Antigua and Barbuda dual citizenship: all the perks explained simply

Citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda can be obtained through 8 ways:

• birth;

• ancestry;

• adoption;

• marriage;

• naturalisation;

• special services to the state;

• in exceptional public interest cases;

• investment.

The rules for obtaining citizenship are enshrined in the Citizenship Law.

Citizenship by birth is granted to children born in the country, unless their parents are foreign diplomats, and to those born abroad, if at least one parent is a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda by birth, descent, or naturalisation.

Citizenship by ancestry is granted to children and grandchildren of citizens of Antigua and Barbuda.

Citizenship by adoption is acquired by all minor children adopted by citizens of Antigua and Barbuda.

Citizenship through marriage can be obtained by the spouse of a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, subject to cohabitation for at least three years.

Citizenship by naturalisation is issued, if the following criteria is met:

• residence in the country for a total of five years during the last 8 years before application, with last 12 months being uninterrupted;

• stable income in the country;

• no criminal record;

• intention to live in the country;

• Oath of Allegiance to the people and the state.

Citizenship for special services to the state may be granted by discretion of the Governor-General to individuals who have rendered distinguished or special services to Antigua and Barbuda. This may include contributions in sports, arts, science, or national development.

Citizenship in exceptional public interest cases can be obtained if the Cabinet authorises the registration of a person who does not meet the usual requirements.

Citizenship by investment . The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program was launched in 2013.

Investors can choose from four options:

1. $230,000 — contribution to the National Development Fund;

2. $260,000 — contribution to a higher education institution for families of six or more;

3. $300,000 — real estate purchase;

4. $400,000 or $1.5 mln — business investment.

Family members can obtain dual citizenship alongside the main applicant. The program allows the inclusion of the investor’s spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings.

1. Low cost citizenship. A family of up to 5 members can obtain Antigua and Barbuda passports by contributing just $230,000 to the National Development Fund.

Large families of six or more can benefit from the $260,000 investment option, which involves a donation to a higher education institution. This option also includes a one-year university scholarship for any family member under the age of 29.

This makes Antigua and Barbuda one of the best citizenship-by-investment programs for families.

2. Fast application process. The Antigua and Barbuda government usually approves applications within about 3 months. From start to finish, the full process takes at least 6 months.

3. Visa-free travel. Antigua and Barbuda passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to 143 destinations, including:

• up to 90 days every 6 months in the EU;
• up to 180 days a year in the UK;
• up to 30 days a year in Singapore;
• up to 90 days a year in Hong Kong.

Visa-free countries for Antigua and Barbuda citizens

4. Access to long-term US visas. Antigua and Barbuda citizens can apply for 10-year multiple-entry B-1/B-2 tourist visas to the US. These visas allow stays of up to 180 days per year. In contrast, citizens of non-EU countries are usually granted this visa for up to 3 years.

5. Real estate investment return. Those who choose the real estate investment option can sell the property after 5 years potentially at a profit. Rental yields average around 4% per year.

6. UK education benefits. As a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, Antigua and Barbuda gives its citizens’ children access to reduced tuition rates at many UK universities.

7. Tax optimisation . There is no tax on personal income, inheritance, capital gains, dividends, interest, or royalties. This makes Antigua and Barbuda a favorable jurisdiction for international entrepreneurs and property owners seeking tax efficiency.

Citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda is available to investors aged 18 or older who have a legal source of income, a clean criminal record, and no serious illnesses. Applicants must not be under international sanctions, have a history of visa or citizenship denials, and are required to pass a Due Diligence check.

Family members. In addition to the main applicant, Antigua and Barbuda's second citizenship can be obtained by:

• spouse — of opposite sex, with clean criminal record;

• children under 30;

• parents and grandparents over 55;

• children and parents of any age — mentally or physically incapacitated or fully supported by the investor;

• siblings — unmarried, with parent or guardian’s consent if under 18.

The investment amount remains the same regardless of the number of family members. The main applicant only pays additional fees for each family member, based on their age.

Antigua and Barbuda revised the terms of their citizenship program in 2024. The amount of minimum investment was raised to $230,000.

Four investment options are available:

1. Non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund — starts at $230,000.

2. Contribution to a higher education institution for families of six or more — $260,000. This option also includes one year of free university education for any family member under 29.

3. Purchase of shares and properties in government-approved real estate projects, with the possibility to resell after 5 years — starts at $300,000.

4. Business investment of $400,000 in the case of a joint venture totaling $5 mln or of $1.5 mln for a sole investor.

In addition to the investment, applicants are required to cover processing fees, Due Diligence costs, and other related expenses.

Investors can contribute to the National Development Fund, a non-profit entity. The fund is used to finance public projects, including public-private partnerships and approved charitable investments. 

Contribution to the fund is a one-time, non-refundable payment, and there is no potential for profit from the investment.

Below is a breakdown of the total costs for a sole investor and a family.

Minimum investment in real estate — $300,000. Investors can only purchase properties approved by the government for the citizenship program.

The property can be sold after 5 years to another participant in the program. In this case, the effective cost of second citizenship is reduced to the registration and associated fees.

A real estate investment under the citizenship program can bring the investor a potential return of around 4% upon resale. The property can be sold remotely, without the investor needing to be physically present.

Investment yield. If rented out, properties in Antigua and Barbuda generate an annual income of 3 to 8%. A management company handles all aspects of administration, including property maintenance, tenant placement, and bill payments.

Tourism in Antigua and Barbuda is steady year-round. In 2024 alone, the country welcomed over 300,000 visitors, supporting strong demand for rental properties.

Cost breakdown. Below, we outline the costs of participating in the citizenship program for a single investor and a family.

Below is a breakdown of the costs for each citizenship option available to a family of four. 

All options involve additional government and Due Diligence fees. The total amount depends on the chosen investment route and the number and age of dependents included in the application.

While the contribution to the fund is non-refundable, real estate investments can be recovered after five years through resale.

To become a tax resident of Antigua and Barbuda, an individual must spend at least 183 days in the country within a calendar year.

Tax residents are not required to pay taxes on income or capital earned outside the country. Additionally, there are no taxes on capital gains, wealth, or inheritance.

The government has established a tax-friendly environment that supports business growth. Taxes apply primarily to businesses operating within Antigua and Barbuda, as well as to the purchase of real estate and land. 

Real estate investments made under the citizenship program come with certain advantages — for example, no land licence fee is charged.

Tax rates in Antigua and Barbuda are the following:

• real estate tax — up to 0.5%; 

• property transfer tax — 2.5 to 7.5%.

Double taxation. Antigua and Barbuda joined the Common Reporting Standard for the automatic exchange of tax information in 2018. Under the double taxation avoidance agreement, investors can choose where to pay taxes — either in their country of origin or in Antigua and Barbuda.

In Antigua and Barbuda, investors can register an International Business Company, IBC, to conduct international operations and attract global partners. IBCs are exempt from taxes for 50 years as long as they operate in the Caribbean region.

There is no requirement for IBCs to file annual accounting or audit reports. The only obligation is to store company documents within the country.

The corporate income tax for locally registered companies is 25%.

Antigua and Barbuda tax residents can open an account in any international bank. This helps settle exchange transactions with foreign partners faster.

1. Antigua and Barbuda dual citizenship can be acquired through birth, adoption, marriage, special services to the state, government works, naturalisation, and investment.

2. Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program offers four options: contribution to the fund, real estate purchase, business investment, and contribution to a higher education institution.

3. Minimum investment under the program is $230,000.

4. Real estate option requires at least $300,000, with the possibility to resell the property after 5 years and return the money.

5. Investors can include family members in the application: a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings.