The 19th Issue published on May 2024 of Antigua & Barbuda The Citizen covers a broad range of topics including Antigua investment opportunities showcasing the twin-island nation’s continued progress, innovation, and global leadership. The issue highlights the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), which plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic growth by attracting high-net-worth investors.
Barbuda & Antigua Overview
Diminutive but dynamic certainly describes the twin-island nation of Antigua & Barbuda. Forever surprising and consistently innovating, this tiny nation of just under 100,000 has always dared to dream big. And with a slew of projects on the horizon, Antigua & Barbuda continues to defy expectations and shake things up.
Whether it’s projects like developing the cargo and cruise ports to upgrade the maritime offer in the twin islands, or whether it’s on land, establishing a world-class center of cricket and sport at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, the projects are varied and well and truly game-changing.
The expansion of the University of the West Indies’ Five Islands Campus clearly demonstrates the country’s ongoing commitment to improving its educational offer – the cornerstone of any developing nation and the foundation of sustained economic growth.
And the new state-of-the-art conference center at the American University of Antigua (AUA) will not only be one of the largest in the region but will also transform Antigua & Barbuda into a key player in the global meetings and conferences circuit. This is undoubtedly another game-changing project in the islands.
The first event to be held in the new conference center is, in turn, a game-changing one. The upcoming 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States is expected to host several thousand delegates from across the globe and will pave the way for other future world-class events.
And who would want to turn down the opportunity to come to Antigua & Barbuda for a conference, holiday, business trip, or even visit as a new citizen of the twin-island nation? Its perfect climate, incredible beaches with iridescent turquoise waters and historical marvels such as the UNESCO Heritage Site of Nelson’s Dockyard make Antigua & Barbuda one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
With daily flights to major business centers in North America and London, reliable communications and infrastructure, a wide range of accommodations to suit all holidaymakers and conference goers, and fabulous restaurants to boot, the islands have it all.
With so much going on in Antigua & Barbuda, it is no wonder that many would like to make it their permanent home. And for those choosing to become citizens in paradise, the island offers excellent education, good healthcare, a stable political situation, and fantastic real estate developments across both islands.
Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme is ranked amongst the top three in the 2024 Henley Passport Index. Citizenship to the islands grants individuals a myriad of benefits, offering freedom, mobility and security against all of life’s uncertainties.
Citizenship by Investment Programme Information
What happens once my application has been accepted? A certificate of registration of citizenship will be issued and submitted to the passport office. Your authorized agent/representative will forward your passports and Citizenship Certificate to you.
Do I need to travel to Antigua & Barbuda to complete the process? The application process can be made from your country of residence. Once your application is successful and you have received your passport, you must take your oath or affirmation of allegiance. You are entitled to take up full-time residence in Antigua & Barbuda at any time you wish.
Does Antigua & Barbuda recognise dual citizenship? There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in Antigua & Barbuda.
For how many years will my passport be valid? The passport will be valid for a period of 5 years and is renewable for a period of 10 years thereafter, provided that the requirements are met, which includes spending a minimum of five days in the country during this period after becoming a citizen.
Can I invest with my Bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies? This is in the pipeline but has not yet been established.
In addition to the citizenship by investment programme does Antigua & Barbuda have a tax residency programme? Antigua & Barbuda does not currently offer a tax residency programme.
Why does Antigua & Barbuda have a citizenship by investment programme? The programme was introduced to promote economic growth, attract real estate development, increase foreign direct investment to the country, support the development of infrastructure and provide for a sustainable future.
What is the processing time? Processing your application should take from 3 to 6 months.
Who can apply for citizenship? To apply for the citizenship programme in Antigua & Barbuda, you must be at least 18 years of age, be of a good character with no criminal record, and have good health.
Do I need to speak English to apply for citizenship? You don’t need to speak English to be an applicant.
Who can be included on the application? Your dependent children under 30 and dependent parents over 55 can be included within the application.
