AIT International Lifestyle Investments Limited is a Company established under the Companies Act, 1995 of Antigua and Barbuda. Ownership of the company is 100% Antiguan citizens with more than twenty-five years experience in accounting and tax advisory services, financial services and related advisory services throughout the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe. We are specialists in the formation and administration of companies. We also provide Financial, Investment and other related Management Services.
Our company aspires to the delivery of internationally accepted standards of professional service suitable to the needs of our individual clients and the companies we manage. In this regard, our staff are not only professionally qualified, but are trained in the art of customer service and satisfaction.
We trust that this brochure may be informative and anticipate the opportunity to be of service.
© AIT INTERNATIONAL LIFESTYLE INVESTMENTS LTD.
INTRODUCTION TO ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
Why is Antigua & Barbuda considered a premier destination for the discerning tourist and businessman?
A Little Bit of Paradise
Popular with tourists, pleasant weather, good people to deal with, excellent political stability, and a strong multi-cultural community.
Beaches For Each Day of The Year
Including Barbuda, there are 365 attractive beaches to choose from. Partly cloudly, mostly sunny all year round weather.
World Class Communications
First Island in the Western Hemisphere to install 4G LTE. Reliable telephone and faxility services available island wide, including international dialing and high speed internet services.
Antigua & Barbuda, In More Detail...
Antigua and Barbuda is a small twin-island democracy located within the heart of the Eastern Caribbean archipelago. Antigua’s history can be dated to 1775 B.C. when its first inhabitants, the Siboney (or ‘stone people’) lived there. The Arawaks later settled in Antigua at about the time of Christ or the beginning of the Common Era. The Arawaks reputedly paddled across from South America and introduced agriculture to the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, bringing with them a host of goods ranging from pineapples and tobacco and cotton. Most of the Arawaks left around 1100 A.D but some stayed on to be raided by the Caribs, an Indian tribe based in Dominica. The earliest recorded European contact with Antigua was made when Christopher Columbus, on his second voyage of discovery in 1493, discovered Antigua and named it Santa Maria de la Antigua. Columbus named the island after Santa Maria la Antigua, the miracle-working saint of the Spanish city of Seville.
Except for a brief period of occupancy by the French in 1652, the island, with an area of 108 square miles, remained British until its independence. Names such as Sir Christopher Codrington who arrived in Antigua in 1684 and Horatio Nelson who arrived in 1784 are inextricably linked to the history and lore of Antigua and Barbuda. Lying 28 miles to the north of Antigua is the sister-island of Barbuda, with an area of 75 square miles. The Twin-island State of Antigua and Barbuda attained its independence from the United Kingdom on November 1st, 1981. The country is a member state of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS.), using a common monetary system the East Caribbean Dollar (EC $). Antigua is a member of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) an economic organization of Caribbean States. It is also a member of the British Commonwealth, Organization of American States (OAS), the Association of American States (ACS), and the ACP grouping (signatories of the Lome Convention).
Antigua was one of the pioneers of Caribbean tourism from the late 1960’s, having the important components of popular tourism: a hot pleasant climate (average annual rainfall is 45 inches), good travel links, skilled and friendly tourism staff, attractive beaches (it has some 365 beaches of coral-sand giving on to clear turquoise-colored sea), and a range of hotels. Antigua possesses perhaps the most thriving tourist industry in the Eastern Caribbean and with its modern, multinational and multi-ethnic community, enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean.
Antigua has a history of political stability with a parliamentary democracy fashioned from the British Parliamentary System. The current government led by the Honourable Baldwin Spencer of the United Progressive Party strongly supports transparent governance and “government in the sunshine” principles. While English is the official language, AIT Management Services can arrange for Italian, Spanish and French speaking clients to communicate in their mother tongues.
The currency in Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar which is fixed to the United States Dollar at the rate of US$1.00 to EC$2.70.
© AIT INTERNATIONAL LIFESTYLE INVESTMENTS LTD.
OUR SERVICES
Our related company, AIT Accounting & Management Services Ltd. provides services such as accounting and other administrative services on behalf of our client base. In the accounting arena, we provide services such as preparation of financial statements, computation and filing of company tax returns for Company Tax, keeping and maintaining financial records of companies, business plans and cash flow statements, forensic investigations and efficiency reviews.
We can also arrange for audits of companies, banks, trusts and insurance companies with Audit firms licensed to practice under the I.C.A.E.C – Antigua.
We would be pleased to discuss the provision of any related service in the field of finance, corporate administration and banking to the client.
Our mission is to provide an unsurpassed quality of service to our client base and we look forward to being of service to you.
© AIT INTERNATIONAL LIFESTYLE INVESTMENTS LTD.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Our related company, AIT Accounting & Management Services Ltd. may be able to arrange investment opportunities for its clients. Such investment opportunities may be negotiated at the request of the potential investor and our rate for such services determined by contract.
© AIT INTERNATIONAL LIFESTYLE INVESTMENTS LTD.
CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Act was Gazetted on April 11th, 2013 and came into force on the 4th September, 2013 by Order of the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. The program was officially launched on the 10th day of October 2013 and allows an applicant to obtain citizenship by way of investment into the country. Once an applicant is approved to be a citizen, he/she will receive a passport which can provide visa free travel to 165 jurisdictions as well as all of the other benefits, associated with being a citizen of Antigua & Barbuda.
CITIZENSHIP OPTIONS
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Update Effective 1st AUGUST, 2024
University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund Option – US$260,000 (inclusive of processing fees for a family of six [minimum number of persons]. US$10,000 is payable for each additional dependant over 6 persons. 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
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 dependant parents allowed to be part of the family of six?
Dependant 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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Development Fund Contribution - US$230,000
Under the revised and updated Citizenship by Investment Act, effective 1st August, 2024 the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has increased the minimum investment threshold for Contribution to the National Development Fund for applications to US$230,000.00.
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Real Estate Investment - US$300,000 (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$300,000.00 effective 1st August, 2024. There are a number of approved developments that are part of the program. More details on this option is available upon request.
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:
1. 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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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.
WHAT IS CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT?
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
APPLICATION FORMS & REQUIREMENTS
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:
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AB1 – Application form
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AB2 – Photograph and Signature Certificate
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AB3 - Medical Certificate
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AB4 – Investment Confirmation Form
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AB5 – Agent Form
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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:
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Executed Reservation Agreement to purchase an approved Real Estate Property
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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.
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Certified Copy of current passport(s) showing name, photo, citizenship/nationality, date and place of issue, expiry date, passport number and issuing country.
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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.).
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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.
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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).
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Original Police Record or Police Certificate from country of citizenship and residency. Document must not be older than 3 months.
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Eight (8) original passport-size photos of the applicant taken within the past 6 months.
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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).
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Photograph and Signature Certificate.
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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.
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To be interviewed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit if required.
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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.
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Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. Additional details available upon request.
RECENT AMENDMENTS AND UPDATES
2024
IN RELATION TO UNIVERSITY OF WEST INDIES FUND OPTIONS:
UPDATE EFFECTIVE 1st AUGUST 2024
University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund Option – US$260,000 (inclusive of processing fees for a family of six [minimum number of persons]. US$10,000 is payable for each additional dependant over 6 persons.
Entitles one member of the family to a one-year scholarship, tuition only, at the University of the West Indies.
FAQs on the University of the West Indies Fund Option
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 dependant parents allowed to be part of the family of six?
Dependant 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.
IN RELATION TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND CONTRIBUTION:
Amendments and Regulations effective 1st August, 2024 - National Development Fund Contribution - US$230,000.00
Under the revised and updated Citizenship by Investment Act, effective 1st August, 2024 the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has increased the minimum investment threshold for Contribution to the National Development Fund for applications to US$230,000.00.
IN RELATION TO REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT:
Real Estate Investment - US$300,000.00 (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$300,000.00 effective 1st August, 2024. There are a number of approved developments that are part of the program. More details on this option is available upon request.
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:
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.
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.
IN RELATION TO DEPENDANTS:
Effective 1st August, 2024
The definition of dependant has been further expanded as follows:
1 - A child of the main applicant or of the main applicant and his or her spouse who is thirty (30) years of age or younger;
2 - The spouse of a dependant comes within the meaning of paragraph (a) (ii) or (a) (iii) who marries after the application was approved provided the dependent is not older than thirty-five (35) years of age at the time of submitting the application to add the spouse of the dependant;
3 - The child of a dependant who comes within the meaning of paragraph (a) (ii) or (a) (iii) who was born or was legally adopted after the application was approved, providing the dependant is not older than thirty-five (35) years of age at the time of submitting the application to add the child of the dependant.
IN RELATION TO GOVERNMENT PROCESSING AND DUE DILIGENCE FEES:
Effective 1st August, 2024
Initial Submissions:
Single Applicant -- US$10,000
Family of up to Four Persons -- US$20,000
Family of more than Four Persons -- US$20,000 plus US$10,000 per additional member.
Post Approval Additions:
Dependant child aged 0-5 years -- US$10,000
Dependant child aged 6 – 17 years -- US$25,000
Dependant aged 18 years and older -- US$50,000
Due Diligence Fees:
Single Applicant -- US$8,500 **(US$1500 interview fee included)
Spouse -- US$5,000
Dependant child aged 0-11 years -- FREE
Dependant child aged 12-17 years -- US$2,000
Dependant aged 18 years and older -- US$4,000
Benefactor -- US$5,000
Enhanced due diligence (where a review is requested on a denied file) -- Double the Due Diligence fee.
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.
IN RELATION TO REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS INVESTMENT OPTIONS:
Effective 1st August 2024:
Government Processing and Due Diligence fees applicable are as stated above for NDF option applications.
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.
IN RELATION TO REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT:
Effective the 1st August, 2024:
The Citizenship by Investment Program will allow the purchase of residences valued at a minimum of US$300,000.00 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.
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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.
For more information on the real estate included in Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment program please contact us.
IN RELATION TO APPLICANTS:
Effective 1st August, 2024:
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$1500 per family interview fee is included in the due diligence fee for the principle applicant.
