However, it has been a high-end tourism destination for more than 70 years, remaining well-preserved while offering many of the conveniences smaller islands cannot. If you are interested in becoming a citizen here, then kick back and relax…here is a guide to show you how.
Antiguan and Barbudian nationality is primarily issued either on the principle of jus soli, which is by birth or under the rules of jus sanguinis, which is by birth to a parent who is an Antiguan or Barbudan citizen. It is also granted to persons with an affiliation here, investment in real estate, or a permanent resident who has resided for a while.
What are the options?
Citizenship can be obtained in Antigua and Barbuda by birth, naturalization, or registration.
Citizenship by Birth
It’s true especially for individuals who belong into one of the following categories:
- A person born within the nation
- A national of Antigua and Barbuda who was born overseas to at least one parent or grandparent
- An individual born to government-employed parents in a foreign land
Citizenship by Registration
All persons with a familial or historical connection to the country are included in this category. If you fit into one of the following criteria, you may apply for this sort of citizenship:
- By affiliation
- A spouse who has been married for at least three years or a citizen who has lived in the country for at least three years
- A Commonwealth citizen who has lived in Antigua for at least seven years and holds a permanent residency permit
- A child under the age of 18 who has been lawfully adopted by a citizen of another country
- a government employee who has lived in the same place for a certain amount of time and has served for a certain amount of time
By investment
Investors in the citizenship by investment program receive a second passport that allows them to travel visa-free to over 160 countries, including the United Kingdom, the EU Schengen zone, Hong Kong, and Switzerland. Investors who want to become citizens of this country have several possibilities.
They have the option of donating $100,000 to the Antigua National Development Fund, investing $1.5 million in a firm, or investing $400,000. in a government-approved real estate project. When applying, applicants must pay non-refundable due diligence expenses as well as 10% of the application price.
Citizenship by Naturalization
Foreign adults who have lived in the country for at least 12 months, are of good character, and intend to stay in Antigua and Barbuda can apply for naturalization. Applications are received by the Ministry of Immigration and Citizenship through the office of the Chief Immigration Officer. The CIO considers the threat that such an application poses to public morality and safety, such as criminal behavior. A foreigner who does not have sufficient means of self-sufficiency may be denied citizenship.
Requirements
Eligibility for investment citizenship depends on the following criteria:
- Be remarkable
- Have no criminal record
- Be in a good state of health
- Possess a high personal net worth
- Live with family members who are included in the application for a minimum of 5 days within five years
Processing Time
Since there is no requirement to live in Antigua before or after obtaining citizenship, the processing time is relatively short. It takes about 3 months to process.
Processing Cost
There are three fees to pay when applying for citizenship by investment. Although the processing fee costs $30,000, there are other fees to pay for.
- Government fee
Ten percent of the government fee is payable (and non-refundable) when you submit your application and the balance due after receiving an approval letter. A government fee is charged for each family member.
- Due Diligence Fee
This fee is charged for each family member above the age of 11 years, is non-refundable, and must be paid when the application is submitted.
- Passport Fee
This is the fee each family member has to pay for the issuance of his or her passport.