A twin-island nation, Antigua and Barbuda is a paradise in the Caribbean. Country鈥檚 entrance into the arena of citizenship by investment programs is relatively recent, but Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program is gaining popularity fast.
Only after five years since it has been launched, Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, being one of the most recent programs around, manages to gain immense popularity among investors. As a natural outcome of its transparent and trustworthy process management, fast turnaround and great real estate possibilities, Antigua and Barbuda citizenship attracts the attention it deserves. Furthermore, the country recently reduced its processing fees and gave the program another competitive edge.
One of the biggest advantages offered by Antigua and Barbuda passport is the visa-free travel to more than 135 countries including the UK, the Schengen Area, Hong Kong and Singapore. Antigua and Barbuda does not impose restrictions on having dual nationality either. Once the applicant meets the requirements for citizenship, they can have their second passport and enjoy visa-free travel across the globe.
Investment requirements
The applicant may choose among three types of investment when applying for Antigua and Barbuda passport. One of them is to make a contribution of $100,000 to either the NDF or an approved charity.
The second option is to invest in real estate. This option requires the applicant to purchase a property of at least $400,000 in a preapproved real estate development area and to keep it for at least five years.
The third and final option is to invest $1.5m to establish a business. This can be a joint investment comprising two or more people, as long as each person contributes at least $400,000, and the total joint investment comes to a minimum of $5m.
Global Success at Citizenship by Investment
According to Henley & Partners鈥� Global Residence and Citizenship Programs 2017-2018 report, Antigua and Barbuda were rated the Best Citizenship by Investment (CBI) destination in the Caribbean and the fourth best globally by scoring 61 out of 100 on the Global Citizenship Programme Index. Scoring high at ten categories; namely quality of life, visa-free access, processing time and quality of processing, compliance, financial requirements, residence requirements, relocation flexibility, physical visit requirements, and transparency; Antigua and Barbuda position itself at a quite competitive and assertive rank.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program is Contributing to the Country Economy
Almost a fifth of the government鈥檚 annual revenue in Antigua and Barbuda is generated by the country鈥檚 successful citizenship by investment program (15% to be exact). Also, the program is responsible for a large chunk of the investments made in the construction and real estate sectors of the country. These sectors are the pillars of the country鈥檚 tourism and leisure industry. Moreover, the government of Antigua and Barbuda managed to transition into using renewable energy thanks to the funding of the country鈥檚 citizenship by investment program. The program that is launched in 2013 was also a great helping hand in rebuilding Barbuda after a devastating tropical storm. On the macro level, the liquidity injected onto the sovereign balance sheet, combined with the long-term income streams created by new businesses and their associated tax revenues, has helped the twin island nation to pay off its entire external debt to the IMF.
You can also find out more information about investment options to obtain Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship in our guide.
