Citizenship by Investment: Antigua and Barbuda

Launched less than 5 years ago, Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has grown into perhaps the most rapidly expanding CBI scheme on the regional market. Today, investors can take advantage of one of several possibilities to Antigua and Barbuda citizenship: donation to the country’s National Development Fund (NDF), investment in real estate on the island, or monetary grant to the renowned University of the West Indies. All citizenship options result in a second passport in just four to six months; and all directly benefit Antigua and Barbuda’s economic development.   

About Antigua and Barbuda

The dual-island nation has some of the most popular beaches in the Caribbean, as well as an international airport, which serves as a major regional transportation center. Its population of just over 102,000 speak English. Antigua’s currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ECD).

Advantages to Antiguan Citizenship   

Citizens of Antigua enjoy the following benefits through their Antiguan passport:

·       Visa-free entry to the Schengen area and the United Kingdom; and 150+ countries around the world

·       Reduced tax burdens

·       Zero residency requirements

·       Dual citizenship

·       Hereditary citizenship 

Pathways to Antigua Citizenship  

1.      Donation

• ·   The donation option involves making a monetary investment in the country’s National Development Fund (EDF), a government fund which is directed toward the Antigua’s economy (investments typically fund local businesses, tech, and other industries etc.). 
• ·       The Donation amounts are as follows:
• o   $100,000 USD (For a single applicant or up to 4 persons)
• o   $125,000 USD (For a family of five or more)
•  
• ·       In addition to the above donation amounts, the following Processing fees apply:
• o   $30,000 USD (For a single applicant or up to 4 persons) 
• o   $15,000 USD (For each additional dependent)

2.      Investment in Real Estate

• ·     Foreigners can receive citizenship from Antigua by purchasing pre-approved real estate on the island. Ownership must be maintained for a minimum of five years, pending naturalization. Once five years have passed post-naturalization, the property is eligible to be sold. 
• ·       Pricing for the Real Estate option is as follows:
• o   $400,000 USD (Minimum investment value of selected property)
•  
• ·       In addition to the above Real Estate fees, the following Government fees apply
• o   $30,000 USD (For a single applicant, or up to four persons)
• o   $15,000 USD (For each additional dependent)

3.      University of the West Indies Fund

• ·    The University of the West Indies Fund option is marketed towards families of six persons and above. To participate, applicants should make a monetary donation, which entitles one family member to attend the university for free for one year. 
• ·       Pricing for the University of the West Indies option is as follows:
• o   $150,000 USD (Donation amount for 6-person family; processing fee is included)
• o   $15,000 USD (For any additional dependent)

Please note that, in addition to the fees for the three investment options to apply for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship, all applicants are also responsible for the following fees

• ·       $300 USD (Passport fee)
• ·       $7,500 USD (Due diligence cost for the main applicant)
• ·       $7,500 USD (Due diligence cost for spouse)
• ·       $4,000 USD (Due diligence cost for per dependent age 18+)
• ·       $2,000 USD (Due diligence cost for per dependent age 12-17
•  

Eligibility Requirements for Antiguan Citizenship

All applicants for the citizenship via the Antiguan CBI program must fulfill the following criteria:

·       Pass a complete security/due diligence check

·       Be without a criminal history

·       Demonstrate the origin of any money used toward their CBI investment 

·       The main applicant must be age 18+

Eligible Family Members

·       Spouse

·       Dependent children under the age of 30

·       Dependent parents/ grandparents above the age of 55

·       Unmarried dependent siblings

How to Apply for Antiguan Citizenship

1.      Contact MASA Immigration to begin your journey to Antigua citizenship.

2.      Prepare your application. Your agent will help you acquire, assemble, and fill out all the application materials

3.      Submit your application and all relevant fees.

4.      Once the application is approved, submit all remaining investment fees

5.      Collect your Certificate of Registration and officially become an Antigua citizen

6.      Apply for your Antigua passport (this is done by your agent, who will send your passport to you directly once it is completed).