Did you know that if you moved to Antigua and Barbuda, you could visit a new beach every day for a whole year?
Home to over 365 beaches, some ranked among the best in the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda is ideal for those looking for endless adventures and secluded sands far from the frequented shores of places like the Bahamas or the Virgin Islands.
But there’s more to this twin-island nation than first meets the eye.
For some, Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship-by-investment program is a gateway to unparalleled global mobility.
It provides high-net-worth individuals with an enticing ‘Plan B’, as the passport, currently ranked 54 on the Nomad Passport Index, opens doors to at least 142 destinations –either visa-free, through a visa on arrival, or via an eTA (electronic Travel Authorisation).
For those interested in obtaining an Antigua and Barbuda passport, the program can be a strategic move as part of a plan to diversify assets and secure a robust financial future outside of the ‘norm.’
Yet, as with any investment, there are considerations to weigh. While the benefits are many, potential drawbacks also exist.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship-by-Investment Program
Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship-by-investment program recently underwent a pivotal change, with a new minimum investment of US$230,000, effective June 30, 2024.
This update was part of a regional effort to elevate standards within Caribbean CBI programs, promising enhanced security and credibility.
As a result, this particular CBI program’s key features include:
- Minimum Investment: Made via a US$230,000 donation to the National Development Fund
- Family Package: Applications can include a number of family members and this is one of the most affordable programs for larger families.
- Inclusion: Adult dependent children (18-26) and parents/parents-in-law (55+).
- Residency Requirement: Five days over a five-year period in Antigua and Barbuda.
This particular CBI program is particularly ideal for larger families, offering the possibility of including dependent children and parents in a single application.
There’s also an option to donate to the University of the West Indies Fund (UWI). This is only open to families of six or more but effectively allows the per-person donation to be spread further.
The total UWI investment amount required is US$260,000, including processing fees, making the per-person ‘fee’ for a family of six just over US$43,000.
Overall, the investment options represent a small commitment to the state for the privilege of holding an Antiguan passport, which grants access to over 140 countries.
Beyond those options, there are other routes to CBI here, including:
- Real estate investment of US$300,000 in government-approved property
- The direct purchase of a business for US$1.5 million for a single applicant.
Note that due diligence and processing fees of around US$25,000 for a single applicant and more for families are also payable.
On the plus side, however, applicants’ interviews are held virtually, so there’s no physical presence requirement. Provided your references and health status are good, your new passport will be issued in as little as three to four months.
Pros and Cons of an Antigua and Barbuda Passport
Before you rush to apply for your Antigua and Barbuda passport immediately, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the benefitsanddrawbacks of citizenship here.
Here are some of the standout advantages:
- Family-Friendly Costs: Families can apply for the same price, making it a cost-effective option for securing a second passport for the whole family.
- Visa-Free Travel: Enjoy visa-free access to over 140 countries (without a visa, through a visa on arrival, or via an eTA), including the Schengen area, South Africa and Brazil.
- Commonwealth Privileges: As a [British] Commonwealth country, Antigua and Barbuda citizens receive certain privileges in the UK and other Commonwealth member states.
- Dual Citizenship: Maintain your original nationality while enjoying Antiguan citizenship for life. Just check with your current country to ensure theyalso allow dual citizenship.
- Quick Processing: Compared to European programs, applications are processed quickly. Most receive their passports within a few months.
- Convenience: Remote acquisition of citizenship.
- No Initial Residency Requirement: There’s no need to reside permanently or even part-time in Antigua and Barbuda. Just spend at least five days there during the five years after obtaining citizenship and you’re good.
- Favourable Tax Environment: No capital gains, inheritance or wealth taxes. Personal income is also untaxed.
- Language and Culture: No language or cultural exams.
- Island Paradise: What’s not to love about living on or visiting a Caribbean island with over 365 beaches?
However, potential drawbacks need consideration, too. These include:
- Residency Requirement: Investors must spend at least five days in Antigua and Barbuda during the first five years after acquiring citizenship, a condition not present in some other similar programs.
