With an increasing number of foreign nationals eyeing Caribbean investments, so too have the reasons to invest in Antigua and Barbuda. The twin-island nation has transformed its tourism industry into one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing, indicated by a 20,000 increase in visitor numbers between January and June 2024 compared the the previous year.
The Popularity of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program has proven Antigua and Barbuda to be one of the preferred options among investors seeking dual citizenship through lucrative investments such as purchasing real estate or starting a business.
Top Industries for Investing in Antigua and Barbuda
Citizenship by investment
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment (CBI) program has boosted the country’s economic growth substantially. The program has successfully financed national development programs, infrastructure projects, and social initiatives by attracting significant economic contributions through offering second citizenship to investors, from retirees to high-net-worth individuals.
Tourism
Tourism accounts for 50 percent of Antigua and Barbuda’s GDP. The nation’s tourism sector centers on cruise ships, luxurious all-inclusive beach resorts, and yacht excursions, and almost 50 percent of the Antigua and Barbuda population is directly and indirectly employed within the industry.
The yachting sector in Antigua and Barbuda has seen significant expansion, fueled by substantial investments from both public and private entities.
Fisheries and aquaculture
While fisheries make a modest contribution to Antigua and Barbuda’s economy, they play a vital role in supporting local food needs and catering to the tourism industry’s demands. The Mission of Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Barbuda Affairs maintains a sustainable fishing industry by imposing closed seasons for the capture, sale, and purchase of specific marine species, such as the 1 May closed season for spiny lobster and Parron fish.
Maritime transport and ports
About 90 percent of imported goods arrive in Antigua and Barbuda by sea, underlining the indispensable role of shipping in the national economy. The maritime transport and ports industry encompasses a range of activities, spanning port operations, ship maintenance, and dry-docking, as well as marine services like offshore bulk transshipment and bunkering.
Business Process Outsourcing
Antigua and Barbuda offers a skilled workforce for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). With a literacy rate exceeding 95 percent, the country demonstrates a sustained commitment to educational investment, cultivating a highly professional English-speaking workforce well-equipped to provide a competitive edge in industries outsourcing administrative, technical, and customer service operations. The government’s supportive policies towards ICT and business development further enhance its appeal as a BPO hub.
Nine Reasons to Invest in Antigua and Barbuda
1. Obtain Antigua citizenship by investment
Antigua and Barbuda is one of five Caribbean countries offering a citizenship by investment program (CBI). In exchange for significant economic contributions to the country’s economic growth, investors obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship status in four to five months.
As outlined by the Antigua Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA), there is no need to visit the country to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment. The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit – the Antigua government authority responsible for overseeing CBI applications – allows investors to conduct mandatory interviews remotely during the application process.
Another contributing factor of Antigua and Barbuda as an investment destination is it is the most affordable second citizenship for large families with a minimum contribution amount of $230,000 to the Antigua and Barbuda National Developing Fund (NDF).
2. Tourism growth
This island nation is considered a jewel in the Caribbean, attracting tourists worldwide with its organic beauty, unbelievably blue lagoons, vast ports, and rich cultural scene. More than half of the country’s GDP is tied to tourism, and investors who choose to make business capital investments, such as investing in a government-approved real estate project in the tourism sector. Tourism growth is proven by official statistics provided by the Antigua and Barbuda Statistics Division, Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance.
Antigua and Barbuda Visitor Arrivals (2020 - 2023) | ||||
Year: | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
Annual Visitors: | 125,083 | 169,469 | 265,119 | 281,896 |
Annual Visitor Expenditure Estimates (USD): | $350.1 million | $412.7 million | $692.1 million | $756.4 million |
The latest tourism statistics from the Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Authority reveal that between January and June 2024, the country welcomed 176,665 stay-over visitors, marking a 15 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
3. Obtain an Antigua passport
Not only do investors gain dual citizenship when successfully applying for Antigua citizenship by investment, but they also gain one of the Caribbean’s most powerful passports. The Antigua and Barbuda passport ranks 59th on the Global Passport Index.
