Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship: A Complete Guide for Investors

Introduction

Antigua and Barbuda is an independent island nation located in the eastern Caribbean region, known for its beautiful beaches and stable political system. The country’s Citizenship by Investment Program was introduced by the government in November 2012 and received parliamentary approval in March 2013. In August 2024, the entry threshold for the program was significantly increased, yet this did not reduce its popularity among investors.

In 2025, there are several ways to obtain citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, with one of the most popular being the investment program, which allows individuals to acquire a second passport in exchange for financial contributions. This process is relatively fast, with applications being reviewed within 3–6 months. In this article, we will explore the main ways to obtain citizenship, the program requirements, and the latest changes in legislation regarding the entry threshold.

What an Antigua and Barbuda Passport Offers

Citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda provides investors and their families with numerous opportunities, including visa-free travel, tax benefits, access to international banking, and prestigious education.

Advantages of an Antigua and Barbuda Passport:

1. Visa-free travel to 150 countries. Antigua and Barbuda passport holders can travel visa-free to the UK, the Schengen Zone, Singapore, Hong Kong, and many other countries. In some cases, such as Australia, a simplified visa application process is available.
2. 10-year U.S. tourist visa. Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda can obtain a B‑1/B‑2 visa, allowing them to stay in the U.S. for up to 180 days per year for tourism, medical treatment, or short-term study.
3. Citizenship for the whole family. The passport application can include a spouse, children up to 31 years old, parents over 55 years old, grandparents, and unmarried siblings. Additional dependent family members can be included after citizenship is granted.
4. Dual citizenship. Antigua and Barbuda allows dual citizenship, meaning applicants are not required to renounce their original nationality unless prohibited by their home country’s laws.
5. Fast passport issuance. Citizenship can be obtained within 3–6 months through investments in the country’s economy. In comparison, naturalization requires over five years of residence.
6. Tax optimization. There are no taxes on income, dividends, inheritance, or capital gains in Antigua and Barbuda. Becoming a tax resident requires staying in the country for more than 183 days per year, but this is not mandatory for investors.
7. Access to international banking. Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda can open accounts with leading international banks and conduct transactions in various currencies, providing asset protection and diversification.
8. Educational benefits in the UK. As a member of the British Commonwealth, Antigua and Barbuda offers certain privileges when applying to UK universities, including eligibility for scholarship programs.
9. Citizenship inheritance. Citizenship is passed on to descendants, allowing future generations to benefit from the passport’s advantages.

An Antigua and Barbuda passport is not just a tool for visa-free travel but also a reliable instrument for asset protection and expanded global opportunities for the entire family.

Processing Time and Cost of Citizenship by Investment

Obtaining citizenship through investment in Antigua and Barbuda takes between 3 and 6 months. The program offers four investment options, each with its own requirements and costs. Below is a breakdown of the available options:

Non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund:

The most affordable option for single investors and families of up to five people. The funds go directly into a government fund and are non-refundable.

Real estate purchase:

Investors can acquire a property or a share in a government-approved real estate project. The property can be resold after five years.

Donation to a higher education institution:

This option is ideal for large families, allowing one family member under 29 years old to receive one year of free university education.

Business investment:

Applicants can invest from $1.5 million in government-approved projects or participate in collective investments.

• one investor – $1,500,000;
• collective investment – $400,000 per person (total amount from $5,000,000).

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program offers flexible investment conditions suitable for both individual applicants and large families. The choice of the best option depends on your financial capabilities and long-term goals.

Other Ways to Obtain Citizenship

Aside from the investment program, Antigua and Barbuda citizenship can be obtained through naturalization, marriage, descent, or affiliation. These pathways require meeting specific conditions.

Citizenship by Naturalization:

Foreign nationals who have lived in Antigua and Barbuda for at least five years may apply for citizenship. The application review considers factors such as:

• the applicant’s reputation;
• level of income;
• clean criminal record;
• tax compliance history.

