Citizenship by Investment in Antigua & Barbuda
- One of the most popular citizenship programmes in the world
- Visa-free travel to over 154 countries
- Favourable tax system
Minimum Investment Amount
$230,000
Processing Time
4 - 6 Months
Key Residency Benefit
Visa Free Travel
Why is Antigua & Barbuda a popular investment location?
Antigua and Barbuda is a stunning Caribbean nation known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and warm climate.
While Antigua and Barbuda is made up of two main islands, the country also includes several smaller islands. Around 98% of the population resides in Antigua and is where the capital city of St. John’s is located.
The country is home to a number of historical sites, as well as 365 idyllic beaches, one for every day of the year. Antigua also has one of the most popular carnival celebrations in the Caribbean.
English is the official language spoken in Antigua and Barbuda. However, Antiguan and Barbudan Creole are also widely spoken.
About the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment programme
Antigua and Barbuda is home to 365 beautiful beaches and one of the world’s most popular citizenship by investment programmes.
The Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment programme was launched by the government in 2013 and is the most cost-effective programme of its kind across all Caribbean countries.
A family of four can obtain citizenship in the Commonwealth country with a minimum investment of only $230,000 as a government donation with a short processing time of only 4-6 months.
What are the Benefits of Citizenship by Investment in Antigua & Barbuda?
Most cost-effective programme for a family of four
Visa-free access to over 160 countries and dual citizenship
The Antigua & Barbuda CBI programme offers family reunification
An attractive tax regime
As a citizen, you can live, work and study there
Benefits associated with living in a Commonwealth country
How to obtain Citizenship by Investment in Antigua & Barbuda
Real estate investment
Investment into a government approved real estate project with a minimum investment amount of $300,000.
Invest in a government-approved real estate project and retain the property for at least five years.
Real estate options include freehold property with a title deed, hotel shares, fractional ownership or land.
Alternatively, two applicants can make a joint investment with each applicant investing a minimum of $300,000 to qualify. The real estate cannot be disposed of within the five year period.
Non-refundable contribution
A non-refundable contribution into the National Development Fund (NDF). This is a minimum investment of $230,000 for a family of 4 or less.
An alternative option is a non-refundable contribution into the University of West Indies (UWI) Fund with a set investment amount of $260,000. Only families of 6+ applicants can apply, and it entitles one member of the family to a 1 year, tuition only scholarship at the UWI.
There is also a business investment option – this is an individual investment of $1,500,000, or a minimum of $5,000,000 for a joint venture, with each person contributing at least $400,000.
Key Benefit of Citizenship by Investment in Antigua & Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme offers one of the most accessible routes to citizenship for families and a fast processing time.
Through the country’s CBI programme, a family of four can secure citizenship and a Caribbean passport for a minimum donation of $230,000 to a government-approved project.
The programme also offers a fast processing time. The entire process takes between 4 and 6 months on average. As an added benefit, there are no residency requirements to gain citizenship. This means the whole citizenship process can be completed remotely without the need to travel to the country.
As well as a cost-effective programme and fast processing time, the country also offers an attractive tax regime. There is no inheritance tax (IHT), capital gains tax, or income tax on worldwide income.
Frequently asked questions
The average processing time for applications is around 4-6 months.
Be aware that this timeframe is an estimation based on general practices and can vary depending on the due diligence processing time. Timeframes can also vary on a case-by-case basis.
Family members can be included in the citizenship application. The principal investor can include:
- Spouse
- Financially dependent children up to age 30
- Dependent children over the age of 18, provided that they have a physical or mental disability
- Dependent Parents or Grandparents of either spouse over the age of 55
- Dependent siblings of the applicant or spouse as long as they are unmarried
The cost will depend on the investment route. The four main ones are:
- A $230,000 Non-Refundable Contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF) for a family of four; $125,000 for a family of five
- A $150,000 Non-Refundable Contribution to the University of West Indies (UWI) Fund
- A $200,000 investment in government-approved real estate
- A $1,500,000 business investment or a $5,000,000 collective investment, with each person contributing at least $400,000
- Additional costs, such as government processing fees and due diligence fees, also apply. Please contact us for a personalised quotation.
To be eligible for citizenship in the country, the main applicant requirements are:
- Be over 18 years old
- Be in good health
- Have a clean criminal record
- Be of good character and pass detailed due diligence and background checks
- Have enough funds to make the investments and be able to provide proof of funds from a legal source
- Not be from a restricted nation such as Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan, Russia, Belarus etc. Certain exceptions do apply
Antigua & Barbuda Application Process
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PREPARATION TIMEComplete application forms and gather required documents according to Antigua and Barbuda's citizenship by investment Unit (CIU) standards. Submit the application and make the initial government fee payment to CIU.
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PROCESSING TIME:The CIU conducts thorough background checks. If CIU is satisfied with your application, you will receive an 'Approval in Principle Letter.' The average timeframe for processing the application is 3 to 4 months*. *The timeframe above is an estimation according to general practice but may vary depending on the due diligence processing time and each specific case.
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FINALISING THE PROCESS:Payment of investment/contribution amount and remaining government fees. A Certificate of Registration is issued.
Which programme is right for you?
| Citizenship or Residency Programme? | Citizenship or Residency Programme?Citizenship | ||
| Minimum Investment Amount | Minimum Investment Amount$230,000 | ||
| Minimum Stay Requirement | Minimum Stay Requirement5 days in the first 5 years | ||
| Initial Permit Duration | Initial Permit DurationN/A | ||
| Time to Residence | Time to ResidenceN/A | ||
| Time to Citizenship | Time to Citizenship4-6 months | ||
| Family Inclusion? | Family Inclusion?Spouse, children under 30 and parents/grandparents over 55 | ||
| Right to Work? | Right to Work?Yes | ||
| Type of Document Received | Type of Document Received?Certificate of citizenship and passport | ||
| No. of Visa-Free Countries with Passport? | No. of Visa-Free Countries with Passport?154 | ||