Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign state within the Commonwealth, situated in the Eastern Caribbean. Antigua, measuring 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, features flatland topography that was ideal for cultivating early crops such as tobacco, cotton, and ginger. The predominant industry, however, became sugar cane farming, which thrived for more than two centuries. Since gaining independence from Britain in 1981, Antigua’s primary economic drivers now include tourism and related service industries. Additional significant sectors contributing to job creation are finance services and governmental activities.
Antigua, celebrated for its 365 beaches with pristine turquoise waters, is a stunning tropical paradise and ranks among the world’s most picturesque destinations. Tourism plays a pivotal role in the country’s economy, generating approximately 60% of its income. Key target markets for tourism include Canada, Europe, and the USA.
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program offers a great opportunity for wealthy families looking for access to the Caribbean and European markets, as well as visa-free entry to key financial centers in Asia. With a minimum donation of $230,000, the processing time for citizenship is between three to four months. One of the significant advantages of obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda is the right to free movement to various countries such as Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area.
Furthermore, the benefits of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment include having a passport that provides visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to 150 destinations worldwide, including some of the most desirable locations such as Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area. The program allows applicants to include their spouse, dependent children under the age of 31, parents and grandparents over 55, unmarried siblings of the main applicant, their spouse, or any age dependent children. Additionally, dependents can be added after obtaining citizenship.
In order to be eligible for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship, the primary applicant must be at least 18 years of age, satisfy the application criteria, and choose one of the four available options:
Invest in approved real estate projects by purchasing property valued at a minimum of $230,000. Alternatively, two applicants can invest jointly, each investing at least $230,000. The real estate cannot be sold for a period of five years.
Purchase an eligible business directly with a minimum amount of $1.5 million as an individual or a joint purchase with each contributor investing a minimum of $400,000, totalling at least $5 million.
Make a non-refundable minimum contribution of $230,000 to the National Development Fund.
Contribute a non-refundable minimum amount of $150,000 to the University of the West Indies.
These investment options allow individuals to obtain citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, subject to meeting the necessary requirements.
The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), which is the government authority responsible for administering the program, meticulously examines each application and may request an interview if needed. The CIU performs strict due diligence checks and will reject any application that contains false statements or omits relevant information. The application process for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program is straightforward and requires reasonable documentary requirements. After approval, applicants can collect their passports in Antigua and Barbuda, and the process typically takes three to four months, assuming no issues arise. To maintain citizenship, it is necessary to spend at least five days in Antigua and Barbuda during the first five years. Depending on the real estate project selected, this timeframe may vary, so it is essential to choose a project that can provide the necessary paperwork required for the citizenship application.
If you’re interested in acquiring premium real estate linked to the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, here’s what you need to know. The holding period for the real estate is a minimum of five years, and the minimum investment required is USD $230,000. The ownership type can be sole or shared, and there’s also the potential for rental income ranging from 2 to 5% on residential property.
Antigua and Barbuda’s real estate market offers not only the chance to own a slice of paradise and experience the island lifestyle but also the potential for profitable investment. This has resulted in a growing interest from foreign buyers in recent years. With some of the most sought-after properties in the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda presents an attractive investment environment that offers a unique lifestyle experience for buyers. In addition to the financial benefits, investing in Antigua and Barbuda’s real estate market can provide buyers with a sense of security and stability. The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program also offers the opportunity to obtain citizenship and all its associated benefits, including visa-free travel to over 150 countries.