Citizenship by Marriage:

Applicants may qualify for citizenship if they:

• have been married to an Antigua and Barbuda citizen for over three years;
• were previously married to a citizen of the country or someone who would have been eligible for citizenship had they not passed away;
• were married to a citizen who passed away before November 1, 1981;
• were married on October 31, 1981, to a person who acquired citizenship under Article 112 of the Constitution.

Citizenship by Descent:

Citizenship eligibility depends on the applicant’s place and date of birth:

1. Born in Antigua and Barbuda – Citizenship is granted automatically, except for children of diplomats.
2. Born outside the country before October 31, 1981 – Individuals with at least one parent or grandparent who was an Antigua and Barbuda citizen or a British subject at that time are eligible.
3. Born outside the country after October 31, 1981 – Citizenship is available if at least one parent is an Antigua and Barbuda citizen.

Citizenship by Affiliation:

The country’s Constitution allows citizenship for the following categories:

• spouses, widows, and widowers of citizens who obtained nationality upon independence;
• spouses married to a citizen for more than three years at the time of independence;
• commonwealth citizens with permanent residency in Antigua and Barbuda who have lived there for at least seven years after independence;
• minor children adopted or eligible for adoption by a citizen (if the parent is deceased).

These pathways require compliance with strict conditions and submission of necessary documentation.

Requirements for Citizenship Application

Obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship requires meeting various criteria, depending on the chosen pathway. The main requirements relate to age, criminal background, financial stability, and passing a due diligence check.

General Requirements for Applicants:

1. Minimum age of 18 years.
2. No criminal record.
3. Successful completion of a due diligence check.
4. No infectious diseases that pose a public health risk.
5. Proof of eligibility for citizenship (investment, marriage, employment, education, etc.).
6. Financial independence: annual income or savings of at least $10,000.

Requirements for Investors:

According to the Citizenship by Investment Act No. 2 and its amendments, the main applicant must:

• provide proof of the legal source of funds;
• make the required investment;
• attend an interview if necessary.

As of July 30, 2024, investors can appoint an alternative applicant from their family in case of death or incapacitation.

Eligible Family Members for Citizenship:

1. A spouse (only opposite-sex marriages are recognized) with no criminal record.
2. Dependent children under 30 years old.
3. Parents, grandparents over 55 years old, if financially dependent on the applicant.
4. Unmarried siblings of the investor or spouse with no children.

Requirements may change based on legislative updates, so it is essential to stay informed about the latest conditions when applying.

List of Required Documents

To apply for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship, a set of documents must be provided to confirm identity, financial status, and compliance with the program’s requirements. The list of documents may vary depending on the grounds for obtaining citizenship.

Main Documents:

1. Photographs (35 × 45 mm, color, no white clothing, face and ears visible).
2. Passport (copy of all pages).
3. National ID or passport (copy of all pages).
4. Birth certificate (notarized translation).
5. Police clearance certificate (for applicants over 18 years old).
6. Proof of residence issued within the last 3 months (utility bill, rental agreement, or property ownership certificate).

Additional Documents (if applicable):

• residence permit (if the applicant resides in another country);
• marriage or divorce certificate;
• name change certificate;
• military ID;
• educational documents (certificate, diploma, or confirmation from an educational institution).

Financial Documents (for the main applicant only):

1. Employment certificate or proof of income (tax returns, business registry extract).
2. Reference letter from an employer (from a person familiar with the applicant for at least 3 years in a professional capacity).
3. Bank statements for the last 12 months, preferably showing a balance confirming financial stability.
4. Bank reference letter in English.

Medical Documents – HIV test results (for applicants over 12 years old).

All documents must be translated into English and notarized. The complete list may be adjusted depending on the applicant’s individual situation and immigration requirements. You can always contact us for up-to-date information and professional assistance.

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Process

Citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda can be obtained through an investment program, which involves several mandatory steps. The process takes several months and requires full compliance with all requirements.

Preliminary Screening (1 day)

Before starting the official process, a preliminary screening is conducted to assess the likelihood of application approval. At this stage, the applicant submits a copy of their passport, after which specialists perform an internal risk analysis. This helps eliminate potential issues in advance and increases the chances of successfully obtaining citizenship.

