Welcome to Antigua And Barbuda Citizenship By Investment
Thanks to its tourism industry and offshore financial services, Antigua and Barbuda is one of the Caribbean’s most prosperous nations. The island is ringed by coral reefs, sandy beaches, national parks and other breathtaking natural attractions. All of which makes the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program extremely popular with global investors.
Since the launch of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program (CBI) back in 2013, the Caribbean country has fast become one of the most sought-after destinations for those chasing better opportunities, greater freedom and stability.
Not only do Antigua and Barbuda passport holders benefit from significant global mobility through visa free travel to a number of countries, but the country offers political and economic stability and an attractive tax regime.
About Antigua And Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is home to some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, including Half Moon Bay, Turner’s Beach and Darkwood Beach as well as stunning coral reefs, lush rainforests and a variety of activities such as sailing, diving and snorkeling. Its culture is incredibly diverse with influences from West Africa, India and Europe present in its art forms, religions, music and cuisine, making it an attractive destination for many visitors.
In recent years, the nation’s popularity has been further enhanced by its Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP), offering wealthy individuals citizenship in exchange for investing directly into the economy or through approved real estate projects on the islands.
CAPITAL
Saint John’s
POPULATION
97,945
TOTAL AREA
440 km²
CURRENCY
East Caribbean Dollar
Geographical Location and Climate
Antigua and Barbuda is a picturesque Caribbean island nation nestled within the Leeward Islands, bordered by St. Martin, St. Barts, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, and Guadaloupe. Its three islands – Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda – offer a diverse landscape, with Antigua being the largest and most developed island, spanning 108 square miles. Barbuda, at a size of 68 square miles, is flatter and offers unique wildlife, while Redonda is an uninhabited sanctuary. The nation’s capital and largest city, St. John’s, resides on Antigua.
Language and Culture
English is the official language spoken in Antigua and Barbuda, although local dialects such as Antiguan Creole are also prevalent. The population of Antigua and Barbuda is 97,945, with a variety of ethnicities.
Inspired by a rich blend of African, European, and indigenous influences, the culture of Antigua and Barbuda encompasses both traditional and modern elements. Popular music genres like calypso, steel drum, zouk, reggae, and soca fill the air while folklore is shared through generations as oral histories. The nation’s diverse cuisine offers delightful flavors, infusing local produce with international influence.
Economic Overview
Tourism is the lifeblood of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy, representing nearly 60% of GDP and 40% of investment. While agriculture holds a place in the domestic market, manufacturing focuses mostly on exporting products such as bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components. In recent years, the global economic recession has posed challenges in returning to pre-crisis levels of growth and stability.
Due to its reliance on tourism, fluctuations in visitor arrivals from the US, Canada, and Europe can impact the country’s economic landscape. The government seeks promise in the Citizenship by Investment Program to reduce public debt and stimulate productivity.
Why Choose Antigua And Barbuda Citizenship By Investment
VISA FREE TRAVEL
As a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, you can gain visa free access when travelling to over 151 countries – including the UK and Schengen states, as well as major countries in North America, Latin America and Asia.
FAMILY SAFETY AND FUTURE SECURITY
The Antiguan and Barbudan citizenship can be extended to your spouse, dependent children and parents. Antigua is known for being a very secure and stable country and can, therefore, offer you and your family a high-quality life.
FAST APPLICATION PROCESS
Obtain your Antiguan and Barbudan passport with only 4-6 months, without the need to visit or reside on the islands. Antigua and Barbuda allows dual citizenships, which means that you do not have to renounce your original nationality.
BUSINESS BENEFITS
Antigua and Barbuda passport holders benefit from important tax advantages, such as no capital gains, estate or foreign income tax. The country has a fixed USD currency and duty-free trading across the Caribbean.
How to Qualify for
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
Antigua And Barbuda Citizenship By Investment Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Antigua & Barbuda citizenship program, applicants must meet certain requirements:
- They must be at least 18 years old
- Have no criminal record
- Possess a valid passport from their country of residence (which should also allow them entry into Antigua)
- Provide proof of investment funds
- Demonstrate that their source of wealth is legitimate
- Obtain medical clearance certificates if required
- Prove that they do not pose any risk or threat to national security or public order within the twin-island nation
- Provide two reference letters from reputable sources who can vouch for their good character, plus pay all applicable fees associated with applying.
Antigua And Barbuda Citizenship By Investment (CBI) Investment Options
Acquiring citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda provides qualified applicants with diverse financial pathways, each devised with lucrative returns. Included are four investment categories that applicants must choose from and fulfill.
1. National Development Fund (NDF)
This not-for-profit fund offers applicants the option to contribute a non-refundable amount of USD 100,000 for a single applicant or USD 125,000 for a family of 5 or more. The fund supports government-backed initiatives, inclusive of public-private partnerships and other approved investments, thus propelling national development.
