Hands down the most popular option to acquire citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda. It’s the cheapest option for Antigua’s programme and similarly around the world.

Investment: $100,000 to the National Development Fund for a family of four. An additional $25,000 for each additional dependent. 

Processing Fees: $30,000 processing fee for a family of four and $15,000 for each additional dependent.

Only about 1-2% of investors opt for real estate in Antigua and Barbuda. The island’s reliance on tourism and yearly threat of hurricanes makes it difficult to recoup investment funds. Also, not many people are interested in making the islands their place of permanent residence. 

Still, some investors choose this option, and depending on your personal circumstances it could be the right move for you. We’re not saying you cannot make a return on investment in Antigua, because it is possible, just be aware of the potential risks. 

Investment: $200,000 minimum piece of real estate

Keep in mind, you can’t sell your real estate within the first 5 years of citizenship.

Check out our is a list of CIU approved real estate options below. 

Government Fees: $30,000 for a family of four and $15,000 for each additional dependent. 

This means a family of four can invest $230,000 and in the best case scenario sell their real estate after 5 years and make back their entire investment. 

Besides investing in real estate, CBI applicants can invest in an eligible business on the ground in Antigua and Barbuda to qualify. The eligible qualifying amount for a principal applicant is $1.5 million dollars. Similarly to the real estate option, the amount can also be split among two CBI applicants towards a joint investment on an approved business totaling at least $5 million dollars. Each person must contribute $400,000 into the joint investment. 

For those who want to invest in or start a business, there is a certified list of government-approved projects they can choose from.

Don’t forget that the processing fee is $30,000 for the initial applicant and $15,000 for each additional applicant.

As of May 2020, families with six or more members can now donate to the University of the West Indies (UWI) and qualify for automatic citizenship for all six applicants. 

As an additional perk to this option, one family member will receive a full one-year scholarship to the university.

Investment: Make a one-time $150,000 donation to the University of West Indies (UWI)

Government Fees: The $150,000 donation already accounts for all processing fees; however, should you wish to add another family member, an additional $15,000 will be required.

There are additional fees to complete the process beyond the investment cost. Account for the following expenses:

Due Diligence:

$7,500 for each adult applicant; $2,000 for each dependent age 12-17; $4,000 for each dependent over the age of 18

Passport Fee:

$300 per passport

Assistance (Agent):

Get in touch with us to discuss

Key Requirements for the main applicant

Besides meeting investment Criteria there are a number of other Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment requirements the main applicant must meet.

• be at least 18 years old 
• of good character
• not have any criminal history
• be in excellent physical health
• make an approved investment
• spend at least five days in Antigua and Barbuda within five calendar years of registering
• swear an oath of allegiance to the country either in Antigua and Barbuda or at an Antiguan Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate.

Dependent rules – Who can apply as a dependent?

Children, including dependent children of main applicant or spouse up to the age of 30.

Applicant’s spouse.

Dependent parents of both the investor and their spouse, over the age of 55.

Siblings of the investor, if unmarried

Future spouse of main applicant for a fee of $50,000

Future spouse of dependent child when the dependent child is financially dependent

Future child of a dependent child (fees based on age)

Required Documentation

To obtain Antiguan citizenship, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Original or certified copy of a full birth record. 
• Certified, colored copy of current passport with name, photo, citizenship/nationality, date and place of issue, expiry date, passport number, and issuing country. 
• Photograph and signature certificate, or N/A for children below 18 or dependents.
• 6 original passport-sized photos taken within the last 6 months, with a neutral expression.
• One photo needs to be affixed to the Medical Examiner Declaration. 
• Proof of residential address, valid within the last 3 months, such as a certified copy of a recent utility bill or bank statement with full name and address. 
• Proof of name change, if applicable. 
• Permanent residence card, if applicable. 
• National identity card, if applicable. 
• Marriage or divorce certificate, if applicable.
• Copy of military service card, if applicable. 
• Affidavit from spouse or ex-spouse regarding children.
• Affidavit of support for dependents. 
• Education certificates and transcripts. 
• Professional and academic certificates of all applicants over 18. 
• Professional reference letter, valid within the last 6 months, from an attorney, chartered accountant, or other similar professional.

Supporting Documentation:

In order to have your application for citizenship by investment considered, you must also provide supporting documents that include:

• a certified copy of your current and expired visas
• A police certificate from your country of birth and any other countries in which you’ve resided for at least a year (no more than 6 months old),
• custody or legal guardianship records
• a statutory declaration of a non-accompanying parent of a qualifying dependent under 18 indicating that they have no objection to their child acquiring St Lucian citizenship, and a certified copy of a photo ID of the non-accompanying parent bearing their signature.

Certification

Additionally, any documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation into English. All documents must have an apostille to be legally used within Antigua and Barbuda. If you plan to invest in real estate, then you’ll need a sale agreement. Business investors must get their project approved.

Considering the costs and requirements for citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda, we will give you a summary of the process to obtain the passport. Licensed agents are the only individuals able to assist you with the application. Lincoln Global Partners is qualified to help you.

