Residency in Antigua and BarbudaTropical investment haven withfast track citizenship benefits

Residence and Citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda

Why people seek residence and citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda has emerged as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for those exploring a residence permit in Antigua and Barbuda and a second passport in Antigua and Barbuda. Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, this twin-island nation offers year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, and a stable parliamentary democracy founded on English common law. Its welcoming culture, English-speaking population, and robust financial services sector provide an ideal environment for families, retirees, and entrepreneurs seeking both leisure and long-term security. The government’s streamlined Antigua and Barbuda golden visa program, formally known as the Citizenship by Investment Program, allows qualified applicants to bypass traditional residency requirements and secure Caribbean citizenship within three to six months. This accelerated timeline, combined with favourable tax policies—no personal income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes on foreign-sourced income—enhances the appeal for high-net-worth individuals and their families. Furthermore, Antigua’s strategic location within CARICOM and direct air links to North America and Europe make it a natural hub for regional business and travel. Those researching how to get Antigua and Barbuda visa discover clear pathways to permanent residence Antigua and Barbuda and, ultimately, full citizenship through targeted investment in the local economy.

Types of residence permits and citizenship programs

The government of Antigua and Barbuda administers multiple investment and residency pathways, each designed to meet distinct applicant needs while fostering sustainable national development:

• National Development Fund (NDF) Donation: Applicants contribute a non-refundable sum of USD 100,000 for a single applicant or USD 125,000 for a family of up to four directly to the National Development Fund. This route grants same-day provisional citizenship status, leading to full citizenship and a second passport in Antigua and Barbuda within three to four months, making it the fastest and most straightforward option for those seeking a residence permit in Antigua and Barbuda without the need for local residency or property ownership.
• Real Estate Investment: Prospective citizens may invest at least USD 200,000 in government-approved real estate projects—luxury resorts, villas, or condominium developments—subject to a minimum five-year holding period. This program not only secures citizenship through the Antigua and Barbuda golden visa but also provides a tangible asset that can generate rental income or resale profit in a burgeoning tourism market.
• Business Investment: Individuals can acquire citizenship by investing a minimum of USD 1.5 million in an eligible business venture that creates at least three full-time jobs for Antiguan nationals. This option encourages foreign direct investment and job creation, aligning with the nation’s economic diversification goals while delivering the benefit of citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda.
• University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund Donation: A newer pathway allows applicants to donate USD 150,000 to the UWI Five Islands Campus; this option supports regional education development and grants citizenship within four to six months, promoting academic growth and greater access to Caribbean higher education.

Requirements and application process

Securing a residence permit in Antigua and Barbuda via investment involves a transparent, six-step procedure tailored for efficiency and integrity:

• Engage a Licensed Agent: All applications must be submitted through government-authorized agents — typically law firms or consulting firms specialized in Caribbean immigration — who guide clients through documentation, due diligence, and liaison with the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
• Prepare Documentation: Applicants compile valid passports, birth and marriage certificates, police clearance certificates from all countries of residence, medical examination reports, proof of lawful source of funds, and detailed investment or donation receipts.
• Submit Application & Fees: The agent submits Form CIU-1 along with supporting documents and due diligence fees to the CIU. Government processing fees vary by program — for NDF donations additional fees apply for main applicants and dependents.
• Due Diligence & Approval: The CIU conducts a thorough background check in partnership with international security firms. Provisional approval is typically granted within one month, after which the required investment or donation is transferred into escrow or appropriate accounts.
• Finalize Investment & Confirmation: Once funds are received, the CIU issues a Certificate of Registration. Applicants take the Oath of Allegiance at a formal ceremony in St. John’s, finalizing the grant of citizenship and issuance of an Antiguan passport.
• Receive Passport & ID: Within three to six months of initial submission, citizens receive their passports and national ID cards, completing the journey from provisional status to full citizenship and enabling the benefits of a second passport in Antigua and Barbuda.

Legal framework and government policies

Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Program operates under robust legislative and regulatory safeguards designed to ensure transparency and protect national interests:

• Citizenship by Investment Act: The foundational statute authorizing citizenship grants in exchange for qualifying investments or donations, with provisions for due diligence, investment monitoring, and post-grant compliance.
• Anti-Money Laundering Standards: Stringent KYC and AML requirements enforced by the CIU and the Financial Services Regulatory Commission ensure applicants meet global financial integrity benchmarks.
• National Development Fund Regulations: Guidelines governing the use of NDF contributions — financing public infrastructure, healthcare, education, and disaster relief — link private investment directly to national development goals.
• Real Estate Monitoring Policies: Oversight mechanisms require approved real estate projects to maintain high construction and environmental standards, safeguarding both investor assets and the nation’s pristine natural environment.
• Periodic Program Reviews: Cabinet-led evaluations adjust contribution thresholds, eligible investment types, and processing timelines to remain competitive within the Caribbean region and align with economic forecasts.

Lifestyle, mobility, and long-term benefits

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship unlocks a range of lifestyle and mobility advantages that extend far beyond the islands themselves:

• Global Visa-Free Access: Antiguan and Barbudan passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to over 150 countries, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Singapore — a major draw for entrepreneurs and families seeking global mobility.
• Tax Efficiency: Citizens benefit from no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax on foreign-sourced income, creating an optimal environment for wealth preservation and estate planning.
• High Quality of Life: Year-round tropical climate, world-class marinas, championship golf courses, and vibrant cultural festivals such as Carnival and Antigua Sailing Week contribute to an enviable island lifestyle.
• Property Ownership & Business Rights: Citizens may freely purchase and sell property, operate businesses, and participate in all sectors of the economy without special work permits — a significant advantage over many other jurisdictions.
• Educational & Healthcare Access: Children of citizens enroll in local schools at preferential rates; citizens qualify for public healthcare services and may access private medical facilities recognized for high standards of care.
• CARICOM & OECS Membership: As citizens of a CARICOM member state, Antiguans and Barbudans enjoy the right to live, work, and study across the Caribbean Community and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, further broadening regional opportunities.

How VelesClub International helps

VelesClub International delivers end-to-end, personalized support for clients pursuing citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda or a residence permit in Antigua and Barbuda. Our comprehensive services include:

• Strategic Program Selection: We assess your goals — whether rapid visa-free travel, tax planning, or regional mobility — to recommend the optimal pathway: NDF donation, real estate investment, business investment, or UWI Fund donation.
• Due Diligence & Documentation: Our experts coordinate with licensed agents and international vetting firms to compile, authenticate, and submit all necessary paperwork, ensuring compliance with CIU and AML standards.
• Investment & Transaction Management: We liaise directly with fund managers, developers, and escrow agents to facilitate secure fund transfers, property acquisitions, or business investments, monitoring milestones for timely citizenship approval.
• Application Coordination: From Form CIU-1 preparation through Oath of Allegiance scheduling, we manage every interaction with the Citizenship by Investment Unit, providing regular status updates and proactive issue resolution.
• Post-Citizenship Integration: We assist with passport collection, national ID issuance, relocation logistics — including domicile guidance, school enrollment, and healthcare registration — and ongoing support to maximize your Filipino and Barbudan lifestyle.