Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda is an independent Commonwealth state in the Eastern Caribbean. With some 365 beaches of clean turquoise waters, the lush tropical islands of Antigua and Barbuda are an inviting paradise and considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. As a result, tourism is the key driver of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generates around 60% of the island’s income, with key target markets being the U.S., Canada and Europe.
Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the United Nations, the British Commonwealth, Caricom and the Organisation of American States (OAS) among many other international organisations. Holders of the Antigua and Barbuda passport enjoy visa free travel to approximately 150 countries, including the U.K. and the countries of the Schengen area.
The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) was established by the Honourable Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and is the Government authority responsible for processing all applications for Agent’s Licenses, and all applications for Citizenship by Investment by applicants and their family.
Antigua’s shoreline is washed almost exclusively by the Caribbean Sea, and is hugged by 95 miles of superb coastline. Her sister Barbuda, is surrounded by protective reefs, and features a large lagoon and Frigate Bird sanctuary. The islands are best-known for their friendly and welcoming people, pink and white-sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and the most satisfying and enjoyable climate in the world.
Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Commonwealth and Elizabeth II is the country’s queen and head of state.
Citizenship Benefits
- A beautiful Caribbean country with white sandy beaches and blue seas.
- A one-time investment can provide life-long citizenship for families and children.
- Direct citizenship of Caribbean countries.
- Visa-free travel to EU Schengen countries including the UK and Ireland.
- No wealth, inheritance, personal income tax.
- No need to visit in person.
- There is no need to live in Antigua before or after obtaining citizenship.
- There are no interviews, business experience or language tests required.
- Fast 3 months of citizenship processing time.
- Best travel second passport.
- Free movement of CARICOM countries.
- May have dual or multiple nationalities.
About application
To qualify for citizenship under the real estate option, the government requires applicants to make an investment in designated, officially approved real estate with a value of at least US$ 400,000 plus the payment of government processing fees and due diligence fees.
For a single applicant, or a family of 4 or less
- Processing fees: US$30,000
For a family of 5 or more:
- US$150,000 Contribution
- Processing Fees: US$15,000 for each additional dependent
Additional costs for dependents are extra.
The passport is granted for 5 year validity period after that it can be renewed. To renew after 5 years, you must have visited Antigua for about 5 days.
Two (2) applications from related parties can make a joint investment, with each applicant investing a minimum of US $200,000 in order to qualify. All processing and due diligence fees remain unchanged, fee for each member of joint all will be charged separately..
In addition, two or more applicants who have executed a binding sale and purchase agreement may apply jointly for citizenship by investment provided that each applicant contributes the minimum investment of US$ 400,000.
Beneficial ownership of real estate is permissible through a non-profit company provided that the company has issued all of its authorized shares to the applicant(s), is established and is in good standing under the laws of Antigua and Barbuda, is not an exempt or offshore entity and submits irrefutable evidence as to its beneficial ownership, which evidence shall be certified by the Registrar of Companies.
As the application procedure under this option involves the purchase of real estate, this can lengthen the processing time depending on the chosen property. The real estate cannot be re-sold until 5 years after the purchase, unless purchasing an alternate officially approved real estate property in Antigua and Barbuda.
An application for citizenship by investment under the real estate investment option can be submitted to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) when a binding purchase and sale agreement has been signed with the developer of an approved project, which will be subject to the granting of the citizenship application.
Upon submission of your application you will be asked to pay the due diligence fees and 10% of the government processing fee. On receipt of a letter of approval you will be asked to pay the balance of the government processing fee and all sums due to the developer under the sale and purchase agreement to enable title to be registered in your name and allow for implementation of the proposed real estate investment in accordance with the guidelines established by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
Once received, a certificate of registration will be issued for both the primary applicant and their family members which will need to be submitted to the passport office with their application and any accompanying documentation.
Your authorized agent/representative will advise you of dates available to either;
- Visit Antigua and Barbuda to collect your passport and to take the oath or affirmation of allegiance
- Visit an Embassy, High Commission or Consular Office of Antigua and Barbuda to collect your passport and to take the oath or affirmation of allegiance. Link to Embassies/High Commissions/Consular Offices shown on an alternate page.