Citizenship
14 October, 2024
Reading Time: 9 min

Dual citizenship with Antigua and Barbuda

Dual citizenship is allowed in Antigua and Barbuda, expressly provided in the 1981 Constitution. This means you can be an Antigua and Barbuda citizen and a citizen of other countries.

We tell you what requirements apply to future citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, how the period of obtaining is reduced and whether it is required to renounce the citizenship of other countries.

Lyle Julien

Author •Lyle Julien

Answered questions on Antigua and Barbuda second citizenship

Dual citizenship on Antigua and Barbuda

Dual citizenship with Antigua and Barbuda

How to get citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda

Citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda is obtained by birthright, through adoption, marriage, pedigree, special services to the state and naturalization. Wealthy people can obtain second citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda by investment.

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

Grounds for obtaining citizenship:

  • birth from citizens of the country or in its territory;

  • naturalization;

  • marriage to a citizen of the country;

  • investment;

  • repatriation;

  • adoption;

  • work for the government of the country;

  • for special services to the state.

Citizenship by investment. The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program by investment is one of the newest in the Caribbean and was launched in 2013.

A second passport by investment costs from $100,000. There are four options offered: contribution to the state fund or a university fund, purchase real estate, or invest in a business.

Family members can obtain dual citizenship at the same time as the investor. The program allows the main applicant’s spouse, children, parents, brothers and sisters to participate.

Top 10 Citizenship by Investment Programs.

Citizenship by birth. A child acquires citizenship by birth if at least one of the parents is a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda. In this case, the place of birth does not matter.

Any child born in the country after October 31, 1981, even if his parents are foreigners, acquires the citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda by right of soil. Except for children whose parents are diplomatic workers.

If a child is found on the country’s territory, he is considered a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda until it turns out who his parents are.

Citizenship by adoption is acquired by all minor children adopted or 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 registration is obtained by Commonwealth citizens who have lived in the country for more than seven years.

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

Conditions for obtaining second citizenship by naturalization:

  • residence in the country for five years;

  • stable income in the country;

  • no criminal record;

  • intention to live in the country;

  • an Oath of Allegiance to the people and the state.

The spouse of the principal applicant and their minor children can apply for citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda.

7 benefits of Antigua and Barbuda dual citizenship for investors

Low cost of citizenship. A family of up to 4 people can receive Antigua and Barbuda passports in return for investments in the National Development Fund starting from $100,000.

Passports are processed quickly: 3 to 6 months. The Antigua and Barbuda government department approves applications within 10 weeks and plans to shorten this period to a maximum of 45 days.

Schengen countries, the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong, are included in 151 visa-free countries for Antigua and Barbuda passport holders.

An Antigua and Barbuda 2nd passport gives the holder the right to stay in the following countries for the indicated periods:

  • 90 days in any half-year period in the European Union;

  • 180 days a year in the UK;

  • 30 days a year in Singapore;

  • 90 days a year in Hong Kong.

Passport makes it easy to get multiple entries 10-year B‑1/B‑2 US tourist visa. The visa allows the holder to stay in the US for 180 days a year. Citizens of countries outside the European Union are issued such a visa for up to 3 years.

Investment in real estate can be returned after five years by selling your real estate at a profit to other participants in the citizenship program. The potential income from renting out real estate varies from 3 to 8% per annum.

Concessional prices for studying in the UK. Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, headed by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. Therefore, children of an investor with an Antigua and Barbuda passport have access to concessional prices when studying at universities in the UK.

Tax optimization. The local tax structure makes it profitable to conduct international business and register property in Antigua and Barbuda. Tax residents do not pay taxes on income earned outside the country. In addition, there is no tax on wealth, inheritance or capital gains.

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

List of Visa-Free Countries for Antigua and Barbuda dual citizenship

The number of countries where you can enter without a visa with an Antigua and Barbuda 2nd passport is growing every year. Negotiations are underway with New Zealand and Australia on visa-free travel. As for March 2022, Antigua and Barbuda passport holders could travel visa-free to 150 countries and obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport in another 31 countries.

Visa-Free Countries for Antigua and Barbuda citizens

  • Asia

    No.