How do you conduct the due diligence and vetting of applicants? All applicants have to undergo an interview and rigorous screening prior to consideration by the Citizenship by Investment Unit. Complete applications will be forwarded to an international, unbiased third-party due diligence service provider who will conduct detailed background checks on all applicants before the application is approved.
INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE
You and your family can obtain citizenship by purchasing a property in Antigua & Barbuda. You may also benefit from rental revenue with this investment. To qualify for citizenship under this option, you must invest US$ 400,000 or more in a designated, officially approved real estate development, undertake a joint investment of US$ 200,000 each between two (2) related parties/applications, or US$ 200,000 for a fractional share in an approved property. You must own the property for a minimum of five years before selling it. At this time, owners may resell their units or shares to subsequent applicants as eligible investments. Processing fees will be applied as indicated below.
For a single applicant, or a family of 4 or less
- Processing fees: US$ 30,000.
For a family of 5 or more
- Processing fees: US$ 45,000 and US$ 15,000 for each additional dependent over five people.
BUSINESS INVESTMENT
The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) after consulting with the Antigua & Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) approves businesses, whether existing or proposed, for the purposes of investment in business under the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP). There are two business investment options:
- Invest at least US$ 1,500,000 in a pre-approved business.
- Alternatively, at least two applicants can propose to make a joint investment in an approved business with a total investment of at least US$ 5,000,000. Each investor must contribute at least US$ 400,000 to the joint investment.
For a single applicant, or a family of 4 or less
- Processing fees: US$ 30,000.
For a family of 5 or more
- Processing fees: US$ 45,000, US$ 15,000 for each additional dependent over five people.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND
The NDF was established to fund income-generating public sector projects, innovation in entrepreneurship, and approved charitable investments. It is audited by an internationally recognised accounting firm and reports on its status are published each year. If this is your investment of choice, you are invited to contribute USD 100,000 to the NDF, which is a one-time contribution for a family of four. Processing fees will be applied as indicated below.
For a single applicant, or a family of 4 or less:
- US$ 100,000 contribution
- Processing fees: US$ 30,000.
For a family of 5 or more:
- US$ 125,000 contribution
- Processing fees: US$ 45,000, US$ 15,000 for each additional dependent over five people.
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES (UWI) FUND
This investment option serves as a mechanism to finance the new University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus. This contribution will also entitle one member of the family to a one-year, tuition-only, scholarship at the UWI.
For a family of 6:
- US$ 150,000 contribution
- Processing fees: US$ 15,000 from the seventh additional dependent onwards.
Processing fees for additional future dependents: US$ 10,000 for children under 6 years, US$ 20,000 for children aged 6-17 years, US$ 50,000 for adults over 18 years. For a future spouse of the principal applicant, a fee of US$ 50,000 is payable upon application.
Dependents are as follows: A spouse of the main applicant; a child of the main applicant or his or her spouse who is 0-30 years of age and is financially dependent on the principal applicant; a child of the main applicant or of his/her spouse who is 18 years or older, but who is physically or mentally handicapped and who is living with and is fully supported by the main applicant; a parent or grandparent of the main applicant, or his or her spouse, who is 55 years of age or older and who is financially dependent on the principal applicant; a sibling of the main applicant, or of his or her spouse, if unmarried.
For future addition of dependents: A future spouse of the main applicant (a fee of US$ 50,000 is payable upon application); a future spouse of dependent children where the dependent child is financially dependent on the main applicant; and a future child of a dependent child. (A fee of US$ 10,000 is to be payable for children under 6 years of age and US$ 20,000 for children 6-17 years of age).
Interview fees are US$ 1,500 per application for persons 16 and over.
For any additional questions, please contact an authorized representative, licensed agent or the CIU directly.
Focus on Ron Finley, the ‘Gangsta Gardener’
Ron Finley has made his mark as a rebel with a green cause. Known as the ‘Gangsta Gardener’, Finley has transformed forgotten patches of Los Angeles into thriving urban oases, sparking a global movement for food justice and community empowerment.
