Antigua Citizenship by Investment FAQ

Antigua’s Citizenship by Investment Programme is a popular choice for investors looking to obtain a second passport which will enhance their visa-free travel connections to the rest of the world. When selecting the most suitable citizenship investment option, there are many aspects to consider. La Vida’s specialist consultants will be able to advise you in detail on which programme best suits your requirements. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive regarding the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment programme.

How much does it cost to apply for Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment programme?

There are three main investment routes in Antigua to choose from:

1. Citizenship by Donation – A non-refundable contribution to Antigua’s National Development Fund from $230,000 for families up to 4, plus fees;
2. Citizenship by Donation – A non-refundable contribution to The University of the West Indies fund for families of six from $260,000, plus fees.
3. Citizenship by Real Estate Investment – $300,000 into a government-approved project, plus fees.

Additional government, professional and due diligence fees apply in all cases, for a personalised quotation, please contact us.

Why does Antigua & Barbuda have a citizenship by investment program?

The program was introduced to promote economic growth, attract real estate development, increase foreign direct investment to the country, support the development of infrastructure and provide for a sustainable future.

Does Antigua & Barbuda recognise dual citizenship?

There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in Antigua & Barbuda.

How many years will my Antiguan passport be valid for?

Antigua’s passports are biometric and valid for five years.

Can I invest with my Bitcoins or other crypto currencies?

Antigua and Barbuda is one of the most crypto-friendly countries in the Caribbean currently offering a citizenship by investment programme. La Vida can accept direct Cryptocurrency payments for our application and processing fees. The final payment, which is paid directly to Antigua’s Citizenship by Investment Unit, may be paid in cryptocurrency in some circumstances, providing it is paid via a personal exchange. We need to assess each case individually, so please contact our experts to see if you will be eligible.

Can unmarried or same sex couples apply for Antigua’s Citizenship Programme?

Applicants must be legally married if wanting to apply together under one family application. Unfortunately, same-sex marriage is not yet legally recognised in Antigua or the other Caribbean nations offering CBI programmes. In this circumstance, the best solution is for the two individuals to apply as single applicants separately.

Alternatively, if you wish to apply with your partner, then you could consider one of the European Golden Visa programmes where same-sex marriage and unmarried couples are eligible to apply together.

How many visa-free countries can I travel to as a citizen of Antigua & Barbuda?

Antigua and Barbuda Passport holders get visa-free access to 160 countries worldwide.

How long does it take to process a Citizenship by Investment applications in Antigua and Barbuda?

La Vida has extensive experience submitting CBI Applications to Antigua and other Caribbean countries. It allows us to quote our own actual figures based on a sizeable number of submissions for each program. Figures you see elsewhere on the web could be borrowed, generically quoted or amended to suit the message. We also caution against agents claiming quicker times. Everyone submits to the same processing unit and there is no favouritism. An agent influences the timeline based on their efficiency in processing prior to submission and ensuring the application is complete and accurate. And then further, in dealing efficiently and knowledgeably with any questions that come back from the CBI unit.

The latest timeline (taken as last two-year moving average) from submission to approval of citizenship for Antigua is 8.3 months. The fastest approval time we have experienced during that period was 3.4 months. Please bear in mind, as with all CBI programmes, once approved there is a further period of bank clearing, making the investment and issue of the citizenship certificate before the application and receipt of a passport. The average additional time for this for Antigua was a further 4.4 months.

Prior to submission, it typically takes applicants an average of 2-6 weeks to gather all the necessary documents to compile their file before submission. La Vida’s team will assist with all aspects of the process. Our market leading client portal offers complete security for documentation and efficient and transparent processing, enabling clients to update their documents at their own pace and track their progress. We feel this leads to the most stress free and efficient process in ensuring a complete and accurate file for submission.

One further point for Antigua is the backlog of CBI applications. This is already built into the figures above. But as we approach the end of 2024 the backlog is past its peak. We hope and expect processing times will come down rapidly from here.

Do I have to pay tax in Antigua and Barbuda?

You are not required to pay any income tax on your worldwide income in Antigua and Barbuda or capital gains tax. You are only required to pay tax on any income derived in Antigua and Barbuda.

What family members can I include in my Antigua Citizenship by Investment application?

To apply for the citizenship program in Antigua & Barbuda, you must be at least 18 years of age, be of a good character with no criminal record, and have good health.

The main applicant can include the following family members:

Spouse.
Children up to 18 years of age, of the main applicant or spouse.
Dependent children up to the age of 30 years old who are fully supported by the main applicant and in full time education.
Dependent Children of any age who are physically or mentally challenged and fully supported by the main applicant.
Dependent parents of the main applicant or spouse who are above 55 years of age and fully supported by the main applicant.
Dependent Parents of any age who are physically or mentally challenged and fully supported by the main applicant.

Do I need to speak English to apply for citizenship in Antigua?

You do not need to speak English to be an applicant. There is no language test.

How do you conduct the due diligence and vetting of applicants?

There are no interviews. However, all applicants undergo rigorous screening prior to consideration by the Citizenship by Investment Unit. Complete files will be forwarded to an international, unbiased third party due diligence service provider who will conduct detailed background checks on all applicants before the application is approved.

What happens once my Antigua Citizenship application has been accepted?

A certificate of registration of citizenship will be issued and submitted to the passport office. Your authorized agent/representative will forward your passports and Citizenship Certificate to you.

Do I need to travel to Antigua & Barbuda to complete the process?

There is no requirement to visit Antigua to process your Citizenship by Investment application. The entire process can be completed remotely through La Vida’s experts.

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