The 4 Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Pathways

Have you considered acquiring a second citizenship or a second passport? You can do this easily and reasonably quickly through one of the available Caribbean citizenship by investment programs.

The Antigua & Barbuda citizenship by investment program, spearheaded by the country’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), is one of your options. CIU offers four investment pathways.

1. National Development Fund (NDF)

The National Development Fund helps finance government projects. You can contribute or donate a minimum amount to it and use that as your basis for your citizenship by investment application.

• Investment amount: A non-refundable contribution of $100,000 is required for solo applicants or a family of up to four members. A family of five or more must contribute $125,000.
• Processing fees: The government charges $30,000 for every application, whether for a solo applicant or a family of up to four members. There’s an additional $15,000 charge per person for the fifth member and beyond.
• Due diligence fees: Due diligence fees are incurred on a per-person basis. It’s $7,500 each for the principal applicant and spouse, $2,000 per dependent 12-17 years old, and $4,000 per dependent 18 years and older.
• Other fees: Additional costs may include fees for legal services, passport fees, and other administrative expenses associated with your application.

1. Real Estate

St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda town skyline on Redcliffe Quay at dusk.
Photo by depositphotos.com

Instead of contributing money to the NDF, you can buy real estate. It costs more than the NDF contribution option, but your investment buys you equity. Moreover, investing in real estate offers potential economic returns through property appreciation and rental income.

• Investment amount: You must buy real estate worth at least $400,000. Alternatively, you can split the cost with another applicant; each applicant must contribute at least $200,000 to the purchase price. Finally, you may invest at least $200,000 in an approved real estate project.
• Holding period: You cannot sell the property you purchased or your stake in a real estate project for at least five years from the date you acquired citizenship unless you’re replacing it with another approved real estate property.
• Government fees: Every application has a corresponding processing fee of…