Situated at the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meeting point, Antigua and Barbuda is a beautiful island country in the Caribbean. Famous worldwide for its white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, lush green rainforests, and charming beach resorts, the country also boasts a thriving economy, safe environment, and welcoming population.
If you are looking to obtain a second passport, then you should definitely consider the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program. In this article, we will take you through the Antigua and Barbuda cost of passport, the application procedure, and investment expenses.
Antigua and Barbuda Passport – Benefits
- You can obtain an Antigua and Barbuda with a non-refundable monetary contribution of $100,000.
- You can obtain your passport within three to six months.
- Your family members are also eligible for the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program.
- Antigua and Barbuda passport holders enjoy enhanced global mobility with visa free access to more than 150 Antigua visa free countries.
- There is no language or in-person interview requirements.
- Antigua and Barbuda is tax-friendly, with no personal income tax or inheritance, wealth, or capital gains tax.
- Antigua and Barbuda recognizes dual citizenship.
Antigua and Barbuda Passport – Investment Options
If you are planning to apply for the Antigua and Barbuda passport by investing in Antigua and Barbuda, there are four routes under the Citizenship by Investment program:
- A real estate purchase that is government-approved
- A government-approved business investment
- A contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund
- A contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF)
Real estate Investment in Antigua and Barbuda
Foreign investors can obtain citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda through investment in government-approved real estate projects. The projects mainly comprise five-star hotel complexes or resorts overlooking the beach. The minimum amount required for this route is $200,000.
As per the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program, the investor must keep government-approved real estate for a minimum period of five years. After five years, investors can sell their Antigua real estate purchase. Real estate investments receive an average annual rental income of three to eight percent.
Business Investment in Antigua and Barbuda
If you are planning to obtain an Antigua and Barbuda passport through the business investment option, you must make an investment with a minimum value of $1.5 million in a government-approved business project listed by the Antigua Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), the government authority responsible for processing citizenship applications.
Applicants can also make a joint investment of $400,000 in a total investment worth at least $5 million to obtain dual citizenship.
Moreover, the primary applicant must pay a government fee of $30,000 for a family of up to four members. The government fee increases by $15,000 for each additional dependent.
Contribution to the University of West Indies Fund
Foreign investors can contribute to the University of West Indies Fund. This investment route is suitable for applicants with more than six family members. The contribution to the University of West Indies fund is non-refundable.
For a family of six members, you must contribute a minimum of $150,000 to the fund. In the case of larger families. In addition to this, for each additional dependent family member, you pay $15,000. The application processing fee is also included in the contribution amount.
This University of the West Indies Fund option offers a free year of education at the University of West Indies for one family member included in the application. This offer remains valid for up to five years after obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda.
Contribution to the National Development Fund
You can contribute to the Antigua National Development Fund to obtain Antigua citizenship with the lowest Antigua and Barbuda passport price. You can make a minimum donation of $100,000 and obtain citizenship for yourself and family members of up to four people. This contribution is also non-refundable.
If you include more than five family members, you must pay an additional $25,000. In addition to the contribution, the investor must pay a state fee of $30,000 for a family of up to four members. Investors must note that $15,000 must be paid for each additional dependent family beyond four.
Antigua and Barbuda Passport – Requirements
Foreign investors must meet certain requirements to acquire citizenship through the Antigua and Barbuda program.
- The primary applicant should be 18 or over.
- The applicant should possess an excellent character.
- The applicant should have no criminal record.
- The applicant should be able to stay in Antigua and Barbuda for five days within the first five of citizenship.
- The applicant should be able to take the oath of allegiance in Antigua and Barbuda, or at an Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate of Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda Passport Cost: Detailed Breakdown
Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund (NDF) Contribution
Type of Fee | Single Applicant | For a Family of Four | Family of Five or More |
Processing Fees | $30,00 | No additional fee | $15,000 per additional dependent |
Minimum Investment | $100,00 | $125,00 | |
Due Diligence Fees | $7,50 | $7,500 + $7,500 for main applicant and spouse $2,000 per dependent (12-17 years old) $4,000 per dependent (18 years and above) | $7,500 + $7,500 for main applicant and spouse $2,000 per dependent (12-17 years old) $4,000 per dependent (18 years and above) |
Antigua and Barbuda Real Estate Investment
Type of Fee | Single Applicant | For a Family of Four | Family of Five or More |
Processing Fees | $30,000 | No additional fee | $15,000 per additional dependent |
Minimum Investment | $200,000 | ||
Due Diligence Fees | $7,500 | $7,500 + $7,500 for main applicant and spouse $2,000 per dependent (12-17 years old) $4,000 per dependent (18 years and above) | $7,500 + $7,500 for main applicant and spouse $2,000 per dependent (12-17 years old) $4,000 per dependent (18 years and above) |
Antigua and Barbuda UWI Fund
Type of Fee | Single Applicant | For a Family of Six | Family of Seven or More |
Processing Fees | No additional fee | $15,000 per additional dependent | |
Minimum Investment | $150,000 | ||
Due Diligence Fees | $7,500 | $7,500 + $7,500 for main applicant and spouse $2,000 per dependent (12-17 years old) $4,000 per dependent (18 years and above) | $7,500 + $7,500 for main applicant and spouse $2,000 per dependent (12-17 years old) $4,000 per dependent (18 years and above) |
Due Diligence and Passport Fees
Type of Individual | Cost |
Principal applicant | $7,500 |
Spouse | $7,500 |
Dependent child (0 – 11 years old) | $0 |
Dependent child (12 – 17 years old) | $2,000 |
Dependent (18-30 years old) | $4,000 |
Dependent parents (55 years old and above) | $4,000 |
Passport Fee – Each person | $300 |
Antigua and Barbuda Passport – Documents Required
Here is a comprehensive list of documents that you need to submit for obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship
Application forms that you need to submit:
- Citizenship by Investment Application (Form AB1)
- Photograph and Signature Certificate (Form AB2)
- Medical Certificate (Form AB3)
- Investment Confirmation (Form AB4)
- Agent Form (Form AB5)
Passport application forms that you need to submit:
- Antigua & Barbuda Passport L Form (16 years and older)
- Antigua & Barbuda Passport M Form (Under 16 years of age)
Citizenship by investment- Investment routes
- Real Estate Developer Application (Form AB8)
- Business Investment Application (Form AB9)
Forms for Agents & Representatives:
- Representatives and Service Providers (Form AB6)
- Agent’s License Form (Form AB7)
Required documents for submission:
- Completed AB1-5 application forms
- Completed citizenship by investment forms, according to which investment option is made, AB8-AB9.
- Original Police Certificate from the country of citizenship or residence. This document is required for each country in which the person lived for six consecutive months or longer since reaching the age of 18.
- Original birth certificate.
- Certified copy of proof of name change [if applicable].
- Certified copy of valid passport(s) highlighting name, photo citizenship/nationality, date and place of issue, expiry date, passport number, and issuing country.
- Eight original passport-sized photographs of each applicant that have been taken within the last six months. One of the photos in each set of eight must be certified.
- Medical Certificate consisting of original results of an HIV test (an HIV test is required for all persons twelve years and older applying for citizenship in the country. The HIV test results should not be older than three months.
Other supporting documents required from the main applicant:
- Minimum one original bank reference letter issued by an internationally recognized bank. This should not be older than six months.
- