The Antigua and Barbuda government launched the Antigua Golden Visa program in 2013, attracting foreign nationals to boost the country’s economic growth by granting Antigua citizenship. The Golden Visa option is a path to citizenship status and an Antigua passport, increasing global mobility and providing a solid plan B.
Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa Overview
Antigua citizenship by investment: The Antigua Golden Visa and the Antigua Investor Visa both refer to the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment (CBI) program, which grants successful applicants citizenship and a second passport in exchange for significant economic contributions.
Investment applicants can contribute to the country’s government fund (National Development Fund), make an approved real estate investment, establish an approved business, or donate to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund.
The citizenship program in Antigua is overseen by the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), the government authority responsible for ensuring the program is executed as per legislation outlined in the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Act No. 2.
Visa free access: Antigua and Barbuda passport holders enjoy visa free travel and visa on arrival access to over 150 countries, including the EU Schengen Area, the UK, China, and Russia.
Antigua real estate market: The principal applicant of the CBI program has the option to buy government-approved real estate from reputable real estate developers, presenting a valuable second home opportunity alongside acquiring Caribbean citizenship.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Benefits
There are many benefits that come with obtaining Antigua citizenship. They include:
- Amazing quality of life in a tropical paradise with outstanding beaches
- Thriving economy and real estate market
- No requirements for investment applicants to visit Antigua to obtain citizenship
- Visa waiver agreements with various governments, providing visa free access to over 150 countries across the world
- Large families are eligible for the second citizenship by investment program, include a future spouse or future child
- Antigua citizenship in return for an investment of $230,000
- Antigua and Barbuda allows dual citizenship, allowing successful applicants to maintain their existing citizenship
- Good location with established air connections to popular cities worldwide
- Antigua and Barbuda tax benefits include no personal income tax on worldwide income, no inheritance or capital gains tax
Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa Eligibility Criteria
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program makes it possible for a range of individuals from retirees and high-net-worth individuals to receive citizenship in exchange for a foreign direct investment.
Applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Be over 18 years old
- Apply through a licensed agent
- Have a clean criminal record
- Not be from a restricted country
- Pass stringent background and security tests as directed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit
Restricted countries
Citizen of the following countries cannot apply for Antigua and Barbuda dual citizenship:
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Yemen
- Sudan
If you are from a restricted country but have migrated to another country and lived there for a minimum of ten years and have no economic ties with these countries, you are qualified to apply for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.
Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa Investment Options
To obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment and an Antigua and Barbuda second passport, the principal applicant must make the required investment under one of various investment options:
National Development Fund (NDF) contribution: To get a Golden Visa Antigua, the principal applicant must make a non-refundable contribution of $230,000 to the NDF (National Development Fund). Other government fees apply, including processing fees and due diligence fees.
Approved business investment: The Approved business option offers the principal applicant two business investment options: A $1.5 million investment as a solo investor or make a joint investment of $400,000 in a $5 million business venture.
Approved real estate investment: The real estate option allows the principal applicant to purchase government-approved real estate with a minimum value of $300,000. The real estate investment must be held for at least five years before selling it.
University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund donation: Foreign nationals and their financially dependent family members can qualify for Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship program by donating to the University of the West Indies Fund (UWI). The principal applicant must make a non-refundable contribution of $260,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund (UWI fund). The West Indies Fund option allows one of the applicants dependent children to attend the University of the West Indies Global Campus tuition-free for one year.
Obtaining Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship with a Joint Investment
The business investment option allows the principal applicant and their family members to acquire the Golden Visa for Antigua and Barbuda (Investor Visa) through a joint investment.
Joint business investment
You can make a joint investment with a business partner or more in a government-approved business. Applicants must note that each business partner must invest a minimum of $400,000, and the total investment should amount to $5 million.
Joint real estate investment
This joint real estate option requires the the main applicant invest with a second buyer in an approved real estate project, where each party must purchase real estate valued at least $300,000.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Program - Application Process
- You must submit your applicant through authorized agent licensed by the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
- Complete your citizenship application form and gather supporting documents.
- Your authorized agent will submit the application on your behalf.
- Pay the necessary government and processing fees.
- Attend a mandatory citizenship interview
- Upon application approval, make the required investment in Antigua and Barbuda.
- Take the Oath of Allegiance to Antigua and Barbuda.
- After obtaining citizenship, your Antigua and Barbuda new passport will be issued.
Authorized representative and licensed agent
Gaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda requires applying through an authorized representative and licensed agent approved by the Antigua Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), the government authority responsible for the investment scheme. They will file your application for the Antigua and Barbuda Investor Visa (Golden Visa). The authorized representative and licensed agent will collect all documents required, apply for the visa, and then share all documents with the main applicant.
Complete your application forms
Complete the investment application forms required to fulfill the Golden Visa application process. Forward the application forms to the local agent, who will forward them to the CIU.
