Antigua has been known as a pearl of the Caribbean for many years. A sovereign archipelagic country in the Lesser Antilles, it comprises two islands and is home to just 100,000 people. It has a rich history, stemming back to at least 3000 BC before being colonised by the British in the 1600s. Today, it is a member of the Commonwealth with King Charles III as its head of state, as well as the United Nations, OECS, CARICOM and the World Trade Organisation. It has booming tourism, aviation, and financial services sectors and a high infrastructure and human development standard.
With glorious tropical weather, 365 beautiful beaches, and a diverse and vibrant urban landscape, Antigua and Barbuda is a wonderful place to live. Through the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment programme, individuals can become citizens and enjoy life there, as well as various other benefits.
The history of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment programme
The government launched the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment programme in 2012. It aimed to appeal to high-net-worth individuals who wanted alternative citizenship and had the means to purchase property or contribute to the island’s development fund. Since its inception, many individuals and their families have acquired the Antigua and Barbuda passport, enjoying its perks and freedoms.
Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship
But what are the benefits of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?
- Antigua and Barbuda passport holders can enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 150 countries, including the UK, the EU’s Schengen Area, Hong Kong, and Singapore. However, as with all Caribbean nations, a visa is required to enter the US.
- Citizens become part of the Commonwealth realm and, as such, are entitled to certain privileges in the UK and other Commonwealth countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Cyprus and South Africa.
- Applicants can include a spouse and dependent children under the age of 31. In the case of dependent children, their spouse and children can also be included on the same application. Parents and grandparents aged 55 and over and unmarried siblings of the main applicant can also be added. It is also possible to add dependents after the main applicant has been granted citizenship.
- The applicant can retain additional citizenship as Antigua and Barbuda do not restrict dual nationality.
- The country is stable and progressive, offering a high standard of living and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. It also has excellent air transport links with the UK, Europe and the US.
What you need to know before you start
The citizenship by investment programme aims to offer citizenship in return for investment in the country. This investment can take various forms and is designed to encourage development in multiple areas while offering business and property investment options.
- Before applying for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship, you must decide which financial contribution you want. Applicants can make a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund of no less than $230,000.
- Alternatively, the donation can be made as a non-refundable $260,000 check to the University of the West Indies.
- If you prefer real estate, you can purchase a residential property valued at least $300,000 from an approved real estate project. The property must be held and not sold for at least five years.
- Alternatively, a single applicant can purchase an eligible business for $1.5 million or by several applicants who each contribute $400,000, totalling at least $5 million.
Knowing which option to choose can be difficult, so discuss it with Fast Offshore before making any firm decisions.
It is important to note that applicants must reside in Antigua and Barbuda for at least five days during the first five years. However, this may vary under the real estate option, so exploring this and getting clarification from Fast Offshore is crucial.
Documents needed
To begin your application, Fast Offshore will need a copy of your valid passport, proof of your investment in Antigua and Barbuda, health insurance policies, clean criminal records, and other supporting documents. These can include proof of funds, professional references, financial references, birth certificates, marriage or divorce certificates, and other documents related to identity and family.
You may be asked to provide originals or certified copies that are apostilled, stamped, and translated into English. There are also requirements on how old the documents are. Fast Offshore will guide you through the document collection and verification stage, advising you on what is required and how to present the documents.
Process of acquiring Antigua and Barbuda citizenship
The process for acquiring citizenship is not straightforward, but with Fast Offshore by your side, it can go smoothly. Be aware that the government of Antigua and Barbuda will conduct strict due diligence on all applicants and may decline it for any false declaration or omission of information.
- First, all documents must be gathered and verified by Fast Offshore. We will then submit them along with the application form and any other documents that have been requested. Our team liaises with the authorities to ensure everything is complete before moving to the next stage.
- Before deciding, the authorities strictly evaluate the documents and application, including thorough background checks.
- If approved, the applicants are required to attend an online interview.
- Passports are then issued and can be collected in Antigua and Barbuda.
Partnering with Fast Offshore to manage your Antigua and Barbuda citizenship application offers a streamlined, expert approach to a complex process. With years of experience assisting clients with citizenship-by-investment programs, Fast Offshore ensures that all legal and regulatory requirements are met, minimising delays and maximising efficiency. Our team of specialists provides personalised advice, handles all paperwork, and ensures smooth communication with local authorities. Whether for personal or business purposes, Fast Offshore simplifies the journey, helping you confidently secure your second citizenship while offering additional corporate services for a seamless transition.