Antigua & Barbuda is a twin island country lying between the caribbean seand and the atlantic ocean. Antigua was first discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and later became a British settlement and naval base. The country is a exotic paradise of beautiful over 300 white beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs, tropical islands with lots of luxury resorts. Tourism is a key industry driving 60% of GDP. Antigua is a member of the United Nations (UN), the British Commonwealth, Caricom and the Organisation of American States (OAS). Antigua has population of 85,000 and its currency is Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ECD) pegged to USD and official language is english.
CIP Amendments
Antigua announced new changes to CIP program. Some of the important changes include.
- Real estate becomes cheaper by $20,000
- Lifts restrictions on Iraq nationals and lists Russia and Belarus on blacklist.
- Stateless people from certain countries are elible to apply.
- UWI fund introduced as the fourth investment option for USD 150,000 for large families (6 or more), makes it cheaper for big families compared to NDF.
The Government of Antigua introduced the fourth University of West Indies Fund (UWI fund) option after a cabinet decision is currently open for applications effective from Oct 12, 2018.
Foreigners can qualify for Antigua citizenship by making $150,000 one time contribution to the UWI fund. One member of the family will be entitled to scholarship for 1 year (tuition only) at the University of the West Indies campus.
The Regulations under Section 6 of the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Act, 2014 allow the government to operate a CIP program, under which citizenship is granted to persons who qualify under criteria set by parliamentary decision. Antigua CIP requires a person to make a significant economic contribution to the Country. In exchange, subject to stringent application and background checks, the applicants and their families are granted lifetime citizenship.
Antigua passport is the cheapest citizenship by investment scheme for families in the Caribbean.
Benefits
Antigua is currently one of the best economic citizenship program among the Caribbean countries.
- Lifetime citizenship with one time investment.
- Cheapest citizenship by investment scheme for families
- Fast processing time 2-3 months.
- No personal visit to Antigua required.
- Choice of real estate or business investment.
- Cheapest CIP for families.
- Passport issued with 5 year validity.
- Family, siblings and children can apply for citizenship.
- Visa free travel to UK, Ireland, Switzerland, EU schengen over 140 countries.
- No interviews, business experience or language tests.
- Antigua Government provides consulate assistance in many countries.
- Maintain dual citizenship with other nations.
- No wealth, inheritance, foreign income, personal income taxes.
Citizenship by investment
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 following criteria set by parliamentary decision and the Citizenship by investment unit (CIU) handles all applications in Antigua.
Legal Background
Antigua is the only country besides St lucia that offers business investment option with a direct path for citizenship under CIP.
The investment options under the citizenship program are:
1. National Donation Fund (NDF)It is one time investment. Fully refunded if application is refused but provides cheapest path for citizenship. |
USD 100,000 (Nov 1, 2017 onwards) |
2. Real EstateShares must be held for 5 years and then sold off. Only approved real estate projects qualify for citizenship. |
USD 200,000 (jointly by two applicants) |
3. University of West Indies Fund (UWI)Only families of 6 or more can apply. Free scholarship for 1 year for one child. This makes it cheaper for families of 6 or more compared to NDF option |
USD 150,000 (inclusive of processing fee) |
4. Business InvestmentUSD 1.5 million business investment in approved business projects such as resorts, spas, hotels, aquaculture etc as a sole investor (or) a joint investment involving at least 2 persons in an eligible business totalling at least USD 5,000,000 and each of those persons individually invests at least US$400,000. |
USD 1,500,000 |
All four investment options are subject to government processing and due diligence fees (see below).
Antigua Passport takes 2-3 months of processing time with 5 years validity. All applicants has to go through stringent background and due diligence checks before being granted citizenship. The “certificate of naturalization” is issued first which is a proof of citizenship granted and based on this Antigua passport is issued
The Antigua passport will be valid for initial period of 5 years and will be considered for renewal subject to the recipient having spent a total of 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda, since gaining citizenship, within the 5 year period. The passport does not afford automatic voting rights and persons would need to qualify as outlined in the Representation of the People Act. The passport is revoked after 5 years if the 5 day requirements of visiting the country is not met.
National Development Fund (NDF)
| Processing fees | $30,000 | $25,000 for a family of up to 4 persons | $25,000 for a family of up to 4 persons with incremental payments of $15,000 for each additional dependent. |
| Contribution | $100,000 | $100,000 | $125,000 |
| Due Diligence | $7,500 | $7,500 + $7,500 for spouse, $2,000 per dependent 12-17, $4,000 per dependent 18 and over |
$7,500 + $7,500 for spouse, $2,000 per dependent 12-17, $4,000 per dependent 18 and over |
* Other fees payable include passport fees. These fees are subject to change.
* All fees quoted are in US dollars
2. The Real Estate and Business Investment options
| Processing fees | $30,000 | $50,000 for a family of up to 4 persons | $50,000 for a family of up to 4 persons with incremental payments of $15,000 for each additional dependent. |
| Contribution | $400,000 | $400,000 | $400,000 |
| Due Diligence | $7,500 | $7,500 + $7,500 for spouse, $2,000 per dependent 12-17, $4,000 per dependent 18 and over |
$7,500 + $7,500 for spouse, $2,000 per dependent 12-17, $4,000 per dependent 18 and over |
* Other fees payable include passport fees. These fees are subject to change.
* All fees quoted are in US dollars
3. UWI Fund
The University of the West Indies Fund (UWI)
| Family of 6 | Family of 7 or more | |
| Processing fees | Included | $15,000 for each additional dependent. |
| Contribution | $150,000 (inclusive of processing fees) | $150,000 |
| Due Diligence | $7,500 + $7,500 for spouse, $2,000 per dependent 12-17, $4,000 per dependent 18 and over |
$7,500 + $7,500 for spouse, $2,000 per dependent 12-17, $4,000 per dependent 18 and over |
Due Diligence and passport fees
| *USD | *ECD | |
| Principal applicant | $7,500 | $20,250 |
| Spouse | $7,500 | $20,250 |
| Dependent child aged 0-11 | $0 | $0 |
| Dependent child aged 12-17 | $2,000 | $5,400 |
| Dependent aged 18-25 | $4,000 | $10,800 |
| Dependent parent aged 65 and over | $4,000 | $10,800 |
| Passport fee – each person | $300 | $810 |
Addition of Dependents
| *USD | *ECD | |
| Spouse | $75,000 | $202,500 |
| Dependent child aged 0-11 | $25,000 | $67,500 |
| Dependent child aged 12-17 | $25,000 | $67,500 |
| Dependent Parent aged 65 and over | $75,000 | $202,500 |
*Standard due diligence and passport fees apply
*Please Note: ECD = Eastern Caribbean Dollars and USD = United States Dollars
Application forms
The CBI application forms are available for free download to familiarise yourself. The Authorized agent will be able to provide you updated application forms.
- Citizenship by Investment Application Form AB1 – Sample
- Photograph and Signature Certificate Form AB2 – Sample
- Medical Certificate Form AB3 – Sample
- Investment Confirmation Form AB4 – Sample
- Antigua & Barbuda Passport L Form (16 and older)
- Antigua & Barbuda Passport M Form (Under 16)
- Real Estate Developer Application Form AB8 – Sample
- Business Investment Application Form AB9 – Sample
Download
Antigua CBI Brochure 2023 – Download pdf
Citizenship Denials
The granting of citizenship is at the sole discretion of the Antigua and Barbuda government and council of ministers.
- Applicant has provided false or concealment of 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
- Nationals from restricted country list published by the Government (North Korea, Somalia, Yemen).
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.
Antigua Real Estate
The real estate market is on the expansion as lot of construction projects has been happening lately such as South point hotel, Sandals beaches resort, Beau panel 5000 homes, Singulari mega resort (647 acre with $1 billion investment). IMF report says the market will grow by 2.3% in 2016. The prices of 2 bedroom houses average around $420,000. Gross rental yields average around 4% and peak seasons 5% ROI.