An Antigua and Barbuda passport provides visa free access to over 150 destinations worldwide, including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area. Since this twin-island nation is a member of the Commonwealth, citizens can enjoy certain perks in the UK and other members of the Commonwealth, such as consular assistance where Antigua and Barbuda doesn’t have a consular presence.
4. Four investment options to obtain citizenship
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program offers the most foreign investment options of all Caribbean CBI countries. Investors can be granted citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda by making a non-refundable contribution, an approved real estate purchase, an approved business investment, or contribution to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund.
The University of the West Indies Fund option grants one of the main applicant’s financially dependent children the opportunity to attend the university with a year’s free tuition.
5. Skilled workforce
The government invests a lot in Antigua and Barbuda citizens. From high-ranking colleges and courses on offer to training opportunities in tourism, financial services, and construction, the Antigua and Barbuda government has actively improved people’s skill sets, providing quality that meets world standards.
Antigua and Barbuda ranked second among Caribbean countries in the entire Americas in the Human Development Index for 2024, with a contributing factor being quality educational standards. So, if you’re considering starting a business in the country, particularly in the tourism industry, through investing in pre-approved real estate projects, rest assured Antigua and Barbudans provide a high standard of service.
6. Tax advantages
The tax benefits of investing in Antigua and Barbuda for foreigners is Antigua and Barbuda is considered a tax haven as the government imposes a zero percent personal income tax rate. Self-employed Antigua tax residents may be liable for some income tax on earnings gained in the country, but worldwide income remains tax-free.
Additionally, Antigua and Barbuda taxes do not include wealth, inheritance, or capital gains tax. The country is one of the most tax-friendly among the Caribbean citizenship by investment countries.
7. Access to OECS and CARICOM
Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is under a common central bank and a single currency (Eastern Caribbean Dollar). The Eastern Caribbean Dollar has been pegged to the US dollar for over 40 years. Additionally, Antigua and Barbuda is a signatory of the Grand Anse Declaration, which established the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Single Market and Economy (CSME), providing Antigua and Barbuda investors and businesses with access to free trade among CARICOM nations.
8. Safety and security
Antigua and Barbuda is a socially and politically stable nation with a solid democratic system similar to the UK. With low crime rates, the country has virtually zero high-level security concerns like terrorism, money laundering, or cybercrime. According to the World Bank, Antigua and Barbuda ranked among the top 40 countries worldwide in its study of Political Stability and Absence of Violence/Terrorism, ahead of the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
9. Fully supported investment initiatives
The Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) supports investors fully with streamlined processes for obtaining permits and licenses across various industries, reducing bureaucracy. The ABIA also offers incentives like tax breaks depending on the investment amount and number of jobs created, duty-free concessions and exemptions on capital items, and feeless repatriation of capital, profits, and dividends, making it financially attractive for investors.
Investing in Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
Established in 2012, the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program has been an attractive CBI program for investors worldwide, granting successful applicants one of the Caribbean’s most powerful passports.
The investment authority overseeing the country’s program, the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Unit, welcomes investors to make a minimum contribution or investment through one of four capital investment routes. In turn, investors and even their family members are eligible for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.
The investment options include:
- Non-refundable contribution
- Real estate investment
- Business investment
- Donation to the UWI Fund
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment cost
Obtaining direct citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda requires making a foreign direct investment that meets a minimum value. Here’s an investment overview for each option:
- $230,000 donation to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund
- $300,000 investment in pre-approved real estate in Antigua
- $400,000 investment in a joint business investment worth at least $5 million, or a $1.5 million sole investment to establish an approved business in Antigua
- $260,000 donation to the University of the West Indies Fund
A single applicant must also pay government fees, including processing fees, due diligence fees, and a passport fee. Family members’ applications to obtain Antigua citizenship will require additional donations to the National Development Fund, as well as processing and due diligence fees.
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Eligibility requirements for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment
While there are no restrictions for investing in the country, there are certain criteria you must meet to make a Caribbean investment in the nation and qualify for the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program.
You must:
- Be over 18 years old
- Be of outstanding character
- Have a clean criminal record
- Be in good health
- Make a qualifying investment
Applicants from or with economic ties to a restricted country are prohibited from applying for Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship program. These restricted countries are:
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Yemen
- Sudan
The country’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) carries out strict due diligence checks, with due diligence procedures for every citizenship application, including a mandatory citizenship interview. The citizenship process takes four to five months.
Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment offers individuals and their family members a wealth of advantages.
The benefits of investing in Antigua and Barbuda dual citizenship include:
- Visa free travel: An Antigua and Barbuda passport provides visa free or visa on arrival access to over 150 destinations worldwide, including South Korea, Singapore, the UK, Russia and Schengen countries.
- Family inclusion: Eligible family members include a spouse, dependent children, dependent parents and grandparents, and dependent unmarried siblings of the spouse and main applicant. Investors can also pass citizenship to a future spouse or future child.
- Caribbean community benefits: Citizenship extends privileges associated with being part of CARICOM, as well as free movement through other OECS member states.
Options for Investing in Antigua and Barbuda
There is no shortage of Antigua and Barbuda investment opportunities in 2024. Whatever your requirements and objectives are, you’ll likely find them fulfilled in Antigua and Barbuda.
Real estate investment
An investment in the Antigua and Barbuda real estate market is the number one investment option to acquire a lifetime asset and Antigua and Barbuda citizenship. Investing in Antigua and Barbuda real estate means your respective investments can be recovered or used to generate income.
Government-approved real estate can be sold or rented out, making for a lucrative opportunity. The minimum investment starts at just $300,000 for real estate shares.
You can invest directly in Antigua and Barbuda tourist accommodations, from commercial buildings like boutique hotels, resorts, or buildings down to actual holiday homes like luxury villas, beachfront properties, or condos.
Approved real estate projects include: Tranquility Bay Antigua in Jolly Harbour, Sugar Ridge Villas in St Mary’s, Pleasure Cove Resort in St John’s, and Nelson’s Retreat Development in English Harbour.
Invest in a new or established business
As a single investor looking for eco-friendly business opportunities in Antigua and Barbuda or to run a business on the islands, you can do so by either investing in an eligible enterprise project – alone or as a joint investment – or setting up a new business that generates income.
Generally speaking, investing in existing business opportunities that create jobs can generate solid profit since the economy is quickly growing, thanks to its booming tourism sector. Funds can be pumped into an existing or new business. Either way, it’ll be government-protected, so you can relax knowing your business investment will be sheltered from fraud.
Invest in agriculture
Antigua and Barbuda has a thriving agriculture with significant growth potential. In particular, the island’s pineapples are a hit. Known as ‘the Antigua Black Pineapple’, this crop grows in dark soil and is renowned in the region for its sweetness. It’s recognized internationally and is even sold in Norwegian supermarkets at a premium price. Poultry is another area to expand to. As a net importer of poultry, there are plans in the pipeline to make the country a net exporter of poultry products.
Sea-island cotton is another area to break into. It has high export prices and is even known among Japanese connoisseurs for its quality. With financial aid from the government, 30 acres are currently being cultivated.
In June 2024, the Agricultural Extension Division revamped an initiative to identify all farmers in the country, issuing the first ID cards to farmers the following month. The move was made so that the government and farmers could begin a collective approach to food production, increasing productivity through microfinancing, technical assistance, and sustainability.
The best investment opportunities in Antigua and Barbuda come from producing local foods that are currently imported and selling them to the local market, including other Caribbean countries.
Invest in tourism
It’s no secret why the Antigua tourism industry is experiencing exponential growth. What’s not to like about gorgeous twin islands packed with breathtaking beaches, sunshine, watersports activities, a friendly local population, and a relaxing atmosphere? You guessed it, the tourism industry is the most lucrative area to invest in. Since it dominates the national economy, it’s the country’s most important source of foreign exchange and direct international investment.
The country received over 170,000 stay-over visitors between January and June 2024, reflecting a 15 percent increase compared to 2024, and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Board expects growth to continue in the coming years.
