Advantages of Acquiring Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
Global Mobility: Holders of an Antigua and Barbuda passport can access over 150 destinations visa-free or with visa-on-arrival, including Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and the Schengen Area in Europe.
Family Inclusion: The program allows for the inclusion of a spouse, dependent children under 31 (along with their spouses and children), parents and grandparents aged 55 and over, as well as unmarried siblings of any age. You can also add dependents after citizenship is granted.
Commonwealth Advantages: As a member of the Commonwealth, Antigua and Barbuda offers certain benefits in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
Desirable Location: Antigua and Barbuda is an appealing place to live or own a second home, featuring excellent air connections to North America and Europe.
Requirements for Acquiring Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
To be eligible for citizenship, applicants must be at least 18 years old and choose one of the following investment options:
- National Development Fund: Contribute a non-refundable amount of USD 230,000.
- University of the West Indies: Make a non-refundable contribution of USD 260,000.
- Real Estate: Invest at least USD 300,000 in an approved real estate project. Two applicants can combine their investments, with each contributing a minimum of USD 300,000. The property must be held for a minimum of five years.
- Business Investment: Purchase an eligible business for at least USD 1.5 million individually, or collaborate with others where each contributes at least USD 400,000, totalling at least USD 5 million.
Application Process and Timeline
The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) manages the program, processing applications and conducting detailed due diligence. The CIU will reject applications with false information or omissions.
Application Procedure: The process is relatively straightforward with reasonable documentary requirements. Once approved, the main applicant and dependents aged 16 and older must attend mandatory virtual interviews. Passports can be collected in person at the Antigua and Barbuda passport office. The entire process typically takes between four and five months from submission to issuance, assuming there are no complications.
Residency Requirement: New citizens must spend a minimum of five days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first five years of obtaining citizenship. For those investing in real estate, the timeframe may vary based on the project’s completion, so selecting a project that meets the necessary documentation requirements for the citizenship application is crucial.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
Frequently Asked Questions: Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program
What is the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program?
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program offers citizenship to individuals and their families in exchange for substantial economic contributions to the country.
What are the available investment options for this program?
Applicants for Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Program can select from several investment options, including:
- Real Estate: Invest in government-approved real estate projects. The property must meet the minimum investment requirement and be held for a specified period before resale.
- National Development Fund (NDF): Make a substantial, non-refundable donation to the NDF, which supports various national development projects.
- University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund: Contribute to the UWI Fund, which supports educational initiatives and development projects at the University.
- Business Investment: Directly invest in an eligible business that meets certain criteria and contributes to economic development, including job creation for Antiguans and Barbudans.
Each option has specific requirements and benefits, so it’s important for applicants to choose the path that best aligns with their goals and circumstances.
What are the advantages of acquiring Antigua and Barbuda citizenship through investment?
Benefits include visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, the ability to live, work, and study in Antigua and Barbuda, and enjoying the island’s tropical climate and stunning beaches.
What is the minimum investment requirement?
The minimum investment is USD 230,000 for a contribution to the National Development Fund.
How long does the application process take?
The process typically takes about four to five months from the submission of the application to the issuance of the citizenship.
Is it possible to include family members in the application?
Yes, that’s correct. Under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, the main applicant can include:
- Spouse: The applicant’s partner.
- Dependent Children: Children under 30 who are financially dependent on the main applicant and are in full-time education.
- Dependent Parents: Parents over 65 who are financially dependent on the main applicant.
Including these family members allows them to also gain citizenship, granting them the same rights and benefits as the main applicant.
What are the residency requirements?
Applicants who obtain citizenship through the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program are required to spend a minimum of five days in the country within the first five years of receiving their citizenship. This residency requirement is designed to ensure that new citizens have a meaningful connection to Antigua and Barbuda.
What documents are required to apply?
To apply for citizenship under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, you’ll need to provide several documents, including:
- Valid Passport: A current passport of the applicant.
- Proof of Investment: Documentation showing the financial contribution made, whether through donation, real estate, or business investment.
- Health Insurance: Evidence of health insurance coverage for the applicant and dependents.
- Clean Criminal Record: A police clearance certificate or similar document confirming that the applicant has no criminal record.
- Additional Supporting Documents: These may include proof of identity, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other documents as required by the Citizenship by Investment Unit.
The exact requirements can vary, so it’s important to consult with the Citizenship by Investment Unit or a licensed agent to ensure all necessary documents are provided.
What is the application process?
The process for obtaining citizenship under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program involves several key steps:
- Choose a Qualifying Investment Option: Select from one of the approved investment pathways, such as real estate, the National Development Fund, the University of the West Indies Fund, or a direct business investment.
- Submit the Application: Complete and submit the citizenship application form along with all required documents, including proof of investment, personal identification, and any other specified paperwork.
- Due Diligence Process: Undergo a thorough due diligence process conducted by the Citizenship by Investment Unit. This includes background checks to ensure the applicant has no criminal record and is of good character.
Successful completion of these steps will lead to a review of the application and, if approved, the issuance of citizenship.