    Country

    Entry conditions

    1

    Armenia

    Visa on arrival

    2

    Bangladesh

    Visa on arrival

    3

    Cambodia

    Visa on arrival

    4

    Georgia

    Visa-free

    5

    Hong Kong

    Visa-free

    6

    Indonesia

    Visa-free

    7

    Iran

    Visa on arrival

    8

    Jordan

    Visa on arrival

    9

    Laos

    Visa on arrival

    10

    Lebanon

    Visa on arrival

    11

    Macao

    Visa on arrival

    12

    Malaysia

    Visa-free

    13

    Maldives

    Visa on arrival

    14

    Nepal

    Visa on arrival

    15

    Philippines

    Visa-free

    16

    Qatar

    Visa-free

    17

    Singapore

    Visa-free

    18

    South Korea

    Visa-free

    19

    Sri Lanka

    Electronic entry permit

    20

    Timor-Leste

    Visa on arrival

    21

    Uzbekistan

    Visa-free

  • Africa

    No.

    Country

    Entry conditions

    1

    Botswana

    Visa-free

    2

    Burundi

    Visa on arrival

    3

    Cape Verde

    Visa on arrival

    4

    Comoro Islands

    Visa on arrival

    5

    Egypt

    Visa on arrival

    6

    Eswatini

    Visa-free

    7

    Gambia

    Visa-free

    8

    Guinea-Bissau

    Visa on arrival

    9

    Kenya

    Visa-free

    10

    Lesotho

    Visa-free

    11

    Madagascar

    Visa on arrival

    12

    Malawi

    Visa on arrival

    13

    Mauritania

    Visa on arrival

    14

    Mauritius

    Visa-free

    15

    Mayotte

    Visa-free

    16

    Mozambique

    Visa on arrival

    17

    Reunion

    Visa-free

    18

    Rwanda

    Visa on arrival

    19

    Saint Helena

    Visa on arrival

    20

    Senegal

    Visa-free

    21

    Seychelles

    Visa on arrival

    22

    Sierra Leone

    Visa on arrival

    23

    Somalia

    Visa on arrival

    24

    South Africa

    Visa-free

    25

    Tanzania

    Visa-free

    26

    Togo

    Visa on arrival

    27

    Tunisia

    Visa-free

    28

    Uganda

    Visa on arrival

    29

    Zambia

    Visa-free

    30

    Zimbabwe

    Visa-free

  • Europe

    No.

    Country

    Entry conditions

    1

    Albania

    Visa-free

    2

    Andorra

    Visa-free

    3

    Austria

    Visa-free

    4

    Belarus

    Visa-free

    5

    Belgium

    Visa-free

    6

    Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Visa-free

    7

    Bulgaria

    Visa-free

    8

    Croatia

    Visa-free

    9

    Cyprus

    Visa-free

    10

    Czech Republic

    Visa-free

    11

    Denmark

    Visa-free

    12

    Estonia

    Visa-free

    13

    Faroe Islands

    Visa-free

    14

    Finland

    Visa-free

    15

    France

    Visa-free

    16

    Germany

    Visa-free

    17

    Gibraltar

    Visa-free

    18

    Greece

    Visa-free

    19

    Hungary

    Visa-free

    20

    Iceland

    Visa-free

    21

    Ireland

    Visa-free

    22

    Italy

    Visa-free

    23

    Kosovo

    Visa-free

    24

    Latvia

    Visa-free

    25

    Liechtenstein

    Visa-free

    26

    Lithuania

    Visa-free

    27

    Luxembourg

    Visa-free

    28

    Malta

    Visa-free

    29

    Moldova

    Visa-free

    30

    Monaco

    Visa-free

    31

    Montenegro

    Visa-free

    32

    Netherlands

    Visa-free

    33

    North Macedonia

    Visa-free

    34

    Norway

    Visa-free

    35

    Poland

    Visa-free

    36

    Portugal

    Visa-free

    37

    Romania

    Visa-free

    38

    Russia

    Visa-free

    39

    San Marino

    Visa-free

    40

    Serbia

    Visa-free

    41

    Slovakia

    Visa-free

    42

    Slovenia

    Visa-free

    43

    Spain

    Visa-free

    44

    Sweden

    Visa-free

    45

    Switzerland

    Visa-free

    46

    Ukraine

    Visa-free

    47

    United Kingdom

    Visa-free

    48

    Vatican City

    Visa-free

  • Oceania

    No.