These are the CIP approved real estate developments
Visa free travel
Antigua & Barbuda passport is ranked 29th powerful passport in the world and its holders can visit 147 countries as of 2019, including Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, U.K. and the European Schengen Area without visa
In 2009, the Antigua and Barbuda government signed a visa waiver agreement with the EU which allows an Antigua and Barbuda citizen to visit the Schengen countries without a visa for a period of three months within any six month period following the date of first entry into any EU country.
You can download the full list of countries with visa waivers in pdf format
Antigua taxes
There are no capital gains or inheritance taxes in Antigua & Barbuda. Personal income tax was abolished recently in the country. The business and corporate tax rate is 25% of net profits, although attractive concessions are available to qualifying companies. Property tax is levied on all properties in Antigua but not in Barbuda. The taxable value is based upon the property’s current market value construction replacement cost with the applicable tax rate dependent upon the classification of the property (residential or commercial).
Documents Required
These are the documents which must be kept ready, when applying for citizenship.
- Medical certificate (HIV clearance less than 3 months including children) **
- Police clearance certificate or Certificate of no criminal record (original) aged 16 or older, where they have lived in countries more than 6 months in past 10 years (must be less than 6 months old) **
- Copy of passports (2 certified copies)
- Marriage or divorce certificate, with spouse as dependent (original) **
- 2 birth certificates (certified copies)**
- Military records (if any)
- 8 photos in color
- Professional reference letter (main applicant less than 6 months old issued by notary, lawyer, accountant)
- Bank references (in letterhead less than 3 months old)
- Proof for source of funds (business registration, share certificate or employment document)
- Proof of name change if any
- For children, 18-25, proof of education such as school or university letter showing full time studies.
- NDF Escrow Agreement confirmation of investment.
- certified copy of a recent utility bill or bank statement showing full name and address, or written confirmation from a bank, attorney, chartered accountant or Notary Public), not older than 3 months
- copy of duly executed real-estate contract (Purchase and Sales Agreement), copy of duly executed escrow agreement.
- affidavit of support for each dependent (excluding spouse) over 18 years of age
** Documents originating outside Antigua and Barbuda must bear Apostille seal.
Antigua Citizenship – FAQs
The following questions are frequently asked by clients regarding CIP program
What makes Antigua different from other CBI programs?
Antigua is the cheapest CBI for families applying for four or more dependants. Prices start from $100,000 plus fees.
How long is the passport is issued for?
Antigua passport issued is valid initially for 5 years. The validity is extended to 10 years after you renew the passport.
Where can i travel visa free to Antigua passport?
Antigua has visa free or arrival to 150+ countries and territories. These include United Kingdom, Russia, EU Schengen area, South Africa, Brazil etc.
Can i invest in real estate for citizenship?
Yes you can. The minimum required investment is USD 200,000 plus fees and other charges.
What are the processing times?
The whole citizenship process until the passport is issued may take between 3-4 months.
Are there any age limits for including family members?
Yes, children of main applicant upto only 30 years of age, can be included in family application. Future spouse and siblings can be included provided they are unmarried and financially dependant.
What is the Antigua passport ranking in the world?
The passport ranks No 2 in the Caribbean among CBI schemes. Antigua passport has visa free travel to 147 countries in the world according to henley restrictions index 2016. Recently the country signed new visa waiver with Russia.
Is the name change allowed?
No
Which is the best option for Antigua citizenship – donation or real estate?
Currently over 90% of our clients go with donation route. Real estate route gives you permanent residency, a home and a genuine link to buy a passport in Antigua.
Can i get permanent residency with citizenship?
Only if you buy real estate under CBI scheme. Donation option do not come with permanent residence card.
Can i visit Canada and USA using Antiguan passport without visa?
Canada – visa required
USA – visa required
Can i visit UK using antigua passport without UK visa?
Yes, you can upto 6 months maximum for tourism, business conferences, visiting family and friends etc. You can check here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/
Are there any residency requirements?
Just 5 days. This is only needed when renewing your passport after 5 years. After renewing passport first time, you get 10 year validity Antigua passport for family.
How do i renew expired passport?
You can do it through consulate, authorized agent or directly at the immigration office in Antigua. Remember you must visit Antigua for 5 days or spend these days before you can renew your passport validity.
What are the benefits of buying real estate?
