Acquiring second citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda means easy travel around the globe, enjoying life in a tropical paradise, ensuring security for yourself and your family, free schooling, and excellent medical services. If you feel it’s time to change your lifestyle and live for your pleasure, obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda would be a fantastic decision.
The optimal choice is to take advantage of one of the investment options offered to non-residents to get a second residency. In this publication, we will talk about the citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda, revealing the benefits of residence in one of the most attractive places in the Caribbean region.
Advantages of Residency
Why has this direction been popular for over a decade, and what does Antigua citizenship offer? Formally, the islands are under the patronage of Great Britain, so representative functions are performed by a governor-general appointed from London. Citizens of the island state can stay in the United Kingdom for up to 180 days annually. They enjoy privileges when enrolling in British universities and live under British common law. These features of Antigua and Barbuda make citizenship even more desirable.
What Antigua and Barbuda citizenship offers and what makes this state attractive:
- Rapidly growing economy.
- Low crime rate.
- A warm climate with plenty of sunny days is crucial for many who choose Barbuda as their primary place of residence.
- Natural beauty with sandy beaches, volcanic landscapes, and tropical forests for leisure and recreation.
- Top-tier education at the fourth campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI).
- First-class infrastructure for living and entertainment, leading to many individuals wanting to obtain Antigua citizenship.
- The opportunity to travel freely around the world and not pay taxes.
Now, do you understand why the Barbuda passport is so popular?
What Does Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Offer?
In 2024, citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda through investment continues to be considered one of the best options for naturalization in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Why is Antigua and Barbuda citizenship so popular, and what does it offer to applicants? Here are the main arguments in favor:
- Applicants don’t need to renounce their primary residency.
- Non-residents can obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship in exchange for financial contributions through four available investment streams.
- New citizens have equal rights with native residents.
- The costs of Barbuda citizenship are lower compared to other regions.
- Applicants for Barbuda residency under the Citizenship by Investment Program don’t need to know English.
- Acquiring Antigua citizenship doesn’t require applicants to submit documents or reside permanently on the islands personally. A five-day visit during the first five-year residency period is sufficient for renewal every ten years.
- Citizenship of Barbuda through investment is chosen for its favorable tax system.
- The state comprises several beautiful islands with a tropical climate, beaches, and palm trees located in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea.
IMPORTANT: New York is just a four-hour flight from the international airport in Bird, while Europe is only an eight-hour flight away.
All information on how to obtain citizenship of Barbuda through investment is outlined in the Citizenship Act. However, navigating the nuances of naturalization can be pretty complex. It’s better to seek the assistance of experienced lawyers who know how to obtain Antigua citizenship through investments.
What Problems Does Obtaining an Antigua and Barbuda Passport Solve, and What Does It Provide?
Since 2013, citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda has been obtainable through investment contributions across four different programs with varying investments. Applicants choose which program to utilize based on their financial situation.
Along with the investor, financially dependent family members are also granted the right to buy Barbuda citizenship. This includes:
- Children under 30 years old.
- Parents over 55 years old.
- Childless, unmarried siblings.
A document package is provided for each family member.
Motivations for Applicants
Here are just a few benefits:
- Barbuda citizenship allows visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival access to 151 countries, including Singapore, the United Kingdom (up to 180 days per year), and 90 days out of every 180 days in the Schengen Area.
- A Barbuda passport is a solid basis for obtaining a 10-year tourist visa at the US and Canadian Embassy.
- The tax system is attractive, with no taxes on income, salary, inheritance, capital gains, royalties, interest, or foreign profits.
- Barbuda citizenship provides entrepreneurs with streamlined business registration, access to services from top global banks, and a favorable investment environment with increasing property values.
- Security, economic and political stability, and the absence of ethnic and religious conflicts.
Available citizenship programs in Antigua through investment suit individuals, couples, and families. Free schooling, quality healthcare, and three universities provide good living conditions.
How to Invest to Obtain Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
A proven method of naturalization in Antigua and Barbuda is citizenship by investment. Two options resemble more patronage and philanthropy than capital investment. These include a one-time monetary contribution to the National Development Fund and the University of the West Indies Fund (only for families with more than 6 members). Two programs allow for buying Antigua citizenship through real estate and business financing, requiring significantly larger capital.
