Antigua Citizenship by Investment

Vago Barseghyan

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January 2, 2025

Antigua citizenship by investment (CBI) programme offers a legitimate and straightforward path to second passports, with a diverse range of benefits, making it a top CBI choice for global investors and families. Antigua and Barbuda are renowned for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and welcoming communities. This article explores the key aspects of Antigua citizenship to assist you with making the right selection for your family.

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Choosing Antigua citizenship through their Citizenship by Investment programmes can be complex but crucial for investors seeking global mobility and enhanced business opportunities. It provide access to a Caribbean second passport, unlocking visa-free travel to numerous destinations worldwide. The introduction to Antigua citizenship highlights investment requirements, programme benefits, and visa-free travel offerings.

Why Choose Antigua and Barbuda for CBI? 3 Key Aspects

1. Enhanced Global Mobility: An Antigua and Barbuda passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including prime destinations such as the United Kingdom, Europe’s Schengen Area, China, India, Russia, and Brazil. This unparalleled travel convenience is a significant advantage for business professionals and frequent travellers seeking seamless access to key global regions.

2. Affordable Investment Options: The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment programme offers a range of investment pathways, including contributions to the National Development Fund, real estate investments in government-approved projects, and business ventures. These options provide flexibility and value for investors looking to meet their financial and citizenship goals. Whether applying as an individual or with family members, the investment structure is designed to suit diverse financial needs while granting the lifelong advantages of Antigua and Barbuda passports and citizenship.

3. Favourable Tax Environment: Antigua and Barbuda’s tax-friendly environment includes no taxes on worldwide income, wealth, or inheritance. The programme offers an exceptional lifestyle for those considering relocation or establishing a second home.

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship - Country Overview

Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island nation located in the Lesser Antilles, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and east and the Caribbean Sea to the south and west. Antigua, the larger of the two islands, is known for its 365 beaches - one for each day of the year - and its historic naval heritage, while Barbuda offers a more tranquil escape with its untouched beauty and ecological richness.
Antigua and Barbuda's economy is primarily driven by tourism. The islands' culture reflects a rich blend of African, British, and Caribbean influences, showcased in their music, festivals, and cuisine.
St. John's, the capital city of Antigua and Barbuda, is situated on Antigua's northwest coast. The city’s harbour is a key port for cruise ships, making it a lively destination for visitors. Surrounding St. John's are popular beaches, including Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay, known for their lively atmosphere and water sports.
English Harbour is a historic area famous for Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This restored 18th-century naval base served as a strategic stronghold during British colonial rule and is now a popular yachting hub. Each Sunday, Shirley Heights hosts a lively party featuring Caribbean music, food, and a spectacular sunset.
Barbuda, located about 40 kilometres north of Antigua, is a serene counterpart to its busier sibling. Renowned for its pink-tinged beaches, including the famous Pink Sand Beach, Barbuda is an ecological haven. The island is home to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere, where visitors can observe thousands of frigate birds in their natural habitat.

Antigua Citizenship by Investment

Travel freedom, business and tax opportunities, the amount of required investment and family inclusion are some of the factors to take into account when considering obtaining Antigua Citizenship by Investment.

Dual Citizenship

Antigua recognises dual citizenship, allowing you to retain your existing nationality while enjoying the benefits of your second passport.

Requirements to Stay

Antigua requires a one-time 5-day visit within the first five years of obtaining citizenship.

Passport Strength

Antiguan passport offers access to over 140 countries.

Tax Advantages

No worldwide income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax
No personal income tax for both residents and non-residents.
Property tax ranges from 0.2% to 0.5% of property value.

Check our taxation in Caribbean article for further details.

Real Estate Investment Options Cost

Minimum real estate investment starts at $325,000 for a single applicant or a family of four.

For detailed comparisons and to estimate costs for your family, visit the Antigua and Barbuda CBI country page or use the Passport Cost Calculator.

Validity & Renewability of Citizenship

Antigua offers lifetime irrevocable citizenship. The initial passport is valid for five years, with subsequent renewals valid for 10 years.

Processing Time

Citizenship is generally processed within 3-4 months, making it slightly faster.

Family Eligibility

The programme is family inclusive. Applicants can include spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings, providing a path to citizenship for the entire family.

Application Flexibility

Applications for the programme can be completed remotely. Mandatory interviews are conducted online, and the Oath of Allegiance can be taken remotely or in-person in either jurisdiction.

Final Thoughts

Antigua and Barbuda offers fast processing, and while lacking some of Grenada’s unique benefits, such as E-2 visa eligibility, provides an excellent option for travel freedom.

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Who can receive Antiguan citizenship through CBI?

Anyone meeting the programme's eligibility requirements, including passing due diligence checks, can apply. Both programmes accommodate single applicants and families.

How long must you wait to obtain citizenship?

3–4 months

What happens if my application is rejected?

Applicants will not be granted citizenship, and initial fees already made will be non-refundable. The investment is only required after receiving approval in principle for the citizenship application. Antigua's programme upholds stringent transparency and fairness. Ensuring you meet the due diligence criteria beforehand is crucial.

