Becoming a citizen of Antigua & Barbuda is not as difficult as one might think. Many people choose to become citizens of Antigua & Barbuda by investing in citizenship programs.
There is three central citizenship by investment programs that Antigua & Barbuda offers: the Real Estate Investment Program (REIP), the Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP), and the Citizenship by Investment Program for Agriculture (CIPA). Each one of these programs has its unique pros and cons. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each citizenship by investment program and the requirements for each.
Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda was founded in 2013 to support public sector initiatives and creative enterprises. In exchange, international investors can receive permanent legal citizenship and a second passport within four to six months. Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment program have grown in popularity and has established a good reputation as one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing citizenship programs.
Notification: The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program is not open to nationals of Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, or Sudan. They may, however, apply and qualify if they meet the following criteria:
Individuals born in these limited countries may apply to the program regardless of their residence, except for those on the Restricted Countries List.
Citizenship by investment is possible in three ways in Antigua and Barbuda.
- Contribution to the National Development Fund that is non-refundable (PDF)
- Investment Unit invests in real estate in an authorized project under Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.
- Contribution to the University of the West Indies that is not refundable
Antigua and Barbuda Overview
Non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF) Investment Unit invests in real estate under Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.
Non-refundable contribution to the University of the West Indies
Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship and Passport Benefits
Antigua and Barbuda have acquired prominence for ease of access among all Caribbean nations offering citizenship by investment. Its international airport acts as a terminal hub for other Caribbean countries. Antigua and Barbuda does not require applicants to pass a language exam or to live or visit the nation; nonetheless, they must spend at least five (5) days in Antigua and Barbuda within five (5) years after obtaining the Antigua and Barbuda passport.
Antigua & Barbuda passport holders are privileged to numerous benefits:
- Visa-free travel to more than 150 countries and territories, including the Schengen zone and the United Kingdom
- A child may inherit citizenship, which Allows for dual citizenship
- Easier access to the United States and Canada
- Status of permanent residence
- There are no taxes placed on non-residents.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programs
Option 1: The National Development Fund (Donation)
The National Development Fund’s mission is to leverage wealth to finance public and private sector development through technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The contribution that is non-refundable based on the number of dependents included in the application:
The US $100,000 for a family of four or less
The US $125,000 for a family of five or more
Processing Fees for Families with less than four members US $30,000
Dependents in addition
US $15,000.00 for each application
Option 2: Real Estate Investment
The applicant must spend a minimum of US $400,000 on a government-approved real estate project in Antigua and Barbuda (resalable after five (5) years).
Additionally, depending on the number of dependents mentioned in the application, the following government costs apply:
The US $30,000 for a family of four or less
Additional dependents per applicant: US $15,000
Option 3: WEST INDIAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
In May 2020, the government announced a cut in the payment made by prominent families to the University of the West Indies Fund. This option is available to families with six (6) or more children and provides one candidate with a one-year scholarship covering tuition costs at the University of the West Indies.
Six-member family
US $150,000 plus applicable processing costs
Additional dependents per applicant: US $15,000
Additional Fees for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Options
The US $300 per application for a passport
The US $7,500 for due diligence on the principal applicant
The US $7,500 for due diligence on a spouse
Due diligence for dependents beyond the age of 18 years $4,000 per applicant
Due diligence on dependents aged 12 to 17 years US $2,000 per applicant
How to Qualify for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
- The primary applicant for citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda must be at least 18 years old.
- Criminal records are not permitted.
- Must establish the source of the investment’s funds
- Independent Young adults (Children under 30).
- Parents/grandparents who are dependent on you and are above the age of 55
- Siblings who are not married and reliant
- Must pass due diligence requirements to get permission.
How to Apply and Obtain Antigua & Barbuda Passport
Note: Guide Consultants is an approved representative agency designated by the Citizenship by Investment Unit to promote and offer comprehensive services for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program.
Our specialist staff will work with you to gather, translate, and notarize the necessary papers while ensuring that all documents comply with Antigua and Barbuda’s standards.
The materials will be sent to the government of Antigua and Barbuda together with the due diligence and application costs. Accordingly, your application will be initiated, and due diligence will be conducted.
Once we have initial permission, the government of Antigua and Barbuda will write a letter demanding the remaining monies.
You make a financial commitment to the program you’ve selected.
You are now a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda after receiving your Registration Certificate.
Your Guide Consultants adviser will apply for and deliver your Antigua and Barbuda passport.