    Country

    Entry conditions

    1

    Cook Islands

    Visa-free

    2

    Fiji

    Visa-free

    3

    French Polynesia

    Visa-free

    4

    Kiribati

    Visa-free

    5

    Micronesia

    Visa-free

    6

    New Caledonia

    Visa-free

    7

    Niue

    Visa-free

    8

    Palau

    Visa on arrival

    9

    Samoa

    Visa on arrival

    10

    Solomon Islands

    Visa on arrival

    11

    Tuvalu

    Visa on arrival

    12

    Vanuatu

    Visa-free

  • North America

    No.

    Country

    Entry conditions

    1

    Anguilla

    Visa-free

    2

    Bahamas

    Visa-free

    3

    Barbados

    Visa-free

    4

    Belize

    Visa-free

    5

    Bermuda

    Visa-free

    6

    British Virgin Islands

    Visa-free

    7

    Cayman Islands

    Visa-free

    8

    Costa Rica

    Visa-free

    9

    Cuba

    Visa-free

    10

    Dominica

    Visa-free

    11

    Dominican Republic

    Visa-free

    12

    El Salvador

    Visa-free

    13

    French West Indies

    Visa-free

    14

    Greenland

    Visa-free

    15

    Grenada

    Visa-free

    16

    Guatemala

    Visa-free

    17

    Haiti

    Visa-free

    18

    Honduras

    Visa-free

    19

    Jamaica

    Visa-free

    20

    Montserrat

    Visa-free

    21

    Nicaragua

    Visa-free

    22

    Panama

    Visa-free

    23

    St Kitts and Nevis

    Visa-free

    24

    St Lucia

    Visa-free

    25

    St Vincent and the Grenadines

    Visa-free

    26

    Sint Maarten

    Visa-free

    27

    Trinidad and Tobago

    Visa-free

    28

    Turks and Caicos Islands

    Visa-free

  • South America

    No.

    Country

    Entry conditions

    1

    Aruba

    Visa-free

    2

    Bolivia

    Visa on arrival

    3

    Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba

    Visa-free

    4

    Brazil

    Visa-free

    5

    Chile

    Visa-free

    6

    Colombia

    Visa-free

    7

    Curacao

    Visa-free

    8

    Ecuador

    Visa-free

    9

    French Guiana

    Visa-free

    10

    Guyana

    Visa-free

    11

    Peru

    Visa-free

    12

    Suriname

    Visa-free

    13

    Venezuela

    Visa-free

Who can obtain second citizenship by investment

Citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda can be obtained by an investor 18 years of age or older, with documented legal income, without a criminal record and a serious illness.

In addition to the investor, Antigua and Barbuda’s second citizenship can be obtained by the investor’s spouse, children up to 30 years old, parents aged 55 years and older and siblings. Children with physical or mental disabilities can be included in the application regardless of their age.

The cost of citizenship for a family is calculated based on the age and number of participants. We cover the details in the following sections.

Who can obtain Antigua and Barbuda dual citizenship

  • Investor — over 18 years old, no criminal record, legal income, not under sanctions, has not been refused a visa or citizenship, has passed due diligence

  • Spouse — officially married to the investor or future spouse

  • Children — over 18 years old, under 30 years old, financially dependent on investor, live with the investor, including children from previous marriages

  • Parents and grandparents — over 55 years old, financially dependent on the investor, live with the investor

  • Siblings — not married, financially dependent on investor

The investor’s family members can be added to the citizenship program after the investor receives their passport. The government of Antigua and Barbuda has reduced the fee for adding a spouse or parent to a citizenship application from $75,000 to $50,000.

The cost of adding a child under five years old is $10,000 while adding a child from 6 to 17 years old is $20,000. Children over 18 years old cannot be added to the application at a later date. They need to be included in the original application together with the investor.

Roshan and Samadhi,

Tea company shareholders from Sri Lanka

Citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda for plans in the UK: studies, work, travel

Our son has always wanted to study abroad at a prestigious university. And we are happy we can afford it. So now Lakmal is a student at the University of London. He is planning to get a job in the UK, too.

But we all depend on visas. We cannot visit Lakmal as we wish, and we hardly made it to come on time for his birthday. Our son’s future is also at stake: he may be short of time and asked to leave the country before finding a good job after graduation.

Learn a case

Investment options for second citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda

To attract foreign capital to develop the economy, Antigua and Barbuda revised the terms of their citizenship program in 2020. The amount of investment in real estate was reduced to $200,000. For a family of at least six members, it also added the option to invest in the University of the West Indies Fund.

