Antigua and Barbuda offers one of the best citizenship by investment programmes in the Caribbean. An attractive proposition for families, the scheme has become most popular with China, Bangladesh, Middle East and Asian clients
Antigua, also widely referred to as Waladli or Wadadli by the native population, is one of the islands of the Lesser Antilles. It is one of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea and the main island of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda.
Population:
97,928 (2022)
Languages:
English, Antiguan Creole
Economy:
Service-based (Tourism and Government)
Currency:
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC
Antigua and Barbuda is a tropical, yet dry, three island nation in the Eastern Caribbean. The largest island, Antigua, is 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, it has secluded bays and sandy beaches, coral reefs and volcanic rocks rising to about 400 metres at Mount Obama (formally Boggy Peak). Due to it flatland topography, its main industry was sugar cane farming, which lasted for over 200 years. Following its independence from Great Britain in 1981, tourism and related services has become Antigua’s primary industry. The next largest employment sectors are in government and financial services industries.
With some 95 miles of superb coastline, Antigua’s 365 beaches are almost exclusively washed by the Caribbean Sea. Its clean, clear, turquoise waters are inhabited by a wide array of tropical fish and other marine life including Whales (Sperm Whales, Humpback Whales, Killer Whales), Dolphins, Sea Turtles (Green Turtles, Leatherback Turtles, and the endangered Hawksbill Turtle), as well as Rays and a whole host of water birds.
As a result, tourism accounts for nearly 60% of GDP and 40% of investment income, with key target markets being Canada, Europe, and the USA. Antigua is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Barbuda, located 25 miles north of Antigua, is a flat coral island surrounded by protective reefs and features a large lagoon and a Frigate Bird sanctuary. It has one settlement, Codrington, which was founded in 1685 to be the main residential centre on the island. Barbuda boasts a rich history, with the first slave rebellion in 1741, Beach’s Rebellion, changing the islands trajectory from a breading For travellers and visitors, Codrington is served by Barbuda Codrington Airport.
While tiny Redonda is a mere 1 mile long and 0.3 miles wide and 296 metres at its highest point. This small rocky island is uninhabited and lies 34.9 miles southwest of Antigua. However, it is home to a vast number of sea birds, and was once an important source of guano (a fertiliser harvested from the excrement of sea birds and bats). Guano was also, to a lesser extent, sourced for producing gunpowder and other explosive materials.
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes are highly sought after by high net worth individuals who wish to secure an alternative passport, either to expand their citizenship rights and ability to travel worldwide (be it for personal or business reasons), or as a form of insurance policy if things in their home jurisdiction take a turn for the worse
Caribbean CBI programmes represent a relatively low-cost option compared to other CBI schemes but offer freedom of movement across Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states and visa-free or visa-upon-arrival access to up to 161 countries worldwide
Minimum donation of USD 100,000
Between 3-5 months
Free movement to Antigua and Barbuda, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area,
Holders of the Antigua and Barbuda passport enjoy visa free travel to over 150 countries, including the U.K. and the countries of the Schengen area
The government authority responsible for administering the program, the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), is responsible for the processing of all applications. The CIU examines the application thoroughly and, if deemed necessary, may request the applicant to attend an interview
The Antigua and Barbuda CBI program is for investors and individuals, and their families looking to obtain alternative citizenship and a second passport
This program requires a financial investment of at least US$ 100,000 as a government donation, or a minimum of US$ 200,000 investment in real estate
To qualify for citizenship, the main applicant must be over 18 years of age, be of good health, and meet the application requirements as set out by the CIU
Successful applicants are granted Antigua and Barbuda citizenship for a lifetime
The main applicant must be 18 years of age or older, and must be of good character (excludes minor or spent convictions)
The applicant must not be the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation nor have been denied a visa from any Antigua and Barbuda visa-free country with no subsequent visa approval
Both the applicant and their family members must not be suffering from any contagious diseases and be in good health
Completion of pre-assessment, KYC (Know Your Customer) and eligibility checks
Complete all application forms, make payment of legal and due diligence fees
Upon approval, payment of balance of the investment (see main options), passport fees, and other government fees
Obtain the Certificate of Citizenship and passport(s)
The applicant and adult dependents must visit Antigua and Barbuda for at least five days within the first five years and swear an Oath
1) National Development Fund (NDF)
Under this option, the main applicant pays US$ 100,00 but this amount will also cover the applicant’s spouse and also two dependants up to the age of 28 years
For a family of more than four persons, the amount of the contribution is US$ 125,000
2) Real Estate
The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) and the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) approve businesses, whether existing or proposed, for the purposes of Investment In Business
Single person investment:
Where a person proposes to make an investment in an approved business of at least US$ 1,500,000 on their own behalf.
Join investment:
At least two persons propose to make a joint investment in such an approved business totalling at least US$ 5,000,000, and each of those persons individually propose to contribute at least US$400,000 to the joint investment an application or application for Citizenship by Investment may be submitted on his, her, or their behalf through an agent
4) University of the West Indies (UWI) Development Fund
From time to time the government will approve charitable investments, specifically to assist in non-profit organisations which deliver services in health-care, education, environmental management, youth development, or the promotion of sport and culture
The UWI Development Fund is the one currently being offered:
US$ 150,000 for a family of six or more (i.e. minimum number of persons per application is 6).
One member of the family will be entitled to scholarship for 1 year (tuition only) at the University of the West Indies campus
Minimum of 5 years
Sole or shared ownership
USD 200,000
Around 4% on a residential property
Antigua and Barbuda has a long-standing reputation as a luxury tourist destination, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world
Due to its long standing commitment to its tourism industry, Antigua and Barbuda makes this twin islands nation an attractive destination for investors, particularly those wishing to gain citizenship through real estate investments
Our team have in-depth knowledge of this real estate market and provide up to date information about investing in Antigua and Barbuda
Property values in Antigua and Barbuda are relatively low and offer a high-quality range of options, from luxury apartments with ocean views, to beach front cottages and spectacular hillside villas with spectacular vistas
This CIB program offers the option to invest in real estate, and thus recover your funds upon resale (after the five-year minimum holding period)
