Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment – The Ultimate Guide by Experts
Unlocking Opportunities in the Caribbean
Safe haven
For the whole family
$100,000
Minimum investment
$100,000
Family of four
3+ months
Obtaining period
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program (sometimes called the Antigua and Barbuda Investor Visa) offers foreign investors the opportunity to obtain Caribbean citizenship in exchange for a minimum investment in the country. Investment options include a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund or the University of the West Indies Fund, a real estate investment, or an enterprise investment.
Keep reading to discover the best investment option for you and your family and take the first step towards obtaining citizenship and becoming an Antigua and Barbuda passport holder.
Why choose a Caribbean passport?
- To access greater global mobility. As an Antigua and Barbuda passport holder, you can enjoy visa-free travel to more than 140 countries, including China, Hong Kong, Russia, the Schengen Zone, Singapore, and the UK.
- To obtain second citizenship for yourself and your family members in a country that offers stability and opportunity.
- To benefit from favorable tax policies. Antigua and Barbuda citizenship means no income tax on worldwide income, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax.
- To benefit from Antigua and Barbuda’s thriving tourism industry by making a high-end tourist real estate investment.
- To enjoy the benefits of being a Caribbean citizen without having to reside there. Particularly beneficial if you travel frequently for work.
- To enjoy your golden years of retirement in a peaceful, bright, and beautiful slice of Caribbean paradise.
Citizenship by Investment - What You Need to Know
Citizenship by investment is a term used to refer to programs that aim to increase foreign direct investment and economic development in a country by offering investors a route to obtain citizenship through economic investment. Also known as economic citizenship or golden visa programs, there are five Caribbean countries that offer citizenship by investment (CBI) programs: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia.
Each of these countries has a Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) that oversees and regulates its CBI program in accordance with each country’s laws. The Investment Unit processes each application, assessing the documentation provided and conducting stringent due diligence checks to confirm the identity, financial profile, and security profile of all applicants aged 16 and over. This due diligence process is a crucial step in maintaining the program’s credibility and ensuring its longevity.
The investment routes for obtaining citizenship under a Caribbean CBI program are generally a non-refundable donation to a government fund or a real estate investment. Some countries offer additional options, such as creating a business enterprise, contributing to an educational institution, or even government bonds. Family members can be included in your application, and once granted, citizenship is generally lifelong and passed down to future generations.
10 Benefits of the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Program
1
Ultimate plan B
Having a second citizenship gives you and your family the freedom and flexibility of global mobility.
2
Family inclusion
Your spouse (or even future spouse), dependent children, siblings, parents, and grandparents can be included in your application to become Barbuda passport holders.
3
Dual citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda recognizes dual citizenship, meaning you can retain your original citizenship.
4
Affordable investment options
The minimum investment amount is $100,000 for a solo applicant or family of up to four. For a family of six or more, this amount is $150,000.
5
Fast application process
Your application will be processed, citizenship granted, and Antigua passport issued within three to four months.
6
Attractive tax regime
Antigua and Barbuda citizens benefit from no income tax, wealth tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax.
7
Limited residency requirements
You do not need to visit Antigua and Barbuda at any point during your application process, which can be completed remotely. During the first five calendar years after being granted citizenship, you only need to spend five days in the country.
8
No language tests or academic requirements
Applicants to the Antigua citizenship program are not required to sit and pass any language tests or meet any kind of academic requirements.
9
Visa-free travel
Antigua passport holders enjoy visa-free access to over 140 countries, including Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the Schengen Zone, and the UK. The Antigua and Barbuda passport ranking is 59th on the Global Passport Index.
10
US visa opportunity
Antigua and Barbuda citizens are eligible to apply for a ten-year B-1/B-2 Visa to the US. This visa enables you to spend up to 180 days each year in the US, during which you can travel, conduct business conferences and meetings, and obtain treatment in clinics if necessary.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Requirements
To apply to the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program, you must:
- Be over 18 years of age
- Prove you are of excellent character with bank statements and employer references.
- Have a clean criminal record
- Be in excellent health
- Be able to make the required qualifying investment
- Partake in a mandatory virtual interview (applies to applications submitted on or after 15 December 2023)
- Spend at least five days in Antigua and Barbuda during the first five calendar years of registering as a citizen of the nation.
