The program of Antigua and Barbuda offers several investment options for passport applicants. You can invest in business, real estate or one of the sovereign fund. In the first and second cases, you get the payback after 5 years. Donations to the University of the West Indies (UWI) or The National Development Fund (NDF) are not returned.
It is due to the low entry threshold that the passport of Antigua and Barbuda is popular among foreigners and stands out among the competitors of the region.
The official website of the program
Antigua and Barbuda is not far behind its competitors in terms of the Caribbean «golden passport» programs. Since the program was launched in 2013, more than 4,000 investors have been granted economic citizenship. Regular discounts and promotions from the local government encourage capital inflows even more.
In recent years only 3% of applicants have invested into business or real estate. Non-refundable donations to the NDF are much more popular due to the simplicity and low entry threshold.
The citizenship program in Antigua and Barbuda attracts those who would like to move to the United States on non-immigrant B1or B2 visas. In 2019, more than 3,500 citizens of Antigua and Barbuda crossed state borders with a B-visa. In addition, the islands are under the patronage of the Queen of England (the country is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations), which gives local citizens an advantage to enter schools and universities in the UK. Finally, there are no taxes on world income, inheritance or capital gains.
It takes an average of 3 months from the moment you contact the agent to get your passport. The total investment size depends on how big the investor's family is, but you can take your time with passports for relatives. After becoming an Antiguan, you are entitled to pay the appropriate fees for issuing passports for your spouse, children and parents.
The offer suits to those foreigners, who are looking for the most budget-friendly ways to get a Caribbean passport. Investment to the NDF starts from $100,000. The only requirement is to spend at least 5 days on the islands within 5 years after receiving your passport. Documents are sent through an accredited agent, therefore your personal presence is not required for an application.
You do not need to give up your first passport. The new status of the investor and their family is granted for life, although subsequent generations do not have the right to a Caribbean passport.
Citizens of Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea, Somalia, Yemen and Sudan cannot apply for an Antiguan passport. There is one remark: everyone but the Iranians are eligible to apply for the program, if they have lived abroad for more than 10 years and do not have economic ties to their homeland.
Non-refundable fee
1. The National Development Fund (NDF): the donation of $150,000 goes to the development of the economy of the islands. In addition to this amount, a family of 1-4 people pays a state fee for processing the application in the size of $30 000, you need to add $15 000 for each subsequent relative included in the application.
2. The University of the West Indies (UWI): the donation of $100,000 goes to the development of the education of the islands. This option includes a state fee for processing the application for a family of 6 people, you pay extra $15 000 for each subsequent relative included in the application.
Real estate
You must purchase a share / property in accordance with the approved lists of zones or projects. Shares and properties can only be resold once. After resale, the asset is not eligible for participation in the program.
1. Shared investment: from 2 people, each buys a unit in approved projects for $200 000+. Return on investment – in 5 years / after completion of construction.
2. Individual investment: purchase of a separate property / share for $400 000+. Return on investment – in 5 years.
In addition to this amount, a family of 1-4 people pays a fee for processing the application of $30 000, and – по $15 000 for each subsequent relative in the application.
Business
Investment only into approved companies in agriculture, services and precious metals.
1. Individual investment: investments in business from $1,5 mln.
2. Shared investment: from 2 to 12 people. The total capital from $5+ mln with the share of each investor from – от $400 000.
In addition to this amount, a family of 1-4 people pays a fee for processing the application of – $30 000, and $15 000 for each subsequent relative in the application.
Citizenship for the whole family, including a spouse, parents and childen of an applicant.
A spouse
In an officially documented marriage.
Children
Financially dependent. Under 28 years of age.
Parents
Financially dependent. Over 58 years of age.
There are no language, history or cultural requirements for participation. The most important thing is to be a law-abiding and trustworthy citizen with legal savings.
Requirements for Applicants
A passport can be refused to those, who have not been approved for a visa of the United States or the United Kingdom at least once. Your passport can also get cancelled, if you do not show up for the first five years for five days (applies to everyone who is 18 years old and older).
All documents are submitted with an English translation and apostille stamp. The list of documents may be updated depending on a specific situation.
Personal documents
Investment confirmations
Verification of trustworthiness
$7500 – from the main applicant and their spouse
$2000 – children aged 12-17 years
$4000 – applicants over 18 years of age
Other payments
$300 – passport fee
$300 – bank commission
Lawyer's fee
The fee of an accredited agent for supporting the procedure of obtaining citizenship is $15,000 to $50,000, depending on the family composition and the prices of a particular company.
Foreigners with citizenship via investment have the same rights as any other resident, except the right to vote on elections (you can get the right to influence political decisions after spending 7 years of residence in the country). You do not have to pass an exam for knowledge of the language and history of the country.
Rights of the citizenship holders:
Obligations of the citizenship holders: