Who is eligible to apply for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship-by-Investment Programme?
The primary applicant must be over 18, of good character, and must make an investment or contribution in one of the qualifying options. Applicants are ineligible if they provide false information, suffer (or have family members who suffer) from a contagious disease or serious health problems as stated by a medical practitioner, have an unpardoned conviction in any country for an offence carrying a maximum custodial penalty of more than 6 months that is not spent, are subject to a criminal investigation, pose a national security risk to Antigua and Barbuda or any other country, are involved in any activity likely to bring the country into disrepute, or have been denied a visa by a country with which Antigua and Barbuda has visa-free travel without later obtaining a visa to that country. Nationals of Belarus and Russia are ineligible and may not apply. Nationals of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, and Sudan are restricted, and can apply only if they migrated before the age of majority, or hold permanent residence in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK, or the USA for at least 10 years and maintain no economic ties to any restricted country.
Who qualifies as a dependent on an Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme application?
The application may include the spouse of the main applicant; dependent children of the main applicant or spouse up to 30 years old, who need not be financially dependent; dependent children over 30 who are physically or mentally challenged and live with and are fully supported by the main applicant; parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse above 55 who live with and are fully supported by the main applicant; and unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouse.
Can any dependents qualify after approval of the main applicant under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship-by-Investment Programme?
Yes. After the main applicant is approved, a future spouse of the main applicant, a future spouse of a dependent child where that child is financially dependent on the main applicant, and a future child of a dependent child can be added at any time.
What are the benefits of citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda?
The Antigua and Barbuda passport allows visa-free travel to over 150 jurisdictions, including Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the UK, and the Schengen Area, with a full list available on the CIP website. Multiple citizenship is permitted, and citizenship is valid for a lifetime and can be passed to subsequent generations.
What is the usual processing time for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship-by-Investment Programme?
Processing takes approximately 12 to 18 months, including application preparation, approval, and issue of the certificate of registration and passport.
Do I need to travel to or reside in Antigua as part of the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship-by-Investment Programme?
No. There is no requirement to travel to or reside in Antigua before obtaining citizenship. However, citizens must spend at least 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda within 5 calendar years after obtaining citizenship and swear an oath in Antigua.
Do I need to show the source of funds for my investment under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship-by-Investment Programme?
Yes. Applicants must show that they have enough funds to make the investment and that the funds were legally obtained. The documents required vary depending on the source of the investment funds.
Can I use money that has been gifted to me by a friend or family member for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship-by-Investment Programme?
Yes. Gifted money from a friend or family member can be used. In most cases, additional documents will be required from the sponsor regarding their source of funds, and the documents required vary depending on the source.