If you buy real estate you get the following benefits
- You have genuine link to Antigua owning a home
- You get permanent residence card which is important
- You will have your Antigua home address printed in Antigua passport,
Do i need to give up my existing citizenship?
Antigua & Barbuda has no restrictions on dual citizenships. However your home country may prohibit it. Countries such as India, Saudi Arabia, China, Russia do not allow dual citizenships.
Can i visit Schengen countries with Antigua passport?
Yes, you can stay or visit Schengen countries including Switzerland for upto 90 days in 180 period (sliding window)
Who are qualifying dependents?
Family members and dependents including children, aged over 65 can be included in one citizenship application.
Family applications will be considered to include the following family members;
- A spouse of the main applicant
- A child of the main applicant or his or her spouse who is less than 18 years of age
- A child of the main applicant or his or her spouse who is at least 18 years and less than 26 years of age and who is in full time attendance at a recognised institution of higher learning and fully supported by the main applicant
- A child of the main applicant or of the spouse of the main applicant who is at least 18 years of age, who is physically or mentally challenged, and who is living with and fully supported by the main applicant
- Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or his or her spouse above the age of 65 years living with and fully supported by the main applicant.
For the purposes of the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program ‘child’ means a biological or legally adopted child of the main applicant, or of the spouse of the main applicant.
What are the countries in the Restricted country list?
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme will not accept applications from nationals of the following countries:
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Iraq
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Yemen
As an exception, nationals of the above-mentioned countries who are lawful permanent residents of Canada, the United States of America or the United Kingdom, will be allowed to make application providing that their status as lawful residents is established.
In addition, all applicants will be required to fully comply with the Programme’s due diligence requirements.
Antigua and Barbuda Government has taken this position to safeguard the integrity of the Antigua and Barbuda passport and ensure that only persons whose past behaviour will not threaten the very well-being of the Citizenship Programme, can be accepted.
Recently the CIP unit approved two Iraqi nationals living in Saudi Arabia, because of their economic activity outside of that country.
How to start the application process?
You must apply for Antigua CIP through authorized agent. Antigua CIP unit does not accept the applications directly. We work with many government authorized agents in the island for CIP. You have to pay 10% of Government fee as initial deposit to start the process.
Do i need to come to Antigua to for the application process?
No. You can get the passport but taking an oath may be required
Do i get my money back if the application is not approved?
Only after receiving CIP approval letter you are required to do full investment
Where to obtain police certificates in canada?
There are two national police certificates available in Canada. One is a name and date of birth check through the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC). The other a certified criminal history check conducted by the RCMP Real Time Identification system (RTID). It must be less than 6 months when launching the citizenship application.
Do i need visa to visit Antigua and Barbuda?
If you hold a passport from country which has visa waiver agreement with Antigua, you dont need a visa. For other countries you may obtain a Visa waiver on Arrival provided that they hold one of the following valid travel documents at a cost of US$ 100 valid for 30 days.
What is the validity of Antigua and barbuda passport?
5 years.
Are there any taxes?
Antigua has no capital gains, gifts, wealth, estate, personal income and inheritance taxes and income generated outside of the country is not taxed.
Do i need an address in Antigua?
No
Do i need visa to visit Antigua ?
Yes, you are welcome to visit the beautiful country and have a look around. You can also meet various real estate developers. Please check the visa requirements (http://www.immigration.gov.ag/visa-services/countries-exempt-from-visa/). If you hold the following you can get visa on arrival in Antigua by paying $100.
- USA Visa or ‘Green Card’
- UK Entry certificate or residence permit
- Canadian Visa or Permanent Residence card
- Schengen Visa or residence permit
Are there any interviews or tests?
No
What documents are generally required for the application process?
- Citizenship and signature forms.
- Two (2) completed and notarized copies of Application Form 12 for each applicant
- One (1) professional reference banker, lawyer, chartered accountant
- Letter of Employment/ Financial Statements for source of funds
- Recommendation from applicant’s Bankers
- Police certificate from all countries where you have stayed more than 6 months in all countries. Must be less than 6 months validity.