His journey began back in 2010 when, after realizing that it was easier to buy fast food and alcohol than an apple near his home in South Central Los Angeles, he decided to reclaim a strip of public land in front of his house where he planted a vegetable garden and fruit trees. This ignited a battle with the City authorities, which Ron eventually won, and he went on to inspire a wave of change.
From his iconic TED Talk in 2013, which took the world by storm (and has over 4.5 million views to date), to his enlightening MasterClass course, Finley’s story is a testament to the power of gardening as a tool for social change. Antigua & Barbuda The Citizen spoke to Ron to learn about his unconventional journey and how you can have independence and a better life by growing your own food.
Is there an increased awareness about eating healthy and organic food?
There are people who don’t even know the difference between healthy and unhealthy food. And what about those who don’t know that organic food even exists? What about those who have no idea that what they are eating is killing them, even though it is right there on the label? Food should heal you, not kill you.
We all know that food, including fruit and vegetables, has stickers with barcodes and numbers. But people don’t know what these numbers are for – they just think it’s for the cash register. However, these labels provide all the information about what the food is composed of. So, in fact, they tell you if it will eventually kill you.
Not so long ago, I was at the Google campus and asked an audience of their employees to put up their hands if they knew what the barcode labels were for. Only one woman raised her hand. These are some of the most intelligent people on the planet, but they have no idea.
I had to tell the people of Google to Google it! It proves that it’s not only those on the lower side of the socioeconomic divide who don’t understand these things. We have to make knowledge about the food we eat not only educational but also fun and sexy.
How do you feel to be the ‘Gangsta Gardener’?
People say, “Oh, you’re that gardener guy.” And I answer, “No, I’m a humanitarian”. I care. It’s not about food; it’s all about freedom. Gardening represents freedom from an oppressive society. It empowers you to change your life – starting with one tiny seed.
Nobody ever told us that one seed has a whole forest in it already – that if you plant a peach tree, you’ll get peaches every single season. We’ve got to realize the soil is where the gold is. We’ve got to realize that everything on this planet is alive, and everything that Mother Nature produces is a resource.
Gardening is the most therapeutic and defiant act you can do. There are so many metaphors in that garden – we’re cultivating ourselves, we’re learning how to take care of things, and we’re learning that nothing is instantaneous. Nobody ever taught us anything like that, and that’s the problem.
You’ve been doing this for nearly 15 years – is the movement continuing in your community?
Yes, quite a few people are continuing it– but not in the numbers I would like. My ultimate goal has always been to have people do something together. Gardens create community, and gardening creates relationships – if you grow together, you grow together. My garden on the street is a social project. I want people to interact with beauty and food, but above all, I want people to respect it.
I’ll tell people I’ll help them, but I’m not the help. The problem is that many people want you to do everything for them. People say I am feeding people – but I am not feeding people. I’ll show you how to grow some food, and if I have some, you’re welcome to some, but I don’t want to see people standing in line waiting for someone else to feed them.
Free food doesn’t exist – you have to put some work into it. Quid pro quo. Bring some, get some. If you grow your own food, you know exactly what’s in it – and that’s what people don’t get. If I’m growing your food, you’re still a slave. So do it for yourself. Get the knowledge, use it, and pass it on, but don’t expect somebody to do it for you.
We have to make growing our own food as fashionable as other things. Growing things is not slavery; it’s freedom. In slavery, you work for somebody else. Gardening is teaching independence. We’ve got to realize that everything we need comes from the ground – everything starts and ends there.
What do you think about the urban farming movement?
Urban farming and guerrilla gardening are creating a revolution. They are reclaiming the right to food. We are claiming back our streets. We are claiming back our health and our communities. We are taking responsibility for our own lives and our own future. This is not just about growing food; it’s about creating a better world, one garden at a time.
Focus on the 55th Edition of Antigua Sailing Week
Antigua Sailing Week is one of the world’s premier sailing events, and it attracts participants from all corners of the globe. Celebrating its 55th edition, the event continues to uphold its reputation for excellent racing and vibrant parties.
