Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

FAQ'S

Why does Antigua & Barbuda have a citizenship by investment program?

The program was introduced to promote economic growth, attract real estate development, increase foreign direct investment to the country, support the development of infrastructure and provide for a sustainable future.

How much does Antigua and Barbuda's Citizenship by Investment programme cost?

There are three main investment routes in Antigua to choose from:

1. Citizenship by Donation – A non-refundable contribution to Antigua’s National Development Fund from $230,000 for families up to 4, plus fees;
2. Citizenship by Donation – A non-refundable contribution to The University of the West Indies fund for families of six from $260,000, plus fees.
3. Citizenship by Real Estate Investment – $300,000 into a government-approved project, plus fees.

Additional government, professional and due diligence fees apply in all cases, for a personalised quotation, please contact us.

What are the required documents for Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda?

Several documents are required to apply for Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda. The list may vary depending on your personal circumstances. La Vida’s in-house processing team will work closely with you and advise on exactly what will be required. Some of the most common documents required are:

• Passports and ID cards
• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Police Reports
• Proof of Address
• Proof of Funds / Bank Statements
• Employment records
• Education records

How long does it take to get Antigua Citizenship through investment?

La Vida has extensive experience submitting CBI Applications to Antigua and other Caribbean countries. It allows us to quote our own actual figures based on a sizeable number of submissions for each program. Figures you see elsewhere on the web could be borrowed, generically quoted or amended to suit the message. We also caution against agents claiming quicker times. Everyone submits to the same processing unit and there is no favouritism. An agent influences the timeline based on their efficiency in processing prior to submission and ensuring the application is complete and accurate. And then further, in dealing efficiently and knowledgeably with any questions that come back from the CBI unit.

The latest timeline (taken as last two-year moving average) from submission to approval of citizenship for Antigua is 8.3 months. The fastest approval time we have experienced during that period was 3.4 months. Please bear in mind, as with all CBI programmes, once approved there is a further period of bank clearing, making the investment and issue of the citizenship certificate before the application and receipt of a passport. The average additional time for this for Antigua was a further 4.4 months.

Prior to submission, it typically takes applicants an average of 2-6 weeks to gather all the necessary documents to compile their file before submission. La Vida’s team will assist with all aspects of the process. Our market leading client portal offers complete security for documentation and efficient and transparent processing, enabling clients to update their documents at their own pace and track their progress. We feel this leads to the most stress free and efficient process in ensuring a complete and accurate file for submission.

One further point for Antigua is the backlog of CBI applications. This is already built into the figures above. But as we approach the end of 2024 the backlog is past its peak. We hope and expect processing times will come down rapidly from here.

What family members can I include in my Antigua citizenship by investment application?

To apply for the citizenship program in Antigua & Barbuda, you must be at least 18 years of age, be of a good character with no criminal record, and have good health.

The main applicant can include the following family members:

• • Spouse.
  • Children up to 18 years of age, of the main applicant or spouse.
  • Dependent children up to the age of 30 years old who are fully supported by the main applicant and in full time education.
  • Dependent Children of any age who are physically or mentally challenged and fully supported by the main applicant.
  • Dependent parents of the main applicant or spouse who are above 55 years of age and fully supported by the main applicant.
  • Dependent Parents of any age who are physically or mentally challenged and fully supported by the main applicant.

 

How many countries will an Antigua Passport give me visa-free access to?

Antigua and Barbuda passport holders benefit from visa-free access to 161 countries and territories worldwide according to La Vida’s Unique Passport Value Report for Antigua. This represents over a third of the world’s GDP and includes access to the EU Schengen zone, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore and Canada.

Do I have to pay tax in Antigua?

You are not required to pay any income tax on your worldwide income in Antigua and Barbuda or capital gains tax. You are only required to pay tax on any income derived in Antigua and Barbuda.

Do I need to speak English to apply for citizenship in Antigua?

No, you do not need to speak English to apply for Antiguan citizenship through investment. There is no language test

What due diligence checks do Citizenship applicants undergo in Antigua?

There are no interviews. However, all applicants undergo rigorous screening prior to consideration by the Citizenship by Investment Unit. Complete files will be forwarded to an international, unbiased third-party due diligence service provider who will conduct detailed background checks on all applicants before the application is approved.

How long is my Antiguan passport valid for?

Once you have been granted citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, this is for life. However, your Antigua passport has a validity period of five years. All applicants will be required to renew their passports every five years. The renewal fees are minimal, currently around $1,000 pp.

Do I need to travel to Antigua & Barbuda to complete the process?

There is no requirement to visit Antigua to process your Citizenship by Investment application. The entire process can be completed remotely through La Vida’s experts.

What happens once my Antigua Citizenship application has been accepted?

A certificate of registration of citizenship will be issued and submitted to the passport office. Your authorized agent/representative will forward your passports and Citizenship Certificate to you.

Can I apply for the Antigua Citizenship by Investment programme if I have a health condition?

All applicants are required to undertake a full medical check, certified by a registered doctor as part of the application process for Antigua. This includes supplying a HIV test and full blood count and completing the official medical form. Even if the medical report states the applicant has an existing health condition, it is still possible to apply in most cases. Please contact us for specific circumstances and we can clarify based on your personal situation.

Does Antigua & Barbuda recognise dual citizenship?

Antigua and Barbuda allow dual citizenship with all countries. It is worth checking with your current country if they also permit dual citizenship.

Can unmarried or same sex couples apply for Antigua's Citizenship Programme?

Applicants must be legally married if wanting to apply together under one family application. Unfortunately, same-sex marriage is not yet legally recognised in Antigua or the other Caribbean nations offering CBI programmes. In this circumstance, the best solution is for the two individuals to apply as single applicants separately.

Alternatively, if you wish to apply with your partner, then you could consider one of the European Golden Visa programmes where same-sex marriage and unmarried couples are eligible to apply together.

Will I qualify for the Antigua Citizenship by Investment programme?

Other than making the required investment applicants will need to pass the Antigua government’s Due Diligence and Anti Money Laundering requirements. The DD and AML tests are extensive and fees are payable on application. However before committing La Vida can provide an initial and free assessment on your likelihood of success for the Antigua and Barbuda CBI program through our own due diligence pre-screening. In addition to our own tests this uses the two most prominent commercially available products available to scan for potential issues and adverse media. Please contact our advisors if you would like your free assessment before proceeding.