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
To qualify for Antigua & Barbuda’s CIP 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.
Investment Options
The main investment options offered under Antigua & Barbuda’s CIP are investments made to one of four government-approved areas:
- The University of West Indies Fund
- Business Investment
- Real Estate Investment
- The National Development Fund (NDF)
For those wishing to apply via corporate rather than personal application, fees are slightly higher; however, they are still relatively low compared with other similar programs operating across other parts of the globe today. Additionally, investors can make a pre-approved real estate investment worth at least USD 400K (plus stamp duty costs, etc.), which must be held onto until five years after obtaining citizenship and then sold off without restriction provided it was originally purchased before 6th October 2018. Once an applicant meets the criteria successfully, approval can usually be expected within three months of submission, provided all necessary documents and payment have been received. Upon approval, full citizenship status will normally be granted within six weeks, depending on individual circumstances.
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+.