Payment of fees
You must pay the required government fees per the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa guidelines. Initially, you must pay the diligence fees and ten percent of the government processing fee.
Attend citizenship interview
As part of the strict due diligence checks, the main applicant and each family member over 16 in a family application must attend a citizenship interview. An officer of the CIU conducts the interview, which can be attended remotely.
Make your investment
After receiving an approval letter from Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), make the investment of the minimum amount required. The real estate route takes longer to be processed.
Take the Allegiance Oath
After investments have been completed, the successful applicants, including their dependent family members, will receive a certificate of registration showing that they have been granted citizenship. You need to submit this certificate of registration for your passport to be processed.
You can visit Antigua and Barbuda or your nearest Antigua and Barbuda Embassy or High Commission to take the Allegiance Oath and get an Antigua and Barbuda passport.
Antigua Golden Visa Cost
Besides qualifying contributions, real estate, and business investments, the main applicant must pay additional costs, including a processing fee, due diligence fees, and a government fee.
Antigua and Barbuda: Due diligence and passport fees
Individual | Due diligence fee | Passport fee |
Primary applicant | $7,500 | $300 |
Spouse | $7,500 | $300 |
Dependent child (12-17 years old) | $2,000 | $300 |
Dependent (18 years and older) | $4,000 | $300 |
Family inclusion for a Golden Visa in Antigua
The following family members are eligible for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment: Spouse, dependent children, financially dependent parents and grandparents, and unmarried siblings of the primary applicant or spouse.
The required processing fee of $30,000 qualifies a up to four family members for direct citizenship. There’s an additional investment requirement of $15,000 to include five or more family members, and each additional family member must pay a processing fee of $10,000.
To a look at our Ultimate Guide to Antigua Citizenship by Investment
Antigua Citizenship by Investment Requirements
You will need the following documents if you are applying for the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa:
Application forms
- Application form
- Photograph and signature certificate
- Medical certificate
- Investment confirmation form
- Agent form
- Passport application form
Personal documents
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- National identity card
- Passport-size photographs
- Police certificate
Documentation Rules
All documents must be certified by a suitable person and according to the laws of the country that the individual is residing in. It should cover the following details:
- Full name of the individual
- The role that the individual is acting in
- The individual’s home or business address
- Phone number and email address
Please note that your documents can also be certified by a notary public and should be authenticated by appropriate legal authorities.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
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- We have helped hundreds of clients from 35+ countries in all the top residency by investment and citizenship by investment programs. With an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the area, we provide our clients with solid guidance.
- Our team has never had a case rejected. Our 100 percent approval rate sets us apart from our competitors and guarantees that you can expect a successful application.
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- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server. You can be safe knowing that your personal data is treated with the utmost security.
- Global Citizen Solutions provides an all-encompassing solution. Our support can continue even after you receive your passport. We offer additional services such as company incorporation, Trusts, and Foundations formation.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Antigua Golden Visa
Can you buy citizenship in Antigua?
You cannot buy citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda. However, the Golden Visa program (citizenship by investment) will allow you to contribute to the country’s economic growth and acquire citizenship.
Is it easy to get Antigua citizenship?
Obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda isn’t easy but is relatively straightforward through the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment scheme. Applicants can make a minimum investment in the country and obtain dual citizenship for themselves, their spouse, children, and other qualified financially dependent family members.
How long does it take to get a Golden Visa for Antigua and Barbuda?
It can take around four to five months for your Antigua and Barbuda citizenship application to be processed, provided there are no issues when carrying out due diligence checks.
What are the investment options in Antigua and Barbuda?
Through Antigua and Barbuda dual citizenship by investment program, you can invest in the country under the following routes:
- You can donate to the National Development Fund
- You can invest in pre-approved real estate projects
- You can invest in a business that is based out of Antigua and Barbuda. You can invest alone or in a joint investment.
- You can donate to the University of the West Indies Fund
What is the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa Program?
The Antigua Golden Visa scheme is an alternative term for the Antigua Citizenship by Investment Program.
Are family members eligible to be included in the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa application?
The main applicant investing can include your spouse, dependent children up to 30 years old, parents above 55 years old, and unmarried siblings of the applicant or spouse.
Do I need to reside in Antigua and Barbuda to maintain my Golden Visa status?
No, you do not need to reside in the country to maintain Antigua citizenship under the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program.
How do I get permanent residency in Antigua?
Antigua and Barbuda’s Golden Visa program offers the opportunity to obtain both permanent residency and Antiguan citizenship by investing in the country through designated funds, real estate, or an approved business.
Can I become a citizen of Antigua?
To become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, you must have been born in Antigua, have a parent or grandparent who is an Antigua citizen, or have lived in Antigua for at least five years.
You can also acquire Antigua and Barbudan citizenship through the Antigua and Barbuda CBI program, which requires a minimum investment in one of four investment routes, including a non-refundable contribution to the state fund, a government-approved real estate purchase, a government-approved business investment, or a contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund.
