Golden Visa for Antigua and Barbuda: Everything You Need to Know

Antigua and Barbuda is a small island nation located in the Caribbean. The Golden Visa for Antigua and Barbuda program, also known as the Citizenship by Investment Program, is a popular option for high-net-worth individuals looking to obtain citizenship in exchange for an investment in the country. The program offers a range of investment options, making it an attractive opportunity for those looking to diversify their investment portfolios while also gaining citizenship in a beautiful and welcoming country.

To be eligible for Antigua and Barbuda’s Golden Visa program, applicants must meet certain criteria, including a minimum investment threshold. The application process is straightforward, and typically takes only a few months to complete. Once approved, successful applicants and their families can enjoy a range of benefits, including visa-free travel to over 160 countries and the ability to live and work in Antigua and Barbuda.

Key Takeaways

Antigua and Barbuda’s Golden Visa program offers a range of investment options for high-net-worth individuals looking to obtain citizenship in the country.
Eligibility for the program requires meeting certain criteria, including a minimum investment threshold.
Successful applicants can enjoy a range of benefits, including visa-free travel to over 160 countries and the ability to live and work in Antigua and Barbuda.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa program, an applicant must be over 18 years old and must make a generous investment in an approved program. The program offers foreign investors and their families an opportunity to obtain citizenship in the Caribbean island of Antigua and Barbuda. The program is administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of Antigua and Barbuda.

Required Documents

To apply for the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa, applicants must submit the following documents:

A passport with a validity of at least six months.
A police certificate from all countries where the applicant has lived for more than six months since the age of 18.
A birth certificate.
Proof of income.
Proof of the source of funds.

All documentation must be clearly scanned, with the use of a scanner only. Preview scan all documentation, then crop each image, and then scan.

Due Diligence Procedures

Before starting a new life in Antigua and Barbuda, the applicant must pass the government’s strict due diligence and background checks. The due diligence procedures are conducted by a third-party agency approved by the CIU. The purpose of the due diligence process is to ensure that the applicant has a clean criminal record and is not a threat to national security.

Application Steps

The application process for the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa program involves the following steps:

The applicant submits the required documents to the CIU.
The CIU conducts due diligence procedures on the applicant and his or her family members.
If the applicant passes the due diligence procedures, the CIU issues an approval letter.
The applicant makes the required investment in an approved program.
The applicant submits proof of investment to the CIU.
The CIU issues a certificate of registration to the applicant.
The applicant applies for an Antigua and Barbuda passport.

The entire application process takes approximately three to four months.

In conclusion, the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa program offers a quick and straightforward path to citizenship for foreign investors and their families. The program is administered by the CIU, and applicants must pass due diligence procedures and make a generous investment in an approved program to be eligible for the program.

Investment Options and Fees

Antigua and Barbuda’s Golden Visa Program offers several investment options for obtaining citizenship. The following subsections describe each investment option and the associated fees.

National Development Fund Contribution

The National Development Fund (NDF) is a government fund that supports public projects and infrastructure development. By contributing to the NDF, investors can obtain citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda. The minimum investment required for the NDF option is $100,000.

In addition to the investment, applicants must pay due diligence fees and processing fees. The due diligence fees for a single applicant is $7,500, and for a family of up to four, it’s $15,000. The processing fees for a single applicant is $25,000, and for a family of up to four, it’s $25,000.

Real Estate Investment

Investors can also obtain citizenship by investing in real estate in Antigua and Barbuda. The minimum investment required for the real estate option is $200,000. The investment must be held for a minimum of five years.

Business Investment

Investors can also obtain citizenship by investing in a business in Antigua and Barbuda. The minimum investment required for the business option is $400,000. The investment must create at least three jobs for Antiguan and Barbudan citizens.

Investors can also make a joint investment in an approved business totaling at least $5,000,000. Each person is required to contribute at least $400,000 to the joint investment.

It’s important to note that the fees and investment requirements are subject to change. Applicants should always confirm the latest requirements and fees with the relevant authorities.

Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda’s Golden Visa

Antigua and Barbuda’s Golden Visa program, also known as the Citizenship by Investment program, offers a range of benefits to high-net-worth individuals seeking to obtain citizenship in the country. Below are some of the benefits of the program.

Visa-Free Travel and Global Mobility

Holders of Antigua and Barbuda’s Golden Visa are granted visa-free travel to over 150 countries, including the UK, Schengen Area, and Singapore. This means that they can travel to these countries without the need for a visa, making it easier to conduct business, travel for leisure, or relocate to a new country.

Family Inclusion

The program allows for family inclusion, meaning that the main applicant can include their spouse, dependent children under the age of 26, dependent parents over the age of 58, and dependent siblings under the age of 18 in their application. This allows families to obtain citizenship together, providing greater security and peace of mind.

Dual Citizenship

Antigua and Barbuda allows for dual citizenship, meaning that individuals can retain their existing citizenship while also obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda. This provides greater flexibility and freedom to travel, work, and invest in different countries.

In addition to the above benefits, Antigua and Barbuda’s Golden Visa program also offers tax optimization opportunities, a stable political and economic environment, and access to a range of investment opportunities. With its attractive benefits and streamlined application process, it is no wonder that the program has become a popular choice for high-net-worth individuals seeking to obtain citizenship in the Caribbean.

Legal and Procedural Considerations

Citizenship by Investment Program Regulations

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program is governed by the Citizenship by Investment Act, 2013. According to the Act, an applicant must make a significant contribution to the National Development Fund or invest in an approved business or real estate project in order to qualify for citizenship. The applicant must also pass a thorough background check and provide evidence of a clean criminal record.

The regulations require the applicant to take an allegiance oath, which is administered by a notary public or other authorized official. The applicant must also provide proof of their investment and other required documentation, such as a birth certificate and passport.

Golden Visa for Antigua and Barbuda: Legal Representation

It is highly recommended that applicants seek the services of a licensed agent or attorney to assist them with the application process. A licensed agent can provide guidance on the investment program, help with the application process, and ensure that all required documentation is submitted correctly and on time.

The licensed agent or attorney can also provide legal representation in the event of any legal challenges or disputes that may arise during the application process. They can advise the applicant on their legal rights and obligations and help them navigate the complex legal and procedural requirements of the program.

Overall, the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program offers a streamlined and efficient process for obtaining citizenship through investment. The processing time for applications is generally 3-6 months, and the program offers a range of investment options to suit the needs and preferences of different investors.

It is important, however, for applicants to carefully review the regulations and requirements of the program and seek the guidance of a licensed agent or attorney to ensure that their application is complete and accurate. With the proper legal representation and careful attention to the program’s regulations, investors can obtain citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda through the Citizenship by Investment Program.

Also check Golden Visa for Portugal.