The event features various categories and attracts sailors of all levels, from professionals to amateurs. Each year, the race course is meticulously planned to provide challenging and exciting conditions for all participants.
Apart from the competitive racing, Antigua Sailing Week is also known for its social events. The Lay Day Beach Party, held on Pigeon Point Beach, is one of the highlights, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment. There are also plenty of opportunities for participants to enjoy the island’s stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.
The event has a significant economic impact on the island, attracting thousands of visitors and generating substantial revenue for local businesses. It also provides a platform for Antigua & Barbuda to showcase its rich maritime heritage and beautiful landscapes.
SIDS4: A Game Changer for Social and Economic Development
From 27th to 30th May, Antigua & Barbuda will be transformed into a regional conference center. Here, the future of small islands the world over will be discussed and leaders will meet to strategise across the development divide to shape the destiny of the global small island developing states (SIDS) for the next ten years.
Economic development
The SIDS conference provides an opportunity for Antigua & Barbuda to showcase its economic potential and attract investment. By participating in the discussions and engaging with international stakeholders, the country can also promote a sustainable tourism industry and practices, renewable energy projects, and other sectors leading to increased economic growth and job creation.
Enhancing resilience
As a small island nation, Antigua & Barbuda is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, such as hurricanes and rising sea levels. SIDS4 will play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s resilience against these challenges.
Through knowledge sharing and collaboration with other SIDS, Antigua & Barbuda will learn best practice in addressing disaster-preparedness measures, improve infrastructure, and enhance its capacity to respond effectively to emergencies. The conference will also facilitate the sharing of best practices in climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction, enabling Antigua & Barbuda to build a more resilient society.
Thought Leadership: Lost in the Middle: Caribbean CIPs Dealing with an Increasingly Polarized Geopolitical Environment
The Citizenship by Investment Programmes (CIPs) in the Caribbean are navigating a complex geopolitical landscape. With increasing polarization between major global powers, these small island nations face unique challenges and opportunities.
This thought leadership piece explores the impact of geopolitical tensions on Caribbean CIPs, examining how these programmes can adapt and thrive amidst changing dynamics. It discusses the importance of diversifying investment sources, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and leveraging diplomatic relationships to safeguard the interests of these nations.
By understanding the geopolitical landscape and proactively addressing potential risks, Caribbean CIPs can continue to attract high-net-worth individuals and contribute to the economic development of their respective countries.
Thought Leadership: American Crossroads: Crypto and Citizenship in Today’s Economy
Cryptocurrencies are revolutionizing the global economy, and their integration into citizenship by investment programmes is a topic of growing interest. This thought leadership article delves into the intersection of crypto and citizenship, exploring the potential benefits and challenges of incorporating digital currencies into investment schemes.
The article highlights the increasing acceptance of cryptocurrencies by governments and financial institutions, the security and transparency offered by blockchain technology, and the potential for faster and more efficient transactions. It also addresses regulatory concerns, the need for robust frameworks to prevent fraud and money laundering, and the importance of educating investors and applicants about the risks associated with digital currencies.
By embracing cryptocurrencies, citizenship by investment programmes can attract a new wave of tech-savvy investors and enhance their appeal in the modern economic landscape.
Thought Leadership: Pioneering the Evolution of Global Citizenship: Embracing Transformative Strategies in Investment Programmes
Global citizenship is evolving, and investment programmes must adapt to meet the changing needs and expectations of investors. This thought leadership piece discusses transformative strategies that can enhance the value and attractiveness of citizenship by investment programmes.
Key strategies include offering more flexible investment options, incorporating sustainable and impact-driven projects, and enhancing the overall applicant experience. The article also emphasizes the importance of building strong partnerships with international organizations, promoting transparency and good governance, and continuously innovating to stay ahead in a competitive market.
By pioneering these strategies, investment programs can provide greater benefits to both investors and host countries, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous global community.
Continue reading Antigua Blogs to learn more about exciting Antigua investment opportunities and key sectors driving the nation’s growth. For further insights, check out the full publication on Issue 19 of The Citizen Magazine.
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