Obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is a dream of many individuals worldwide. If you are interested in obtaining a second citizenship in one of the most beautiful countries globally, read on to learn everything you need to know about fees and timelines when applying for an Antigua and Barbuda passport.
1. Why is Antigua and Barbuda the ideal place to get a second passport?
There are several reasons why Antigua and Barbuda is the ideal country to apply for your second citizenship. After all, there is a reason why so many nationals from around the world are choosing this locale as their second home.
The year-round tropical climate is definitely one of the biggest draws, as is the fact that there is so much to do in the country. There are plenty of beaches and other natural spots for you to explore, as well as historical destinations such as the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, Betty’s Hope, Fort James, and Wallings Dam & Reservoir.
What’s more, this world-class destination is also incredibly safe and welcoming to individuals of all nationalities. Antigua and Barbuda is an independent member state of the Commonwealth, meaning Queen Elizabeth II is Head of State. When you reside in Antigua and Barbuda, you can benefit from daily direct air access to North America and Europe, providing you with the best of both worlds.
2. What are the benefits of an Antigua and Barbuda passport?
While there are several different Caribbean citizenship programs, there is no denying that the Antigua and Barbuda option is the best value of all of them. Plus, it also has the fastest processing time.
When you have an Antigua and Barbuda passport, you can benefit from visa-free travel to more than 130 countries, and there is no requirement to go to the country during your application. In addition, the country doesn’t have capital gain or estate taxes, making it an ideal location for business owners and savvy entrepreneurs who may wish to relocate there.
Antigua and Barbuda offers dual and lifetime citizenship, and you can include a spouse, unmarried siblings, children up to 29 years, and parents over 55 years in your application.
3. What are the routes to Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?
If you are interested in pursuing citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, there are three options from which you can choose. For all of these options, the usual time to citizenship is 3-4 months.
- First is a government donation of minimum US$100,000. The benefit of this option is that there is less upfront cost; however, there is no possibility for a return on investment (apart from your new citizenship!).
- Secondly, you can make a real estate purchase of $200,000 and above. This route is beneficial in the medium-term because later on, you can resell the property and collect rental income while you own it.
- Your third option is to make a business investment of a minimum of US$400,000. Undoubtedly, this route offers the highest return on investment for those savvy entrepreneurs or investors looking to expand their business portfolio. Moreover, as the country is stable and boasts a growing economy, along with its high level of tourism, this route can be very valuable.
4. What are the fees associated with each citizenship route?
Once you have selected the citizenship route that is right for you, you need to budget for the additional fees that are required by each family member who is on your application. There are three main fees that you will have to pay in addition to the funding of your selected investment option. These fees are:
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Government Fee
For each option, the government fee is USD$30,000 for a single person or a family of up to 4 persons. There are then incremental payments of $15,000 for each additional dependent. When you apply for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship, 10% of the government fee is due (and non-refundable).
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Due Diligence Fee
Due diligence fees are required for each family member over 11 years. For a single person, the due diligence fee is USD $7,500. For families, the due diligence fees are $7,500 + $7,500 for the spouse, $2,000 per dependent 12-17, $4,000 per dependent 18-25 and $4,000 for a dependent parent aged 58 and over. These fees are due upon submission of the application and are non-refundable.
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Passport Fee
Each family member applying for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is required to pay a passport fee. For issuance of a passport, the cost is USD$300 per person.
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Licensed Agent Fee
An application for citizenship can only be made via a Licensed Agent and these are Antigua-based professionals approved by the government such as Citizens International. Fees vary according to the size of the family.
Final Thoughts
No matter which option you choose (or are considering), it is highly recommended that you work with experts who can provide you with the information and know-how that you need to make the right choice for you and your family.
At Citizens International, we pride ourselves on finding our clients unique and attractive investment opportunities to ensure they have the greatest experience possible in Antigua and Barbuda. We have expertise in all aspects of Caribbean citizenship by investment programs and are looking forward to working with you to make your dreams come true.
Get in touch with us today.
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