Overview

Launched in 2013, the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme is designed to stimulate economic growth by supporting infrastructure development and foreign direct investment. Located at the conjuncture of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the Leeward Islands part of the Lesser Antilles, this program allows individuals to acquire citizenship, tax benefits, fast track application and visa free travel to 151 countries. This guide covers everything you need to know including eligibility criteria, investment options, required documents and fees.

Table of Contents

  1. Caribbean CIP Programs Price Increase
  2. What is the Antigua Citizenship by Investment Programme?
  3. Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Benefits
  4. Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Eligibility Criteria
  5. Antigua Citizenship by Investment Required Documents
  6. Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship: Investment Options
  7. How to Get Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
  8. Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Fees and Processing Charges
  9. Antigua and Barbuda CIP vs Other Caribbean Investment Programs
  10. Rights and Privileges of an Antigua Passport by Investment
  11. Pros and Cons of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
  12. CBI Compliance and Monitoring in Antigua and Barbuda
  13. Step-by-Step Application Process
  14. Experience Antigua with Book Antigua
  15. FAQs

1. Caribbean CIP Programs Price Increase

As of June 30th, 2024, Antigua and Barbuda and other Caribbean countries will increase the minimum investment for CIP programs to $200,000. This is a new landscape for future applicants.

2. What is the Antigua Citizenship by Investment Program?

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship programme is established under the Citizenship by Investment Act No. 2 of 2013 and grants citizenship to foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment. The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is the government authority responsible for processing applications and ensuring they meet the legal criteria set forth in the legislation. This is government backed and private partnerships.

3. Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Benefits

  • Visa Free Travel: Access to 151 countries including EU, UK, Hong Kong, China, Singapore and Russia.
    • Visa on arrival access to multiple countries, including prominent business and travel destinations.
  • Tax Benefits: No capital gains tax, inheritance tax or wealth tax and no personal income tax on foreign income.
  • Fast Track: 4-5 months processing time.
  • Family Inclusion: Spouse, children, siblings, parents and grandparents.
  • No Residency: Can be done remotely.

4. Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Eligibility Criteria

  • Age: 18 years old and above.
  • Character: Good character with no criminal record.
  • Subject to strict due diligence checks to ensure the integrity of applicants.
  • Health: In good health.
  • Investment: Make a qualifying investment.
  • Residency: Spend at least 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda within 5 years of citizenship.

5. Antigua Citizenship by Investment Required Documents

  • Application Forms: AB1 Citizenship by Investment Application Form, AB2 Photograph and Signature Certificate, AB3 Medical Certificate etc.
  • Police Certificate: For each country of residence since 18 years old.
  • Birth Certificate: Original or copy.
  • Passport: Certified copies of current passport(s).
  • Photos: 8 passport sized photos.
  • Medical Certificate: HIV test result.
  • Bank and Professional References: Original references not older than 6 months.
  • Proof of Address: Utility bills or bank statements with full name and address.
  • Marriage or Divorce Certificates: If applicable.
  • Source of Funds Statement: Explanation of the source of investment funds.
  • Military Records: If applicable.

6. Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship: Investment Options and National Development Fund

  • National Development Fund (NDF): $100,000 non-refundable contribution is the minimum value required. (Increasing to $200,000 as of June 30th, 2024)
  • Real Estate: $200,000 minimum value investment in an approved project.
  • University of the West Indies Fund: $150,000 non-refundable contribution for families of 6 or more.
  • Business Investment: $1.5 million minimum value as a sole investor or $400,000 as part of a joint investment.

7. How to Get Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

  1. Initial Assessment: The process of obtaining citizenship through investment involves several steps, starting with a due diligence assessment.
  2. Submit Application: Through an authorized agent.
  3. Due Diligence and Interview: Mandatory virtual interview for applicants.
  4. Investment and Approval: Make the qualifying investment upon approval.

8. Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Fees and Charges

  • Government Fees: $30,000 for NDF and real estate options.
  • Due Diligence Fees: $7,500 for main applicant and spouse, $4,000 for other dependents.
  • Interview Fee: $1,500 per application.
  • Passport Fee: $300.

9. Antigua and Barbuda CIP vs Other Caribbean Programs

  • Antigua and Barbuda: Cheapest for families. Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and maintains close relations with other Small Island Developing States and various Caribbean countries.
  • Dominica: Cheapest for single applicant.
  • Grenada: Only Caribbean country with US E2 Visa.
  • St. Kitts and Nevis: Strongest Caribbean passport.
  • St. Lucia: Most investment options at affordable thresholds.

10. Benefits of an Antigua Passport by Investment: Visa Free Access

  • Visa-Free Travel: Over 150 countries.
  • Tax Environment: No personal income, capital gains, or inheritance tax.
  • Real Estate: Invest in the growing tourist market.
  • Protection: A second citizenship gives you global options.
  • Free Movement: Residency rights in OECS member states.

The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), as the government authority, ensures compliance with international standards and conducts thorough due diligence.

11. Advantages and Disadvantages of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

  • Pros: Family friendly, well connected, long term US visa, excellent travel mobility.
  • Cons: Travel requirement (5 days in 5 years), hurricanes, environmental vulnerabilities like sea level rise and extreme weather in Antigua and Barbuda.

12. CBI Compliance and Monitoring in Antigua and Barbuda: Strict Due Diligence Checks

The CIU ensures compliance with international standards and conducts thorough due diligence to maintain the programme’s integrity. Recent developments include a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen compliance across Caribbean CIP programmes.

13. Application Process

  1. Initial Assessment: Start with a initial assessment to see if you qualify.
  2. Choose an Option: Select from NDF, real estate, University of the West Indies Fund or business investment.
  3. Gather Documents: Collect all required documents including police certificates, medical certificates, bank references and proof of address.
  4. Submit Application: Work with an authorized agent to submit your application to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
  5. Due Diligence: Undergo due diligence and mandatory virtual interview.
  6. Investment: Once approved, make the investment in your chosen option.
  7. Citizenship: Upon successful completion, receive your citizenship certificate and Antigua and Barbuda passport.
  8. Travel Requirement: Spend 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda in the first 5 years of citizenship.

14. Experience Antigua with Book Antigua

Book Antigua is your one stop travel portal to experience the beauty and culture of Antigua and Barbuda while guiding you through the Citizenship by Investment process. Here’s how we can help you:

  • Personalized Tours: Book a tour to see everything Antigua has to offer, from beaches to local culture.
    • Explore the beautiful sandy beaches, including white, pink, gold, and black sands, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxation.
  • Connection with Experts: We connect you with the right people, legal and investment experts, to make your CBI application smooth.
  • Hands-on Support: Our team will be with you every step of the way from initial consultation to citizenship.
  • Exclusive Experiences: Enjoy exclusive experiences tailored to your interests to make your visit to Antigua productive and fun.
  • Invest with us! We help investors find amazing Real estate and business acquisitions here in Antigua. Reach out today! [email protected]

15. FAQs

  • How to get citizenship?: Through NDF, real estate, business or UWI Fund.
  • Travel Requirements?: 5 days in the first 5 years.
  • Passport Ranking?: 59th on the Global Passport Index with access to over 150 countries.
  • Dual Citizenship?: Yes with the US and other countries.
  • Family Inclusion?: Spouse, children, parents, grandparents, unmarried siblings.

Conclusion

Antigua and Barbuda CIP programme offers global mobility, tax benefits and family inclusion with flexible requirements and options. Make sure you comply with the documentation and process for a smooth application. For expert guidance work with Book Antigua to make this life changing opportunity a breeze. Experience Antigua with Book Antigua and let us make your journey to citizenship a pleasant one.

Link to the full information on official CIP website – https://cip.gov.ag/citizenship