Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa: how to secure a Caribbean passport and achieve global mobility

One of the most straightforward paths to citizenship under the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa program is through a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund.

The minimum contribution is $230,000, which remains the same whether it’s a single applicant or a family of any size. This donation funds national projects that support the development of Antigua and Barbuda, including infrastructure improvements, public services, and social initiatives.

The contribution is non-refundable, meaning it cannot be recovered once made. However, applicants only need to make the payment after their application is approved, ensuring no financial risk during the early stages.

Another popular route to citizenship under the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa program is through real estate investment. This option allows applicants to contribute to the country’s growing tourism and property sectors while securing citizenship for themselves and their families.

The minimum investment required is $300,000, which must be made in an approved real estate project. The investment must be held for at least 5 years, ensuring a sustained contribution to the nation’s development.

The types of real estate that qualify include:

• luxury resorts;

• hotels;

• residential properties in resort complexes.

Many properties are located in prime areas, offering both investment potential and personal enjoyment.

A key advantage of the real estate option is the opportunity to generate rental income. Many approved properties are in high-demand tourist areas, allowing investors to rent their property as a vacation home or long-term rental, generating passive income of 2—5%.

Antigua and Barbuda real estate examples

Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Philip

$325,000 — $650,000

Apartments in a hotel complex by the sea

1

1

Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Philip

$300,000 — $2,850,000

Share, apartements, townhouse or villa in a resort on the coast of the island

56 m² — 619 m²

1—5

1—5

Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Philip

$400,000 — $450,000

Villa in a five-star resort complex

120 m²

2—3

1—2

This pathway is ideal for entrepreneurs and investors looking to expand their business interests internationally or establish a presence in the Caribbean.

Investors may launch or expand enterprises in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, information technology, or financial services. The business must be pre-approved by the government.

$400,000 threshold. Two or more investors can combine resources. Each investor in the joint venture must contribute a minimum of $400,000 to qualify for citizenship. This option appeals to groups pooling resources for larger projects with potentially higher returns.

$1.5 million threshold. If investing alone, the applicant must contribute at least $1.5 million to an approved business in Antigua and Barbuda. This option aims to attract significant foreign investment into key industries, promoting economic growth and job creation.

One of the significant advantages of the business investment route is the potential for substantial financial returns from the success of the business.

Another pathway to citizenship under the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa program is by making a donation to an approved higher education institution.

To qualify, applicants must make a non-refundable donation of at least $260,000. This donation covers a family of six or more, making it an attractive option for larger families seeking citizenship.

Investors are required to pay various government fees related to processing and Due Diligence under the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa program.

Additional legal and agency fees may vary based on the chosen investment and the number of applicants.

Processing fees for the contribution, real estate, and business investment options is $10,000 for a single applicant and $20,000 for a family of two to four, with $10,000 required for each additional family member.

The Higher Education Donation option, designed for families of six or more, does not incur processing fees.

Due Diligence fees. These fees apply to all investment options to ensure legal and ethical compliance:

• the main applicant — $8,500;

• a family member aged 12 to 17— $2,000;

• a family member aged over 18 — $4,000;

• a spouse — $5,000.

Interview fee. During the Due Diligence check, applicants undergo an interview. The fee of $1,500 per application.

Main applicant. The Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa program is open to individuals who can make a qualifying investment. To be eligible, main applicant must:

• be at least 18 years old;

• provide police clearance certificates from their home country and any other countries where they have lived for more than six months over the last ten years;

• confirm the legality of their income;

• be in good health, verified by a medical examination.

Family members. The investment program allows the main applicant to include their spouse, dependent children up to the age of 30, dependent parents and grandparents over 55, and unmarried siblings.

Families submit a single application together. Each dependent over 12 must pass the Due Diligence process to ensure they meet the program’s standards for lawful conduct and integrity.

To apply for the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa, investors must provide essential documents to verify their identity, financial status, and eligibility. Below is a simplified list of key documents:

1. Valid passport copies for all applicants.

2. Birth certificates for all applicants.

3. Police clearance certificates for applicants over 18.

4. Marriage or divorce certificate for all applicants, if applicable.

5. Proof of investment such as a sale agreement or donation confirmation for the main applicant.

6. Medical examination report showing good health for all applicants.

7. Proof of financial solvency for the main applicant.

8. Recent passport-sized photographs for all applicants.

9. Bank statements and recommendations for the main applicant.

10. Employment or business information, such as an employment verification or business documents for the main applicant.

11. Affidavit of support for financially dependent adult dependents.

All documents must be certified and translated into English, if necessary. Working with an authorised agent ensures that all documents are correctly submitted, avoiding delays or issues during the application process.

The Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa offers numerous advantages, making it a popular choice for individuals and families seeking second citizenship. Here are nine key benefits of this program:

1. Visa-free travel. Investors gain visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the UK, Schengen Area, Hong Kong, and Singapore. This offers significant global mobility for frequent travellers and businesspeople.

2. Fast processing. With efficient Due Diligence and timely document submission, applicants can obtain citizenship within 6 months, providing a quick route to dual citizenship. In contrast, naturalisation requires at least 5 years of residency before citizenship is granted.

3. Minimum residency requirement. There is no need to permanently reside in Antigua and Barbuda before or after obtaining citizenship. Investors only need to spend 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first 5 years after obtaining their passports.

4. Cost-effective option for large families. The program offers a special option for larger families of six or more people, which is a donation to a higher education institution. This approach allows big families to save on investment contributions and additional fees, while still securing citizenship for all family members.

5. Inclusion of family members. The program allows applicants to include their spouse, dependent children under 30, dependent parents or grandparents over age 55, and unmarried siblings, ensuring that your entire family can benefit from citizenship.

6. Tax advantages. Antigua and Barbuda has a favourable tax regime with no personal income tax, wealth tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax. This is a major benefit for high-net-worth individuals seeking to optimise their tax planning.

7. Right to keep dual citizenship. Antigua and Barbuda permits dual citizenship, allowing you to retain your original nationality while enjoying the benefits of being an Antiguan and Barbudan citizen.

8. Visitor Visa to the US. Antigua and Barbuda citizens can obtain a 10-year B‑1/B‑2 Visitor Visa to the USA, allowing them to spend up to 180 days a year for travel, business meetings, or medical treatment.

9. Beautiful Caribbean environment. Citizens enjoy access to the country’s stunning beaches, tropical climate, and luxury resorts, perfect for vacations or potential future residence.

English Harbour is a key historical site in Antigua, once a strategic British Royal Navy base and now home to the UNESCO-listed Nelson’s Dockyard

1. The Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa offers a fast and flexible route to second citizenship by investment within 6 months.

2. The program allows for the inclusion of family members, including spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings.

3. Applicants can choose from a variety of options, including non-refundable contributions, investments in real estate or business ventures, and educational donations. The minimum investment starts at €230,000.

4. For families of six or more, the program provides a cost-effective option with a $260,000 donation to a higher education institution. It allows investors to save on contributions while securing citizenship for all members.

5. With no residency requirements, favourable tax conditions, and visa-free travel to over 150 countries, the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa is a valuable opportunity for investors seeking to enhance their lifestyle and secure their family’s future.