Additional Fees (NDF Option)
| Main Applicant | Spouse | Children between 12-17 years of age | Children over 18 years of age | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Due Diligence Fee | USD 7500 | USD 7500 | USD 2000 | USD 4000 |
| Processing Fee | USD 30,000 | Nil | Nil | USD 15,000 for each additional dependant over a family of 4 |
| Passport Fee | USD 300 | USD 300 | USD 300 | USD 300 |
2. The University of the West Indies Fund (UWI)
Pledging a non-recoupable contribution to UWI’s fourth campus is another investment alternative. Priced at USD 150,000, it caters to applications intended for a family of six or more members and provides one privileged family member with a one-year, tuition-only scholarship at UWI.
Additional Fees (UWI Option)
| Main Applicant | Spouse | Children between 12-17 years of age | Children over 18 years of age | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Due Diligence Fee | USD 7500 | USD 7500 | USD 2000 | USD 4000 |
| Processing Fee | Nil | Nil | Nil | USD 15,000 for each additional dependant over a family of 4 |
| Passport Fee | USD 300 | USD 300 | USD 300 | USD 300 |
3. Real Estate Investment
This alternative allows applicants to acquire approved property, either independently, for a minimum of USD 400,000, or jointly, with an investment of no less than USD 200,000 each. However, the resale of the property is restricted until five years have passed following the purchase unless the property being acquired is an officially approved alternate real estate property.
Additional Fees (Real Estate Option)
| Main Applicant | Spouse | Children between 12-17 years of age | Children over 18 years of age | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Due Diligence Fee | USD 7500 | USD 7500 | USD 2000 | USD 4000 |
| Processing Fee | USD 30,000 | Nil | Nil | USD 15,000 for each additional dependant over a family of 4 |
| Passport Fee | USD 300 | USD 300 | USD 300 | USD 300 |
4. Business Investment
Finally, prospects can purchase an approved business for a minimum sum of USD 1.5 million personally or opt for a joint investment equating to at least USD 5 million, with each participant contributing a minimum of USD 400,000.
Once the selected investment is made and necessary application forms (obtainable from licensed local agents), are submitted, approvals usually arrive within three months. Certificates of citizenship registration and passports are issued within six weeks of approval, subject to fulfillment of due diligence checks and the Oath of Allegiance, requirements to be completed either in person on the Antiguan and Barbudan territory or at an Embassy, High Commission, or Consular Office of Antigua and Barbuda.
Additional Fees (Business Investment Option)
| Main Applicant | Spouse | Children between 12-17 years of age | Children over 18 years of age | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Due Diligence Fee | USD 7500 | USD 7500 | USD 2000 | USD 4000 |
| Processing Fee | USD 30,000 | Nil | Nil | USD 15,000 for each additional dependent over a family of 4 |
| Passport Fee | USD 300 | USD 300 | USD 300 | USD 300 |
Once the selected investment is made and necessary application forms (obtainable from licensed local agents), are submitted, approvals usually arrive within three months. Certificates of citizenship registration and passports are issued within six weeks of approval, subject to fulfillment of due diligence checks and the Oath of Allegiance, requirements to be completed either in person on the Antiguan and Barbudan territory or at an Embassy, High Commission, or Consular Office of Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua And Barbuda Citizenship Application Process And Timeline
Initial Application and Processing
The Citizenship by Investment program in Antigua and Barbuda is overseen by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), a government authority dedicated to handling and thoroughly examining all applications. This meticulous process is part of ensuring that only eligible candidates are successfully granted Antiguan citizenship. The CIU also reserves the right to call applicants for an interview if it’s deemed necessary during the application examination process.
Before Sanctioning the process, it is crucial for potential candidates to note that the CIU is strict about due diligence checks. Any false statements or omissions of relevant information on the application will lead to disqualification.
The path to acquiring citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda is designed to be straightforward yet thorough, ensuring that all successful applicants meet the high standard required.
Here’s a detailed guide on the timeline and the steps involved:
Step 1: Preliminary Due Diligence (1 day)
Performed by accredited agencies such as Next Generation Equity, the preliminary due diligence phase is designed to detect any potential issues that might arise later. This is done by an accredited Anti-Money Laundering Officer who reviews the investor’s documents. At this juncture, investors only need to provide their passports.
Step 2: Document Preparation (2 to 4 weeks)
In this phase, applicants collate all required personal and financial documents with the aid of expert legal advisers from Next Generation Equity. These documents undergo necessary translation and notarization in preparation for the next step.
Step 3: Due Diligence (At least 3 months)
This phase is arguably the most critical. Here, the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of Antigua and Barbuda meticulously reviews all submitted documents and cross-checks the information against international databases. This step is fundamental to approval for citizenship.
Step 4: Investment Fulfilment (Up to 30 days)
Upon receiving notification of approval, successful applicants are required to execute their chosen investment option within 30 days. This could be a donation to the selected fund, making a real estate purchase, or investing in an approved business enterprise.
