If you’ve always dreamed of a second home in an island paradise, or a second passport to expand your global horizons, Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment is one of the most accessible programs in the Caribbean. An idyllic location in the Eastern Caribbean with almost perfect weather, the dual-island nation is a stable democracy with an investor-friendly economy. With a modest investment requirement and a favorable taxation system, Antigua and Barbuda is a very attractive country to claim dual citizenship.
But what exactly is involved in obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment? This complete Remitly guide covers everything you need to know. It looks at eligibility requirements, investment options, and the application process, covering exactly how much it costs and the benefits of acquiring citizenship.
What is the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program?
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program allows eligible foreign nationals to claim citizenship of the Caribbean nation in return for investing in its economy through one of its government-approved investment options. The level of investment required starts at $230,000 USD for an individual investor, and there are significant application fees, starting at $20,000 USD for the principal applicant. Applications also need to be handled by a licensed agent, which comes with additional costs.
The program generously allows you to include family members and dependents in your application. As the lead applicant responsible for the investment, you can include your spouse or future spouse, dependent children up to age 30, plus their spouse and children, your unmarried siblings, and dependent parents or grandparents over the age of 55.
Once you’re approved as a dual citizen, you can get your second passport right away, and your citizenship becomes permanent after five years, as long as you spend a minimum of five days in the country during those five years.
Why choose Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?
Antiguan citizenship offers many benefits that make the Citizenship by Investment program attractive to international investors.
- Dual citizenship – Antigua and Barbuda accepts dual citizenship, so you don’t have to sacrifice your existing citizenship as long as your home nation allows dual citizenship.
- Powerful passport – Antigua and Barbuda has a powerful passport that will give you visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including other Caribbean nations, the United Kingdom, Europe’s Schengen area, and Hong Kong.
- Favorable tax conditions – Antigua and Barbuda has no tax on worldwide income, inheritance, capital gains, or investment returns. This means you only pay tax on income earned in the country. However, it’s worth checking if you’ll have to pay tax on worldwide income through any other citizenship you hold – research if your country has a “double taxation agreement” with Antigua and Barbuda.
- Family inclusion – The program allows you to cover family members in your application, including partners, dependent children up to age 30, plus their spouses and children, and dependent parents and grandparents over the age of 55.
- Affordable investment level – The Antiguan program has a relatively affordable investment level in comparison to other countries with similar programs, and also doesn’t require you to demonstrate a minimum net worth to qualify.
Investment options for citizenship
Getting citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda requires that you make an investment in the national economy. They offer four different investment options, and the minimum investment depends on which option you choose.
| Investment option | Minimum investment |
| National Development Fund (NDF) Donation | $230,000 USD |
| Approved Real Estate (held for five years) | $300,000 USD |
| Investment in Business | $1.5m USD for a single investor $5m USD for joint investors, each contributing at least $400,000 USD |
| University of the West Indies Fund Donation
(Only available to families of six or more) |
$260,000 USD
(An additional $10,000 USD applies for each additional dependent beyond a total of six family members) |
How to apply
Applications for Citizenship by Investment are handled by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), but all applications must be submitted through one of the authorized representatives or licensed agents listed on their website. Therefore, the first step in the process is to find an agent. They will help you determine whether you’re eligible, choose the right investment option, and gather the required paperwork.
When you’re looking for an agent, you’ll quickly find there are lots to choose from and it can be challenging to know which one aligns best with your personal goals, timelines and existing knowledge. It’s worth checking if there are any reviews for their services online. Consider if you would appreciate a local firm, who may have local expertise, or an international firm, who can provide their services worldwide.
While your agent will take you through the process, below are some important things to know about applying.
