The Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) was established following parliamentary assent to the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Regulations 2014.
The Regulations regarding Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda are contained in Section 6 of the Citizenship by Investment Act, 2014. These provisions allow the government to operate a program under which citizenship is granted to persons who qualify under criteria set by parliamentary decision.
The Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) requires a person to make a significant economic contribution to the Country.
Investment conditions
In exchange, and subject to stringent application procedures, including thorough background checks, the applicants and their families are granted citizenship. To qualify for citizenship, the primary applicant must be over 18 years of age, meet the application requirements and select one of the following three investment options;
- A contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF) of a minimum non-refundable amount of US$200,000. Until 31st October 2019, there is a Limited Time Offer (LTO); The threshold for the National Development Fund (NDF) option has been reduced by %50; from US$200,000 to US$100,000 for a family of up to four persons, and from US$250,000 to US$125,000 for a family of five and over. **
- An investment of at least US$400,000 into one of the approved real estate projects and to be held for a minimum period of 5 years. Until 31st October 2019, there is a Limited Time Offer (LTO); Two (2) applications from related parties can make a joint investment, with each applicant investing a minimum of US $200,000 in order to qualify.
- An investment of a minimum of US$1,500,000 directly into an eligible business as a sole investor or a joint investment involving at least 2 persons in an eligible business totalling at least US$5,000,000 and each of those persons individually invests at least US$400,000.
The Antigua CIU has published new guidelines for ineligible candidates and deprivation of passport.
Ineligible applicants
Ineligible candidates for Antigua CIP are as follows;
- Where an applicant has provided false information on his or her application
- Where a medical practitioner states that any of the family members is suffering from a contagious disease and/or serious health problems
- Not having received a free pardon, has at any time previously been convicted in any country of an offence for which the maximum custodial penalty is in excess of six months imprisonment
- Is the subject of a criminal investigation
- Is a potential national security risk to Antigua and Barbuda or to any other country
- Is involved in any activity likely to cause disrepute to Antigua and Barbuda
- Has been denied a visa to a country with which Antigua and Barbuda has visa-free travel and who has not subsequently obtained a visa to the country that issued the denial
Ineligible Countries
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, at its meeting held on Wednesday, 2nd August, 2017 updated the Restricted Countries List as follows:
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Iraq
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Yemen
- Sudan
Nationals of the countries listed are eligible to apply for citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda under the Citizenship by Investment Programme after having met the following criteria:
- Individuals born in these restricted countries but who migrated before the age of majority and/or have maintained permanent residence in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, for a period of not less than 10 years and maintain no economic ties to any restricted country.
In addition, all applicants will be required to fully comply with the Programme’s due diligence requirements.
Deprivation of Citizenship
Deprivation of citizenship may occur if the citizen does not spend at least 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda during the period of five calendar years after having obtained citizenship and they will not be entitled to repayment of any investment, contribution or purchase price made by them in their original application for citizenship.
Deprivation of citizenship will occur where such registration as a citizen was obtained by false representation or fraud or wilful concealment of material facts or the person has been convicted in Antigua and Barbuda of an act of treason or sedition.