Contribution to a state fund, real estate, or business? Comparing investment options for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda offers investors two options with contributions to state funds.

$100,000 is the minimum investment in the National Transformation Fund of Antigua and Barbuda. The fund’s money is used to develop agriculture, the service sector and the extraction of precious metals in the country and support tourism. For example, $45 mln was invested in the renovation and expansion of the international airport.

$150,000+ must be invested in the University of the West Indies Fund. The option is only available to families of six or more people. Additionally, one of the family members can receive a scholarship for a year of study at the university.

The lower investment amount is the main advantage of non-refundable contributions. Even though the investment can not be returned, the option cost is one and a half to two times lower than when buying real estate.

The contribution amount depends on the number of family members the investor adds to the citizenship application. For example, if a single investor or a family of four participates in the program, the contribution to the National Transformation Fund is $100,000. If there are five or more participants, the contribution increases to $125,000.

$167,060 is the minimum expense when contributing to the University of the West Indies Fund, considering a family of six participates in the program, including the investor, their spouse and four children under 12 years of age. If such a family invests in the National Transformation Fund, expenses will amount to $202,060.

$200,000+ must be the price of a property qualifying for the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program. The country’s government approves all program projects. The investor has the right to buy a property in full ownership or participate in construction. Share participation is available in properties, securities, or trusts.

The investment return is the main advantage of buying real estate. The share in a real estate project can be sold 5 years after the investor has obtained citizenship. The investor also earns additional income from the property rental — 2 to 5% per annum.

Investors buy properties in government-approved real estate projects only. The projects mainly are five-star hotels and facilities in the resorts of Antigua and Barbuda.

Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Philip

$350,000 — $400,000

Apartments in a hotel complex by the sea

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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

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Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Mary

$300,000 — $715,000

Share and full ownership of apartments in a hotel complex with a private beach

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$400,000 is the minimum investment in business projects approved by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. The amount is provided for the joint investments that include several main applicants. The option is not popular with investors, as the total cost is $5,000,000.

If an applicant invests alone, the minimum amount is $1,500,000. Collective investments of at least $6,000,000 are possible; each participant’s share is $1,000,000.

The administration fee is $30,000. The Due Diligence and other expenses are the same as the options with non-refundable contributions and the real estate purchase.

Individual cost calculation for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship

Get the cost calculation

Investments in the state National Transformation Fund and real estate are the most popular options for the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program. Let’s compare participation costs under the two program options for families of four. The calculation includes the investment sum and additional expenses.

A family of four pays $100,000 more to participate in the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program if they choose the property purchase option. However, they will be able to return the investment after 5 years of property ownership. The fund contribution is non-refundable.

Second passports for the whole family. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda allows investors to add their families to the citizenship application:

Benefits of the Antigua and Barbuda passport

• spouses;

• children under 30;

• parents over 55;

• siblings.

Visa-free travel to 150 countries. The Schengen countries are available without visas as Antigua and Barbuda citizens can stay for 90 days within six months. Investors with Antigua and Barbuda passports also travel to the UK, Hong Kong and Singapore without visas.

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

Tax optimisation. Antigua and Barbuda tax residents are not charged on wealth, inheritance and capital gains on global income. International business companies (IBCs) can get corporate tax holidays and are exempt from paying customs duties.

Education for children in British universities. Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Therefore, the country’s citizens can get an education at the best British universities on preferential terms, for example, under scholarships from the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission or CSC. They can also apply for the Chevening Scholarships.