CITIZENSHIP OPTIONS

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• UPDATE FOR JULY 2021

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• University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund Option – US$150,000 (inclusive of processing fees for a family of six [minimum number of persons]. US$15,000 is payable for each dependent.

 

Entitles one member of the family to a one-year scholarship, tuition only, at the University of the West Indies.

Frequently Asked Questions on the University of the West Indies Fund Option

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Can a family of 4 or 5 persons apply under this option?

This option is only open to families of six (6) persons or more; 6 is the minimum number of persons which can be included in the application. Families of five (5) or less may choose one of the other three (3) options.

 

Are dependent parents allowed to be part of the family of six?

Dependent parents are allowed to be part of the family of six (6) once they have attained the age of 58 when the application is submitted.

 

Who is eligible to benefit from the one-year scholarship?

A family member who is part of the application and is less than 29 years is eligible to benefit.

 

Do we submit 10% of US$150,000 or just due diligence fees?

The government processing fees have already been included in the quoted investment amount. Accordingly, US$3,000 (representing 10% processing fees) is required with the application. Full due diligence fees are also to be paid at this time.

 

How are we to submit the balance of the fees?

As customary, within 30 days of the approval, the balance of the US$150,000 (US$147,000) will be required to be submitted using the wiring details provided in the approval letter.

 

Does the scholarship opportunity have an expiry date?

Scholarships must be utilized within the first five (5) years.

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• Reduced National Development Fund Contribution - US$100,000.00

 

Under the revised and updated Citizenship by Investment Act, effective 1st November, 2017 the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has reduced the Contribution to the National Development Fund for applications of not more than 4 persons in a family unit to US$100,000.00 while for applications with more than 4 persons the NDF Contribution is reduced to US$125,000.00.

 

It should be noted that the reduced NDF Contribution is valid for one year commencing 1st November 2017, unless further extended or appropriately reduced by law by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

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• Real Estate Investment - US$400,000.00 (Minimum)

 

A second option for citizenship is to acquire real estate property in an approved zoned area, in an investment that can deliver an annual rate of return. Such an investment requires a minimum acquisition of real estate property of US$400,000.00. There are a number of approved developments that are part of the program. More details on this option is available upon request.

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Effective 1st May, 2018 the Government of Antigua and Barbuda introduced a Limited Time Offer (LTO) under the Real Estate Investment option. Until the 31st October, 2018, while the minimum investment remains at US$400,000.00, two applications from related parties can make a joint investment with each applicant investing a minimum of US$200,000.00 in order to qualify. Parties are related by virtue of being represented by the same Licensed Local Agent.

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The Citizenship by  Investment  Unit   advises   that  Cabinet,   in  its   meetings  of 11th    December, 2019  and   26th   February   2020,   has  agreed  to  the  following Enhancements and modifications to the Programme as outlined  below:

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1.  The retention of the current minimum investment amount of US$400,000 modified by the permanent inclusion of a co-application option at minimum US$200,000;

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2.  The resale,  at the end of the five (5)  year renewal  period, of real  estate units and   shares, previously  purchased by applicants under the programme,  to subsequent applicants  as eligible  investments.   Property and/or shares  may only be resold  once under the Citizenship by Investment Programme.

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3.  Effective 1st  April,  2020, creation of a third  pathway for applying   under the real  estate option where the full purchase price of a unit shall  be no less than US$200,000 (EC$540,000);

  

a.   Developers with existing inventory which may be sold at this price may utilize this pathway

b.   New developments where units are to be priced for this pathway may apply for designation as an approved real       estate development;

 

• Investment in Business - US$1,500,000.00 (Minimum)

 

A third option for citizenship is to invest in an approved business in Antigua and Barbuda with a minimum investment of US$1,500,000.00. In the event two or more investors wish to be joint partners in a business venture, the minimum investment required is US$5,000,000.00, with any one partner investing a minimum of US$400,000.00 in the business venture. More details on this option is available upon request.

 

Once a potential applicant has selected the preferred citizenship option that is best tailored to the applicant’s requirements, then the application process begins. 

