Becoming a Citizen of Antigua

Antigua and Barbuda has emerged as one of the top citizenship by investment programs in the world. With the recent addition of China as a country where Antigua has visa free travel, the Antiguan passport is truly a standout in 2024. Foreign investors are taking notice and we have helped many clients this year on their journey to obtaining Antigua & Barbuda citizenship. This article will cover the latest information about the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment process, advantages, costs & procedures and more. 

Advantages of Antigua Citizenship & passport 

Visa-Free Access: Have increased global mobility to over 140+ countries around the world including; Hong Kong, Singapore, EU Schengen Area, and other countries 

Tax friendly country: Antigua has an attractive tax regime. Antigua does not tax worldwide income, there is no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no gift, wealth or inheritance tax. 

Dual Citizenship: Antigua recognizes dual citizenship meaning the country permits you to maintain multiple citizenships 

Family friendly program: Family inclusion is one key highlight of this program with often the ability to include the entire family in an application. The principal applicant has the ability to include their spouse, dependent children below the age of 30 (adult children permitted), ability to include parents and dependent grandparents over the age of 55, and unmarried siblings. Citizenship can be passed down to future generations with the ability to add a future child. Not to mention, it is the most affordable option for citizenship for families at the moment! 

Quality of Life: Antigua has nice amenities, a yachting community and plenty of activities. Many expats have chosen to make Antigua their home. 

Citizenship for Life: Successful applicants have citizenship for life. 

Investor requirements: 

– No Criminal record & clean background 

– Be capable of making the minimum investment 

– Demonstrate source of funds 

– Main applicant must be the age of majority 

– You cannot be a citizen of a restricted country 

Processing times: The processing times for citizenship can vary. It can take around 6 months for citizenship. Note the process can sometimes be shorter or longer. 

Document requirements: 

JH Marlin will provide you with a complete detailed checklist, drafted documents and sample documents specific to your case when you become a client. Here are some general documents that you will need: birth certificate, marriage certificate, original bank reference letters, professional references, bank statements, complete application forms and more. 

Investment routes for citizenship: 

1) Non refundable Contribution to the National Development Fund 

This is a non-refundable contribution starting at a minimum donation of US$100,000 for a single investor or for a family of four. There is an additional government processing fee of US$30,000. 

For a family of 5 or more the investment contribution is US$125,000 with processing fees of US$30,000 with US$15,000 for each additional dependent. 

2) University of the West Indies Fund: Non-Refundable Donation Option 

For families of 6 it is US$150,000 under the University of West Indies Fund (inclusive of government processing fees). 

3) Real Estate Option (must be a government-approved real estate project for citizenship) 

The principal applicant can make an investment into real estate starting at US$200,000 or a joint investment of US$200,000. 

4) Business Investment: Into an Approved Business Starting at US$1.5 million. 

It is also possible to make a joint investment. The investment must be made into an eligible business. 

Note: For all investment options available there is a new interview fee, passport fee, government fees & other fees applicable. For a detailed cost quote: contact us. 

Application Process for Antiguan CBI:

The Citizenship by Investment unit will complete a comprehensive background verification to determine if an individual and their family should be granted citizenship. Some grounds for denial include; having a criminal record, being previously denied a visa where Antigua has visa free travel. 

Path to Citizenship Procedure 

1) Client Contacts JH Marlin 

2) Due Diligence Checks are carried out 

3) Client Agreement confirming all the fees / Real Estate Contract if doing real estate purchase

4) File is preparation takes place 

5) Due diligence fees and application is submitted to the CIU 

6) Background checks are carried out & applicants attend a mandatory interview 

7) Only upon approval will the client make the final financial contribution 

8) Citizenship Certificate is issued 

9) Passport application at the passport office 

10) Citizenship Application process is completed and client gets the passport and documentation 

JH Marlin will guide you throughout the citizenship process. As a client, you can call or email us unlimited. 

Overall assessment of the Program 

Antigua & Barbuda is one of the best citizenships for families with the ability to include multiple family members in an application for citizenship. For larger families, this citizenship program is often the one choosen. 

Other Citizenship by Investment countries 

There are four other Caribbean Islands that have economic citizenship programs which include; Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and Saint Kitts & Nevis. Additional countries include; Malta, Turkey and Egypt. 

About Antigua 

Antigua is known for its natural beauty, warm climate and has 365 beautiful beaches, one for every day of the year. If you are looking to live in a country with friendly people and a vibrant culture then it can be the perfect mix. If you are looking to enjoy travel privilges, be a citizen of a safe & enjoyable country where there is no personal income tax then you might want to include Antigua on your radar. 

Some of My Favourite Places in Antigua 

Antigua is truly a spectacular place to live and work. It has pristine beaches, lot’s of restaurants and activities for people of all ages. Some of my favourite places include Shirley Heights Lookout, Nelson’s Dockyard, Frryes beach, Galleon beach, Half Moon Bay, Sheer Rocks and more. Having personally lived in Antigua and spent a lot of time there, I can confidently say that it is a great place to live and raise a family! 

Why Antigua & Barbuda CBI? 

Antigua can be an excellent option for someone who is looking to become a citizen of a safe and enjoyable country. It is a top travel destination with good air connectivity to other countries. Passport holders enjoy a high level of visa free travel to countries such as South Africa, China, Hong Kong and more. As an OECS Caribbean Passport holder you have the right to freedom of movement. Antigua CBI currently has a competitive edge due to its lower price point, family inclusivity and global mobility access. Potential investors may wish to consider Antigua as a suitable option for citizenship.