members of the family, such as their spouse and children under 18 years old.

Requirements for the 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

Requirements for 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

Including family members post citizenship approval

You can 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

Restricted countries

Antigua and Barbuda’s restricted countries list includes:

  • 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.

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Antigua Citizenship by Investment Required Documents

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

This is a vital step in 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 and all dependents aged 16 or over. This process is crucial to guarantee the credibility of a citizenship-by-investment program.

The following documents are required to apply for Antigua and Barbuda 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

For citizenship by investment applications requiring supporting documents, ensure they are certified and authenticated as per the originating jurisdiction’s laws. 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.

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship: Investment Options

To qualify for economic citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, you must choose one of the following investment routes.  The associated fees (due diligence fees, government fees/processing fees, etc.) for each investment are broken down below:

1. National Development Fund (NDF)

Obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda is possible by making a $100,000 non-refundable contribution to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund (NDF). The minimum investment necessary depends on the number of dependents included in the application. This option is the least costly for individuals and families of up to five members.

The National Development Fund (NDF) was established under section 42(2) of the Finance Administration Act 2006 to fund government-sponsored projects. Donations help support projects that improve the living conditions in Antigua and Barbuda.

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
Family members over 18: $4,000 each
Family members aged 12-17: $2,000 each

Passport Fee

$300 per passport

Interview Fee

$1,500 per application

2. Real estate

Tap into Anitgua’s profitable tourist market by making an Antigua and Barbuda real estate investment in a government-approved real estate project, such as Nonsuch Bay and Moongate Resort. Investors can resell their property and receive a return on their investment after five years.

Two applicants can make a joint investment, with each applicant investing a minimum of $200,000 in order to qualify.

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
Family members over 18: $4,000 each
Family members aged 12-17: $2,000 each

Passport Fee

$300 per passport

Interview Fee

$1,500 per application

3. University of the West Indies Fund

This option is designed for large families of six people or more. Make a $150,000 non-refundable contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund and obtain Caribbean citizenship for the whole family. The University of the West Indies Fund (UWI) option entitles one family member to a one-year, tuition-only scholarship at UWI.

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
Family members over 18: $4,000 each
Family members aged 12-17: $2,000 each

Passport Fee

$300 per passport

Interview Fee

$1,500 per application

4. Business investment

Choose from two business investment options: Contribute $1.5 million in developing a company as a sole investor or make a joint investment worth $5 million (each investor contributes at least $400,000). You must invest in a local business project that the Antigua and Barbuda government has previously approved. There are projects in the areas of commerce, engineering, and tourism, among others.

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
Family members over 18: $4,000 each
Family members aged 12-17: $2,000 each

Passport Fee

$300 per passport

Interview Fee

$1,500 per application

How To Get Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

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. Our expert team at Global Citizen Solutions will guide you through the following steps of the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program 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. Any additional dependent aged 16 and above will participate in the interview, which will be conducted virtually and in the applicant’s preferred language once the CIU’s due diligence has been completed. The cost will be $1,500 per application.

 

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Fees and Processing Charges

Besides the required qualifying investment, obtaining direct citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda requires paying a set of fees to complete the application process:

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

Regarding processing fees, the amount is determined by the selected investment option and the number of dependents included. For contributions to the NDF and real estate investments, applicants are subject to a $30,000 processing fee. In contrast, the University of the West Indies Fund option does not entail any processing fee for the principal applicant and up to five dependents.

All other applicable fees are fixed amounts, which include a due diligence fee per applicant of $7,500 for the main applicant and spouse, $4,000 for dependent children, parents, and unmarried siblings over 18, and $2,000 for dependent children aged 12 to 17. The Antigua passport fee is $300, and the mandatory interview fee is $1,500.

Antigua and Barbuda CBI Comparison with other Caribbean Programs

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: The most affordable Caribbean citizenship by investment program for a family of four.
  • Dominica: The cheapest citizenship program for single applicants
  • Grenada: The only Caribbean CBI country offering eligibility to the US E2 Visa
  • St Kitts and Nevis: The first country to establish a citizenship by investment program. It provides the strongest Caribbean passport by investment.
  • St Lucia: Provides the most investment options at affordable thresholds, including the option to invest in infrastructure projects with a minimum amount of $100,000.