- Be able to take the Oath of Allegiance in Antigua and Barbuda or at a Consulate, Embassy, or High Commission of the country.
Antigua and Barbuda restricted countries list
Individuals from a restricted country are not eligible to apply to the citizenship by investment program:
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Important note: Individuals born in a restricted country can apply for the program under the following circumstances:
- They migrated prior to the age of majority, and/or
- They have maintained permanent residence in any country not on the restricted list for at least ten years and have no economic ties to any country on this list.
The following family members are eligible to be included in your Antigua and Barbuda citizenship application:
- Spouse or future spouse
- Children below the age of 18
- Children between 18 and 30 who are supported by the main applicant or spouse (including their spouse and dependent children)
- Dependent children aged 18 or older who are mentally/physically challenged
- Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse aged 55 and over who are financially supported by the main applicant or spouse
- Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouse
Note: For applications submitted on or after 15 December 2023, all family members aged 16 and above will take part in a virtual interview.
Get in touch with a Citizenship by Investment Specialist
Our team of industry-leading experts will help you with everything from filing your immigration application to providing professional legal and tax advice. We are wholly committed to your success.
Antigua Citizenship Investment Options
Antigua and Barbuda offers four investment options under the Citizenship by Investment Program: The National Development Fund, real estate investment, the University of the West Indies Fund, or business investment. In this section, we look at the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment cost, which includes the minimum required investment and other fees, such as due diligence fees, processing fees, passport fees, etc.
Option 1
National Development Fund (NDF)
One way of obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is by making a National Development Fund contribution. The non-refundable contribution starts at $100,000 for families of up to four.
By contributing to the fund, investors are contributing directly to the growth and development of this stunning Caribbean nation. Money from the fund is used to support government-sponsored projects, public-private partnerships, and approved charitable investments that improve the living conditions of the nation’s inhabitants.
Single applicant or Family of up to four | Family of five or more | |
Minimum donation | $100,000 | $125,000 |
Processing fees | $30,000 | $15,000 for each additional applicant |
Due Diligence fees | Main applicant and spouse: $7,500 each Family member older than 18: $4,000 each Family member aged 12 to 17: $2,000 each | Main applicant and spouse: $7,500 each Family member older than 18: $4,000 each Family member aged 12 to 17: $2,000 each |
Passport fee | $300 per passport | $300 per passport |
Interview fee | $1,500 per application | $1,500 per application |
Option 2
Real estate
Investing in real estate projects is the perfect way for you to enjoy the benefits of Antigua and Barbuda’s thriving and profitable tourism industry. Investment options include shares in government-approved high-end tourist accommodation projects that can be resold after five years.
Single applicant or Family of up to four | Family of five or more | |
Minimum donation | $200,000 | $200,000 |
Processing fees | $30,000 | $15,000 per additional applicant |
Due Diligence | Main applicant and spouse: $7,500 each Dependant older than 18: $4,000 each Dependant aged 12 to 17: $2,000 each | Main applicant and spouse: $7,500 each Dependant older than 18: $4,000 each Dependant aged 12 to 17: $2,000 each |
Passport fee | $300 per passport | $300 per passport |
Interview fee | $1,500 per application | $1,500 per application |
Option 3
University of the West Indies Fund
Contributing to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund is an affordable option for families of six or more looking to obtain citizenship through Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI program. A unique benefit of choosing this option is that one of the family members is entitled to a one-year tuition-only scholarship to the University of the West Indies.
Family of six or more | Additional family member | |
Minimum donation | $150,000 | $150,000 |
Processing fees | No fee | $15,000 per additional applicant |
Due Diligence fees | Main applicant and spouse: $7,500 each Family member older than 18: $4,000 each Family member aged 12 to 17: $2,000 each | Main applicant and spouse: $7,500 each Family member older than 18: $4,000 each Family member aged 12 to 17: $2,000 each |
Passport fee | $300 per passport | $300 per passport |
Interview fee | $1,500 per application | $1,500 per application |
Option 4
Business investment
Under this route, you can invest in a local government-approved business project in areas including commerce, engineering, and tourism. There are two business investment options – a solo investment or joint investment – that encourage foreign direct investment in the country. Both options have a minimum contribution amount to qualify for citizenship.
