Antigua and Barbuda

About Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship and Residency

Antigua and Barbuda offers citizenship by investment programs.  The processing time is very fast within 3-4 months. The passport issued with 5-year validity can be renewed later.

Investment options available to acquire the citizenship and passport of Antigua and Barbuda. 

•   National Development Funds: 

  -An investment for the amount of USD 100,000 covering a family of up to 4 members or single applicant along with processing fees of USD 30,000 or;

 -A contribution for the amount of USD 125,000 covering a family of 5 along with processing fees of USD 30000 or;

-A contribution investment for the amount of USD 125,000 along with processing fees of USD 30,000 plus an incremental amount of US$15,000 for each member of a family of more than 5 members.

• Real estate investment:

The value of the purchase must be at least $200,000 to qualify for an Antigua/Barbuda passport. 

        – USD 200,000 – Two related parties making a joint investment

        –USD 400,000 – Investment amount for an individual

 Besides this, a Govt processing fee is also charged.

For a single applicant, or a family of 4 or less

– Processing fees: US$30,000

For a family of 5 or more:-

– Processing Fees: US$15,000 for each additional dependent

You must hold the real estate for 5 years after which you can sell it in the market and still keep the citizenship.

Please note there is an additional $50,000 processing fee for real estate and business options. It does not apply to NDF, which is the cheapest option.

• University of West Indies Fund:

This is a contribution investment created for large families. Under this option, one can finance the university to build its campus in Antigua and Barbuda. The minimum number of persons per application is 6. Participation in this option will have some extra incentive. It entitles one member of the family to a one-year, tuition-only, scholarship at the University of the West Indies.

Foreigners can qualify for Antigua citizenship by making a $150,000 one-time contribution to the UWI fund.

 – USD 150,000 for a family of six (6) or more 

In addition to this, a processing fee is also charged by the Government.

For a family of 6 people:-

 – US$150,000 contribution (inclusive of processing fees)

For a family of 7 or more people:-

 – US$150,000 Contribution

 – Processing Fees: US$15,000 for each additional dependent

There are some due diligence fees that are also charged. In addition to this, Passport fees and Additional Lawyer/agent fees may also be applicable.

Due diligence fees:

  – USD 7,500 for the main applicant and spouse,

  – USD 4,000 for dependents above 18, and

  – USD 2,000 for dependent children between 12–17.

Passport fees: USD 300

Additional Lawyer/Agent fees apply

• Business Investment: 

The Antigua Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) will do a consultation with the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA). Subsequently, it can approve businesses, whether existing or proposed. This is done for investment in business under the Citizenship by Investment Program.

There are two business investment options that can be made in an approved business:

– Single person investment: An investment of US$ 1,500,000 would be needed.

– Join investment: At least two persons propose to make a joint investment in such an approved business totaling at least US$ 5,000,000. Subsequently, each of those persons individually proposes to contribute at least US$400,000 to the joint investment application. An application for Citizenship by Investment may be submitted on his, her or their behalf through an agent.

In addition to this, a processing fee may also be charged.

For a single applicant, or a family of 4 or less

– Processing fees: US$30,000

For a family of 5 or more:-

– US$150,000 Contribution

– Processing Fees: US$15,000 for each additional dependent

Benefits Of The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship By Investment Program

• Direct citizenship in a beautiful Caribbean country with white sand and blue waters for exotic holidays.
• One of the cheapest family-oriented citizenship programs in the Caribbean.
• Lifetime citizenship for family and children with a one-time investment.
• Visa-free travel to EU Schengen countries including UK and Ireland.
• No wealth, inheritance, or personal income taxes.
• No interviews, business experience, travel requirements or language tests during application.
• Fast 3 months processing time for citizenship.
• Free movement in the Caribbean CARICOM countries.
• Freely hold dual or multiple citizenships with other countries.

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Requirements and Qualifications

The requirements of the Antigua & Barbuda citizenship by investment program are quite simple, and they include the following:

Main Applicant Requirements

• Be of at least 18 years of age
• Have no criminal record.
• Provide evidence of the availability of funds for investment
• Have not been denied a visa to a country in which Antigua & Barbuda enjoys a visa-free travel treaty 

Spouse and Dependents requirements

• The current spouse of the main applicant is to be over the age of 18.
• The children of the main applicant or his/her spouse to be under 31 years of age and financially dependent on the main applicant.
• The parents or grandparents of the main applicant or his/her spouse are 55 years of age or above and financially dependent on the main applicant.
• Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or his/her spouse can be included in the application regardless of age.

Antigua and Barbuda Residency Requirements And Qualifications

The requirements and qualifications required to obtain Antigua and Barbuda residency or citizenship are listed above in the “About Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship and Residency” section.

Steps And Timeline

• STEP #1: Preparing documentation and compiling the file
• STEP #2: Submission of the file to the government of Antigua & Barbuda
• STEP #3: Receipt of approval from the government of Antigua & Barbuda
• STEP #4: Transferring investment amount (either contribution or real estate investment)
• STEP #5: Receipt of citizenship certificates and passports

The total timeline takes around 3 months, depending on certain factors. Such factors include diligence checks, the accuracy of paperwork, and potential slowdowns in governments due to COVID.

The government authority responsible for administering the program, the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), is responsible for the processing of all applications. The CIU examines the application thoroughly and, if deemed necessary, may request the applicant to attend an interview. The authority also takes up strict due diligence and checks in the process.

There is a requirement to reside in Antigua and Barbuda initially. This is necessary for a minimum of five days during the first five years of obtaining citizenship. However, the CIU has temporarily suspended this requirement. This is because of the various travel restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This suspension will expire on 31 August 2022. Under the real estate option, the time frame may vary depending on the project. Therefore, it is important to select a real estate project that can provide the necessary paperwork required from the developer for the citizenship application.

Residency

Since 1995, Antigua and Barbuda has offered a permanent residency program. It was designed to encourage high net worth individuals to establish tax residency in the islands.

Qualified applicants are issued a Permanent Residency Certificate and a Tax Identification Number.

Requirements to qualify for the Permanent Residency Program of Antigua & Barbuda:

• Maintain a permanent residence in Antigua & Barbuda
• Spend at least 30 days a year in Antigua & Barbuda
• Annual income must exceed US$100,000
• Pay a flat tax of US$20,000 per annum

The benefits of tax residency in Antigua & Barbuda include:

• There is no income tax on worldwide income or assets
• No capital gains tax on worldwide income or assets
• No inheritance tax on worldwide or assets
• There exists no wealth tax on worldwide assets

Our Services

Privacy World offers its services to anyone, not only looking to obtain residency and/or citizenship processes but our experts figure out legal ways to:

• Find the best solution for your needs.
• Identify and deploy a strategy to help you accomplish your goals.
• Activate our network of people in the country where you need help without having you search for the best solution or lawyer. We only work with licensed people in every country whom we carefully vet and pass our guidelines and principles of privacy we stand for.
• Focus on cutting through the red tape and to expedite your process.
• Provide proper communication with you about your case.
  …. and above all: Offer you legal strategies to provide additional layers of privacy for your identity, while obtaining your residency or citizenship!

Privacy World can also help you with incorporating your company in Antigua and Barbuda, assisting in getting you settled in the country and coordinating with you so that this experience will be less of a hassle.

Want Privacy World to handle your case? Have any questions? Contact us!

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