Rights and Privileges Associated with an Antigua Passport by Investment

The benefits of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship include:

  • Visa free travel: You enhance your global mobility with an Antigua and Barbuda passport, providing visa free access to over 150 countries, including the European Union, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia.
  • Favorable tax environment: You diversify your assets and enjoy a number of tax breaks. Antigua and Barbuda imposes no personal income tax on worldwide income, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax.
  • Lucrative real estate investments: You can invest in a high-end tourist real estate project and earn rental income through the thriving tourism industry in the Caribbean.
  • Increased protection: You gain a Plan B for yourself and your family. A second citizenship offers alternatives in instances of global instability.
  • Free movement: You can retire in a Caribbean 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).

Pros and Cons of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

Pros

  • Family-friendly: Most affordable Caribbean citizenship by investment for large families with a minimum investment donation of $100,000 (NDF donation) for a family of four or $150,000 (UWI Fund donation) 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.
  • Long-term US visa: Citizens can apply for a ten-year visitor visa to the US.
  • Excellent travel mobility: With an Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship and passport, you’ll be granted access to over 150 visa free destinations worldwide.

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.

CBI Compliance and Monitoring in Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is the government authority responsible for overseeing the country’s CBI program. The Unit collaborates closely with government entities such as the US Treasury, the European Union, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), ensuring compliance with regulations like anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) policies, while also supervising the activities of authorized agents.

Compliance oversight and strict due diligence checks of applicants of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program ensure its international credibility and value to successful applicants. Recently, Antigua and Barbuda, along with three other Caribbean nations, endorsed a citizenship by investment Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen and advance compliance efforts in Caribbean investment citizenship programs.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Antigua and Barbuda CBI Program

How to become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda?

The fastest way to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is through the citizenship by investment program. Investment options are:

  • National Development Fund donation (minimum $100,000)
  • Approved real estate project investment (minimum $200,000)
  • Approved business venture investment (minimum $400,000)
  • University of the West Indies Fund donation (minimum $150,000)

You must have no criminal record, no serious health problems, and be older than 18. The application process for Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship program takes three to four months to complete.

Must I visit Antigua and Barbuda for the citizenship by investment program?

You don’t need to visit Antigua during the CBI application process. After obtaining a citizenship certificate in Antigua and Barbuda, the personal visit required to maintain it is five days during the first five years. Minimum residence requirements must be met to renew your passport for the first time.

How strong is the Antigua passport?

The Antigua and Barbuda passport ranks 59th on the Global Passport Index. It grants visa free and visa on arrival access to over 140 destinations, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Zone. You’re granted citizenship for a lifetime, and the passport has 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 allows you and your family full residency rights, including the ability to live, work, and study in the country. To learn more about living in this beautiful island nation, visit our guide to the best towns to live in Antigua and Barbuda.

Can you have dual citizenship in the US and Antigua?

Both Antigua an Barbuda and the United States allow their citizens to hold multiple citizenship.

How much does Antigua citizenship cost?

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment cost starts at $100,000. The four investment options are:

  • A $100,000 National Development Fund contribution
  • Real estate purchases in an approved project worth at least $200,000
  • Contributing $150,000 to the University Fund
  • An approved business investment – solo ($1.5 million) or joint investment ($400,000)

Additional fees include government fees/processing fees, due diligence fees, passport fees, and interview fees.

Can Antigua passport holders work in the US?

Antigua and Barbuda citizens must apply for the relevant visa or permit to legally work in the US.

Can Antigua citizens work in the UK?

Antigua citizens enjoy visa free travel to the UK. However, to live and work in the UK, you must obtain the correct visa.

Can I include my family in my Antigua citizenship application?

Yes, you can include the following dependents in your second citizenship by investment application:

  • Spouse or future spouse
  • Dependent children
  • Parents and grandparents aged 55 or older
  • Unmarried siblings

If you would like to include them at a later date, you can do so at an additional fee.

What is a citizenship by investment program?

Also sometimes referred to as economic citizenship or golden visa programs, these schemes allow foreign investors to receive citizenship of a country in exchange for a significant investment (it can be a donation to fund government projects or a real estate investment). The goal is to promote economic growth in certain country.

What is the Citizenship By Investment Programme: Antigua & Barbuda?

The Antigua Citizenship by Investment is a program that allows foreigners to obtain an Antigua passport in exchange for making an investment in the country.

Are there any residency requirements for maintaining citizenship?

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment requirements do not include maintained permanent residence or a requirement to visit the country to receive citizenship. Successful applicants and additional family members who apply for citizenship can live in Antigua and Barbuda or permanently reside abroad and keep their Antigua second passport and dual citizenship status.