Antigua and Barbuda is an independent state in the Eastern Caribbean. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. It is a member of the United Nations (UN), the British Commonwealth, CARICOM, and the Organization of American States (OAS), among many other international organizations. Antigua and Barbuda is a constitutional monarchy with a British-style parliamentary system. The Queen is represented by an appointed Governor General as Head of State.
As in many Caribbean nations, tourism and tourism-related services are the backbone of the economy, accounting for around 60% of national income. The main tourism markets are the United States, Canada, and Europe. Other major employers include the financial services sector and the government.
Citizenship by Investment
In 2012, in an effort to restructure debt and stimulate the economy, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda launched a citizenship-by-investment program. Given the strength of the Antiguan passport (152 visa-free destinations), the program quickly became popular among international investors. It allows the investor and close family members to obtain full lifetime citizenship and a second passport.
Benefits of Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship:
- The Antiguan passport allows visa-free travel to 152 countries, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and others. Antiguan citizens require a visa for the United States, but once issued, it is typically valid for 10 years.
- Antigua and Barbuda recognizes dual citizenship. There is no requirement to renounce your first passport.
- Fast and straightforward processing within 4–6 months; no requirement to travel to Antigua and Barbuda during the application process; no interview, education, or managerial experience required. Very modest residency requirement: only 5 days within the first five years after citizenship is granted.
- Possibility to include dependent children under 30 years of age, and dependent parents or grandparents over 58.
- Favourable tax regime. Residents of Antigua and Barbuda pay no capital gains or estate taxes. Citizens are not taxed on worldwide income — only on income sourced in Antigua and Barbuda. Income tax rates are progressive up to 25% and only apply if the investor relocates and becomes a tax resident. If the investor remains resident in their home country after acquiring citizenship, their tax status remains unchanged.
- You can use your Antiguan passport for banking purposes.
Eligibility
To qualify for citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, applicants must have no criminal record, be in good health, and possess a high personal net worth. After becoming citizens, the investor and all included family members must visit Antigua and spend at least 5 days in the country within the first 5 years. This is mandatory in order to renew passports for the next 10-year period.
Investment Options
- National Development Fund (NDF) Contribution. A monetary donation of US $230,000 for a family of up to four persons.
- Real Estate Investment. US $300,000 in a pre-approved real estate development; must be held for at least 5 years.
- Business Investment. Invest US $1,500,000 to establish a business. Two or more applicants may make a joint investment, where the individual minimum is US $400,000 and the total combined investment must be at least US $5,000,000.
Government Fees
Applicable to both NDF and real estate options: US $10,000 for a single applicant; US $20,000 for a family of up to four persons (investor + 3 dependents); and US $10,000 for each additional family member from the 5th onward.
Due Diligence Fees
| Applicant Category | Fee (US$) |
| Principal Applicant | 8,500 |
| Spouse | 5,000 |
| Dependent child (0–11 years) | 0 |
| Dependent child (12–17 years) | 2,000 |
| Dependent child (18–30 years) | 4,000 |
| Dependent parent (over 58 years) | 4,000 |
Procedure and Timeframe:
- Preparation of the application and supporting documents (1–2 months depending on the case).
- Upon submission, due diligence fees and 10% of the government processing fee are payable. Processing time for citizenship applications ranges from 3 to 6 months.
- Upon approval in principle, the applicant pays the balance of the government processing fee and the US $230,000 contribution to the NDF.
- Within one month of making the investment, certificates of registration and passports are issued for the applicant and included family members. These may be sent by courier (FedEx or similar) or collected in Antigua.
- The oath of allegiance must be taken within one year of citizenship approval. It can be completed either in Antigua or at any Embassy, High Commission, or Consular Office of Antigua and Barbuda.
Questions and Answers:
Q: When are applicants expected to take the oath of allegiance under the program?
A: The oath can be taken anytime within the first year after citizenship is issued. It can be taken either in Antigua or at any Antiguan embassy or consulate (Toronto, London, etc.). Passports may be collected during the first visit to Antigua or sent to you by courier.
Q: I thought that in most countries the oath must be taken before the certificate of naturalization and passport are issued. How is it that Antigua issues passports first and allows the oath afterward?
A: Antigua’s legislation is flexible. Citizenship certificates and passports are issued first; the oath is taken afterward within one year.
Professional Services
If you have any questions regarding the information above or wish to use our legal assistance in obtaining second citizenship in Antigua & Barbuda, please contact us today.
When sending us an email, please indicate your citizenship, country of residence, and the age of each family member to be included in the application. This information is required to provide an accurate quote of the fees and expenses applicable to your case.