Launched in May 2020, the Antigua and Barbuda University of the West Indies Fund (or UWI Fund) is a fantastic option for those with larger families who are interested in pursuing Caribbean citizenship by investment. The most affordable route for families of six or more members, the UWI Fund requires a contribution of $260,000 and entitles one member of the family to a one-year scholarship to the UWI. If this sounds like the right option for you and your family, keep reading to learn more.
University of West Indies (UWI) Fund: The Most Affordable CIP Route for Large Families
The University of the West Indies (UWI) offers the most cost-effective option under the Antigua and Barbuda CBI program for families of six or more members. By comparing the UWI Fund with the National Development Fund (NDF), it becomes evident that the UWI Fund can save families significant amounts, up to $25,000, compared to the NDF Donation. This holds true for families consisting of a couple with three children and a dependent parent, for instance.
For families of more than six members to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment, the cost of each additional dependent only increases by $4,000 whilst the contribution amount remains at $260,000, which is great for larger family structures. The table below provides more information regarding the cost of the UWI Fund, from due diligence fees to government processing fees.
Family of 6 applicants (US$) | Family of 7 or more applicants (US$) | |
Required contribution amount | $260,000 | $260,000 |
Government processing fee | Included in required contribution amount | $10,000 for each additional dependent |
Government due diligence fee | Dependent 0-11: No fee Dependent child 12-18: $2,000 each Dependent aged 18 and over: $4,000 each | Dependent 0-11: No fee Dependent child 12-18: $2,000 each Depended aged 18 and over: $4,000 each |
Invest in Quality Education for Your Children with the UWI Fund
The University of the West Indies Fund (UWI) option is a government special fund used to finance the university’s fourth landed campus. As mentioned above, applying for citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda through the UWI Fund entitles one member of your family to receive one year scholarship at the university University of the West Indies, one of the Caribbean’s best universities. This family member must be included in your citizenship application to be eligible for this scholarship.
This is an excellent benefit that makes the UWI Fund an even more attractive option for families with children educated in English, which is Antigua and Barbuda’s official language. However, attending the university is not required for you or your family members to to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Application Process and Timeline
The process of applying for citizenship by making a contribution to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund is fairly straightforward and generally takes four to five months from the submission of your application to your passport being issued.
1: Discussion with our success team and obtain proposal
Obtain a proposal that details all costs and government fees associated with your UWI investment application submission.
2: Start onboarding
The team at Global Citizen Solutions will help you prepare your application forms and gather all the necessary supporting documents. Make sure to notarize and certify documents as needed.
3: Application review
Ensure that your citizenship application and supporting documents are reviewed by your licensed CIP agent, such as Global Citizen Solutions. We will review your citizenship application and supporting documents to ensure everything is in order to officially submit your application.
4: Due diligence
Submit your documents required for due diligence.
5: Application submission
Submit your application to the Citizenship by Investment Unit and pay the necessary due diligence fees.
6: Approval
Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Unit will decide on the success of your application. It takes about four to five months from the interview stage to the issuing of your passport.
7: Final invoice
Your final invoice will be issued. You will be required to pay your contribution, the passport fees, and the remainder of the government processing fees.
8: Issuing of passport
The Investment Unit will issue your passport and Certificate of Registration (COR). This generally occurs within one month of you making your investment payment.
9: Receive documents
Your passports and COR will be couriered to you.
About the University of the West Indies
Established in 1948 in Jamaica, the University of the West Indies (UWI) is the largest and longest-standing education provider in the Caribbean and is ranked among the best universities in the world. Offering high-quality research and excellent educational facilities across the Caribbean region, the UWI remains the only Caribbean university to make the prestigious Times Higher Education Rankings list, ranked in the world’s top 600 universities in 2019 and 2020, and the 40 best Latin American and Caribbean universities.
The UWI now has five campuses with around 36,000 students and 1,2000 members of staff. It may interest you to know that several Nobel Prize winners and former prime ministers or heads of governments are alumni of the University of the West Indies. Caribbean courses and degrees from the university are accepted by universities and employers across the globe. The proceeds generated from the UWI fund investment option are used to advance and develop the university.
Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda is one of only five nations in the Caribbean that offer a Citizenship by Investment Program. These programs offer foreign investors the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s economic growth and receive citizenship in return. Antigua and Barbuda, however, offers the best value for large families looking to obtain Caribbean citizenship.
Under the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program, you have four investment options in addition to the UWI fund option: A contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF), a real estate investment, or a business investment.
There are a number of benefits to obtaining Antigua citizenship:
• No Antigua taxation on international income and no wealth tax, inheritance tax, gift tax, or capital gains tax.
• Minimum stay requirement of five days total during the first five years.
• Attractive investment opportunities in the tourism sector.
• Free tuition only scholarship for a family member through the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund option
• Obtain a Caribbean passport offering visa free travel to more than 150 destinations.
Additionally, the cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda is quite affordable, particularly when compared to the US. For example, the cost of rent in St John’s – the capital of this beautiful nation – is 62.6 percent lower than in Washington, DC, according to Numbeo.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens. With offices in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, our multilingual team guides individuals and families from start to finish, providing expert advice considering freedom, mobility, taxation, and security.
- 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.
- Our transparent pricing covers all the processes from opening your bank account, document certification, and legal due diligence to investment and submission. As there is one fee for the entire process, you can be confident that you will not face any hidden costs later.
- 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.
- The BeGlobal Onboarding System® allows you to access the status of your application every step of the way, something that sets us apart from our competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Antigua and Barbuda University of West Indies Fund
What is the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund?
The Antigua and Barbuda University of the West Indies Fund is an affordable investment option for families with a minimum number of six members looking to obtain citizenship in the Caribbean and move to Antigua and Barbuda. Application to the fund includes due diligence fees and processing fees. A benefit of contributing to the University of West Indies fund option is obtaining a one-year scholarship for one of your family members included in your application to study at the UWI, as well as visa-free travel to over 150 countries.
Is Global Citizen Solutions a Registered Agent with the Antigua and Barbuda government for the citizenship program?
Yes, Global Citizen Solutions is a Registered Agent with Antigua and Barbuda’s government for the citizenship program.
What is the purpose of the University of the West Indies Fund in Antigua and Barbuda?
The new UWI Fund option supports higher education initiatives at the Antigua and Barbuda UWI Five Islands Campus. Specifically, the fund aims to expand educational opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda citizens by providing financial support for scholarships, research projects, infrastructure development, and other academic programs at the island’s University of the West Indies (UWI) campus.
Are contributions to the University of the West Indies Fund in Antigua and Barbuda tax-deductible?
Charitable donations, including contributions to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund, are eligible for a 30 percent tax credit against taxable income in Antigua and Barbuda, making them tax-deductible.
How is the University of the West Indies funded?
As reported on uwi.edu, the official website of the University of the West Indies, 80 percent of the university’s funding is sourced from the government and UWI Fund donations, with the remaining 20 percent covered by student tuition fees.
