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This article will discuss several ways of securing Antigua and Barbuda citizenship through investing.
It includes an overview of Antigua and Barbuda and its Citizenship by Investment Program. We’ll explore the benefits, eligibility criteria, and investment options.
Lastly, you will learn about the whole process of applying for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.
You can contact us if you need help with the program, its requirements, and tips on the best investment strategies to employ in the country.
Antigua and Barbuda is a Commonwealth nation in the Eastern Caribbean. It has a population of roughly 100,000.
The country comprises several smaller islands besides the two main populated islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua, named after the island’s Santa Mara La Antigua Church, was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493.
Antigua and Barbuda is a former British colony. Antigua became a British colony in 1632, and Barbuda a few decades later in 1678.
A wide variety of mountains, sea areas, and beaches stretch across the country’s 442 square kilometers of territory.
All year round, Antigua and Barbuda experiences a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity. The most commonly spoken languages are English (the official language) and Antiguan Creole.
Over the years, Antigua and Barbuda have become two of the world’s most popular destinations for tourism. The two main islands have picturesque turquoise waters and white, sandy beaches. This breathtaking natural scenery is a major visitor attraction.
Antigua and Barbuda relies heavily on the tourism industry, which generates more than 60% of the country’s GDP.
With a history of political stability and open government, Antigua and Barbuda welcomes foreign investment by providing a welcoming legal environment, pro-business policies, and growth-promoting incentives.
These include low corporate and capital gains tax rates, no personal income tax, and an easy procedure for setting up an offshore business.
The Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) in Antigua and Barbuda was launched in 2013 to fund government projects and innovative businesses. It now joins several other Caribbean nations with an active citizenship program, including Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis.
Individuals and their families can obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investing significantly in the country. In 2021, 498 investors applied for the CIP, a 36% increase in applications from 2020 numbers.
With tourism always on the rise, investors can count on solid returns on their investments. Investing in marinas, luxury resorts, eco-tourism projects, and other tourism-related infrastructure is a great way to get a piece of the tourism industry pie.
Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program has multiple benefits, the most notable of which are:
The following are some of the few requirements of Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program for the principal applicant:
If you have a spouse and dependents who will accompany you, these are the requirements:
Antigua and Barbuda offers several ways to achieve citizenship through investment:
Donating to Antigua and Barbuda’s National Development Fund is the most economical path to citizenship. The NDF’s goal is to increase public and private sector growth through technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation with the help of private-sector finance.
Compared to its Caribbean neighbors, Antigua and Barbuda enjoys a distinct edge. You can contribute $100,000 (for up to four people) or $125,000 (for five people or more) to the NDF or a designated charity.
The $30,000 state processing cost has not changed. Additionally, you may have to pay more for due diligence based on your age and the number of dependents.
To qualify using this route, you must invest at least $200,000 in real estate.
The real estate must be part of a reputable developer project approved by the state. Examples of government-backed projects are luxury hotels, villas in prime locations, and tourist infrastructure.
You must maintain the property for at least five after the initial before you can sell it.
The Antigua Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) must consult with the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) before approving existing or proposed businesses for investment purposes under the Citizenship by Investment Program.
There are two business investment options available. You may act as a sole investor or invest with others if you each contribute the minimum amount.
In the case of a single investor, you must invest at least US$1,500,000 in an approved business venture. For joint investment, at least two applicants must each invest $400,000, with a minimum combined commitment of $5,000,000.
The government declared in May 2020 a reduction in contributions to the University of the West Indies Fund from large families.
This plan is best for families with six (6) people or more, and entitles one family member to a full year’s worth of tuition and fees at the University of the West Indies.
To qualify under this investment option, you must give the University of the West Indies a one-time gift of at least $150,000.
There are a few different ways to apply for citizenship by investing in Antigua and Barbuda:
The first step in applying for citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda is to look for the services of a reliable authorized agent with experience in the program.
These experts are well-versed in the program’s specifics and can confidently guide you through the application procedure.
You can choose between the University of the West Indies Fund, the NDF, purchasing shares for pre-approved real estate projects, or making a business investment.
Submit the application once you’ve found an authorized agent and settled on an investing strategy. It is important to carefully fill out the application form and attach the required documents.
Applicants must provide resumes, bank statements, criminal records checks, and investment proposals as part of the application process. If you have an authorized agent, they will help you complete all the paperwork correctly and on time. Some of the documents include:
The due diligence and background check processes are essential to the CIP.
The government will perform a thorough vetting process to guarantee that applicants have a good reputation and character. They will verify the validity of the documents you have submitted, do background checks, and evaluate your overall suitability.
You should expect to obtain a letter of approval in principle within 60–90 days of submitting your application.
If the Antigua and Barbuda department approves your investment immigration application, they will notify your advisors. You will have up to four weeks to make your investment.
The government of Antigua and Barbuda will issue citizenship to you and any qualifying family members if you pass the due diligence process and make the required investment.
After that, they will issue you and your family a Certificate of Naturalization to recognise your new citizenship officially.
Unfortunately, the Citizenship by Investment Unit of Antigua and Barbuda does not accept direct applications. They will only accept applications through approved intermediaries like Wealthy Expats.
Yes, you can buy citizenship in Antigua under the Citizenship by Investment Program. The cheapest option under the program is the NDF, which will cost you USD 137,500 as a single applicant.
One of the main benefits of being a citizen, either as an individual or a legal entity, is the low tax rate. Individuals enjoy a 0% personal income tax rate. Corporates pay a maximum of 25% tax, although banks pay 22.5%, and oil, insurance, and telco companies only pay 10%.
The standard VAT rate is 15%, but restaurants and hotels only pay 14%, while food, fuel, electricity, and water companies pay 0%.
You will also enjoy visa-free travel to over 150 destinations like the UK, South Korea, and the European Union’s Schengen Area. The country will also grant you a 10-year US visitor visa.
You need not visit Antigua and Barbuda before applying for citizenship, but you must spend at least five days in the country during the first five years of citizenship. Within that time frame, you and your adult family can take the Oath of Allegiance.
Once you and your family obtain citizenship, you have the legal right to reside, work, and attend school.
A due diligence check for an investor will set you back $7,500. A spouse or civil partner will incur the same fee. Each additional adult applicant will cost the principal applicant $4,000.
The island authorities charge a fee of $2,000 for a background check on children between the ages of 12 and 17. There is no need for a background check for minors under 12.
If you were born in or are a citizen of Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, or Sudan, or if you have a visa from any of the countries with which Antigua and Barbuda has a Treaty of No Entry, you cannot apply for citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda.
Your application, however, may be approved under the following conditions:
Contact us today to discuss the best options for obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment.
At Wealthy Expat, we make tax reduction and asset protection easy and fast.
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