Do I need to learn a language to obtain citizenship?

No, there are no language requirements for the programme.

Is there a minimum stay requirement after obtaining citizenship?

A one-time 5-day stay is required within the first five years.

Can I sell the real estate investment after obtaining citizenship?

Yes, real estate investment can be sold after five years.

Can I apply for citizenship by investment for my entire family?

Yes, the programme allows family inclusivity.

Is citizenship obtained through investment passed on to future generations?

Yes, citizenship from Antigua is lifelong and can be inherited by future generations.

Does Antigua provide global mobility?

Antigua offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries.

What are the tax benefits?

No personal income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes for both residents and non-residents.

Which Caribbean countries offer Citizenship by Investment?

Five Caribbean nations currently offer Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia. These programmes attract foreign investment to fuel national development, offering second citizenship in exchange for contributions to government funds, real estate investments, or business ventures. In response to growing global demand, these nations have implemented reforms to enhance transparency, security, and due diligence, ensuring their programmes align with global standards.

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Antigua and Barbuda enjoys a tropical maritime climate, characterised by warm temperatures year-round, with an average of 27°C (81°F). The islands have a relatively dry season from January to April, with a wetter season from May to November. The islands have robust infrastructure and emergency systems in place to manage such events.

Originally inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples, the islands were colonised by the British in the 17th century. The cultural landscape is a blend of African, British, and indigenous influences. This rich history is reflected in local music, dance, and festivals, with calypso, reggae, and steelpan music being particularly popular. Cricket, a legacy of British rule, is the most popular sport, and sailing is also popular, reflecting the islands' strong maritime culture.

Antigua and Barbuda boasts 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, along with coral reefs, lagoons, and lush vegetation. The country’s landscape is primarily flat, with rolling hills and volcanic rock formations. The islands are also home to rich biodiversity, making them a haven for nature lovers.

Antigua and Barbuda have a stable democratic government based on the British parliamentary system. The country is generally regarded as having a manageable level of bureaucracy, with a reasonably straightforward process for interacting with government agencies. Retirees will find that essential services like renewing a driver’s licence, paying taxes, or obtaining necessary permits are relatively simple, although some processes can be slow due to limited resources. The government has been making strides in digitising services to reduce in-person visits and streamline processes.

Antigua and Barbuda is known for its lively events and festivals, particularly Carnival, one of the year's most anticipated events. Antigua Sailing Week is another major event, attracting sailors and spectators from around the world. These festivals are deeply rooted in the local culture and provide a vibrant social scene for retirees.

Dominica has a tropical rainforest climate, with high humidity and heavy rainfall, particularly on the windward side of the island. Temperatures are warm year-round, averaging 26°C (79°F), with cooler conditions in themountainous interior. The island’s lush greenery is a result of its abundantrainfall.

Dominica's culture is a vibrant mix of indigenous Kalinago heritage, African traditions, and European colonial influences, particularly French and British. The island was originally settled by the Kalinago people, and their influence is still present today, especially in the Kalinago Territory. African traditions have also left a profound mark, particularly in the island’s music, dance, and festivals. Dominica’s outdoor sports are heavily influenced by its rugged terrain, with hiking and diving being popular among locals and expatriates alike, although there is of course cricket for those with more sedentary dispositions.

Known as the "NatureIsland," Dominica is characterised by its rugged terrain, rainforests ,waterfalls, and geothermal activity. The island is home to the UNESCO-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park, as well as numerous rivers and lakes. Dominica’s unspoiled natural beauty is a major draw for retirees who appreciate ecotourism and outdoor adventures.

Dominica’s government operates under a parliamentary democracy, with a legal system rooted in English common law. While the country’s bureaucracy is smaller and more accessible, some processes can be slow, particularly in rural areas. However, the government is generally cooperative and accommodating, particularly for expatriates. It’s advisable to have local assistance or a legal advisor to navigate more complex processes, such as property transactions or dealing with land registries.

Dominica hosts several unique cultural events, including the World Creole Music Festival and Carnival. The island’s festivals are deeply connected to its Creole heritage, offering retirees a chance to immerse themselves in local traditions and music. Dominica’s Independence celebrations also feature traditional dances, music, and cuisine.

Grenada has a tropical climate with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year, averaging around 28°C (82°F). The dry season runs from January to May, while the wet season is from June to December. Although Grenada is located on the southern edge of the hurricane belt and is less impacted the another Caribbean islands, it is not immune to these storms as has been seen recently with Hurricane Beryl. The island has since improved its hurricane preparedness and infrastructure resilience and the value of these improvements has led to greater preparedness for such events.

The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples before being colonised by Europeans. Grenadian culture is characterised by a strong sense of community, vibrant music, and dance traditions, such as calypso and soca. French influence on the island is evident in its place names and culinary traditions. Cricket and football are the most popular sports, and sailing and water sports are also widely enjoyed.

