Finance

Antigua Citizenship by Investment: Costs and Requirements

Citizenship by investment has reached great heights since it was pioneered by St. Kitts and Nevis and Canada during the 1980s. In fact, not only is it widely accepted, but it is now also considered a significant source of revenue for countries in the Caribbean, not least for Antigua and Barbuda.

A second passport in Antigua can provide you with many benefits, ranging from visa-free travel to more than 130 countries to tax savings for income earned outside the country should you decide to become tax resident in the future. Add that to the easy application process, and you’ll definitely want to become one of the many citizenships by investment program applicants vying to become a legal citizen of Antigua.

To prepare for your application, you must first know what requirements you need to accomplish and how it much would cost to get an Antiguan passport.

How Much Is a Second Citizenship in Antigua?

The Antigua citizenship cost will depend on the type of investment you choose. There are three investment options available, including a donation to the National Development Fund (NDF), real estate, and business investment.

●      National Development Fund (NDF) Contribution

The NDF is a non-profit fund overseen by the Antiguan parliamentary through a bi-annual report. This fund is also subject to audit by an international accounting firm to ensure accountability and transparency.

Second citizenship applicants who wish to go through an NDF donation need to offer a minimum $100,000 contribution for a single applicant or a family with a maximum of four members. On the other hand, those with five or more family members need to donate at least $125,000 as a non-refundable contribution.

●      Real Estate Investment

Investing in real estate is another way to become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda. To qualify, you need to choose from the government-approved real properties that cost at least $200,000.

●      Business Investment

Like real estate investments, venturing as a supporter of a business to become a dual citizen in Antigua and Barbuda also entails applying for the approval of the government.

A single investor should shell out at least $1.5 million for their sanctioned business. Meanwhile, a joint venture with two or more people requires a minimum investment of at least $400,000 and should sum up to $5 million collectively.

●      Other Fees

Aside from the investment, you will also need to pay other fees during the application process. This includes:

  • Government Fee – An applicant must pay 10 percent of the government fee upon the submission of the application requirements, with the balance due upon the receipt of the letter of approval. This fee is charged for each member of the family and cannot be refunded.
  • Due Diligence Fee – This non-refundable fee charged for each member of the family (except children 11 years old and below) is also paid upon the submission of the application. It ensures that applicants granted citizenship in the country are meritorious.
  • Passport Fee – This is charged for the issuance of passports for each member of the family.
  • Licensed Agent Fee – All applications must be made through a Licensed Agent professional who will represent you throughout the process. Choose someone fully focused on citizenship services with the excellent recommendation, and who can be your “arm” on the ground.

What Are the Requirements?

The basic requirements for Antigua citizenship by investment are quite straightforward and relatively easy to accomplish. Primary applicants must be at least 18 years old and only need to make a one-time five-day visit to the country during the course of five years.

Other requirements you need to submit or accomplish to qualify for a second passport include:

  • Certificates of Birth – Certified true color copies are required.
  • Health Certificates – In Antigua and Barbuda, applicants for second citizenship should pass a medical examination done within three months of the date of application.
  • Proof of Good Background – The country only takes in meritorious citizens, which means people with criminal records have little chance of getting approved. Because of this, the government requires proper documentation that certifies an applicant’s good background.
  • Signature and Photograph – Photos to be submitted with the application papers should be taken recently and must be accompanied by the applicant’s signature. Young children do not need to submit signatures.
  • Passport and Identification Documents – Identification documents must be photocopied in color and notarized for authentication.
  • Marriage or Divorce Certificates – If applying with your spouse, you should include a certified true copy of your marriage contract or certificate. Alternatively, divorced couples should also submit documentary support to prove their legal separation.
  • Professional References – This is necessary for primary applicants of the Antigua Economic Citizenship Program.

A Final Word

Applying for citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda can be hassle-free as long as there is proper preparation and planning. Use this article as a guide to help you in your quest to become a legal citizen of this Caribbean paradise.

AUTHOR BIO

Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship investment into the Caribbean, Canada, and Europe. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.

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