Step 5: Passport Issuance (Up to 4 weeks)
This is the final phase before the Oath of Allegiance. The citizenship certificate and passport are usually issued within four weeks after the investment procedure has been finalized. The documents can be couriered to an address of the applicant’s choice.
Step 6: Oath of Allegiance (1 day)
As a final step, applicants, along with adult family members, are obligated to take the Oath of Allegiance. This can be done through a video conference, at an Antigua and Barbuda consulate, or in person in Antigua and Barbuda.
Ideally, this entire process takes between three and four months from the initial application to the passport issuance assuming all steps are successfully and timely executed.
Post-Approval Process
As part of the program’s uniqueness, successful applicants are obligated to reside in Antigua and Barbuda for a minimum of five days during the first five years of obtaining their citizenship. While this may vary with certain options like the real estate investment, it still remains a requirement in the process.
Tax Advantages of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
Investing in Antigua and Barbuda not only rewards you with a coveted passport, visa-free access to more than 140 destinations worldwide but also presents an appealing tax regime. As an Antiguan and Barbudan citizen through investment, you acquire the right to become a tax resident of the country, which consists of many tax benefits.
No Personal Income Tax
Greatly encouraging for expats is the fact that Antigua and Barbuda has no personal income tax. This significant tax reform commenced in 2016, positioning the nation competitively in the Caribbean region aiming to lure foreign investors and high net worth individuals. Thus, regardless of your income level, no taxes are deducted from your personal income.
Favorable Corporate Tax Structure
For businesses, the corporate tax rate stands at 25%, applicable to resident companies on worldwide income. Nonresident companies are taxed only on income sourced from Antigua and Barbuda. However, foreign tax relief does exist under certain conditions such as having paid taxes in a fellow British commonwealth country or one where there is a tax treaty.
Establishing Tax Residency
You also have the option to go down the residency path as opposed to the citizenship path. To establish tax residency in Antigua and Barbuda, some requirements include maintaining a residential address in the country, spending a minimum of 30 days per year there, and having a substantial annual income. The financial implications encompass paying a flat tax of $20K per annum. Once a tax resident, you can enjoy several benefits such as no taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, inheritance, and wealth.
Other Tax Considerations
While property, transfer, and stamp duty taxes still apply, strategies exist to minimize your tax liability. These involve understanding eligible credits and deductions, increasing retirement contributions, harvesting losses, making donations, etc. Furthermore, goods and services like imports are generally subject to additional levies like the Antigua sales tax (ABST) and others, administered by the Inland Revenue Department while collected by the Customs and Excise Department.
Dual Citizenship With Antigua And Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda permits the holding of dual citizenship. This is explicitly assured in the country’s constitution, which was established in 1981. Hence, individuals can retain their original nationality while gaining Antiguan and Barbudan nationality as well. This provides the freedom and flexibility to maintain connections to both countries, allowing for the wide-ranging benefits of dual nationality.
However, it’s important to note that the acceptance of dual citizenship is contingent upon the regulations of your country of origin. Some nations may not permit dual citizenship, requiring their nationals to relinquish their original citizenship upon acquisition of a new one. As such, it’s essential to consult with the specific citizenship laws of your home country to determine whether you’ll be able to sustain your original citizenship while also becoming a national of Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship By Investment FAQs
How much to invest in Antigua and Barbuda for citizenship?
The cost of citizenship through the Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) in Antigua and Barbuda is USD 100,000 for a single applicant or USD 150,000 for a family of up to four members. Additional fees such as Due Diligence Fees and Processing Fees are applicable.
How can I become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda?
You can become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda through the CIP, which requires an approved economic contribution to be made either by investing in pre-approved real estate options, the University of West Indies Fund, Business Investments or contributing towards the National Development Fund (NDF).
After this contribution has been made, applicants must go through rigorous due diligence checks before being granted Approval in Principle from Government authorities. Following approval from all relevant stakeholders, including background checks, passports will be issued within six months of payment of your investment amount to the Government fund.
How long does it take to get Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?
It usually takes 3-6 months for payment to be received by the Government’s fund, although this may vary depending on individual circumstances such as nationality, age or if additional documents are required during due diligence. The processing time could be extended if there are any discrepancies found during background checks or other unforeseen issues with the documentation submitted.
Therefore, it is advisable that investors apply early before their planned travel dates in order to allow sufficient time for these processes. This will enable them to travel abroad again with an updated passport/citizenship status.
What is the cheapest Caribbean citizenship by investment?
Obtaining an Antigua & Barbuda passport is one of the most cost-effective options when considering second residency across Caribbean nations through its Citizenship By Investment Program (CIP). Through this program, an economic contribution must be made either via investing in pre-approved real estate projects or donating to the National Development Fund (NDF).
This initial entry requirement begins at only USD 100,000 for a single applicant and USD 150k plus fees for a family of up to four people. In contrast, other islands such as St Kitts & Nevis require minimum investments starting from USD 200k+.