Document Preparation (from 3 weeks)

After successfully passing the preliminary screening, the applicant gathers the required documents, including personal, financial, and legal information. All documents are translated into English and notarized. Necessary government forms are also completed for submission.

Application Submission and Due Diligence Check (from 3 months)

The official application for citizenship is submitted through a licensed agent. Antigua and Barbuda authorities conduct a thorough Due Diligence check, analyzing the applicant’s financial history and legal background. This stage is crucial in determining the final decision on citizenship approval.

Fulfillment of Investment Requirement (up to 30 days)

After application approval, the applicant must fulfill one of the program’s investment requirements:

• make a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund;
• purchase approved real estate;
• invest in a business project.

This must be completed within 30 days.

Oath of Allegiance (1 day)

The applicant and all adult family members must take the Oath of Allegiance. This can be done in person in Antigua and Barbuda, at a consulate, or remotely via video call. Citizens are required to visit the country within the first 5 years and stay for at least 5 days.

Passport Issuance (up to 4 weeks)

After completing all procedures, the passport and naturalization certificate are issued within 4 weeks and delivered to the applicant.

Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship program is one of the most accessible and fastest in the Caribbean, offering investors significant opportunities.

Possible Reasons for Citizenship Denial

The citizenship application process is strict, with each applicant undergoing thorough verification. A passport may be denied in the following cases:

• providing false or incomplete information.
• submitting forged documents.
• criminal record with a maximum sentence exceeding six months or no prior pardon.
• being under criminal investigation at the time of application.
• having infectious diseases or serious health issues.
• posing a potential national security threat to Antigua and Barbuda or other countries.
• engaging in activities that could harm the country’s international reputation.
• having been denied a visa to a country with which Antigua and Barbuda has a visa-free agreement.

Even after obtaining a passport, citizenship may be revoked if the investor:

• fails to meet the residency requirement (not spending at least 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first 5 years);
• provides false information or conceals important details;
• violates the laws of the country;
• is convicted in Antigua and Barbuda of treason, incitement to rebellion, or extremist activities.

Failure to comply with immigration rules may result in both the annulment of citizenship and a future entry ban.

Passport Validity and Renewal

Passports issued through the citizenship-by-investment program are valid for 5 years. If the investor has not spent at least 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda since obtaining citizenship, the passport will not be renewed, and citizenship will be revoked.

To confirm the required stay, the following documents can be used:

• Antigua and Barbuda passport entry and exit stamps;
• hotel payment receipts;
• boarding passes;
• confirmation from hotel administration.

After the initial 5-year validity, subsequent passports are issued for 10 years.

Important! Passport renewal applications must be submitted no later than 6 months before expiration. Required documents include a notarized copy of the Oath of Allegiance certificate and proof that the investment was maintained for 5 years.

The government fee for passport renewal is $1,000 for adults & $500 for minors.

Dual Citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda’s laws allow dual citizenship. However, eligibility depends on the applicant’s existing nationality. Dual citizenship is permitted only if both countries have an official agreement recognizing each other’s citizenship.

If no such agreement exists, obtaining a second citizenship is still possible, but each country will only recognize the individual as its own citizen. Thus, while dual citizenship provides flexibility, international agreements between countries must be considered.

Taxation in Antigua and Barbuda

Tax obligations in Antigua and Barbuda depend on tax residency status. To become a tax resident, one must reside in the country for more than 183 days per year. For tax residents, there are no taxes on income, dividends, interest, or royalties. Non-residents, however, must pay a 25% tax.

Businesses operating in Antigua and Barbuda are subject to a 25% corporate tax. Property owners must pay an annual property tax ranging from 0.1% to 0.5%, depending on the property’s value. Overall, the country’s tax system is favorable for residents and has clear rules for non-residents.

Summary of Antigua and Barbuda Passport

An Antigua and Barbuda passport offers the opportunity to obtain Caribbean citizenship within just 6 months through investment. The program provides visa-free access to over 150 countries. Benefits include no taxes on global income, the ability to obtain passports for the entire family (including parents and siblings), and a simple renewal process without residency requirements. Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is not just about prestige and freedom of movement—it is also a strategic tool for tax planning and international business.