Dual citizenship can be obtained remotely and confidentially through a licensed program agent. The investor will need to visit the country for the oath of allegiance and spend at least five days there during the first five years of the citizenship program.

Four investment options

  • $100,000:

    a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF). The money in the state fund is used to re-equip hospitals, develop alternative energy, and open new schools and universities.

  • $150,000:

    a contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund for a family of at least six people. This option also offers a year of free education at the university for one of the children included in the application within five years after the investor receives their passport.

  • $200,000:

    investment in an elite hotel approved by the government. The share can be sold after five years.

  • $1,500,000:

    investment in one of the 11 government-approved business projects, primarily in construction companies. Investments can also be made in the organization of a call centre or agriculture.

In addition to the investment, the applicant needs to pay state fees, pay for due diligence, and pay administration fees. Using the example of investment in the state fund, we examine the costs of participating in the citizenship program for the investor and their family.

Investment in the Antigua and Barbuda State Fund, including fees

Cost item

Costs

Investments in the National Transformation Fund

$100,000 for an investor with a family of up to 4 people

$125,000 for a family of 5 or more members

State fees

$30,000 for a family of up to 4 people

$15,000 for each additional member starting from the fifth family member

Due Diligence

$7,500 for an investor or their spouse

$2,000 per child from 12 to 17 years old

$4,000 per child from 18 to 30 years old, as well as for each parent over 55 years old

Passport fee

$300 per applicant

Investment in real estate can be recouped in five years

An investor can only invest in properties that the government has approved for the program. The minimum investment is $200,000, which is twice as high as the minimum contribution required in the National Development Fund.

However, most of the money can be recouped without affecting the status of the investor and their family’s citizenship, which remains valid for their lifetime.

After five years, the investment property can be sold at a profit to other participants in the program. In this case, the cost of second citizenship for the investor and their family is effectively reduced to just the registration fees.

4% return: the investor can earn a potential return of 4% on the sale of the investment property. The deal can take place remotely without the investor being physically present.

Properties that are rented out earn an income of 3 to 8% per annum. The management company takes care of all the administration, maintains the real estate, finds tenants when required and pays the bills.

Tourists rent property in Antigua and Barbuda all year round. The demand for real estate declined due to the COVID‑19 epidemic but has gradually started to recover after the partial opening of borders.

Using the example of a real estate investment, we show the costs of participating in the citizen program for an investor and their family.

Cost of investing in real estate in Antigua and Barbuda, including fees

Cost item

Costs

Investment

$200,000, regardless of the number of applicants, for at least 5 years

State fees

$30,000 for a family of up to 4 members

$15,000 for each additional applicant, starting from the fifth member

Due Diligence

$7,500 for an investor or their spouse

$2,000 per child 12 to 17 years old

$4,000 per child 18 to 30 years old or parent at least 55 years old

Passport fee

$300 for each applicant

Cost of Antigua and Barbuda dual Citizenship

We break down the costs of different options for participating in the citizenship program for a family of 4.

Calculation of the investment amount for the investor, their spouse and two children (12 and 25 years old)

Costs

Contribution to state fund

Real estate

Investment

$100,000

$200,000

Due Diligence

$21,000

$21,000

State fees

$30,000

$30,000

Passport fee

$1200

$1200

Investment amount returned

$200,000

$152,200

$52,200

Incentives for tax residents of Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda joined the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), an information standard for the automatic exchange of tax information, in 2018. Under the double taxation avoidance agreement, the investors can choose the country they prefer to pay taxes: the investor’s country of origin or Antigua and Barbuda.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda is interested in raising capital, and it has developed a tax system for business development. Tax residents do not pay taxes on income and capital earned outside Antigua and Barbuda. In addition, there are no taxes on capital gains, wealth or inheritance.

Taxes are levied on businesses operating in the country, as well as on the purchase of real estate and land. However, investments in real estate under the citizenship program offer tax benefits: no land licence fee is charged.

Business and Taxes in Caribbean Countries

An international business company (IBC) can be registered in Antigua and Barbuda to conduct international business and attract partners abroad. IBCs are exempt from taxes for 50 years as long as they operate in the Caribbean region.

In Antigua and Barbuda, there is no requirement to file annual accounting and auditing reports. Companies only need to store company documents on the territory of the country.