 

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WHAT IS CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT?

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Citizenship by Investment is the granting of citizenship status to an individual (and immediate family members) contingent upon a specified and quantifiable investment in the country.

 

The USA, Canada, Australia, Austria, Switzerland and Great Britain are among the countries, which offer residency and a fast-track to citizenship to wealthy individuals for investment in their country.

However some of these other programs offered in the UK or Canada can prove to be time consuming and more expensive while essentially delivering the same benefits that can be provided by Antigua and Barbuda. Once you obtain citizenship by investment in most of these countries you are then folded into the country’s taxation system. With the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, citizens may only be taxed on income and wealth derived and earned within the state of Antigua and Barbuda.

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program provides applicants with the ability to obtain citizenship while having the opportunity to invest into the development of our beautiful twin island state. A state where there is no death taxes, estate taxes or capital gains taxes.

 

 

WHY SECOND CITIZENSHIP?

 

 

The benefits of dual or multiple citizenship range from ease of movement where there is political strife in one’s own country and investment planning and personal security.
 

• Convenience: High net worth citizens of some countries spend considerable amounts of time obtaining visas from other countries. In addition to the time involved in the process, and the uncertainty, is the fact that some countries only offer single entry visas. Where travel may be required on short notice, access to another passport may be crucial such as in the case of civil unrest. Additionally, a second passport may afford the holder visa-free travel to jurisdictions not available to his or her country of birth.

 

 

• Personal Security: Citizenship and a passport from a small peaceful country is considered by some as a form of protection when traveling, particularly in times of political unrest, civil war, terrorism or other delicate situations. Many international business executives consider an alternative passport as the best life insurance.

 
 

• Investment in the Future: In a dynamic political and economic environment, acquiring a second citizenship may be considered an investment for the future and in many instances, there is no need to give up one’s present nationality while one, along with his family, enjoys the benefits of a legal second passport.

 

 

BENEFITS

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Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program is a recently established program since October 2013. Antigua and Barbuda is implementing this program to attract investors of good character to make a substantial contribution to the development of this beautiful twin island state.

 

As a potential applicant for citizenship, an investor is given the opportunity to apply for economic citizenship and a passport under the terms of the Citizenship by Investment Act and additional guidelines provided by the Citizenship by Investment Unit and within the strict legal and regulatory regimes.

 

Main Benefits:

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1. DUAL CITIZENSHIP: Once a Citizen of Antigua & Barbuda you are allowed to have dual citizenship. So you can enjoy the benefits and advantages of being part of the citizenship by investment program without having to renounce your existing citizenship.

2. VISA FREE TRAVEL: Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda are free to travel to approximately 165 jurisdictions worldwide without a visa, these include countries such as Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the UK.

3. TAX ADVANTAGES: There will be certain tax benefits for Antigua and Barbuda citizens approved under this program. For example there will be no Personal Income Tax (PIT) charged on income derived outside Antigua and Barbuda, no high net worth tax, no gift tax or estate duty tax, and no capital gains tax. Please contact us directly for more details on the tax advantages of Antiguan citizenship.

4. LIFESTYLE: Any applicant will have the ability to spend as much time in Antigua & Barbuda as they wish. Whether it be enjoying one of the 365 beaches dotted across this island paradise or sailing along the coast, snorkeling, diving or just having lunch at one of the 5 star resorts or boutique beachfront restaurants. A stress free life style while enjoying the most comfortable climate where the sun shines every day.

5. EDUCATION: The education system in Antigua and Barbuda is considered to be of a high quality since Antiguan students attending University in the U.S., Canada and Europe have consistently performed in the top five percent of their classes and programs. There are additional benefits for students from certain countries applying to attend University in the U.S, Canada or Europe applying under their new Antigua citizenship and passports.  

