Beginner’s Guide to Antigua And Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program

After the disastrous Irma and Maria hurricanes that left the Caribbean countries including Antigua divested, the CIP was launched. The hurricanes left Antigua and Barbuda without homes and infrastructure. In a desperate bid to raise relief funds, the Citizenship-by-Investment Program (CIP) was initiated by the government to attract foreign investment. Today, you can get Antiguan citizenship after participating in the program. Read on to understand how.

Investor expectations from the program

Becoming a citizen of Antigua offers visa-free entry into 149 countries such as Singapore and the UK with a chance to get long term US and Canadian visas. Additionally, the real estate industry is booming with the rapid development of the tourism industry. Investors have endless opportunities to tap into the market or invest in a new business that might be more profitable.

Antiguan citizenship gives investors tax optimization guarantee with benefits such as no tax on inheritance, world income, and capital gains. Additionally, the government of Antigua and Barbuda offers fiscal residency for obtaining tax residence. To qualify requires meeting the following criteria:

• Annual income of $100,000

• Annual fixed tax of $20,000

• Rent or purchase of real estate

• Live in the country for about 30 days annually

A permanent resident of Antigua certificate and a tax identification number are issued 6 months after completion of the application process.

How to apply for an Antiguan passport

Obtaining Antigua citizenship by investment requires having funds to invest in the program. Keep in mind that the funds must come from legal sources. Applicants must be aged 18 years and above with good health. Additionally, the investor must have a clean criminal record in their home country backed by a stellar business and personal reputation. Overall, the investor must have an excellent credit score with no debts.

What happens to the investor’s family?

The investor’s family including spouse and children below 26 years or parents over 65 years can apply for citizenship as well. These should be financially dependent on the investor. This family-inclusive package is a good consideration for the investor and the family to escape from the hustle and bustle of their home country. Antigua and Barbuda offer a safe and quiet recluse for a thriving family and business.

Documents required for the application

The investor must provide a financial statement including a bank reference letter, bank statement, fund origin certificate, and business partner recommendation letter. For document legalization and translation, a professional intermediary migration agent is required. This one helps ensure paperwork meets obligatory program requirements. Additionally, migration agents speed up the paperwork filling process. Other documents required during the application process include:

• Passport

• Identity card

• Driving license

• Health certificate

• AIDS test certificate

• Birth, education, marriage certificates

How to invest in the program

The first option is to make a non-refundable donation of $100,000 to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund. Alternatively, you have to invest about $400,000 into real estate for about 5 years continuously. The last option is to invest about $1.5 million for an individual and $5 million for more than one investor. Each should have $400,000 as a minimum individual share. This gives room for an investor to choose an investment option that meets their requirement and budget.

Bottom line

Gaining Antiguan citizenship comes with fulfilling rewards. Apart from contributing to rebuild people’s lives after the hurricanes, this country has immense investment opportunities for a smart investor.