Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by investment

An Antigua passport is considered as one of the strongest in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. It enables its holder visa-free access to leading business hubs across the world, including the UK, Hong Kong, as well as Singapore. The country has a place for a favorable tax system with its citizens free from paying both capital gains & real estate taxes. The program was first put forth in the year 2013.

Antigua’s CBI program has been a popular choice among eagled-eyed business professionals and high-net-worth individuals. An applicant can obtain citizenship from the country by either investing in real estate, a government authorized business or by making a non-refundable contribution to help improve the country’s infrastructure. The country has been an independent Commonwealth state since 1981, and it is a member of several international organizations such as the UN, the Caribbean Community or CARICOM, Organization of Eastern Caribbean States or OECS, and the Organization of American States or OAS.

The Government of this country offers generous tax legislation and an attractive business environment. We here at Procitizenship offer a quick and hassle-free route to an Antigua citizenship. For more information on our service contact us.

What makes Antigua & Barbuda unique?

The twin-island of Antigua & Barbuda is located along the eastern coastline of the Caribbean Sea. A tourist paradise with lush hillsides, thick rainforests, and a breathtaking coastline attracts numerous people from around the world. The country’s landscape features exciting Flora and Fauna along with exotic sea life. It has gained independence from the UK in 1981; the country is currently a member of the UN, CARICOM, and the Commonwealth of Nations. It is primarily driven by the tourism sector, which contributes to around 60% of its GDP and 40% of the investments. The country’s economy is one of the strongest among all the other Caribbean countries. Antigua is governed by a parliamentary, representative democratic monarchy and follows the Common English Law Model. Yes, there is no language barrier. The rich-heritage country has a lot to offer to its citizens including affordable homes close to the beach and a cheaper cost of living.

The benefits of possessing Antigua & Barbuda citizenship for South Africans

There are numerous benefits of possessing Antigua & Barbuda citizenship for South Africans :

1. Possession of an Antigua and Barbuda Passport.
2. Visa-free travel to over 130 countries worldwide, including the UK and European Union.
3. Free to reside in Antigua and Barbuda for any length of time.
4. Dual citizenship permitted.
5. Lifetime citizenship. However, Applicants will have an obligation to spend at least 5 days in Antigua & Barbuda during the 5 years after obtaining Antiguan Citizenship; otherwise, they’ll not be eligible to renew their passport.
6. The application and approval process takes an average of 90 days.
7. Hassle-free application and approval process.
8. Stable democratic Government based on the British parliamentary system.
9. Applicants are not required to travel to Antigua and Barbuda during the application process. However, applicants may be required to visit Antigua and Barbuda, one of its Embassies, High Commission or Consulate Offices to take the Oath of Allegiance.

Antigua & Barbuda Vs South Africa

HEALTH

• LIVE 12.9 YEARS LONGER
  In South Africa, the average life expectancy is 64 years while in Antigua and Barbuda, that number is 77 years.
• BE 33.2% LESS LIKELY TO BE OBESE
  In South Africa, 28.3% of adults are obese while in Antigua and Barbuda, that number is 18.9% of people.

ECONOMY

• MAKE 94.8% MORE MONEY
  South Africa has a GDP/capita of $13,500, while in Antigua & Barbuda; GDP/capita is $26,300.

• BE 60.1% LESS LIKELY TO BE UNEMPLOYED
  In South Africa, 27.6% of adults are unemployed but in Antigua and Barbuda, that number is just 11.0%.

LIFE

• BE 61.0% LESS LIKELY TO DIE DURING INFANCY

• In South Africa, 31.0 children die before they reach the age of one while in Antigua and Barbuda, only 12.1 children do.

BASIC NEEDS

• BE 20.7% MORE LIKELY TO HAVE INTERNET ACCESS
  In South Africa, 54.0% of the population has internet access & in Antigua and Barbuda, about 65.2% do.

EXPENDITURES

• SPEND 57.6% LESS ON EDUCATION
  South Africa spends 5.9% of its total GDP on education while Antigua spends 2.5% of total GDP on education.
• SPEND 37.5% LESS ON HEALTHCARE
  South Africa spends 8.8% of its GDP on healthcare & in Antigua and Barbuda, the number is 5.5% of GDP.

The Prerequisites for an Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship application

Applicants for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program must fulfill the following conditions:

Main Applicant requirements

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be of good character
• Have no criminal record
• Pass a detailed background check
• Be able to give proof of the funding sources
• Be healthy

The main applicant must spend a minimum of 5 days on Antigua & Barbuda. It is to be done for over 5 years. All the 5 days could be spent on either of the islands at the end of the 5 years.
Investors may apply with their spouse and dependent children, and, in some cases, dependent elderly parents or grandparents.

Spouse requirements

• Marriage certificate
• Clean criminal record

Minor Children requirements

• Dependent children below the age of 18

Adult Children requirements

• Up to 28 if attending full-time education
• Fully supported

Parents requirements

• Parents/grandparents above 55
• Living with the main applicant and fully supported

The required steps for a successful application process to the Antigua & Barbuda citizenship

Investors and their families may gain citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda using these ways:

• Doing a one-time contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF)
• Investing in pre-approved real estate
• Doing a pre-approved business investment
• Participating in the West Indies Fund (UWI Fund)

National Development Fund (NDF)

The country’s National Development Fund or NDF was established by the Government to sponsor projects to diversify & support the national economy. The minimum contribution required is 100,000USD plus 25,000USD Government fees under this option, equating to 125,000USD for a single applicant.

Investment in Pre-approved Real Estate

The pre-approved real estate option requires applicants to purchase property that can be sold only after 5 years. The ownership through a company is allowed as long as the company is non-profit and has issued all authorized shares to the applicant. Also, the company must be established and in good standing under the laws of Antigua & Barbuda, and is not an exempt or offshore entity. The minimum investment required under the pre-approved real estate option is US$400, 000.

Pre-approved Business Investment

The business investment option allows applicants to invest in a business pre-approved by the Citizenship by Investment Unit or CIU. The CIU approves a business investment after discussing it with the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority or ABIA. Applicants who choose this option can either:

1. Invest at least US$1,500,000 in an approved business

or

2. Invest at a sum of US$400,000 in a joint investment with another applicant, so long as the joint investment totals at least US$5,000,000.

West Indies Fund (UWI Fund)

The West Indies Fund is a mechanism for financing UWI’s fourth landed campus in the country. This option is available for families only that too for four persons or more. The participation in the UWI Fund entitles one family member to a one-year scholarship at the University of the West Indies.

The application process step by step

The governing body of the country’s citizenship program, Citizen by Investment Unit or CIU states that each application to the program must be submitted through a government-authorized agent. Listed below the time frame of the application process:

Month 1

Prequalification checks of the applicant.
Preparation of all the necessary documents.
Payment of due diligence fees, 10% non-refundable government fees, advisory fees, and reservation of property investment fees, if applicable.

Month 2-3

Submission of the citizenship application to the CIU.
The government vets the application and conducts a due diligence background check on the candidate.
The citizenship application is approved.

Month 4-5

The real estate investment/government donation is made along with the remaining 90% of the government’s fees.
Antigua citizenship certificate & passport is issued to the applicant.

Month 6

Remaining payment, if any of it is left is to be made once the passport is delivered.

1. Where is Antigua & Barbuda?

The Antigua & Barbuda is a twin-island, which is located along the eastern coastline of the Caribbean Sea.

2. What language do they speak in Antigua & Barbuda?

English is the official language of the country.

3. Does Antigua & Barbuda allow me to keep my original citizenship?

Yes, Antigua & Barbuda will allow you to keep your original citizenship.

4. Will the Antigua & Barbuda citizenship automatically grant me European citizenship?

No, the Antigua & Barbuda citizenship does not grant European citizenship because the Caribbean countries are not members of the EU. However, holders of Antigua & Barbuda passport issued by a Caribbean nation enjoy visa free travel for up to 90 days to many countries, including the European Union, specifically all European countries of the Schengen area.

5. Will my citizenship expire?

No. When you acquire citizenship under a Antigua & Barbuda citizenship program, you and your family enjoy full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent.

6. Do I have to pay tax in Antigua & Barbuda?

Residents of the country benefit from no capital gains tax or estate taxes. The income taxes are progressive, ranging from 10% up to 25% on taxable income. Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda are not taxed on their worldwide income but only on the national income or the income sourced within the country.

7. What currency do they use?

The currency used in Antigua & Barbuda is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar.

8. What is the restricted country list?

The updated the restricted countries list for Antigua & Barbuda is as follows:

Afghanistan

Iran

Iraq

North Korea

Somalia

Yemen

Sudan

Nationals of the countries listed are eligible to apply for citizenship under Investment Programme only after having met the following criteria:

People from these restricted Nations, who migrated and/or have maintained permanent residence or PR in Canada, the UK, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia & the United Arab Emirates, for not less than ten years. They should not maintain any economic ties to the restricted country list. In addition, all applicants would be required to fully comply with the programs due diligence requirements.

The Cabinet of county has taken this position to safeguard the integrity of the passport. They ensure that only persons, whose past behavior will not threaten the well-being of the Citizenship Program, can be accepted.

9. How long will my citizenship be valid?

The citizenship is for a life time provided the main applicant must spend minimum 5 days on Antigua & Barbuda. It is to be done over a period of 5 years. All the 5 days could be spent on either of the islands at the end of the 5-year period.

10. Am I allowed to Visit Schengen countries with Antigua Passport?

Yes, you are allowed to Visit Schengen countries with Antigua Passport.

11. Are there any other fees involved besides the original requirements?

The other fees involved besides the original requirements are as follows-

• Due diligence fee ($7500)
• Government fee ($50,000)
• Passport fee ($300)