- Eight (8) passport size photos for each applicant
- Marriage Certificate/Dissolution of Marriage if required
- Birth Certificate
- Medical Certificate (HIV clearance)
- Letter of recommendation from the head of the school/university for children between 12 and 18 years old
- Proof of payment of relevant investment fees.
- Affidavit of Source of Funds.
- Sale deed of real estate property
- Detailed Business Background Reports/Resume
- Notarized copies of University/College diplomas.
All original documents originating outside Antigua must bear apostille only then it is acceptable.
What if i dont visit Antigua for 5 days?
You wont be able to renew your passport after 5 years of expiry.
Do i need to re-make the investment again when renewing passport?
No, you just have to pay $300 passport fee and show your “Certificate of naturalization” as proof of citizenship.
What are the qualifying real estate investments for CIP?
$400,000 in real estate projects approved by the Government. You can buy a condo, villa, share in a hotel or resport.
Do business investments qualify under CIP?
$1.5 million USD in approved business projects as a single investor or a joint business investment of atleast $400,000 per person, totalling total $5 million in whole.
What is the time taken by CIP unit for approvals?
within 90 days sometimes faster 70 days.
Does the Antigua government publish the names of investors who are approved for passports?
No
We are expecting a new baby and can for the baby get citizenship of Antigua?
Yes, only if the baby born after the date of issue of “Certificate of naturalization”
Is the due diligence carried out for children?
Children above 12 years must go through due diligence and background checks. Dependent children under 11 requires no due diliagence but requires a sworn affidavit from parents and there is no due diligence fee to be paid.
Do children need HIV clearance and medical tests?
All children must undergo medical tests and HIV clearance.
What are the additional fees involved on top of investment amounts?
- Due diligence fee ($7500)
- Passport fee ($300)
- Agent fee (mentioned in the quote)
Can i apply directly to the Citizenship unit in Antigua (CIU) without involving agent?
No, CIU does not accept applications directly. It must go through authorized agents.
How is the real estate market in Antigua and barbuda?
The real estate market is booming with new constructions projects such as hotels, resorts are on the rise. Eg. Singulari mega resort, Beau panel homes, Robert de Niro starting hotel $250 million, South point boutique hotel. 2 Bedroom houses cost $420,000 while rental yields 4-5%
Can i live and work in Antigua and Barbuda with the citizenship?
Yes you will get full residency status with the right to live and work in Antigua.
What are the main qualifying requirements to apply for Antigua CIP?
- Clean criminal record
- Sound financial background
- Excellent references
- No fraud or concealment of information in the citizenship application
- Must not be a threat to safety and integrity of the country.
- Economic activity is outside OFAC list of countries hit by sanctions
All the applicants, dependents and children must undergo thorough background and due diligence checks. The government will issue letter of refusal, should they deny the citizenship. The granting of citizenship to an alien national, is ONLY at the sole discretion of the Government and Cabinet of Ministers
What is the difference between Antigua and St Kitts passport programs?
- Antigua processing time is much faster than St kitts.
- Antigua is cheaper than ST Kitts due limited time offer
- Antigua has visa free travel to 147 countries, while St Kitts has 151 countries.
- Antigua has no residency requirement while Antigua has 5 day residency requirement (only needed while renewing passport after 5 years)
- Antigua passport has 5 year validity.
Can an adult child aged 28 apply for citizenship under family?
No, children who are adults under age 26 studying in a college or university fulltime can apply under family application. If not they can apply as dependents but must pay dependent fees or under a separate citizenship application.
Why there is a 5 day residency requirement?
Government of Antigua & Barbuda imposed a 5 day residency requirement by amending citizenship laws. Initially you can get passport valid for 5 years without even visiting Antigua. The issue comes only at the time of renewing your passport after 5 years. You must have visited Antigua for 5 days, if not the passport wont be renewed and investment wont be given back. Please note this 5 day requirement is temporary suspended due to Covid.
Antigua is really beautiful has white beaches and turquoise water and you should spend your holidays atleast once here.
Does the passport give me voting rights in Antigua and Barbuda?
No. The Antiguan passport under CIP does not afford automatic voting rights and persons would need to qualify as outlined in the Representation of the People Act.