Tax rates in Antigua and Barbuda:

  • on real estate, up to 0,5%;

  • on the transfer of real estate: ranging from 2.5 to 7,5%;

  • on income of companies registered locally: 25%.

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

To become a tax resident in Antigua and Barbuda, you need to reside in the country for at least 183 days in the year, apply and pay the fee.

5 steps to obtain Antigua and Barbuda dual citizenship

1

1 day

Preliminary confidential check on international information bases

Immigrant Invest is the licensed agent of the Antigua and Barbuda program, which has its own compliance department. A certified compliance anti-money laundering officer will examine the investor’s documents to assess the likelihood of rejection.

If we believe there is a risk of rejection during the verification process, we will select alternative solutions.

Pre-screening reduces the risk of an application for citizenship by investment being rejected to 1%.

2

Signing an agreement

You will be signing an agreement with the licensed agent of the Antigua and Barbuda program — Immigrant Invest. You can sign a contract at one of our offices or remotely.

3

2 to 4 weeks

Preparing the required documents

Immigrant Invest’s lawyers will help you prepare the documents required for citizenship, translate them into English, notarize them and complete the necessary forms.

Immigrant Invest then transfers the documents prepared to the relevant Antigua and Barbuda government department.

4

3 to 6 months

Due Diligence check by Antigua and Barbuda Government Agencies

The process starts when the citizenship application is submitted and lasts 3 to 6 months. Then, the Due Diligence procedure can be started by providing scanned copies of the required documents. The check takes place remotely and does not require the investor to be present.

5

up to 4 weeks

Receiving a passport

Immigrant Invest’s lawyers will hand over passports and naturalization certificates to the investor and his family at our office or deliver them by courier.

In addition, the investor will need to visit Antigua and Barbuda to take the Oath of Allegiance and spend at least five days in the country during the first five years of citizenship. Otherwise, their citizenship may be revoked.

Due to the pandemic, the rules have changed. Investors do not need to visit the country if the 5-year period expires before August 31, 2022. This period may be extended if the threat from the pandemic in the world does not ease.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is dual citizenship allowed in Antigua and Barbuda?

    Yes. Dual citizenship is allowed in Antigua and Barbuda, expressly provided in the 1981 Constitution. This means you can be an Antigua and Barbuda citizen and a citizen of other countries.

  • Who can get a second Antigua & Barbuda citizenship by investment?

    Citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda can be obtained by an investor 18 years of age or older, with documented legal income, without a criminal record and a serious illness.

    In addition to the investor, an Antigua second passport can be obtained by the investor’s spouse, children up to 30 years old, parents aged 55 years and older and siblings.

  • How do I become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda?

    Citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda is obtained by birthright, through adoption, marriage, pedigree, special services to the state and naturalization. Wealthy people can obtain second citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda by investment.

  • What are the benefits of a second passport for Antigua and Barbuda?

    The main benefits of Antigua and Barbuda’s dual citizenship:

    1. Low cost of second citizenship. A family of up to 4 people can receive Antigua and Barbuda passports in return for investments in the National Development Fund starting from $100,000.

    2. Passports are processed quickly: 3 to 6 months. The Antigua and Barbuda government department approves applications within ten weeks and plans to shorten this period to 45 days.

    3. The Antigua and Barbuda passport is a lifetime alternative to visas to 150 countries, including the Schengen area, the UK, Singapore and Hong Kong. Also, citizens of this country can get a 10-year visa to the USA and renew it remotely.

  • What are the investment options to acquire citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda?

    There are four investment options: contribution of $100,000+ to the National Development Fund, real estate purchase of $200,000+, contribution of $150,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund, or business investments of $400,000+.

  • How much does it cost to get a second Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?

    An Antigua and Barbuda’s second passport by investment costs from $100,000. There are four options offered: contribution to the state fund or a university fund, purchase real estate, or invest in a business.

    Family members can obtain dual citizenship at the same time as the investor. The program allows the main applicant’s spouse, children, parents, brothers and sisters to participate.

  • Do I need to come to Antigua and Barbuda to get a passport?

    The passport can be obtained remotely. However, you are generally required to visit the country for at least five days within five years of being granted citizenship.

    Due to the pandemic, the rules have changed. Investors do not need to visit the country if the 5-year period expires before August 31, 2022. This period may be extended if the threat from the pandemic in the world does not ease.