Alternative citizenship or second citizenship can provide a number of benefits in uncertain circumstances, such as:
- access to different resources,
- open up new opportunities, and
- provide a greater sense of safety and security.
The ability to access different resources is one of the most important benefits of having an alternative or second citizenship. Individuals are able to take advantage of the resources available in another country. This can help them diversify their investments and finances, making them more secure in the face of an uncertain future.
More about the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme
The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme of Antigua and Barbuda is offering alternative citizenship to foreign nationals in exchange for an investment into the country’s economy.
This country in the Caribbean region has been providing citizenship by investment since 2013. In fact, it’s considered one of the newest, yet most efficient CBI programmes in the Caribbean. HNWIs from around the world who invest in this CBI programme can enjoy lifetime benefits.
The citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda also provides countless business and lifestyle opportunities.
Another major drawcard that attracts investors and HNWIs to the CBI programme of Antigua and Barbuda is the processing time. As per the Citizenship by Investment Programme Unit, if the applicant is selected, the citizenship can be processed in three to four months.
Why invest in Antigua and Barbuda?
The Antigua and Barbuda CBI programme is earning its place as one of the most attractive and sought-after programmes in the world. The nation offers a huge benefit for those seeking to travel and do business around the world. It’s the ideal place to invest and live as it boasts a stable and secure political and economic environment.
Antigua and Barbuda is also known for its clean turquoise water, beaches and lush tropical forests. It’s considered a paradise by environment-friendly tourists.
Did you know that the tourism sector of the twin island generates nearly 60 per cent of the income of the GDP of Antigua and Barbuda?
How can I invest?
Investors have to make an economic contribution to apply for the alternative citizenship of the Caribbean nation. There are three investment options on offer, namely:
National Development Fund (NDF)
Also popularly known as their Fund Option. An investor has to make a direct contribution to the growth and development of government projects. The funds generated through this investment option are directly used for the betterment of the infrastructure of the country.
The government has managed to provide various roads, highways, bridges, healthcare centres and other infrastructure to its general public through the fund generated via the CBI Programme of Antigua and Barbuda to date.
Under the Fund Option, the investments start from US$ 100,000, with processing fees of US$ 30,000. Additionally, investors can choose to add more dependants. For a single applicant or a family of four or less, the investment under the NDF will be US$ 100,000. This increases to US$ 150,000 for a family of five or more.
It is worth mentioning that the government of Antigua and Barbuda reduced the NDF investment to US$ 100,000 from US$ 200,000 for a family of four. The new investment amount was effective from November 1, 2017.
Real Estate Investment option
An investor makes a contribution to a government-approved Real Estate property, such as hotels, resorts and spas under this investment option.
The CBI Programme of Antigua and Barbuda offers three options to invest under the real estate option:
- An applicant may purchase property valued at minimum US$400,000 and hold title to same through single ownership.
- Alternatively, two applicants may choose to make a joint purchase of property valued at minimum US$400,000 by each making an investment of no less than US$200,000. Title to the property will be held jointly.
- An applicant may also purchase property valued at minimum US$200,000 through single/individual ownership.
The investor will make a contribution with the processing fees of US$ 30,000. For a family of five or more, the fee will be incremented by US$ 15,000 for each additional dependant.
Due diligence fees under this investment option start from US$ 7,500 (for a single applicant). The fees will be US$ 7,500 + US$ 7,500 for a spouse. US$ 2,000 per dependant of age between 12 and 17, and US$ 4,000 per dependant 18 and over; for a family of four or more.
The University of West Indies Fund
Also known as the UWI Fund. An investor finances UWI’s fourth-landed campus under this investment option. Forms are obtained by an authorised Licensed Agent, who is licensed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit of Antigua and Barbuda, and the application process is straightforward.
The investors who use this as their investment option are required to make an investment of US$ 150,000; for a family of six (inclusive of processing fees). For a family of seven or more, the minimum investment will remain at US$ 150,000 but the processing fees will be US$ 15,000 for each additional dependant.
Fees for the due diligence process for a family of six or more will be US$ 7,500 and US$ 7,500 for a spouse, US$ 2,000 per dependant 12-17 and US$ 4,000 per dependant 18 and over.
Antigua and Barbuda CBI programme 2023 updates
The Unit has introduced some updates in 2023 to make the Citizenship by Investment Programme of Antigua and Barbuda more efficient. The new updates are as follows:
- UWI fund is open for a family of six or more with huge savings.
- Antigua consulates worldwide can now take Oaths.
- Financing for real estate investment is not possible.
- The future child of the dependant and future spouse can be added for citizenship. A fee of US$10,000 is to be payable for children under six years of age and US$20,000 for children aged six to 17 years.
