Citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda

Our world is increasingly demanding free movement, finding a place to live in case of unforeseen circumstances. Those wishing to live in the Caribbean can take advantage of the country's programmes in the Lesser Antilles. The programs are available for students, families, relocants, businessmen, and close relatives.

The passports of the fraternal islands of Antigua and Barbuda are acquired by naturalization in 4 years. Wealthy people can invest in real estate, sponsor local businesses, state and university funds. Based on this, after 6 months, the country issues legal statuses and passports.

Obtaining methods

Programs for foreigners are among the most promising. They are created based on the Law "On Citizenship". Regulation No.2 on investment was adopted back in 2013. Since 2014-2023, about 2,900 applications have been processed and 7,305 passports have been issued to families. The requirements for obtaining the status differ depending on the chosen method.

Naturalization

Before that, foreigners are required to find groundings to obtain an annual visa. Expats can choose work, university studies, and entrepreneurship. The cost of visas for business and study is $350, work – $180.

How long does it take to get a passport?

After living on a residence permit in the territory for 4 years without a break for 6 months, they have the right to apply for permanent residence by providing documents.

The list of documents:

• scan of passport with biometrics;
• certificates from the police confirming the place of residence and the period of residence;
• receipt of fee payment;
• medical health certificate;
• grounding for staying on the islands;
• a certificate from the fiscal authority on payment of taxes;
• documents upon request of service staff. 

Applicants are invited to an interview with the Department of Immigration. After registration of the status on the basis of permanent residence, a passport is issued for 3 weeks for 5 years.

Family reunification

Close relatives can come to the island state on a family visa. Antigua and Barbuda allows the relatives to live on the territory for 2 years without the need for a periodic extension. The migration authorities offer foreigners this type of visa for couples, children and parents for $200. Permanent residence in the territory allows you to apply for citizenship. The package is standard, plus documents to confirm family ties.

Marriage and birth

In a Moscow suburban area live more people than in the tourist center of the Caribbean. This makes it difficult to find a match, but the problem is solved at the expense of tourists and students. After marriage, one of the newlyweds immediately submits documents for long-term residence permit to the Passport Office. After a year of living together – for the status. In this case, the interview is canceled. Children born on the islands become citizens automatically, except for the descendants of diplomats. Foreigners born before the fall of 1981 can apply for residency if the parent, close relatives had passports.

Investments

Because of the possibility of a remote way of legal procedure, the opportunity to get a passport in 6 months people with payment ability choose to invest. 4 types of sponsorship have been developed for them. The requirements for them are standard, the legal procedures are simple and understandable

Options:

• non-refundable donations to the National Fund;
• repayable capital investments in real estate;
• business subsidies;
• investment in the Leading University Foundation (UWI).

Dual Citizenship

A sovereign state with islands of the same name recognizes the legal status of other countries, subject to the conclusion of official agreements. This allows dual nationals (persons with two passports) to expand their interests in their professional activities and maintain ties with their homeland. Foreigners optionally choose a jurisdiction for military service and tax residency.

First-generation descendants inherit dual statuses by parents. In the absence of an agreement, the island state does not insist on the refusal of the first, but considers its passport a priority.

Recent program reforms

The governments of the Commonwealth of Caribbean countries have abandoned the old pricing model. In the early summer of 2024, together with Grenada, Saint Kitts, Nevis and Dominica, the CIU Citizenship Department signed a Memorandum (MOA) and set minimum financial thresholds. The MOA was a response to criticism from Europe and America about the lack of security.

The governments of 4 island states claim that the revision of the law is the first step towards changing regional standards and regulatory integration. The agreement, paragraph-by-paragraph, sets out changes to the basic citizenship-by-subsidy program.

That relate to:

• documents of applicants;
• assistance of the authorities;
• payments;
• common communication standards. 

The Commonwealth of Nations is planning to create a joint digital portal for the exchange of operational information.

What determines the cost of citizenship

The cost of passports of the countries of the Caribbean Commonwealth depends on the type of investment, the number of family members. Each country has it's own rules in this regard.

In Grenada, the amount of donation to the National Development Fund was $235,000 for 1-4 people. An additional payment of $25,000 for each dependent. The cost of the project with the purchase of real estate is $270,000.

Saint Lucia announced a minimum threshold of $240,000 for a family of 4 and $300,000 for the purchase of real estate, administrative fees. No changes to the CIP National Action Bond return option have been announced.

Since August, contributions to the Dominica Fund have been twice as high – $200,000 for one person and $250,000 for 4 people. For the option of buying a house or a commercial object, the amount has remained the same ($200,000), only fees have increased. Now the state tax is $75,000 for one, $100,000 for a family with two children. For other dependents under the age of 18 – plus 25,000 US dollars, older – 40,000. In the summer of 2023, St. Kitts and Nevis raised investment contributions to $250,000.

Benefits of Citizenship

The island state offers status to persons even without citizenship for subsidies with the possibility of remote registration. Investors are attracted by the financial and cryptocurrency sectors, offshore banks that conduct settlements in different currencies. Deposits in euros and dollars are protected from fiscal control.

The blue passport has diplomatic power, and serves as an "alternate airfield" in case of unforeseen circumstances. It allows one to travel to 152 countries, including visits to popular locations in Europe. Residents can go to the carnival in Brazil or Oktoberfest in Germany. E-visas are required to visit Sri Lanka or Australia. In Egypt and other countries, stamps are applied at the borders.