Family of six or more | Additional family member | |
Minimum donation | Option 1: $1,500,000 as a solo investor $400,000 in a joint enterprise of $5,000,000 | Option 1: $1,500,000 as a solo investor $400,000 in a joint enterprise of $5,000,000 |
Processing fees | No fee | $15,000 per additional applicant |
Due Diligence | Main applicant and spouse: $7,500 each Dependant older than 18: $4,000 each Dependant aged 12 to 17: $2,000 each | Main applicant and spouse: $7,500 each Dependant older than 18: $4,000 each Dependant aged 12 to 17: $2,000 each |
Passport fee | $300 per passport | $300 per passport |
Interview fee | $1,500 per application | $1,500 per application |
Including family members at a later stage
The Antigua and Barbuda CBI program is the only one allowing applicants to include additional family members after the conclusion of the citizenship process. Dependents must, of course, meet the eligibility requirements, and the applicant will need to pay an inclusion fee:
- $10,000 for a dependent child up to five years old
- $20,000 for a dependent child between the ages of six and 17
- $50,000 for a spouse or dependent aged 18 and older
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Antigua and Barbuda CBI Pros and Cons
Pros
Family-friendly
A big advantage of Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI program is that it offers the most affordable investment route for large families, starting at just $100,000 for a family of four (National Development Fund option), or $150,000 for a family of six (University of the West Indies Fund option).
International connection
Regular direct flights from the island to major cities across the globe (including London, Miami, Montreal, New York, and Toronto) facilitate visa-free travel opportunities available to Antigua passport holders.
Several investment options
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program offers four investment options: Two fund donation options, real estate investment, and enterprise investment.
Tax optimization
Residents don't pay personal income tax, wealth tax, inheritance tax, capital gains tax, or taxes on dividends, royalties, and interest, enabling individuals and families to plan and optimize their finances for the future.
Dual citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda recognizes dual citizenship, which enables greater visa-free travel opportunities for Antigua passport holders.
US visa opportunity
Antigua and Barbuda citizens can apply for a ten-year B-1/B-2 Visa to the US, allowing them to spend up to 180 days per year in the US – a great opportunity for business and travel prospects.
Cons
Travel requirement
Antigua and Barbuda is the only Caribbean citizenship by investment program that requires applicants to visit the country. However, citizens only need to spend five days in Antigua and Barbuda during the first five years after obtaining citizenship and a Barbuda passport.
Weather conditions
Like other Caribbean islands, Antigua and Barbuda can experience extreme weather in the form of hurricanes. However, these occur during a specific season, which makes it easier to plan around.
Citizenship is not inherited
Antigua and Barbuda does not allow investors to pass their citizenship down to future generations. However, investors are able to add family members to their citizenship applications within five years of obtaining an Antigua passport.
Limited double tax treaties
Antigua and Barbuda has double tax treaties with other CARICOM countries, Germany, and the UK. This means that you may be required to pay tax in all countries in which you hold citizenship.
Step-by-Step Application Process
After making your decision to pursue Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment, Global Citizen Solution’s team of experts will take you through each step of the application process, as outlined here:
1. Choose your investment route
Assess and choose the investment option to best serve the needs of you and your family - a donation to the National Development Fund or University of the West Indies Fund, investing in shares of an approved real estate project, or making a business investment.
2. Document preparation
Global Citizen Solutions will provide you with all the necessary forms you need to complete for your application. In addition to this, you must collect all the supporting documents required to submit your application.
3. Submit your application through GCS
Our expert team will submit your application on your behalf in accordance with the requirements of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). The CIU will not accept applications submitted directly by applicants and requires that you submit yours through an Authorized Agent.
4. Receive approval from the CIU
The CIU will conduct a thorough due diligence check, which involves a mandatory virtual interview, to ensure that your application meets their requirements. Within 60 to 90 days of submission, successful applicants will receive an approval letter stating their application is 'approved in principle'.
5. Make your investment and send confirmation
Once you have received your confirmation letter, you must make the required minimum investment and send proof to the CIU.
6. Become an Antigua and Barbuda citizen
The final step in the citizenship process is to take the Oath of Allegiance at an Antigua and Barbuda Consulate, Embassy, or High Commission. Once you have been granted Antigua citizenship, you and your family members will receive your passports at an address of your choice.
Documents Required for Citizenship by Investment
The following list is an indication of the documents required to submit your Antigua citizenship by investment application. The CIU may request additional documents if necessary.
