Antigua and Barbuda
CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAM

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAM (CIP)


Antigua & Barbuda offers one of the Caribbean's most family-friendly and affordable Citizenship-by-Investment Programs (CIP), granting a second passport in approximately 4–6 months with visa-free access to over 150 countries.

Processing Time:
Approximately 4–6 months from application to passport issuance.

Visa-Free Access:
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 150 countries, including the UK, Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia. Includes visa-free access to China (30 days).

Key Benefits:
  • Citizenship for life with right of abode in Antigua & Barbuda.
  • Extensive global mobility.
  • No worldwide income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance taxes for non-residents.
  • Inclusion of a wide range of family members under a single investment.
  • Dual citizenship is permitted.
  • Membership in the Commonwealth.

Investment Options & Minimum Financial Requirements:
Applicants must choose one of the following government-approved routes:
1. Donation to the National Development Fund (NDF):
  • Contribution: USD $230,000 for a family of up to four persons.
  • For larger families (5+): Approximately $245,000.
  • Note: This is a non-refundable contribution. Government processing fees (~$20,000 per family) and due diligence fees apply separatel.
2.Real Estate Investment:
  • Minimum Investment: USD $300,000 in approved property (e.g., hotel shares, villas).
  • Holding Period: Minimum 5 years.
  • Note: Co-investment is possible (minimum $300,000 per investor). Associated purchase costs apply.
3.University of West Indies (UWI) Fund:
  • Contribution: USD $260,000 for a family of six.
  • Benefit: Includes one year of tuition at the University of the West Indies for one family member.
4.Business Investment:
  • Minimum Investment: USD $1,500,000 in an approved business enterprise.
  • Joint Investment Option: Minimum $400,000 per investor into a joint project of at least $5,000,000.
Additional Government Fees:
  • Due Diligence Fees: ~$7,500 for the main applicant, ~$4,000 for spouse, ~$2,000 for dependents aged 12-17, ~$4,000 for dependents aged 18+.
  • Processing Fee: ~$20,000 for a family of four.
  • Interview Fee: $1,500 per applicant aged 16+ (mandatory virtual interview).
Eligible Family Members:
Spouse, dependent children (up to age 30), parents and grandparents (aged 55+), and unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouse. A single investment can cover the entire family.

Physical Presence (Residency) Requirement:
A minimal physical stay of 5 cumulative days within the first 5 years of citizenship is required to maintain eligibility for passport renewal.

Pathway & Key Obligations:
  • Oath of Allegiance: Must be taken in person (in Antigua or at an embassy/consulate) before passport issuance.
  • Background Checks: Strict multi-layer due diligence. A clean criminal record and proof of legitimate source of funds are mandatory.
  • Medical Certificate: Required, including an HIV test.
  • Investment Holding: Real estate or business investments must be maintained for the minimum holding period (5 years).
Taxation:
No personal income tax, capital gains tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax on worldwide income for individuals who are not tax residents (i.e., spend less than 183 days per year in Antigua & Barbuda).

Excluded Nationalities:
No formal exclusions, but all applicants undergo enhanced due diligence. Citizens from countries under international sanctions may face additional scrutiny.

Additional Notes:
  • The program is known for its straightforward process and excellent value for families.
  • Antigua & Barbuda is a stable Commonwealth democracy with a high quality of life.
  • The mandatory interview process (introduced 2023) reinforces program integrity.
  • Proposed changes (as of late 2024) may increase the physical presence requirement in the future, but the 5-day rule remains current.