Residency in St. John's, Antigua and BarbudaHistoric capital gateway withstreamlined residency options

Residence and Citizenship in St. John’s

Why people seek residence and citizenship in St. John’s

St. John’s, the vibrant capital of Antigua and Barbuda, attracts prospective residents and investors seeking a residence permit in Antigua and Barbuda and eventual citizenship through its unique blend of historical charm, modern infrastructure, and tropical lifestyle. Founded in the early 17th century, St. John’s retains colonial-era architecture—forts, cathedrals, and Government House—melded with contemporary marinas, shopping centres, and international schools. Its Harbour Road waterfront buzzes with duty-free shops, restaurants serving Caribbean and global cuisine, and bustling craft markets, creating an inviting environment for families, retirees, and professionals alike.

The government’s Citizenship by Investment Program—commonly known as the Antigua and Barbuda golden visa—offers transparent, accelerated pathways to legal residency and passport-holding through four main investment options. Applicants may choose a donation to the National Development Fund (NDF), real estate investment, business investment, or contribution to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus. Each route grants provisional citizenship in as little as three months, with minimal travel requirements and no mandatory local residence period. English, the official language, and driving on the left further ease integration for newcomers from Commonwealth countries and beyond.

Strategically located in the Eastern Caribbean, St. John’s serves as the administrative and commercial hub of the nation. V. C. Bird International Airport lies just 10 kilometres away, offering direct flights to North America, Europe, and other Caribbean islands, while the Port of St. John’s—one of the oldest corporate entities in the Western Hemisphere—handles both cruise and cargo ships, facilitating vibrant tourism and trade sectors. This convergence of global connectivity, stable governance under a parliamentary democracy, and English-common-law legal framework makes St. John’s an ideal choice for those researching how to get Antigua and Barbuda visa options and seeking permanent residence Antigua and Barbuda for business expansion, lifestyle change, or family security.

Types of residence permits and citizenship programs

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program comprises four principal options, each tailored to different investment capacities and personal objectives. All pathways lead to full citizenship, equivalent in rights to native-born citizens, including voting, property ownership, and eligibility for public services:

• National Development Fund (NDF) Donation: A non-refundable contribution of USD 100,000 for a single applicant or USD 125,000 for a family of up to four. The NDF supports public projects—roads, schools, healthcare. Applicants receive provisional citizenship within four to six weeks and full citizenship within three to four months, making this the quickest and simplest residence permit in Antigua and Barbuda option without physical residence requirements.
• Real Estate Investment: Purchase of government-approved real estate with a minimum value of USD 200,000, held for at least five years. Properties include luxury villas, resort units, or hotel developments. Investors benefit from potential rental income and capital appreciation in Antigua’s thriving tourism market, while qualifying for citizenship in four to six months—offering both a tangible asset and a second passport in Antigua and Barbuda.
• Business Investment: Investment of at least USD 1.5 million into an eligible commercial venture that creates a minimum of three full-time jobs for nationals. This pathway encourages foreign direct investment, fostering economic diversification. Business investors receive provisional citizenship within six to eight weeks and full citizenship in three to four months, aligning personal wealth goals with local development objectives.
• University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund Donation: A contribution of USD 150,000 to the Five Islands Campus endowment. This newer option promotes higher education development across the Eastern Caribbean. Donors secure provisional citizenship within six to eight weeks and full citizenship within four to six months, supporting academic growth and granting the benefits of a residence permit in Antigua and Barbuda to families prioritizing educational opportunities.

Requirements and application process

The application process for a residence permit in Antigua and Barbuda via investment is meticulously structured to ensure transparency, integrity, and efficiency. It involves the following steps:

• Engage a Licensed Agent: All applications must be submitted through government-authorized agents—legal or consulting firms specialized in CBI programs. Agents assist applicants with document preparation, due diligence, and liaison with the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
• Document Compilation: Applicants gather valid passports, birth and marriage certificates, police clearance certificates from all countries of residence for the past ten years, medical examination reports from approved physicians, proof of lawful source of funds, and receipts for the chosen investment or donation option.
• Submission & Due Diligence: Form CIU-1 and supporting documents are submitted, alongside due diligence and administrative fees. The CIU engages international security firms to conduct background checks, verifying the applicant’s integrity and the legitimacy of funds.
• Provisional Approval & Payment: Upon successful due diligence—typically within one to two months—CIU issues a letter of provisional approval. Applicants then transfer the investment or donation funds into escrow or to designated accounts, after which provisional citizenship is granted.
• Final Approval & Oath of Allegiance: