About Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island country located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. It is a tropical paradise with clear blue waters and over 365 beaches (one for each day of the year).

With a year-round temperate climate, Antigua and Barbuda is a popular tourist destination. The country is also known for hosting the famous maritime event ‘Antigua Sailing Week.’

Antigua and Barbuda have been an independent Commonwealth state since 1981, and it is a member of several international organisations such as the United Nations (UN), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and the Organisation of American States (OAS).

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda offers a generous tax legislation and an attractive business environment.

Location

Situated in the middle of the Leeward Islands, Antigua and Barbuda is on the border between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Antigua and Barbuda’s international airport is located in the nation’s capital, St John’s. It allows direct access to the island from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Citizenship by Investment

Inaugurated in 2013, the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme is one of the world’s newest economic programmes. Applicants and their families may acquire citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda in exchange for a significant economic contribution to the country.

General Requirements

Applicants for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme must fulfill the following conditions:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be of good character
  • Have no criminal record
  • Pass a detailed background check
  • Be able to provide proof of source of funds
  • Be healthy

The main applicant is required to spend a minimum of 5 days on Antigua and Barbuda over a period of 5 years. All 5 days can be spent on either of the islands at the end of the 5-year period.

Since 1 February 2020, the five-day stay requirement has been temporarily suspended in response to the travel restrictions created by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the suspension period, applicants are also allowed to swear their oath of allegiance through an online virtual platform.

The CIU has announced the extension of the the suspension of the five-day stay requirement until 30 June 2023. The CIU also advised that the suspension will expire on 30 June 2023. The CIU has not indicated whether the suspension will be further extended beyond 30 June 2023.

Investors may apply with their spouse and dependent children, and, in some cases, dependent elderly parents or grandparents.

Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship

  • Full citizenship status for life:
    Antigua and Barbuda citizenship gives you the right to live and work in the country for life, plus civic entitlements like voting, free healthcare and the right to hold an Antigua and Barbuda passport.
  • Entitlement to dual citizenship:
    Unlike other countries, Antigua and Barbuda has no restrictions on dual citizenship. Consequently, you don’t need to relinquish your original nationality in order to become an Antigua and Barbuda citizen.
  • Ability to pass on citizenship:
    As an Antigua and Barbuda citizen, you’ll also be able to pass on your citizenship rights to your descendants. This allows them to enjoy all the same benefits and in turn safeguards your family’s future.
  • Global mobility:
    An Antigua and Barbuda passport offers travel to over 150 countries across all of the world’s continents. This includes the likes of Singapore, the UK, Brazil, Bangladesh, Germany and Egypt.
  • No interview requirement
  • No English language requirement

 

Investment Options

Citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda is available through one of four options. Please note that due diligence and government processing fees apply to all.

  • A one-time contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF)
  • An investment in pre-approved real estate
  • A pre-approved business investment
  • A participation in the University of the West Indies Fund (UWI Fund)

The National Development Fund (NDF)

The non-profit National Development Fund finances government projects, public-private partnerships, and other charitable investments in Antigua and Barbuda. Applicants must contribute a set amount to the fund according to the number of dependents they have.

  • Main applicant: US$ 100,000
  • Spouse of main applicant: US$ 50,000
  • Sibling of the main applicant or spouse aged 18-25: US$ 50,000
  • Per additional dependant (excluding the spouse, siblings, or spouse’s siblings): US$ 50,000
  • Family of four including the main applicant, spouse, and two other dependants (excluding siblings or spouse’s siblings): US$ 175,000

Real Estate Investment

Qualifying real estate projects must be approved by The Cabinet upon receiving a recommendation from the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA). Applicants must commit to holding the real estate for at least five years and can invest individually or with a partner.

  • Minimum Investment: US$ 200,000

Pre-approved Business Investment

You may instead choose to invest in a business that has been pre-approved by The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda. This can be done individually or with a partner.

  • Independent investment: US$1,500,000
  • Invest at least US$400,000 in a joint investment with another applicant, so long as the joint investment totals at least US$5,000,000.

University of West Indies Fund (UWI Fund)

The University of the West Indies Fund finances the institution’s fourth landed campus in Antigua and Barbuda. It is only available to families composed of at least six members, and entitles one member to a year of tuition-only scholarship at the university.

  • Family of six members: US$ 150,000 (including government processing fees)

Processing fees

The following government processing fees are applicable to all the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment options:

  • Family of 4 or less: US$ 30,000
  • Any additional dependent: US$ 15,000
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