Required documents
You will need to gather a variety of documents to support your application, including:
- Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate)
- Proof of good character (police certificates for any country you have lived in for over three months in the last ten years, issued less than six months ago)
- A form authorizing your agent (Form AB5)
- A completed citizenship by investment form (Form AB1)
- A medical certificate verifying you are in good health, including HIV test results (Form AB3)
- A form confirming your investment (Form AB4) and documentation proving you have the funds to make the investment
- A photograph and signature certificate form (Form AB2)
- A passport application form (Form L, or Form M for under 16s)
There are no language requirements to qualify for citizenship, but all documents should be submitted in English or with a certified translation. All documents also need to be certified by an apostille or equivalent government authority. Forms are only available through agents, but sample forms are available on the CIU website.
Application fees
Citizenship by Investment comes with significant application and processing fees. The only exceptions are donations to the University of the West Indies Fund, which includes the processing fees for up to six people in the donation. However, all applicants must pay due diligence fees and interview fees for all applicants over 16.
All relevant application fees are summarized in the table below.
Applications must be handled by an authorized agent, who will also charge fees (not included here).
| Individual person application fee (principal applicant) | $10,000 USD |
| Family of four application fee | $20,000 USD |
| Fee per applicant over 4 years old | $10,000 USD |
| Interview fee per applicant | $1,500 USD |
| Due diligence – lead applicant | $8,500 USD |
| Due diligence – spouse | $5,000 USD |
| Due diligence – dependents under 11 years old | $0 |
| Due diligence – dependent aged 12 to 17 | $2,000 USD |
| Due diligence – dependents aged 18+ | $4,000 USD |
| Passport fee | $300 |
So, a single applicant can expect to pay $20,300 USD in fees, including the application fee, interview fee, due diligence fee, and passport fee. A family of four with two kids between the ages of 12 and 17 would expect to pay $44,700 USD in fees.
Processing times
How long it takes to apply varies depending on the complexity of your application. However, once you have gathered your documents, submitted your application, and paid your fees, you can expect due diligence and other checks to take three to four months. This will get you an approval in principle, and then it is time to transfer your investment.
Once you provide proof of your investment, you can apply to take your oath of allegiance, which can be done in Antigua and Barbuda or abroad, and apply for your passport. Getting your passport usually takes around four weeks.
After receiving your passport, your citizenship is still contingent for the first five years. You need to spend at least five days over those five years in the country for your citizenship to become permanent.
Apply for your Caribbean citizenship
The beautiful island nation of Antigua and Barbuda offers a Citizenship by Investment program, with one of the lowest levels of investment required by a Caribbean country. In return for supporting the economy, you can enjoy dual citizenship in a country with an investment-friendly economy and a favorable tax system, not to mention miles of white sandy beaches lapped by crystal clear waters.
The application process is handled by authorized agents, so if the Caribbean life is for you, your first step is to find a reliable agent who can help you on your way to claiming your Antiguan passport and citizenship.
FAQs
How long does it take to get Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment?
Finding an authorized agent and collecting the required documentation is the most time-consuming part of making an application for Citizenship by Investment. But once you submit your application and pay your fees, provisional approval usually only takes three to four months. You then need to make the agreed investment to be able to swear your oath of citizenship and claim your passport.
Do I have to live in Antigua and Barbuda to keep my citizenship?
When you apply for citizenship by investment, your initial citizenship is provisional. For it to become permanent, you must spend at least five days over the next five years in Antigua and Barbuda.
Can my family also get citizenship?
Yes, Antigua and Barbuda allows the lead applicant to include family members in their citizenship application. This includes your spouse, dependent children up to the age of 30, plus their spouse and children, unmarried siblings, and dependent parents and grandparents over the age of 55.
Is the Antigua and Barbuda passport powerful?
Yes, Antigua and Barbuda has a powerful passport that allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including other Caribbean countries, the United Kingdom, Europe’s Schengen area, and Hong Kong.
What is the cheapest way to get Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?
Donating to the National Development Fund (NDF) or the University of the West Indies Fund (UWIF) is the cheapest investment option for Citizenship by Investment. The minimum investment in the NDF is $230,000 USD, while it is $260,000 USD for the UWIF. However, if you donate to the UWIF, your application processing fee is included for up to six people. This makes it the cheaper option for families of four or more.