2020
IN RELATION TO DEPENDENTS:
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:
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 - There shall be no time restriction on when a dependent may be added to an application.
2018
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:
* PLEASE REFER TO RECENT AMENDMENTS SECTION FOR FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING RECENT CHANGES TO
GOVERNMENT PROCESSING FEES FOR ADDITIONAL DEPENDENTS.
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND OPTION:
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Effective 1st August, 2024 Processing Fees: US $20,000 for a family of up to four persons with incremental payments of US $10,000 for each additional dependent where the application consists of five (5) persons or more.
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Due Diligence Fees are US$8,500.00 Adults; US$4,000 for children aged 18-25 years; US$2,000 for dependent children aged 12-17 and FREE for dependent children aged 0-11 years;
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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.
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Due Diligence and Background Verification Checks are essential to ensure the maintenance and integrity of the Program.
REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS INVESTMENT OPTION:
Effective 1st August, 2024
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Processing Fees: US $20,000 for a family of up to four persons with incremental payments of US $10,000 for each additional dependent where the application consists of five (5) persons or more.
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Due Diligence Fees are US$8,500.00 Adults; US$4,000 for children aged 18-25 years; US$2,000 for dependent children aged 12-17 and FREE for dependent children aged 0-11 years;
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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.
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Due Diligence and Background Verification Checks are essential to ensure the maintenance and integrity of the Program.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
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
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:
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The applicant provides false information on his/her application forms;
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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;
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Is the subject of a criminal investigation;
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Is a potential National Security risk to Antigua and Barbuda or any other country;
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Is involved in any activity likely to cause disrepute to Antigua and Barbuda or:
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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.
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.
Effective 1st April, 2020 Iraq is no longer a part of the Restricted Countries List
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Afghanistan
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Iran
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North Korea
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Somalia
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Yemen
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Sudan (added February 2017)
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.
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.
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.
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT
Effective the 1st August, 2024, the Citizenship by Investment Program will allow the purchase of residences valued at a minimum of US$300,000 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.
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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.
For more information on the real estate included in Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment program please contact us.
HOW TO APPLY
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
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$10,000.00–NDF; US$10,000.00–Real Estate
· Due Diligence Fee: US$8,500.00
· Interview Fee, is now included in the Due Diligence Fee for the Principal Applicant
· 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$10,000.00 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.
HOW LONG DOES THE APPLICATION PROCESS TAKE?
Please Note:
Based on the volume of applications prior to effective change of rates on 1st August 2024, it is expected that the processing time for applications may be increased.
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.
© AIT INTERNATIONAL LIFESTYLE INVESTMENTS LTD.
CONTACT
Head Office
Global Commerce Centre Building
1st Floor
Old Parham Road, St. John's
Antigua & Barbuda
rtiwariantigualocalagent@usa.net
Tel: 268-460-7181
Fax: 268-460-8982
Inquiries
For any inquiries, questions or commendations, please call: 268-460-7181 or fill out the following form
PROFESSIONAL PROFILES
Romell Tiwari has been approved under the Citizenship by Investment Act and by the Citizenship by Investment Unit as a Licensed Local Agent under the program.
Romell Tiwari MBA, FCCA, C. Dir, IMCM has held senior accounting and financial administration positions for more than 30 years. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants in the U.K. (FCCA) and holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. He has extensive audit experience in the tourist hotel industry, statutory corporations and private businesses having worked with the International Audit firms of KPMG Peat Marwick and PricewaterhouseCoopers during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
He has served as Group Chief Financial Officer of the then Swiss American Banking Group Ltd in Antigua during 1991 through 1999 and helped establish the first Visa and MasterCard Local Currency Interchange Agreements in the Eastern Caribbean Region. He was the co-project leader for the successful conversion to new banking software including general ledger accounting systems for the banks during his tenure. He managed the Group’s Investment Portfolio during his tenure which had increased in excess of US$100 million at the time of his departure in 1999.
He was a consultant/internal auditor for the Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations during 1999 through 2003 and has worked on several project and system reviews in Europe, Africa, North America and the Caribbean region in collaboration with other European Donor Governments and International Institutions such as the World Bank and World Food Program.
He operates a financial services company that provides accounting, taxation and wealth management consultancy services for more than 16 years. He has extensive experience in banking, corporate finance, development of business plans for real estate project funding by banks and joint venture investors, forensic and efficiency reviews, advisory on establishment of mutual funds and bond issues, advisory on valuations/negotiations for sale of companies and financial advisory to Real Estate Developers and Investors.
He is a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda and is a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbean – Antigua Branch (ICAEC). He has a practicing certificate by the ICAEC and from the ACCA – UK. He was recently invited and accepted to sit on the Practicing Monitoring Committee for the ICAEC for a period of two years commencing 1st October 2019. He has served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee and is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors for a leading financial institution in Antigua and Barbuda and also sits on several Corporate Boards and Committees in Antigua, in the capacity as either Chairman or Director.
Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, The Honourable Gaston Browne and Romell Tiwari, FCCA MBA
© AIT INTERNATIONAL LIFESTYLE INVESTMENTS LTD.