You can opt to invest in more traditional assets like a five-star resort, a boutique hotel, or a golf course, or you can go for a less obvious investment like:
- Sailing/yachting
- Health and wellness tourism
- Eco-tourism and nature tourism
- Cultural and heritage tourism
Invest in waste management
As a nation heavily reliant on tourism, maintaining pristine natural environments is crucial for attracting visitors and preserving the country’s reputation as a tropical paradise. An inevitable consequence of a surge in tourism is increased waste, and plans have been proposed to make Antigua a cruise home port.
Effective waste management in Antigua and Barbuda ensures the preservation of the island’s coastal areas, beaches, and marine ecosystems, which are key tourist attractions. There is still progress to be made in waste management, signaled by the Antigua and Barbuda National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) informing residents of a delay in waste collection in September 2024.
The Antigua and Barbuda government incentivizes investors in waste management services by presenting streamlined regulatory procedures to facilitate sustainable practices and innovation in environmental solutions.
Talk to a Specialist about Investing in Antigua and Barbuda
Thinking about investing in Antigua? Talk to one of our Global Citizen Solutions specialists.
Our dedicated team will work solely on your behalf. We are committed to providing a specialized service to each of our clients with the knowledge that comes with years of expertise, as well as access to a proprietary database of market information.
We give insight and data analysis to allow our clients to make investments with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Antigua and Barbuda Investments
Why should I consider investing in Antigua and Barbuda?
There are many reasons to invest in Antigua. The opportunities are endless, from owning a high-ranking Caribbean passport that allows visa free travel to 153 countries, achieving optimal return rates on your investment with stable rental income, and gaining solid investment protection from the government to diversify your assets.
What investment options do I have in Antigua?
You can invest in the country’s tourism sector, agriculture, IT industry, real estate, or citizenship by investment. By far, investing via the citizenship program is the best way to procure an Antigua and Barbuda passport and enhanced global mobility in four short months, with the option to include your entire family in the application.
If you plan to invest through the Antigua citizenship program, the investment routes are:
- Making a National Development Fund contribution
- Buying pre-approved real estate
- Making a local business investment
- Donating to the UWI Fund
Real estate and business investments can be made as a single or joint investment.
Is Antigua a good investment?
Many view property in Antigua and Barbuda as a sound investment choice. In addition to financial returns on capital investment and a skilled workforce for business process outsourcing, The Antigua Citizenship by Investment Act allows foreign nationals to obtain citizenship from their property investments. The Antigua economic citizenship program grants second citizenship and a Caribbean passport to property investors.
What are the best sectors to invest in Antigua?
Along with the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, investing in real estate, the tourism sector, or business process outsourcing with assistance from the Antigua Barbuda Investment Authority is a great way for foreign nationals to profit from their investments and gain citizenship by contributing to the nation’s economic development.
Does the Antigua and Barbuda passport allow visa-free travel to Europe?
Yes, Antigua and Barbuda passport holders have 151 Antigua and Barbuda visa free countries they can travel to, including the European nations in the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Russia.
Can I apply directly to Antigua CIP without an agent?
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program, or CIP, requires the main applicant and eligible dependents to submit applications to a local authorized agent licensed by the Antigua Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), government authority responsible for the program.
What is the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship cost?
If you are considering obtaining citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda, the minimum investment amount is $230,000 as a donation to the country’s National Development Fund for a single applicant or family of four. Applications are usually processed in four to five months by the Investment Unit.
Why is China investing in Antigua?
China’s investment in Antigua is primarily driven by strategic economic and geopolitical interests. Chinese President Xi Jinping stated in January 2024 that China seeks to invest directly in Antigua and Barbuda’s infrastructure, including infrastructure construction, green energy, and healthcare. These investments align with China’s global expansion strategy under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aimed at bolstering diplomatic ties and securing strategic allies internationally.
What is Antigua main source of income?
Tourism is the largest economic sector in Antigua and Barbuda, contributing over 50 percent of the GDP and accounting for more than 46 percent of national employment, both directly and indirectly.
How much is Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment real estate?
The qualifying investment to acquire citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda by real estate investment is $300,000. An advantage of the real estate option is the minimum investment requirement does not increase regardless of the family size.