Donation to the NDF
The most affordable option in terms of amount grants Barbuda citizenship through investment thanks to a non-refundable contribution to the non-profit National Development Fund (NDF). The applicant is entitled to include three family members in the application. Here are the expenses to anticipate:
- One-time donation: $100,000.
- Processing fee: $30,000.
- Due diligence fee: $7,500 for the principal applicant and spouse, plus $4,000 for each adult and $2,000 for each child under 18.
IMPORTANT: Families of 5 or more contribute $125,000 to the fund. The processing fee payment will be $15,000 for each dependent. Due diligence fees follow standard rules.
Donation to the University of the West Indies Fund
The program, exclusively tailored for large families (6 people or more), offers an excellent path to obtain Antigua citizenship and provides tuition-free education for one family member for a year.
The contribution to developing one of the most prestigious universities in the Caribbean region is $150,000. Processing and due diligence fees for all applicants over 12 years old are mentioned above.
Real Estate Investment
Now, let’s discuss how to obtain a Barbuda passport through investments in island real estate. The minimum fixed investment amount is $200,000. Investments can only be made in approved projects from government-approved developers.
Processing fees will be $30,000 and $45,000 for families of 4 or more people. Due diligence costs $7,500 for the investor and their spouse. For other adults and children aged 12+, $4,000 and $2,000 respectively are required.
IMPORTANT: The minimum usage period of the property is 5 years. It cannot be sold earlier. Resort infrastructure properties yield 2-4% annually from price appreciation.
Investment in Business
Affluent individuals, businessmen, and anyone considering how to obtain Barbuda citizenship can attain the coveted status through economic investment. The government-approved business project support program offers two options:
- For a collective investor: A capital of at least $5,000,000 is required, with each team member contributing at least $400,000.
- For an individual investor: The investment amount ranges from 257 000 $ (included company fees).
In addition to these costs, standard application processing and due diligence fees for all applicants over 12 should be accounted for.
Who Can Obtain Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship?
For a non-resident seeking Antigua citizenship through investment, the following requirements must be met:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Demonstrate no involvement in criminal activities.
- Provide substantial evidence for citizenship acquisition (verified financial investments, evidence of financial independence).
- Pass a background check.
- Be in good health, confirming the absence of diseases hazardous to the islanders.
An investor must have confirmed annual income or savings of at least $10,000 per dependent per year.
Conditions for Obtaining Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
If the residency applicant fulfills the requirements of the investment program, demonstrates financial solvency, is in good health, and passes the integrity check, there are no obstacles to obtaining residency in Antigua and Barbuda. Citizenship varies in cost depending on the chosen program but provides equal rights and opportunities:
- There are no restrictions on dual residency in the country. However, cautious applicants should verify if it is allowed in the country whose passport is their primary one.
- A citizen of Antigua and Barbuda is not obligated to reside on the islands and can freely choose their place of residence.
- The state does not require citizens to speak English or pass an English proficiency exam when obtaining citizenship.
- No discriminatory norms dictate residents’ professions or educational levels.
For those desiring global travel and tax-free status, the Caribbean island nation is a desirable destination for obtaining a second residency. It’s not surprising considering the positive reviews from those fortunate enough to acquire Barbuda citizenship.
Procedure for Obtaining Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
Few citizenship applicants dare to navigate this process independently. Professional guidance from an experienced lawyer at a specialized firm ensures successful naturalization. The procedure includes the following:
- Preliminary verification of the applicant’s identity document.
- Preparation of personal and financial documents for the investor and their dependents (verification, translation, notarization, completion of official forms).
- Submission and processing of the application by government authorities.
- Due Diligence — integrity check of all family members aged 12 and above through international databases.
- Approval and fulfillment of conditions for the chosen investment direction.
After 4 weeks, new citizens receive passports and naturalization certificates.
Timelines for Obtaining Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
The processing time for residency through investment directions does not exceed 6 months, with an average of 3-4 months. It’s important to remember that the passport of the island nation is valid for 5 years. During the first five-year period, the holder must spend at least five days in the country. Subsequently, the residency will be automatically renewed every ten years.
Expenses for Antigua and Barbuda Investors
We have detailed the costs for each investment program above.
Specialized companies offer the quickest, most affordable, and easiest way to obtain citizenship through Antigua and Barbuda investments. With our extensive experience and hundreds of satisfied clients, the risk of rejection is less than one percent.
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