How to get an Antigua and Barbuda second passport

Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island state with beautiful nature and developed infrastructure. Famous politicians, businesspeople, fashion designers, and other celebrities from around the world spend time or live on the islands in some of the most beautiful residences in the Caribbean.

Oprah Winfrey, the media mogul from the US, has reportedly visited Antigua and Barbuda for vacations and owns a house there. Giorgio Armani also owns property there and even created a perfume called “Gardénia Antigua” to capture the essence of the tropical paradise.

To visit Mrs. Winfrey or Mr. Armani at any time for an unlimited number of days, a foreigner needs an Antigua and Barbuda residence permit or passport.

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Act regulates all paths to citizenship. To obtain an Antigua and Barbuda passport, individuals can pursue several avenues, including:

• birth;

• affiliation;

• naturalisation;

• marriage.

Antigua and Barbuda offers a citizenship by investment program, also called a “Golden Visa, ” allows individuals and their families to obtain citizenship in exchange for a significant investment in the country’s economy.

1. Visa-free travel. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 150 destinations, including Hong Kong, China, Singapore, the UK, and the Schengen Area.

2. Participation of family members. The citizenship application can include relatives: spouses, children under 30, parents, grandparents, and siblings.

3. Commonwealth membership. Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Commonwealth, entitling citizens to certain privileges in the UK and other member states. For example, citizens of Antigua and Barbuda can spend up to 180 days a year in the UK visa-free.

4. Plan B. The islands are attractive places to live or to own a safe haven, with air links to North America and Europe. Direct flights are available from the US and the UK, while flights from the EU are most likely to involve transfers.

5. Tax preferences. Antigua and Barbuda does not impose capital gains or real estate taxes, and income generated outside the country is not subject to taxation.

6. CARICOM membership. Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Caribbean Community, which includes 15 states. The union has a single market for many of its members, providing investors with attractive business opportunities. Additionally, passport holders may travel to other CARICOM states visa-free.

7. Dual citizenship. Antigua and Barbuda recognises dual citizenship, allowing investors to retain other nationalities unless their other countries require renunciation.

Why Antigua and Barbuda is more than a holiday destination and what its investment program offers

Eligibility criteria for citizenship by investment applicants. Only investors over 18, with no criminal records and no severe illnesses, can apply for a second passport.

Investors are required to demonstrate that their funds are legitimate. Sources can include business income, salary, dividends, inheritance, and money from the sale of property.

An applicant compiles a list of documents. The copies should be translated into English and properly notarised. Applicants typically provide:

• a national passport;

• a birth certificate;

• a personal reference;

• a marriage certificate;

• an affidavit of support for each dependent;

• a divorce certificate;

• a basic application form;

• a medical certificate form;

• an investment confirmation form;

• a photograph and signature certificate form;

• a police certificate of no criminal record;

• tax returns and income statements.

Additional documentsdepend on the chosen investment option. For instance, property purchase requires a sale and purchase contract.

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship applicants choose from four options:

• $230,000+ as a contribution to the National Development Fund;

• $260,000+ as a donation to a higher education institution, only for families of six or more;

• $300,000+ as a purchase of real estate;

• $400,000+ as an investment in a business.

In addition, applicants pay a state processing fee of at least $10,000 if contributing to the National Development Fund, purchasing real estate or investing in a business.

The option with a contribution to a higher education institution is designed for larger families. The government fee for six people is already included in the donation.

If an investor buys real estate, the invested money can be returned. Only properties approved for the program are available to investors—they can purchase shares, apartments, or villas.

Real estate can be sold after five years. Until then, owners earn 3—8% annually through rental income.

Investors can purchase insurance packages to safeguard their investments, with liability insurance and hazard and fire insurance being the most common choices.

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit notes that throughout the program’s time of operation, investors have shown the most interest in the National Development Fund, with 77% of applicants opting for this route. Real estate investment accounted for 14.5% of applicants.

The investor can include family members in their application:

• a spouse;

• children under 30;

• parents and grandparents over 55;

• unmarried siblings.

Adult children, parents, and grandparents should be under the full financial support of the investor. Additionally, there is no age restriction for children, parents, and grandparents who are mentally or physically challenged and who depend on the investor entirely.

Antigua and Barbuda passports for family members can be obtained even after the investor has become a citizen. It is applicable for children, parents, and siblings.

For children born in Antigua and Barbuda. Before October 31st, 1981, children born in Antigua and Barbuda acquired citizenship automatically. Those born in the territory of Antigua and Barbuda after October 31st, 1981, also acquired citizenship, except for children born to diplomatic personnel.

For children born outside Antigua and Barbuda. Before October 31st, 1981, people born outside Antigua acquired citizenship if a parent or grandparent was a citizen.

Those born outside Antigua and Barbuda after October 31st, 1981, acquire citizenship if at least one parent was a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda.

People residing in Antigua and Barbuda for more than 5 years may apply for naturalisation. Naturalisation in Antigua and Barbuda can be obtained by adult individuals who are of good character and intend to reside in Antigua and Barbuda.

Applicants submit documents to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship through the Chief Immigration Officer. They assess the applicant’s risk to public morality and safety, considering factors such as criminal activities or insufficient means.

Upon approval, applicants are required to take an Oath of Allegiance.

Affiliation. Under the law, individuals obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by affiliation if:

• individuals who were Commonwealth citizens who established a permanent residency and had lived in Antigua for a minimum of 7 years before October 31st, 1981;

• individuals who are Commonwealth citizens have become domiciled in Antigua and Barbuda post-independence and resided in the territory for at least 7 years;

• individuals who would have become nationals at independence but were ineligible solely because they had to renounce British citizenship to obtain another nationality;

• minors under 18 who were legally adopted by a national or would have been eligible to be registered as an adoptee while still minors had their parents been nationals.

Marriage. A person who has been married to an Antigua and Barbuda citizen for at least 3 years and is living with their spouse can register to become a citizen.

Antigua and Barbuda recognises the concept of dual citizenship, allowing individuals to hold citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda while also being citizens of one or more other countries.

Dual citizens of Antigua and Barbuda enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as other citizens, including the right to live, work, and study in the country, as well as access to healthcare and education services.

Dual citizens can freely travel to and from Antigua and Barbuda using either passport. They can also reside in the country without any restrictions imposed solely because of their dual citizenship status and participate in the political process of Antigua and Barbuda, including voting in elections and holding public office.

Antigua and Barbuda is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes. Residents can enjoy a relaxed and picturesque environment, perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming, snorkelling, and sailing.

Warm сlimate. The islands boast a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy sunshine and outdoor living. The average temperature ranges from around +24°C in the cooler months to +29°C in the warmer months.

Temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year due to the islands' proximity to the equator.

Personal security. Antigua and Barbuda is considered safe for residents and tourists alike. The US State Department ranks it as a Level 1 destination, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions, which is the same level of caution recommended for most safe travel destinations​.

The most significant risks come from petty crimes like theft, particularly in tourist areas, and natural hazards such as hurricanes during the June to November season​.

Family-friendly environment. Antigua and Barbuda provide a wonderfully family-friendly environment with activities and amenities that cater to children and parents alike.

The destination is well-equipped for educational and fun experiences, such as interactive visits to the Antigua Donkey Sanctuary where children can learn about animal care, or Stingray City for up-close encounters with marine life.

Taxes. The tax environment in Antigua and Barbuda offers significant benefits that make it an attractive destination for residents and investors. One of the key advantages is the absence of taxes on personal income, capital gains, and inheritance.

In Antigua and Barbuda, businesses are subject to a corporate income tax rate of 25%. Additionally, there is a standard sales tax called the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax, or ABST, which is generally set at 15%. There are no capital gains taxes, and for certain qualified investments, significant tax incentives and exemptions may apply.

For those considering property investments, the country’s real estate tax regime is also favorable, with relatively low property taxes ranging from 0.1 to 0.5% based on assessed property value, and a reasonable stamp duty on transactions.

Cultural diversity. Antigua and Barbuda’s population is diverse and influenced by African, British, and indigenous cultures. This diversity enriches the local arts, music, cuisine, and traditions, creating a vibrant and dynamic community.

Healthcare. Antigua and Barbuda has healthcare facilities that offer quality medical services. Additionally, the government has been investing in healthcare infrastructure further to improve residents' access and quality of care.

Education. The country has a range of educational institutions, including public and private schools, as well as tertiary education options. Residents have access to quality education and opportunities for further studies abroad.

1. To become an Antigua and Barbuda citizen, individuals can pursue several avenues, including citizenship by birth, affiliation, naturalisation, marriage, and citizenship by investment programme, or CIP.

2. To obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment, applicants have several options, including making a minimum donation of $230,000 and purchasing real estate.

3. Antigua and Barbuda citizenship brings significant benefits, including visa-free travel to over 150 countries, favourable tax policies, and access to Commonwealth privileges.

4. Family members can also be included in the golden visa application, expanding the scope of benefits.

5. The country’s warm climate, cultural diversity, healthcare, and educational opportunities make it an attractive destination for permanent residents.

6. Antigua and Barbuda permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to hold citizenship from Antigua and Barbuda alongside citizenship from another country.