- Citizenship by Investment Application Form AB1
- Photograph and Signature Certificate Form AB2
- Medical Certificate Form AB3
- Investment Confirmation Form AB4
- Agent Form AB5
- Antigua and Barbuda Passport L Form – 16 and older
- Antigua and Barbuda Passport M Form – under 16
- Real Estate Developer Application Form AB8
- Business Investment Application Form AB9
- Representatives and Service Providers Forms AB6
- Agent’s License Form AB7
- Completed application forms – AB1-5
- Completed citizenship by investment forms (depending on chosen investment route) – AB8-9
- Original police certificate from your country of citizenship/residence (required for each country in which you have lived for six or more consecutive months since the age of 18)
- Original excerpt of full birth record or certified copy of birth certificate
- Certified copy of proof of name change (if applicable)
- Certified copy of current passport(s) showing:
- Name
- Photo
- Citizenship/nationality
- Date and place of issue
- Expiry date
- Passport number
- Country of issue
- Eight original passport-sized photos of each applicant taken within the last six months (One in each set of eight must be certified)
- Medical certificate including original results of an HIV test (not older than three months). HIV tests are required for all applicants aged 12 and older.
- At least one original bank reference letter issued by an internationally recognized bank (not older than six months)
- At least one original professional reference from an attorney, notary public, official accountant, etc. (not older than six months)
- Proof of residential address (original document, e.g., certified copy of a recent utility bill/bank statement showing full name and address, written confirmation from an attorney, bank, chartered accountant, or notary public, etc.)
- Original excerpt of marriage record or certified copy of marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Certified copy of divorce documents (if applicable)
- Statement of the source of funds to be invested in Antigua and Barbuda
- Affidavit of support for each dependent over 18 years old (excl. spouse)
- Certified copy of Military Records or exemption from military service (if applicable)
- Copy of duly executed real estate contract, i.e., Purchase and Sale Agreement (submitted with application forms)
- Evidence of title transfer (submitted once applicant receives approval in principle)
Supporting documents included in your application for citizenship must be certified and authenticated according to the law of the document’s jurisdiction of origin.
The individual certifying the document must provide the following information:
- Full name (in capitals)
- Capacity in which they are acting
- Residential or business address
- Telephone number
- E-mail address
If a notary public certifies a document as a true copy of the original, the document must be authenticated by an apostille according to the provisions of the Hague Convention, which abolish the requirement for legislation for foreign public documents (if the jurisdiction is party to the convention). The relevant government department must validate the notary public’s certificate if the jurisdiction is not party to the convention.
Taxes in Antigua and Barbuda
Tax considerations
Tax rates in Antigua and Barbuda are as follows:
- Antigua and Barbuda sales tax (ABST) is typically fixed at 15 percent and is levied on local consumption. Hotels pay a lower rate of 10.5 percent, and holiday accommodations pay a rate of 12.5 percent.
- The business and corporate tax rate is 25 percent of net profits. Companies can qualify for concessions such as a 20-year tax holiday on profits.
- Properties are subject to property tax based on the market value construction replacement cost. The tax rate will depend on whether the property is residential or commercial.
Why choose Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua and Barbuda is widely known as a twin-island nation made up of two main islands – Antigua and Barbuda, both of which are inhabited – and several smaller islands.
Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, this stunning nation boasts a very unique feature. Visitors will find 365 beaches across the country, one for each day of the year. These pristine beaches, with their sparkling blue waters and fabulous weather, are a great attraction for many tourists looking for a relaxing island getaway. In fact, the country’s tourism sector is thriving and produces over 60 percent of its GDP. The government and financial services sector are also successful industries that provide further investment opportunities.
Antigua and Barbuda’s political climate is known for its stability, with a transparent system of governance – including a supportive legal framework, competitive tax rates, and investment incentives – that encourages foreign investment in the country. The official language spoken here is English, with locals speaking a dialect known as Patois. There is also a sizable portion of the population that speaks Spanish.
Birdwatchers will likely know that Barbuda is home to the largest colony of Frigate birds in the Western hemisphere, with more than 2,500 roosting in the mangroves of Codrington Lagoon National Park each year. Antigua and Barbuda is also known for its delicious local cuisine, particularly its national dish, Fungee – a bread ball similar to the Italian polenta made of cornmeal mixed with okra. Fresh fish, seasoned rice, and jerk chicken are also top choices when it comes to the local cuisine.
