Antigua and Barbuda is a state in the eastern Caribbean Sea, consisting of two islands of the same name, as well as Redonda Island. It is part of the Lesser Antilles group. The small picturesque country has a population of about 100,000 people and is an independent member of the British Commonwealth, which is headed by the Queen of Great Britain. The official language is English. Since 2013, Antigua and Barbuda grants citizenship for investment in the country’s economy. The process takes from six months. Foreigners choose one of 4 options for investors: irrevocable contribution to the state fund or university fund, purchase of real estate or opening a business.
In July 2024, the government signed a memorandum of understanding. Under it, the Caribbean states raised the minimum value of investments to $200,000. In the citizenship program, the changes affected the non-refundable deposit option – the investment amount increased from $100,000 to $230,000.
This article describes the main advantages of citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda, as well as the conditions for obtaining a passport of the Caribbean country and the peculiarities of life in it. This article will be primarily of interest for foreigners who wish to have citizenship by investments.
Why choose Antigua and Barbuda?
Considering a passport of Antigua and Barbuda could be one of the best decisions you will ever make. Why would you want to do that? It’s simple. Citizenship in this country offers you many prospects and privileges that can improve your life. If you are looking for the best way to protect your capital as well as gain freedom of movement without unnecessary restrictions, it is worth considering. Antigua and Barbuda offers passport holders many benefits such as visa-free access to a large number of countries, the ability to start a business and participate in the economy, and a high quality of life.
In addition, the process of becoming a citizen is relatively simple and quick. You will only need a few steps to start a new chapter of your life. Don’t miss the opportunity to become a citizen of a country with many rights and privileges. The chief advantages of obtaining new citizenship that make this country attractive to people from all over the world are:
Global mobility
One of the most attractive advantages is the possibility of visa-free travel to over the 145 countries. The passport of this country allows you to move freely and travel around the world without hassle and restrictions. You will be able to visit countries that require a visa for citizens of other countries without the need for additional authorizations.
Visa-free access can also be an important factor for those looking for new investment or business opportunities. Antigua and Barbuda citizenship opens the door to the international market and allows you to easily travel and do business in different countries. This can be particularly useful for entrepreneurs who want to expand outside of their home country and gain global mobility.
Tax benefits
The tax benefits are available to all of the citizens of this country. People thet have Antigua and Barbuda passport pay low tax on their income. This creates an attractive environment for entrepreneurs and investors who can expect to keep most of their hard earned money.
Also, there is no capital investment tax – citizens of Antigua and Barbuda don’t pay capital investment tax. This means that they can invest their money in a variety of assets without worrying about additional tax liabilities. Unlike some other countries, Antigua and Barbuda does not charge inheritance tax. This means that citizens can pass on their wealth to their heirs without additional financial obligations.
Returnable investments
The Program for foreign investors that want to make contribution with a great profit has been in operation since 2013. An investor receives citizenship if he or she makes a non-refundable contribution to a government fund, buys villas, apartments or invests in startups. Due to the myriad of benefits for investors, investing in the country’s economy or real estate can bring tangible returns in just a few years.
Obtaining citizenship through investment allows you to receive many new opportunities including travelling all over the world without visa, the ability to pay low taxes and other useful financial advantages. When you get a passport you not only become a citizen but also receive a huge package of benefits.
Visa-free travel to over 150 countries
With an Antigua passport, you can visit almost any country in the world without the need for a tourist visa. This allows you to travel around the world without having to wait for approval from a country’s visa center. Travelling without visa to various countries can be incredibly convenient, especially if you travel frequently or do business abroad. As a citizen of Caribbean country, you won’t have to spend time and energy applying for visas or waiting for them to be approved. This will allow you to plan your travel and business trips more freely, saving you time and money.
Dual citizenship options
The laws of Antigua and Barbuda allow citizens to hold multiple passports. This means that the investor and his family will not have to renounce citizenship of other countries. It is important to note that at the same time with the investor his relatives receive citizenship: spouse, children, parents, as well as brothers and sisters. The investor also has the opportunity to add family members. If he does this quickly, his family members listed in the application will also be able to obtain citizenship.
Fast process for obtaining a passport
Investors can obtain a second citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda in 6 months or less. This process is remote, but the investor has to travel to the country for 5 days during the first 5 years after receiving a passport. This advantage is particularly useful for those who wish to acquire a second citizenship as quickly as possible, such as businessmen who urgently need the option of global mobility.
How to apply for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment
If you are interested in becoming a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, here are detailed step instructions to help you:
- Research Investment Programs: The first step is to research the available investment programs. Read the requirements, costs and terms and conditions of each program to choose the most suitable one for your needs.
- Gather the required documents: Once you have selected an investment program, you will need to collect all docs and information to apply. This may include passport, birth certificates, bank statements and other documents.
- Apply: Once you have all the documents and information prepared, you can apply for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship. The application must be submitted to the appropriate authorities and you must pay all required fees and charges.
- Application Review: The application for receiving a passport will be reviewed by the official authorities who will verify all the documents and information provided. If successful, you will be granted citizenship.
- Obtaining a passport: Once you finally get your passport, you can travel the world freely, enjoy quality of life and financial benefits.
The undeniable advantage of this country’s investment program is that you have 4 investment options to obtain a Caribbean passport.
Donation to the National Development Fund
This method involves making a donation to the National Development Fund, a non-profit organization overseen by Parliament. The funds raised in this way are spent on government controlled projects and charity.
If you are applying for a second passport for a large family of 5 or more, the non-refundable contribution to the fund will remain the same, but the government processing fee will increase by $10,000 for each additional dependent.
Purchase of real estate on the islands of Antigua and Barbuda
This method of obtaining an Antigua and Barbuda passport involves the purchase of island real estate worth at least $300,000 in projects from developers authorized by the authorities. The amount required to invest in real estate does not depend on the number of people in the investor’s application. Additional fees include administrative fees for application processing, due diligence and taxes.
Government-approved projects are usually resort complexes, expensive residential real estate in prestigious areas and tourist infrastructure. For $300,000 you can buy a share in a high-class hotel or SPA-salon under construction, so that in the future through the management company to receive a small but stable rental income. The minimum period of ownership of purchased real estate in Antigua and Barbuda is 5 years, after which you can sell it and return the money invested.
Business investment
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship for investment program provides an option for wealthy foreigners who are ready not only to invest in the island economy, but also to earn money. Under this option, investments are made in newly established or existing businesses approved by the authorities. There are 2 business investment options available:
- For a single investor – investment of $1,500,000 in an approved business project. For an investor as part of a team of entrepreneurs – investment of $400,000 or more, provided that the total investment of all project participants is at least $5,000,000.
- Donation to the University of the West Indies Foundation – The investment amount is from $260,000. This investment option is only suitable for investors who plan to obtain citizenship for all members of their family of 6 or more people.
In order to obtain economic citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda, you will need to make a $260,000 donation to one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the Caribbean. As a token of appreciation, the directorate will allow one member of your family to attend the University of the West Indies for one year free of charge. Apart from the main advantages of becoming a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, there are others that deserve no less attention. These include, for example, quality of life, climate and excellent health care.
Living in Antigua and Barbuda
One of the important factors to consider when considering Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is access to quality education and health care. This country has an advanced education and healthcare system, making it attractive to families with children and those who value their health and well-being.
Antigua and Barbuda is not only a country with economic and financial advantages, but also a place where you can enjoy a high quality of life and comfort. These islands offer a wonderful climate, beautiful nature and unique culture that make them attractive to tourists and residents.
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship gives you the opportunity to live in one of the most beautiful countries in the Caribbean. You can enjoy life on white sand beaches, swim in the warm sea and take in the beautiful views. In addition, Antigua and Barbuda offers a variety of entertainment and activities such as sporting events, cultural festivals and restaurants with excellent cuisine.
FAQ
The minimum age to obtain a country’s passport for investment is 18 years of age.
There are four options available to investors: non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund or the University of the West Indies Foundation, purchase of real estate, investment in business.
The timeframe for obtaining a passport is from six months. You do not need to live in the country, but you must spend five days in the islands during the first five years.
