A second passport is a must in the present-day world, so it is hardly surprising that a lot of people are looking for ways to quickly obtain one. You probably know that there is a long way to acquire citizenship (through naturalization) and a quick path (by investing money in the economy of the respective country). Not all countries offer economic citizenship, of course. However, the majority of Caribbean states do, and the program offered by Antigua and Barbuda is a really affordable way to get passports for the whole family. This post will give you a brief look at what it takes to become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda.
Why Opt for Antigua and Barbuda?
Let’s look at the main reasons why this program is worth paying attention to:
- You will not have to wait for long to get your passport. As soon as your documents have been received and processed, your passport should arrive between four to six months (assuming all goes according to plan). For comparison’s sake, acquiring citizenship by naturalization may take 10 years or more!
- A strong passport. South American countries, the Schengen states, Ireland, the UK, and more than 160 other countries will be available to you as an Antiguan passport holder without a visa or with e-visa/visa-upon-arrival.
- Dual citizenship is allowed. If your country of residence allows for dual citizenship as well, you will not have to renounce your current citizenship. You can just add the Antiguan passport to your collection and enjoy the benefits provided by both documents.
- No income tax for local tax residents. If you become an Antiguan tax resident (which requires living in the country for at least 183 days a year), you will not have to pay income tax on your worldwide income.
- A mandatory Caribbean holiday once every five years. Some people tend to see this requirement as a drawback – well, simply because it is an obligation! However, it is a pleasant obligation, and you can relax and simply enjoy it: you will need to visit the country within five years after becoming a citizen and spend 5 days in this tropical paradise. Doesn’t it sound tempting?
- Transport hub. The country has a large international airport that connects the Caribbean to North America and Europe. What is more, there is a huge port in the capital that can accept several cruise ships at once.
- Excellent holiday destination. Antigua and Barbuda is often referred to as the “Country of 365 Beaches”, and you are sure to find a place to your liking here. There are a lot of water sports opportunities here, and you can swim with stingrays if you want to! The second island, Barbuda, is a perfect site for those who enjoy solitude in the lap of pristine nature. The country is a popular destination for a honeymoon and it has a lot of facilities for this purpose.
- Yacht lover’s paradise. There is a large port for private yachts and boats called Jolly Harbour, and it offers private settlements with villas and golf courses located nearby. And if you enjoy watching regattas, you will have an opportunity to see the luxury events that attract the most expensive vessels.
Antigua and Barbuda definitely has something to offer, and you can join the happy community of Antiguan passport holders!
Requirements for Applicants
Here are the simple criteria you will have to meet to become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda (they apply to all dependents included in the application as well):
- The main applicant must be aged at least 18
- The criminal record must be clean
- High personal capital is required
- You should be in good health
- Finally, be prepared to take an oath of allegiance to Antigua and Barbuda.
The application can include the following family members:
- Parents over 58 years of age
- Spouse
- Children under 18
- Children aged 18-28 if they are financially dependent on you (for example, study at a university) and are not married
Black List
There are several blacklisted countries that have limited access to the Antiguan offer:
- Somalia
- Afghanistan
- Sudan
- North Korea
- Iran
- Yemen
Individuals born in the above countries have the right to obtain an Antiguan passport on the following conditions:
- They have no ties with the blacklisted countries
- They have emigrated to New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the UAE, or Saudi Arabia
- The length of their permanent residence in any non-blacklisted country is at least 10 years
Investment Options
There are four investment routes to Antiguan citizenship, and you can choose any of them. Let’s take a more detailed look.
Investment in the National Development Fund (NFD)
You should donate USD 100,000 if applying alone or with up to three dependents; additionally a state processing fee of USD 30,000 must also be paid for processing purposes. However, for families comprising more than four members along with one main applicant you will have to donate an extra amount equal to USD 130,00 plus 15,000 as additional state fees for processing applications will need to be covered as well as donations being given directly by them.
Investment in the University of West Indies Fund (UWIF)
Families consisting of at least 6 members are eligible to use this option, in which you’d donate USD 150,000 plus USD 15,000 per additional family member included on their application form. Each beneficiary family member would then qualify for one free year of university study.
Investment in Real Estate
Your options to acquire an approved development project involve investing USD 400,000 (or USD 200,000 if buying with another claimant), in addition to paying processing fees similar to the options above.
Contrary to the first two options, this one can be returned: you are required to hold onto the property for at least 5 years before selling it back at market price.
Investment in Business
Your investment options range from USD 1,500,000 in projects approved by your local government or USD 400,000 as part of an overall collective investment pool totaling USD 5 Million.
Interested in the Antiguan passport? You can follow the above link to look at the additional fees you will have to pay and get more detailed information. Make the most of the tropical paradise!