What you may not be aware of is the fact that there are no rivers or lakes throughout the entire island of Antigua. The island also has no mountains or forests, distinguishing it from other islands.
What Antigua has plenty of is beaches – 365 to be exact. In fact, you’ll find some of the Caribbean’s most stunning beaches here, with everything from lively beach bars and secluded coves to watersport activities and beautiful shells. These beaches also boast plenty of excellent surfing spots for surfers of all ages and experience levels.
Visit Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda has a major airport called VC Bird International Airport, located northeast of the city of St John’s. Many international airlines operate flights to Antigua and Barbuda. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have regular flights from the UK, while American Airlines, Delta, and United have regular flights from the US.
LIAT operates inter-Caribbean flights between Caribbean islands such as St Kitts, St Maarten, and Dominica, and it is also possible to reach the island by boat, water ferry, or cruise ship. On the island, many find the best way to get around is by car or taxi. Bus services also operate on the island, but can sometimes be unreliable.
As you can no doubt see, Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Program stands as a compelling option for individuals seeking to secure a second citizenship in a picturesque Caribbean nation. Through a carefully crafted combination of investment options, fast processing times, and a welcoming attitude towards foreign investors, the Barbuda CBI program has become an attractive way for investors and their families to access the numerous benefits of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.
As we’ve explored throughout this article, the program offers investors a chance to contribute to the nation’s development while simultaneously enhancing their own global mobility, financial security, and lifestyle. With its commitment to transparency, robust due diligence procedures, and a focus on attracting high-quality individuals, Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Program has established itself as a reputable and reliable choice in the world of investment migration.
In a world where international travel, business opportunities, and personal security are of paramount importance, the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program opens doors to a brighter future. It represents a meaningful commitment to progress and prosperity, both for individuals and for the vibrant Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda itself.
Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?
- Global approach by local experts. We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean CBI programs.
- 100 percent approval rate. We have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial, free-of-charge, due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
- Independent service and full transparency. We will present to you all the investment options available, and all expenses will be discussed in advance, with no hidden fees.
- An all-encompassing solution. A multidisciplinary team of immigration lawyers, investment specialists, and tax experts will take into consideration all of your and your family’s mobility, tax, and lifestyle needs.
- Confidential service and secure data management. All private data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
- Authorized International Marketing Agent. Global Citizen Solutions is licensed by the Antigua and Barbuda government to promote the country’s CBI program and act as a CIP International Marketing Agent for Antigua and Barbuda.
Get in touch with a Caribbean Citizenship by Investment specialist
Frequently Asked Questions About Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment cost starts from $100,000 for a single applicant or family of up to four for the National Development Fund route. Other fees include processing fees, due diligence fees, an interview fee, and passport fees, which can vary depending on the number of family members included in the application.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Program (sometimes called the Antigua and Barbuda Investor Visa) offers four investment routes: A donation to the National Development Fund (NDF), a donation to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund, a real estate investment, or a business investment. To qualify, the investor must be over 18, pass a background check, and be able to make the qualifying investment. Once you obtain citizenship, the personal visit required is only five days during the first five years of citizenship.
There are many benefits to the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment (CBI) program. For example, investors can include family members in their application as well as at a later date following the granting of citizenship. Antigua and Barbuda passport holders also enjoy visa-free travel to over 140 countries (including the UK, Singapore, South Korea, and the Schengen Zone), low tax rates, and more.
This will depend on your individual circumstances and the benefits you would like to enjoy. Overall, however, it is worth obtaining Antigua citizenship. The passport is ranked 59th on our Global Passport Index, as it offers exceptional visa-free access, tax benefits, dual citizenship, quality of life, a sustainable future, and more. You can also include dependents (unmarried siblings, dependent children, spouse, etc.) in your Antigua citizenship application at a later date, an option not offered by other Caribbean CBI programs.
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment requirements include making an investment in an approved real estate project, donate to a government fund or university fund, or make a business investment (solo or joint investment). The minimum investment starts from $100,000. You can’t be from (or have economic ties to) any restricted country to apply. With Antigua citizenship, you enjoy several benefits, such as greater visa-free access and dual citizenship.