Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign Caribbean nation known for its political stability, strong passport ranking, and well-established Citizenship by Investment Program.

Introduced in 2013, the program allows qualified investors and their families to obtain second citizenship through a transparent, regulated, and government-approved process.

Language
English

Currency
Doğu Karayip Doları

Total Area
440 km2

Capital
St John's

Government
Democracy

Population
102.012

Investment Options

The primary requirement to apply for the Antigua and Barbuda program is to make a qualifying economic contribution to the country. Within this context, applicants have the following investment options:

1. National Development Fund (NDF) Contribution

A non-refundable contribution to the Government of Antigua & Barbuda.

Single applicant or a family of up to four persons: USD 230,000
Higher contributions apply for larger families.

2. Real Estate Investment:

Investment in government-approved real estate projects.

Minimum investment amount: USD 300,000
Property must be held for a minimum of 5 years.

3. Business / Enterprise Investment

Sole investor: minimum USD 1,500,000
Joint investment: USD 5,000,000 total, with each investor contributing at least USD 400,000

4. University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund

Applicable to families of six or more members.
USD 260,000 contribution
Includes a one-year university scholarship for one family member.

Apart from the abovementioned investment requirements, the applicant and his/her family members shall have a clean personal background and shall be in good health and of character.

In addition, applicants and their family members are subject to a vetting and due diligence process. Citizenship is granted on swearing the “Oath of Allegiance” following the approval by Government.

Citizenship by Investment Process

Preparation and submission of required documentation
Government due diligence and background checks
Issuance of approval in principle
Completion of the qualifying investment
Grant of citizenship
Issuance and delivery of passports

How long does the process take?

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment application process takes approximately 8 to 12 months.

Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

Holders of an Antigua and Barbuda passport can benefit from the following advantages:

Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 150+ countries
Dual citizenship permitted
Citizenship granted is lifetime and inheritable
There is no travel requirement during the application process; however, new citizens are required to spend a minimum of 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first 5 years following the grant of citizenship.
Favorable tax regime for non-residents (no taxation on worldwide income if not resident)

Why choose Antigua and Barbuda?

Antigua and Barbuda operates one of the longest-standing Citizenship by Investment Programs in the Caribbean, in force since 2013, offering legal certainty, institutional experience, and a predictable application process.
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 150 countries, including the United Kingdom and the Schengen Area, making it a powerful travel document.
The program allows the inclusion of a wide range of family members under a single application, including spouses, dependent children up to the age of 30, dependent parents aged 55 and above, and siblings under the age of 18.
Investors can choose between government contribution, real estate investment, business investment, or the University of the West Indies Fund, offering flexibility based on personal and financial objectives.
Non-resident citizens are not subject to taxation on worldwide income, making Antigua & Barbuda an efficient jurisdiction for international tax planning when residency is not established.
Citizenship is granted for life and may be passed on to future generations, ensuring long-term security and continuity for families.
There are no language tests or educational prerequisites, allowing a smooth and accessible application process for international investors.
Antigua and Barbuda permits dual citizenship, which may provide advantages for international business and mobility planning.
There is no requirement to travel to Antigua and Barbuda during the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How well connected is Antigua and Barbuda? +

Antigua and Barbuda is often referred to as the “heart of the Caribbean” and is well connected through regional and international routes. VC Bird International Airport is a major international gateway serving Antigua and Barbuda.

2. Is Antigua a tax haven? +

Antigua and Barbuda is known for its favorable tax regime for non-residents. Non-resident citizens are not subject to taxation on worldwide income.

3. Is there official legislation for Antiguan Citizenship by Investment Program? +

The Antiguan Citizenship by Investment Act (2013) offers investors the opportunity to apply for Antiguan citizenship by investment.

4. Do you offer Approved Properties for Antiguan Citizenship? +

Yes, we have a carefully-selected list of approved projects to proceed for Antiguan Citizenship by Investment. Please contact us for further information on the approved projects.

5. Is Antiguan citizenship acquired/valid for life? +

Citizenship acquired under this program is granted for life and offers strong mobility benefits, including visa-free travel to the United Kingdom and the Schengen Area.

6. Can we change our names after obtaining citizenship? +

Name change is restricted under the Citizenship by Investment framework and during passport issuance procedures. Specific cases should be assessed based on the applicable rules at the time of application.

7. Do the applicants have to reside in Antigua & Barbuda for a certain period of time at any stage of the application? +

Applicants are required to spend a minimum of five days in total in Antigua and Barbuda within the first five years after citizenship is granted.

8. How many family members can apply for citizenship along with the Main Applicant? +

The main applicant may include eligible family members (including a spouse and dependents) in the same application, subject to program rules. Children up to 30 years of age can additionally be covered provided they are unmarried, enrolled in full-time education (with at least six months of studies remaining), and still dependent financially on the main applicant. The program allows the inclusion of dependent parents aged 55 and above and siblings under the age of 18.

9. Is there any language requirement to apply for Antiguan Citizenship? +

No, there is no language requirement, and no business experience is required.

10. Once Antiguan citizenship is acquired, in the case that the applicant will not stay in Antigua & Barbuda, what will be the main applicant’s tax liabilities in Antigua & Barbuda? +

Non-resident citizens are not subject to taxation on worldwide income. Generally, only Antigua and Barbuda–sourced income may be taxable, depending on the individual’s residency status.

Ketenci & Ketenci is a leading international law firm specializing in obtaining second citizenship and Golden Visa through investment. For further details or any inquiries regarding the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, please contact us at: [email protected] | +90 532 132 92 33

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