 

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APPLICATION FORMS & REQUIREMENTS

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When applying to the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, a potential applicant will need to complete the following forms if the application is based on a contribution to the NDF:

 

• AB1 – Application form

• AB2 – Photograph and Signature Certificate

• AB3 - Medical Certificate

• AB4 – Investment Confirmation Form

• AB5 – Agent Form

• Passport Application Forms

 

If the application is to be made under the Investment in real estate property option, then the following forms in addition to those mentioned above will be required to be completed:

 

• Executed Reservation Agreement to purchase an approved Real Estate Property

• Executed Purchase and Sale Agreement

 

The potential applicant will have to provide additional information in order for their application to be reviewed, approved and processed.

This information is requested in order for the Citizenship by Investment Unit to complete the required checks and balances in order to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the Antigua and Barbuda Passport for its citizens as well as applicants under this program. 

 

1. Certified Copy of current passport(s) showing name, photo, citizenship/nationality, date and place of issue, expiry date, passport number and issuing country.

 

1. Original excerpt of full birth record with apostille or certified copy of full birth certificate (i.e. birth document that also includes parent's details, or a household register, family book etc.).

 

1. Original Bank Reference Letter from an internationally recognized bank indicating proof of funds. Original professional reference (from an attorney, notary public, chartered accountant). Both should not be older than 6 months.

 

1. Original document of evidence of addresses (e.g. certified copy of a utility bill or bank statement with full name and address, or confirmation from a bank, attorney, chartered accountant or notary public).

 

1. Original Police Record or Police Certificate from country of citizenship and residency. Document must not be older than 3 months.

 

1.  Eight (8) original passport-size photos of the applicant taken within the past 6 months.
    

2. Investment Confirmation / Escrow Deposit Evidence - i.e. A copy of duly executed real-estate contract (Purchase and Sales Agreement), evidence of Title Transfer (either deed or certificate of title).

 

1. Photograph and Signature Certificate.

 

1. Medical Certificate from a medical practitioner that the main applicant or his/her dependents are not suffering from any contagious disease and that they are otherwise in good health.

 

1. To be interviewed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit if required.

 

1. If approved, travel to Antigua & Barbuda to take the Oath of Allegiance or to so do at an Embassy or Consular Office of Antigua and Barbuda located nearest to the new citizen.

 

1. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. Additional details available upon request.

 

 

RECENT AMENDMENTS

 

 

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IN RELATION TO APPLICANTS:

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Effective 15th December, 2023

All Citizenship by Investment applications submitted to the Unit will be required to undergo interviews. Interviews will be conducted for all principal applicants and their dependents, who are aged 16 years and above, at a cost of US$1,500.00 per application. For identification purposes, all members of the application are required to be present at the interview, along with the identification documents submitted with their applications.

 

Such interviews will be conducted virtually by independent service providers contracted by the Unit for this purpose. Translation support services will not be required by the applicants, as the independent service provider will have the ability and resources to conduct the virtual interviews in the home or primary language of the applicants.

 

The US$1,500.00 per family will be required to be paid with the other initial fees payable upon submission of the application."

 

 

IN RELATION TO DEPENDENTS:

 

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Effective 11th November 2020

Government of Antigua and Barbuda, has agreed to amend the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Act 2013 by expanding the definition of "dependent" to the following:

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1. A current spouse of the principal applicant;

2. A child of the principal applicant, or of his or her spouse, who is 0 - 30 years of age and is financially dependent on the principal applicant;

3. A child of the principal applicant. or of his or her spouse, who is 18 years or older but who is physically or mentally handicapped and who is living with and is fully supported by the principal applicant;

4. A parent or grandparent of the principal applicant, or of his or her spouse, who is fifty-five years of age or older and who is financially dependent on the principal applicant.

