Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program

Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program

Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program

Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program for US Citizens: When US citizens imagine expatriating from the United States, relinquishing their citizenship and relocating to a new country, oftentimes they dream of a sunny island destination — and Antigua and Barbuda is right near the top of the list behind St Kitts and Nevis. What makes the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship-by-Investment program very alluring, is that it has a relatively low investment requirement — in addition to a relatively straightforward application process. The passport is very versatile and allows travel to nearly 160 different countries — in addition, it allows certain visa free travel throughout the Schengen Zone.  Let’s go through the basics of what is required for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship-by-Investment Program.

Investment into Antigua & Barbuda

As with any citizenship by investment program, the key issue that is required is an investment into the economy of Antigua and Barbuda.  

There are three primary investment options available to investors:

      • A contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF) of a minimum non-refundable amount of US$200,000

        • Until 31st October 2019, there is a Limited Time Offer (LTO); The threshold for the National Development Fund (NDF) option has been reduced by %50; from US$200,000 to US$100,000 for a family of up to four persons, and from US$250,000 to US$125,000 for a family of five and over. **
      • An investment of at least US$400,000 into one of the approved real estate projects and to be held for a minimum period of 5 years.

        • Until 31st October 2019, there is a Limited Time Offer (LTO); Two (2) applications from related parties can make a joint investment, with each applicant investing a minimum of US $200,000 in order to qualify. 
      • An investment of a minimum of US$1,500,000 directly into an eligible business as a sole investor or a joint investment involving at least 2 persons in an eligible business totalling at least US$5,000,000 and each of those persons individually invests at least US$400,000.

Residency Requirement

Generally, the residency requirement is minimal — and the applicant must only spend five days during the five calendar years after having obtained citizenship.

As provided by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda:

      • Deprivation of citizenship  may  occur if the citizen does not spend at least 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda during the period of five calendar years after having obtained citizenship  and they will not be entitled to repayment of any investment, contribution or purchase price made by them in their original application for citizenship.

      • Deprivation of citizenship will occur where such registration as a citizen was obtained by false representation or fraud or wilful concealment of material facts or the person has been convicted in Antigua and Barbuda of an act of treason or sedition.

Antigua and Barbuda Passport

      • The passport will be valid for a period of 5 years and will be considered for renewal subject to the recipient having spent a total of 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda, since gaining citizenship, within the 5 year period.

      • The passport does not afford automatic voting rights and persons would need to qualify as outlined in the Representation of the People Act.

      • The passport will afford the holder visa free travel to over 160 countries that includes Hong Kong, Singapore, U.K. and the Schengen Area. Click here to view list.

Antigua & Barbuda Tax Residence

As provided by the Antiguan Government:

      • Residents of Antigua and Barbuda benefit from no capital gains tax or estate taxes. Income taxes are progressive to 25% and for non-residents, they are at a flat rate of 25%. Proposed amendments to Part 111 Section 5 of the Income Tax Act will change taxation on worldwide income to taxation on income sourced within Antigua and Barbuda. 

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship is Worthwhile

In conclusion, as far as citizenship by investment programs go, the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment is a great program. The passport is very versatile, the process is cost effective — and the taxes are fair. If you are considering obtaining a second passport, you should definitely take a look into Antigua and Barbuda.

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