Known as the "SpiceIsle," Grenada is famous for its aromatic plantations, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. The island’s volcanic origin provides a diverse landscape of mountains, rainforests, and coastal areas. Grenada’s natural beauty is complemented by its extensive marine life, making it ideal for snorkelling and diving.

Grenada also follows a British-style parliamentary democracy. The country’s bureaucracy is relatively user-friendly, with many government processes being straightforward and accessible. Retirees generally find it easy to interact with government departments for routine tasks such as registering a vehicle, renewing licences, or paying taxes.

Grenada’s Spicemas Carnival is the island’s most significant cultural event, celebrated with colourful parades, music, and dance. The island also hosts the Grenada Sailing Festival and the Pure Grenada Music Festival, both of which attract international visitors. These events provide a lively social calendar for retirees.

Saint Kitts and Nevis has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging between 24°C (75°F) and 31°C (88°F) throughout the year. The islands have a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November. Located within the hurricane belt, Saint Kitts and Nevis is vulnerable to hurricanes, especially between June and November, but the islands have strong building codes and disaster response plans in place to reduce the impact of the senatural events.

The cultural heritage of Saint Kitts and Nevis is shaped by its history of indigenous Carib and Arawak inhabitants and European colonisation. Saint Kitts was the first Caribbean island to be colonised by the British, and Nevis has a rich history as a major sugar producer. The islands' cultural roots are a blend of African, British, and French influences, reflected in the local cuisine, music, and festivals. Cricket and football are deeply ingrained in the local culture and, along with sailing and hiking, are integral to the islands' cultural life.

The twin islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis are known for their volcanic mountains, rainforests, and beaches. The islands are home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Brimstone Hill Fortress and offer stunning views from places like Mount Liamuiga. The islands’ natural beauty is one of their strongest appeals to retirees.

Saint Kitts and Nevis operates under a stable parliamentary democracy, with governance structures similar to those of other Commonwealth countries. The islands have a relatively low level of bureaucracy, and dealing with the government on a day-to-day basis is generally straightforward. Most routine administrative tasks, such as obtaining permits, paying taxes, or registering property, are manageable, although some processes can take longer than expected due to limited staffing. The government is trying to modernise its operations, including digitising more services, which should help reduce delays and improve overall efficiency.

The islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis host several vibrant festivals, including Carnival, the Saint Kitts Music Festival, and Culturama, which is unique to Nevis. These events celebrate local culture, music, and heritage, offering retirees plenty of opportunities to engage with the community and enjoy local traditions.

Saint Lucia enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). The dry season extends from December to May, while the wet season is from June to November. Saint Lucia is situated near the edge of the hurricane belt, making it prone to hurricanes and tropical storms but less so than those further north. The government has invested in improving hurricane preparedness and infrastructure resilience to protect the island from future storms better.

Saint Lucia's culture is a unique blend of African, French, and British influences, reflecting its complex history of colonisation. The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak and later the Carib people, before being contested by the French and British for centuries. The French influence is particularly strong in the island's Creole language, cuisine, and Catholic traditions, while British colonial rule has left its mark on the legal system and sports, particularly cricket. The island’s dramatic landscapes, including the iconic Pitons, provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor sports like hiking and diving, which are popular among locals and retirees alike.

Saint Lucia is famous for its dramatic Pitons, volcanic peaks that rise sharply from the sea. The island’s landscape includes rainforests, beaches, andSulphur Springs, the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano. Saint Lucia’s natural beauty is among the most striking in the Caribbean, attracting retirees who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views.

Saint Lucia’s government is a parliamentary democracy, and the country has a reputation for a relatively efficient bureaucracy compared to other Caribbean nations. For retirees, dealing with the government is typically hassle-free for most day-to-day tasks like renewing a driver’s licence, paying taxes, or obtaining residency permits. Saint Lucia has been proactive in improving its e-government services, allowing for easier access to information and quicker processing of certain requests online.

Saint Lucia is famous for its Jazz and Arts Festival, which attracts international artists and music lovers. The island’s Carnival is another major event, featuring parades, music, and dancing. Additionally, the La Rose and La Marguerite festivals celebrate the island’s unique cultural heritage, offering retirees a rich cultural experience.

Antigua Citizenship by Investment

Why Choose Antigua and Barbuda for CBI? 3 Key Aspects

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship - Country Overview

Antigua Citizenship by Investment

Dual Citizenship

Requirements to Stay

Passport Strength

Tax Advantages

Real Estate Investment Options Cost

Validity & Renewability of Citizenship

Processing Time

Family Eligibility

Application Flexibility

Final Thoughts

Who can receive Antiguan citizenship through CBI?

How long must you wait to obtain citizenship?

What happens if my application is rejected?

Do I need to learn a language to obtain citizenship?

Is there a minimum stay requirement after obtaining citizenship?

Can I sell the real estate investment after obtaining citizenship?

Can I apply for citizenship by investment for my entire family?

Is citizenship obtained through investment passed on to future generations?

Does Antigua provide global mobility?

What are the tax benefits?

Which Caribbean countries offer Citizenship by Investment?

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