5. A sibling of the principal applicant, or of his or her spouse, if unmarried;

6. A future spouse of the principal applicant. A fee of US$50,000 is payable upon application;

7. A future spouse of dependent children where the dependent child is financially dependent on the principal applicant; and

8. A future child of a dependent child. A fee of US$10,000 is to be payable for children under 5 years of age and US$20,000 for children 6 - 17 years of age

 

Cabinet also approved the following:

1. The fee to add a child shall be US$10,000 for children under 5 years of age and US$20,000 for children 6 - 17 years.

2. The fees for the addition of adult dependents shall be reduced from US$75,000 to US$50,000.

3. There shall be no time restriction on when a dependent may be added to an application.

 

Effective 19th December 2017

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda approved the increase of the age of dependent children from 25 years to 28 years. Dependent children aged 18 and over are still required to be in full time attendance at a University or other Institute of learning with the completion date of the program at least six (6) months from the date the application has been submitted.

 

Effective 1st May 2018

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda approved the reduction of parental dependents age from sixty-five (65) to fifty-eight (58).

 

Effective 1st May 2018

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda also removed the requirement for dependent children under the age of eighteen (18) to visit Antigua and Barbuda for five (5) days in the first five years of citizenship. Upon attaining the age of eighteen (18) the residency requirement must be fulfilled as well as the requirement to swear an oath of pledge allegiance to the state of Antigua and Barbuda.

 

 

GOVERNMENT PROCESSING FEES:

 

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* PLEASE REFER TO RECENT AMENDMENTS SECTION FOR FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING RECENT CHANGES TO

  GOVERNMENT PROCESSING FEES FOR ADDITIONAL DEPENDENTS.

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​NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND OPTION:

 

• Effective 1st April, 2020 Processing Fees: US $30,000.00 for a family of up to four persons with incremental payments of US $15,000.00 for each additional dependent where the application consists of five (5) persons or more.

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• Due Diligence Fees are US$7,500.00 Adults; US$4,000.00 for children aged 18-25 years; US$2,000.00 for dependent children aged 12-17 and NIL for dependent children aged 0-11 years;

 

• A down payment of 10% of the processing fees together with the full due diligence fees are to be submitted with the application and they are both non-refundable.

 

• Due Diligence and Background Verification Checks are essential to ensure the maintenance and integrity of the Program.

 

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REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS INVESTMENT OPTION:

 

 

• Effective 1st April,  2020 Processing fees for a family of up to four (4) persons is US $30,000.00 with incremental payments of US $15,000.00 for each additional dependent where the application consists of a family of five (5) persons or more.

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• Due Diligence Fees are US$7,500.00 Adults; US$ US$4,000.00 for children aged 18-25 years; US$2,000.00 for dependent children aged 12-17 and NIL for dependent children aged 0-11 years;

 

• A down payment of 10% of the processing fees together with the full due diligence fees are to be submitted with the application and they are both non-refundable.

 

• Due Diligence and Background Verification Checks are essential to ensure the maintenance and integrity of the Program.

 

 

 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

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Once you have been approved through the program and are eligible for citizenship you may be invited to Antigua & Barbuda by the state to take your Oath of Allegiance to Antigua and Barbuda and to complete the process of obtaining your new passport. Arrangements are being put in place where approved citizens to the Program may opt to take their Oath of Allegiance in an Embassy or Consular Office outside of Antigua and Barbuda.

 

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program will require the applicant (once approved) to spend a minimum of 5 days over the course of 5 years in order to qualify for a renewal of the initial passport.

 

 

INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

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The Citizenship by Investment Act of Antigua and Barbuda is clear that certain applicants may not qualify for citizenship under the Act and would be ineligible if:

 

• The applicant provides false information on his/her application forms;

• 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 6 months imprisonment;

• Is the subject of a criminal investigation;

• Is a potential National Security risk to Antigua and Barbuda or any other country;

• Is involved in any activity likely to cause disrepute to Antigua and Barbuda or:

• 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.

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RESTRICTED COUNTRIES LIST:

 

Effective 11th December, 2014

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda decided that the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program will not accept applications from nationals of the following countries:

 

Effective the 1st August, 2017

The cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda made a further amendment where, as an exception, individuals born in these restricted countries but who migrated before the age of majority and/or have maintained permanent residence in Canada, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, 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 of the named restricted countries may apply for citizenship providing that their status as lawful residents is established. Additionally, all such applicants are required to fully comply with the Program’s due diligence requirements.