The islands have a high safety index. There are 6 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants every year. For the population of 98,000, this is a low statistic. The territory has an English justice system that protects private property and personal data.

Other preferences:

• Citizens of the country receive B-1/ -2 for 10 years in America. They allow the stay for 180 days, take short-term courses simultaneously, or start a startup.
• Antigua and Barbuda is a member of CARICOM. This opens up opportunities for business development in the Caribbean region.
• There is no income tax or personal income tax in the jurisdiction. The resident does not pay duties on capital gains, dividends from world income.
• Sponsors have the right to resell the property after the deadline in the form of shares or stocks.
• The children of investors study on a preferential basis or for free at the prestigious University of the West Indies. 

Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda

The country of the British Commonwealth thrives not only due to tourism, which gives 50% of GDP, but also direct foreign subsidies. Programs have been developed for investors to obtain passports through investments.

Contributions to NDF

During the existence of the CIU project, 77% of foreigners chose non-refundable contributions to non-profit foundations. It is under parliamentary supervision and controlled by an accredited auditing company. The amount is adjusted depending on the size of the family. Antigua and Barbuda is offering the following amounts, in US dollars, to the National Development Fund (NTF):

• 230,000 per family of 1-4 people;
• 245,000 for 5 applicants; 
• 300,000 for 6 applicants together with administrative fees;
• 10,000-20,000 for the processing of applications;
• 8,500-13,500 – verification of sources of income and reputation;
• 1,500 – interview;
• 300 for each passport.

Business investments

Attracting foreign capital is a profitable option for large investments in the economy and the opportunity to make a profit. By law, foreigners are required to sponsor an island company for up to $1.5 million. The project allows equity contributions of $5 million. Each participant contributes with a sum starting from $400,000.

Donations to the University

A family of 6 can contribute $260,000 to the University of the West Indies. Non-refundable contributions to the Fund allow one child under the age of 29 to study free of charge at one of the faculties, to receive a one-year scholarship. In addition to core funding, sponsors are forced to pay for services. Expenditure in $:

• Due Diligence verification for one – $8,500;
• for the second spouse – $5,000;
• dependents aged $12-17 – $2,000; 
• 18 + – $4,000;
• standard interview and certificate fees.

Returnable real estate investments

Since August of the current year, the investor is obliged to invest $320,000 in the objects of the twin islands, to own the acquired property for 5 years. The house or share can be resold 2 times. The owner has the right to lease the object and receive up to 6% of the annual income. The possibility of joint investments is not excluded, when sponsors acquire a hotel for $640,000 and give it under control.

In the Caribbean English-speaking jurisdiction, more often elite housing is bought on the coast. More affordable prices are within the country. In the fast-growing capital of St. John, houses are being sold for $700,000-4,500,000. The provinces offer studios ($300,000), condominiums with access to the beach ($800,000). For buyers, lists of objects approved by the government have been drafted. Tax -2.5% of the cost.

Step-by-step citizenship registration

The procedure, starting from submitting an application to issuing a passport, takes up to 6 months, provided that the documents are properly executed. Compared to other countries where investors are naturalized for 3 years, this is one of the key advantages.

It takes up to 3 months for the application to be considered.

Who can get citizenship with an investor

Together with the investor, dependents under the age of 30, parents of spouses, grandparents can apply for passports. Authorities approve children with disabilities under the age of 11 without verifications. The number of relatives in the application is unlimited, but you need to pay a registration fee for each.

Documents collection

First, the applicant needs to decide on the investment route, then entrust the process to a licensed agent. It begins with a client agreement, filling out approved application samples, and verification of the documents. Because of the innovations, candidates need to prepare for a rigorous vetting process. The specialist certifies the translations, fills out the AB-1 form, collects official papers.

Document Listing

For the file you need:

• color scans of passports and 8 photos;
• copy of marriage certificate
• metrics of adults and children;
• police clearance certificate for the last 10 years;
• proof of address and signature; 
• health certificate of participants in the 12+ program.

The main applicant indicates the sources of origin of funds, confirms solvency by a letter from a bank with international accreditation. In addition, attach a professional opinion from the accountant/asset attorney, an affidavit (guarantee) on the sponsorship of the family.

Application

The files of applicants and participants of the program from 12 + are first sent to the local Department of Citizenship. The police will check the main candidate for trustworthiness in the databases. Control of tax and financial reporting helps to make an objective assessment of the reputation, ways of earning capital, and increase the investment attractiveness of the upcoming transaction.

Examination and decision

After examination of the dossier, the "Initial Approval" comes to the mail. The letter means a positive decision. It authorizes the payment of funds under the selected program. Candidates 16 + are then interviewed online. Knowledge of the English language suffices for conversation.

The certificate of naturalization and passport for 5 years are ready in a month after the investment. Documents are sent to remote customers by mail at the place of residence. Holders of the first 5 years need to come to the country for at least 5 days.

Cons of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

One of the disadvantages of living on fraternal islands is considered to be the violation of privacy. Residents know each other, and this makes life open to observers. Many note a narrower range of goods compared to Europe.

The disadvantages also include the limited validity of the passport and extra costs for registration. When replacing, you need to pay $1,500 for an adult and $1,000 for a child, a bank commission, and agent services.

There is no double taxation agreement between the islands and some other countries. When receiving profit from rent or commercial activities, residents are required to declare amounts in their homeland and pay interest.