- Inheritance Limitations: Citizenship cannot be passed down through generations, requiring new family members to apply independently within the first ten years.
- Limited Double Tax Treaties: This can complicate tax planning for those with local income who are tax residents elsewhere.
- High Fees: Government fees for fund contributions and real estate purchases are relatively high compared to other Caribbean programs.
- US Visa Requirement: Despite broad visa-free access, a US visa is still necessary for travel to America.
- No E-2 Visa Eligibility: Antiguan citizens are not eligible for the US E-2 Business Visa, which limits business and residency opportunities in the US.
These considerations highlight the need to weigh the benefits against the limitations, ensuring that an Antigua and Barbuda passport aligns with your broader global strategy.
Alternatives to the Antigua and Barbuda Passport
While Antigua and Barbuda offers a compelling citizenship-by-investment program, it’s not the sole option in the Caribbean.
Several other nations provide similar pathways to citizenship, each with its own set of investment thresholds and unique advantages. Here are some noteworthy alternatives worth consideration:
Dominica Citizenship by Investment
Dominica stands out with one of the most cost-effective programs in the region.
The primary routes are:
- A minimum investment of US$200,000 in the Economic Diversification Fund
- A pre-approved real estate purchase of US$200,000 or more.
The Dominican program is well-known for its swift processing times. It offers global mobility with visa-free access to over 130 countries (without a visa, through a visa on arrival or via an eTA).
Like the Antigua and Barbuda program and others on this list, all applicants must undergo a due diligence check and provide documentation as requested by immigration officials.
Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment
As the pioneering Caribbean program, and still one of the most popular, Saint Kitts and Nevis offers citizenship through a US$250,000 contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund or via a real estate investment starting at US$400,000.
Known for its robust passport (one of the most powerful in the Caribbean) which grants access to at least 145 countries via visa-free, visa-on-arrival or eTA travel, this island nation appeals to those seeking a balance between cost and travel freedom.
The tax benefits are perhaps more appealing than the passport’s power: Saint Kitts and Nevis does not impose individual income or wealth taxes.
Grenada Citizenship by Investment
Grenada’s program is unique in that it’s one of the few in this region offering eligibility for the United States E-2 Investor Visa.
The investment options include contributing US$235,000 to the National Transformation Fund or investing USD$350,000 in approved real estate.
Because of the E-2 Investor Visa option that comes with owning a Grenada passport, the program is attractive for those interested in US business opportunities.
Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment
Saint Lucia offers flexibility with various investment choices, all well-suited for families.
These include a US$240,000 donation to the nation’s National Economic Fund which allows you to apply for yourself and up to three dependents, making it ideal for families.
You can also qualify via real estate investments starting at US$300,000. Like other programs in the Caribbean, you’ll need to hold the property for at least five years. However, you can apply with any number of dependents.
Is Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Right for You?
As you contemplate whether getting an Antigua and Barbuda passport aligns with your financial, professional and personal goals, we recommend trying to be as objective as possible.
The citizenship-by-investment program offers a unique opportunity for families, providing an economical path to a second passport.
Its appeal lies in extensive visa-free travel, advantageous tax conditions and Commonwealth and UK privileges. The allure of island life adds another layer of desirability, but only if you plan to visit or stay for longer periods of time.
On the other hand, it’s not ideal for those looking for a second passport with zero residency requirements and potential access to the United States.
Remember, even with an Antiguan passport, you’ll still need a US visa for travel to the States (unless your ‘regular’ passport permits visa-free travel).
Still, those seeking global mobility and a potential lifestyle upgrade may find this program a compelling choice.
True, it doesn’t tick all the boxes for those looking to become true nomad citizens as part of diversifying their asset and passport portfolio and reducing their global tax burden.
But then again, that’s why most high-net-worth individuals ask Nomad Capitalist to investigate the requirements for, and possibilities of, second or even multiple passports…
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