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Effective 1st April, 2020 Iraq is no longer a part of the Restricted Countries List

 

• Afghanistan

• Iran

• North Korea

• Somalia

• Yemen

• Sudan (added February 2017)

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Effective 1st April, 2020

The  removal  of  the  requirement for  persons  born in countries on the Restricted Countries List to be lawful permanent residents  of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia and the  United  Arab  Emirates only. As such, applicants residing in any country, except for those on the Restricted Countries List, may apply to the programme. All other stipulations remain unchanged.

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Effective 1st April, 2020

An exploration of the feasibility of the CIU receiving applications from stateless persons, in particular persons originating out of Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, in the first instance. This list is subject to review and may be expanded or amended as necessary.

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Effective the 28th July, 2022

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda advised that processing of applications from Russian and Belarusian nationals under the Citizenship by Investment Programme has been suspended. Additionally, as the ability to conduct investigations in Ukraine remains constrained, until otherwise advised, the Unit remains unable to process applications from Ukrainian nationals.

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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT

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The Citizenship by Investment Program will allow the purchase of residences valued at a minimum of US$400,000.00 in an approved development within a zoned area as approved by the cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda. The country has an inventory of units as well as projects under construction. With respect to developments under construction these will be listed as off-plan purchases and require an escrow arrangement to protect the applicant. It is anticipated that the escrow arrangements will be monitored by the Citizenship by Investment Unit in order to maintain the integrity of the program. 

 

• The retention of the current minimum investment amount of US$400,000 modified by the permanent inclusion of a co-application option at minimum US$200,000;

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• The resale,  at the end of the five (5)  year renewal  period, of real  estate units and   shares, previously  purchased by applicants under the programme,  to subsequent applicants  as eligible  investments.   Property and/or shares  may only be resold  once under the Citizenship by Investment Programme.

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• Creation of a third pathway for applying under the real estate option where the full purchase price of a unit shall be no less than US$200,000 (EC$540,000); Effective 1st April 2020.

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• Developers with existing inventory which may be sold at this price may utilize this pathway.

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• New developments where units are to be priced for this pathway may apply for designation as an approved real estate development. 

For more information on the real estate included in Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment program please contact us.

 

 

 

HOW TO APPLY

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If you would like to apply to the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Investment Program then simply contact us so we can provide you with the relevant application forms to be completed and to discuss the complete package of the benefits of the program and the investment options that may be available to a potential applicant.

Please note that under Section 5 (3) of the Citizenship by Investment Act, all applications must be routed through a local agent, licensed under the Citizenship by Investment Act who will act as the agent for the applicant in all communications with the Citizenship by Investment Unit until the applicant is approved under the Program guidelines and processes.

 

 

 

APPLICATION FEES

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When applying to the Citizenship by Investment program there will be fees involved. Fees quoted below are for one adult applicant.

 

• Government Application Fee: US$30,000.00–NDF; US$30,000.00–Real Estate

• Due Diligence Fee: US$7,500.00

• Interview Fee, per application: US$1,500.00

• Local Agent Processing Fee: To be provided upon request

 

Additional fees for dependents may apply where the application is for five (5) persons or more. The fees for the incremental dependent over four (4) persons is US$15,000.00 each and the Due Diligence Fee may vary depending on their age.

 

Please contact us regarding fees applicable to adding spouses and dependents after approval of citizenship.

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HOW LONG DOES THE APPLICATION PROCESS TAKE?

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Once a potential applicant decides that he/she would like to apply for economic citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda under the Citizenship by Investment Act and they feel that they meet all the qualifying criteria under the Act, then the application process can begin in earnest.

 

There are approximately 6 to 8 forms that have to be completed in English with the supporting documentation attached. Completion of these application forms, and payment of fees may take about 2-4 weeks if all the required information and documentation is readily available.

 

Under the Act, the Citizenship by Investment Unit is required, within 3 months, to inform the Local Agent, on behalf of the main applicant, whether the application has been approved, denied or is delayed for cause and is still being processed.