Antigua Government has announced important changes to Antigua Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program (ABCIP) for 2020. The new changes aimed at making the passport program attractive to clients.
Antigua currently remains the cheapest passport program for families. The following important changes is announced by Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) which is effective from April 1, 2020
1. Donation route become slightly expensive
The Processing fees for NDF donation will increase to $30,000 (increase from $25,000). This means the CIP will become slightly more expensive by $5000 for families who chose donation option.
2. Real estate becomes cheaper
To make the real estate investment attractive, Antigua has cut the processing fee to $30,000 (from $50,000). This means from now one real estate and business option will become cheaper for clients. You can buy equity shares or even a full title property, provided you buy $200,000 jointly with other investors .
Another important change was real estate resold after 5 years will be eligible for citizenship (resale once permitted)
3. Iraqi nationals
Antigua has lifted ban on iraqi nationals, from April 1, 2020, these nationals irrespective of where they live will be allowed to apply for citizenship by investment.
4. Restricted countries softened
Previously, nationals of restricted list below only allowed to apply for Antigua CIP, only if they were permanent residents of UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, UAE lived more than 10 years and no economic ties to the country
From now on effective April 1, 2020 these restrictions have been softened, means these nationals living in any country, can apply for citizenship by investment.
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Iraq
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Yemen
- Sudan
5. Stateless people
Antigua will soon allow stateless people from 4 countries – Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and UAE to apply for citizenship by investment program.
6. Limited Time Offer (LTO) for Children
The Cabinet has approved Limited Offer for dependent children of approved applicants on 12th February, 2020
Children can now be added later for Citizenship in Antigua to approved applicants by making the following fees:
- Dependents aged 0 – 5 years – US$10,000
- Dependents aged 6 – 17 years – US$20,000
The LTO is effective immediately and will expire 31st October, 2020.