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Antigua & Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program was designed and implemented under a government mandate in 2012. The program is appealing to applicants seeking alternative citizenship through acquiring desirable properties or by contributing to the islands’ National Development Fund.

About Antigua & Barbuda

The Eastern Caribbean island of Antigua and Barbuda is known for its lush tropical climate and inviting lifestyle.

Population:

101,500

Languages:

English, Antiguan Creole

Economy:

Tourism-based

Currency:

Eastern Caribbean dollar




An Introduction to Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is an independent Commonwealth state in the Eastern Caribbean. Antigua is 14 miles long and 11 miles wide and its flatland topography was well-suited to produce its early crops of tobacco, cotton, and ginger. The main industry, however, developed into sugar cane farming, which lasted for over 200 years. Today, following its independence from Britain in 1981, Antigua’s key industry is tourism and related service industries. The next largest job-creating sectors are the finance services industry and the government.


With some 365 beaches of clean, clear, turquoise waters, the lush tropical island of Antigua is an inviting paradise and considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. As a result, tourism is the key driver of GDP and generates around 60% of the island’s income, with key target markets being Canada, Europe, and the USA.

Antigua has experienced a challenging economic environment in recent years. However, the government has been credited with its implementation of the National Economic and Social Transformation Plan and a debt restructuring effort. One of the initiatives to support the island nation's economy is the introduction of a citizenship by investment program, for which Henley & Partners has played a significant role in advising and assisting the government on the program’s design, implementation, and international placement.


Antigua’s commitment to serving its tourism industry and increasing its GDP is demonstrated with the airport expansion project, which is worth USD 45 million and includes three passenger jet bridges and more than two dozen check-in counters, creating an overall higher efficiency for passenger arrival. It will also allow an increase in scheduled, charter, and inter-island flights. In addition, direct flights to Antigua from London, New York, Miami, and Toronto are available regularly.


The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (ECD), which is pegged to the USD at a rate of 2.70. Antigua is a member of the British Commonwealth, CARICOM, the Organisation of American States, and the United Nations, among many other international organizations. Holders of this passport, like all Caribbean countries, require a visa to enter the USA as the nation is not a member of the USA Visa Waiver Program.



Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

  • An Antigua and Barbuda passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 destinations including Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and Europe's Schengen Area.
  • Applicants are able to include a spouse, dependent children under 31 (as well as their spouse and children), parents and grandparents aged 55 and over, and unmarried siblings of the main applicant and/or their spouse of any age, as well as to add dependents after they have been granted citizenship.
  • Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Commonwealth, entitling citizens to certain privileges in the UK and other member states.
  • The nation is an attractive place to live or to own a second home in, with excellent air links to North America and Europe.

Requirements of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment

To qualify for citizenship, the main applicant must be over 18 years of age, meet the application requirements, and select one of the following four options available:

A contribution to the National Development Fund of a minimum non-refundable amount of USD 230,000
A contribution to the University of the West Indies of a minimum non-refundable amount of USD 260,000
The purchase of real estate with a minimum value of USD 300,000 from an approved real estate project. Two applicants can make a joint investment with each applicant investing a minimum of USD 300,000 to qualify. The real estate cannot be disposed of within the five-year period. 
The direct purchase of an eligible business for a minimum amount of USD 1.5 million as an individual. Alternatively, a joint purchase where each person contributes at least USD 400,000, totaling a minimum of USD 5 million.

Procedure for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program

​The government authority responsible for administering the program, the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), is responsible for the processing and thorough examining of all applications.
​The CIU undertakes strict due diligence checks and will decline an application if the applicant makes a false statement or omits any relevant information in the application. The documentary requirements of the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program are reasonable, and the procedures are straightforward. Once the application has been approved, main applicants and dependents aged 16 and older are required to attend mandatory virtual interviews. Passports can then be collected in Antigua and Barbuda.
​

Successful applicants

Are required to reside in Antigua and Barbuda for a minimum of five days during the first five years of obtaining citizenship. Under the real estate option, the time frame may vary depending on the project. Therefore, it is important to select a real estate project that can provide the necessary paperwork required from the developer for the citizenship application.

Antigua and Barbuda Real Estate

List and Everything you need to know about acquiring premium real estate in Antigua and Barbuda and linked to the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program.

Holding period of real estate

Minimum five year

Minimum real estate investment

USD 300,000

Type of​ ownership

Sole or shared owners

Rental income opportunity

2–5% on residential property

Antigua and Barbuda real estate

When one talks about the real estate market in Antigua and Barbuda, one has to think about island living. Antigua and Barbuda offers the opportunity of owning a slice of paradise and the lifestyle that goes with it. While this is what many real estate buyers are searching for, the potential for profit that such investment can offer is also a big part of the decision-making process.


With some of the most sought-after properties in the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda presents an attractive environment for investing in real estate. As a result, the nation’s real estate sector has witnessed a considerable increase in interest from foreign buyers in recent years. Antigua and Barbuda’s real estate market offers a unique lifestyle for buyers — one that is all about the experience.



Are there any restrictions on the acquisition of real estate in Antigua and Barbuda by foreign buyers?

Foreign nationals require a non-citizen’s landholding license. However, if the client is applying for citizenship through the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, the license will not be needed.

How can immovable property in Antigua and Barbuda be acquired??

In the case of non-citizens, a landholding license needs to be acquired in order to purchase real estate. The other option is to acquire citizenship through the purchase of real estate in one of the premium real estate developments that Antigua has to offer.

Does the applicant need to open a bank account in order to purchase property, and if so, what is the procedure?

While it is not necessary for overseas investors to have a bank account on the island to purchase a property, it is advisable to open one once they have ownership in order to conduct business related to their property.

What additional expenses will the real estate transaction incur?

The purchaser is liable for the third-party legal transfer or closing fees of 1–2% of the purchase price. Additionally, they are responsible for the payment of the nation’s standard purchaser’s stamp duty at 2.5%.

What kind of returns can be expected from property investment in Antigua and Barbuda?

Under normal circumstances, the estimated revenue that can be expected is between 2.5 and 3%. (For most of 2020, however, this was not the case due to challenges that arose from the Covid-19 pandemic.)

What other immovable property-related taxes and charges are imposed in Antigua and Barbuda?

Owners are required to pay property tax to the government as assessed by the Inland Revenue Department.

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program frequently asked questions

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program grants citizenship to individuals and their families through significant economic contributions.

Investment options include acquiring desirable real estate, a significant contribution to the islands’ National Development Fund or the University of the West Indies, or the direct purchase of an eligible business..

Benefits include visa-free travel to over 150 countries, the right to live, work, and study in Antigua and Barbuda, and access to a tropical climate and beautiful beaches..

The minimum investment starts at USD 230,000 for a contribution to the National Development Fund.

Processing times for citizenship by investment applications may vary. Please contact us to find out more.

Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse and dependent children as well as dependent parents and siblings in their application.

Applicants must spend at least five days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first five years of obtaining citizenship.

Required documents include a valid passport, proof of investment, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and other supporting documents.

Applicants must choose a qualifying investment, submit the application with the necessary documents, and undergo a due diligence process.