The entire process will vary in time depending on how long it takes you to gather all of the required documentation and whether there is an existing backlog of applicants. If there is no backlog, investors can expect the entire process to take anywhere between 3-6 months. The steps for how to get citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda are as follows.

1. Book a free consultation with Lincoln Global Partners

Our team of citizenship by investment specialists are dedicated to helping you find the right investment options that meet the necessary requirements to guarantee a successful application. They will assess your individual circumstances and present the best investment options for you based on your criteria.

2. Gather Documents: 

A comprehensive checklist will be supplied to you and an experienced citizenship specialist will accompany you through the documentation retrieval process. They will carefully inspect each document to confirm that all requirements have been satisfied.

3. File Application 

To begin the application process, you can either work with an advisor or proceed individually through an authorized agent. A 10% fee of the government fee must be paid upfront before the application can be initiated; this is usually $3,000 for those who opt for the donation route.

4. Due Diligence Phase (3 months)

Expect the government to take three months to make a decision on your application. 

Upon receiving the Certificate of Registration of Citizenship you will have 30 calendar days to complete your investment and make all required payments. 

5. Receive your pre-approval

Once the Government has reviewed the application and made a decision, you will receive an accompanying letter detailing the outcome.

6. Complete your investment

Upon receiving pre-approval for citizenship by investment in Antigua, it is time to proceed with your investment. (non-refundable contribution, purchase of real estate or investing in a local business).

6. Get A Passport

To obtain an Antiguan passport, you will be required to visit an Antiguan Embassy, High Commission, or Consular office to take the Oath of Allegiance. After doing so, you will receive your passport, valid for a period of five years. 

7. Maintain Citizenship Validity

To maintain its validity, you must visit Antigua and Barbuda five days per year for the first five years of citizenship. Subsequent passports are valid for a period of ten years and won’t require you to visit the country.

The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of Antigua and Barbuda was established in 2013. Throughout the years the programme has seen ups and downs. In 2017, investment minimums were lowered to be more competitive with other citizenship by investment programmes across the Caribbean. The changes made Antigua and Barbuda the cheapest option for a family of four through a $100,000 investment minimum. 

Following this cost reduction applications for citizenship by investment in Antigua have skyrocketed, and Chinese nationals now constitute nearly a third of all applications. The other two-thirds are made up of citizens from Bangladesh (8%), Libya (7%), Russia (7%), Syria (5%), Lebanon (5%), and other countries.  

The CBI programme was massively successful in 20190 as applications soared 66% from 2018 numbers. The investment market of Antigua and Barbuda has become a billion-dollar market.

It’s no secret the island-nation faces the threat of disastrous hurricanes. Antigua and Barbuda have witnessed devastating damages from hurricanes in recent decades. The severe aftermath of 2009’s Hurricane Ivan is what set the CBI programme in motion. Thus, be forewarned — investors, particularly real estate investors, run the risk of losing their return on investment. Despite uncontrollable climate factors, if you simply need a second passport to smoothly grant you dual citizenship and substantially increase global mobility, Antigua and Barbuda is a great choice and your best option it to donate to the NDF.

What Else?

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union (EU) are exerting a significant degree of pressure on island-states offering citizenship by investment programmes, notably Antigua and Barbuda. This is due to their skepticism surrounding the adequacy of the due diligence process on applicants, as well as concerns regarding money laundering and a lack of transparency. (Read up on Mehul Choksi’s case for some background on the matter.)

In a bid to ensure these countries abide by the principles of transparency and share information appropriately, the EU has put them on their Tax Haven Blacklist, which has led Canada to cancel its bilateral agreement which allowed visa-free travel for Antiguans. This “blacklisting” could be seen as a way for wealthy and economically prosperous states to force smaller countries to accept a higher tax rate, thus making traditional offshore tax havens less attractive to investors.  

This strategy has been employed to varying degrees of success, with some countries being removed from the blacklist after making changes to their financial and CBI systems, only to be re-listed shortly after.  

The impact of the OECD’s attempts to reduce “harmful tax competition” is yet to be seen, however, it is certain that the existing conditions may not remain in existence for much longer.

Antigua and Barbuda offer a unique getaway experience, perfect for tourists looking for a taste of paradise. From the warm and sunny climate to the luxurious resorts and unspoiled beaches of Barbuda, this twin-island nation has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a family holiday, or just a chance to relax, Antigua and Barbuda have the perfect setting. Plus, with easy air connections to major hubs in North America and Europe, it’s plausible to have a second home here. Hosting over one million visitors per year, it’s no surprise this destination is one of the most popular holiday spots in the world.

As a former British colony, Antigua and Barbuda have English influenced customs such as the driving and English being the main language. In true Caribbean fashion, the people are exceptionally friendly and laid back. Local stands sprinkle the roadsides selling fresh juices, jams and other local delicacies. And the scenery isn’t all beaches, there is Mount Obama too — the highest mountain peak honorarily named after U.S. former President Barack Obama.