Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Costs and Requirements

3. Business Investment

You can also gain citizenship by investing over $1.5 million in an existing enterprise or new venture approved by the government. The country has also improved the rules of its citizenship by investment program to encourage business partnerships by allowing applicants to join other investors in the contribution (like a consortium). 

4. UWI Investment

Investors who are concerned about their legacy and families choose Antigua and Barbuda’s Golden Visa because they can invest in their children’s future education and still live close. The contribution of $260,000 covers up to six family members and includes a one-year scholarship for a family member to the University of the West Indies. 

Passport Renewal Fees

You have to renew the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship after the first five years, and again every 10 years after that. A standard renewal fee of $1,000 for adults and $500 for children is required. 

Replacing a lost or stolen passport is free of charge. 

Requirements for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

One of the biggest advantages of Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program is its straightforward process with minimal paperwork. To qualify, the main applicant must be over 18 years old and have no outstanding visa refusals. Additionally, you can not be under sanctions, restrictions, or bans to enter EU countries, the United States, the UK, or Canada.

They must also submit the following documents: 

1. Proof of ID (Passport, ID, birth certificate, or adoption records)
2. Proof of address
3. Proof of funds and investment (bank statements)
4. Employment records
5. Education records
6. A complete application form
7. A legally certified police report about your criminal record
8. If applicable, proof of a name change (a marriage certificate or divorce decree, for example)
9. Two similar photos 

You will also be required to undergo a health examination to confirm that you do not suffer from any severe diseases.

Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

There are various benefits to choosing Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program, chief among which are the high returns in the tourism and property markets, and the country’s favorable tax policies, including:

• No capital gains tax – You can sell assets without having to pay tax.
• No inheritance or estate tax – You can pass on your wealth without tax implications. 
• No wealth tax – You will not be taxed on your annual net worth. 
• No income tax – Income earned outside of Antigua and Barbuda is not taxed.
• Tax holidays, exemptions, and rate reductions for businesses operating in key sectors (such as tourism and real estate). 

Global Citizenship

The Golden Visa also serves as a gateway to global opportunities, providing visa-free access to over 160 other countries. And, since Antigua and Barbuda is part of the Commonwealth, its citizens are entitled to certain privileges in the United Kingdom and its other member states. 

Fast and Efficient Citizenship Process

Another big draw factor of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program is that it’s one of the quickest routes to a second passport, sometimes taking as little as three months. This is because of the straightforward processes, minimal paperwork, and limited residency requirements. 

A Higher Quality of Life

Antigua and Barbuda is known for being one of the safest places in the world, ranking 177th out of 193 countries in terms of criminality (11th out of 13 Caribbean countries). This makes it an attractive option for individuals seeking long-term returns on their investments, or hoping to find a haven from their home country in the case of political or economic instability.

The country’s safety, in addition to its world-class education and healthcare systems, also provides a higher quality of life to investors looking for a better future for their families. Not to mention the island’s beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant tourism industry.

How to Apply for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

Applying for the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program is quick and can be completed in a couple of simple steps: 

Step 1: Choose Your Investment

First, you have to pick which investment option you want to pursue based on your financial means and business goals. Donations are affordable with low maintenance, whereas real estate investments can require serious commitment and continuous investment for five years, for example.

Step 2: Submit Your Documents

Next, you have to gather and complete all the required documents outlined above. These have to be submitted to the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), which was appointed by the country’s government to process all applications. 

Step 3: Do Your interview

Following this, interviews will be scheduled and conducted virtually for all applicants over the age of 16. It is important to attend this interview on the scheduled date to avoid delays with your application. 

Typically, applicants receive the interview questions in advance. Expect questions about your family and why you are applying. 

Step 3: Make Your Investment

Upon receiving pre-approval, you have to put down your investment. You will have 30 calendar days from the day the Certificate of Registration of Citizenship is issued to finalise and pay your investment. 

Once it’s been verified, there will be a brief oath-taking ceremony in Antigua and Barbuda, or at a designated embassy. 

How Mirabello Consultancy Can Help You with Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

The Mirabello Consultancy team of experts can guide you through Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program, starting with an in-depth consultation to understand your goals and eligibility. They handle the entire process, helping you gather and submit all documentation, pick the right investment opportunity, and coordinate with government-approved entities to make the entire process more efficient. 

Considerations for Investors and Expats

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is only issued for five years. During that time, you must visit and spend at least five days per year in the country to be able to extend the passport once it expires. All subsequent passports are valid for periods of 10 years.

It’s important to note that, if you choose to purchase real estate, you can only sell it again after five years. Real estate investors will also need to provide a sale agreement, and business investors will need to get their projects approved.

And, while the country allows for dual citizenship, the drawback is that you could also face double taxation, as Antigua and Barbuda have a relatively limited network of double tax treaties.  

Your citizenship is also non-inheritable, which could impact your legacy planning. This means that children born after the citizenship acquisition or grandchildren would not automatically receive citizenship benefits, and it doesn’t transfer to your children when you pass away. 

People born in Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, and Sudan are not permitted to apply to become citizens of Antigua and Barbuda unless certain conditions are met (for example, if they migrated as a child and lived in another country for at least ten years).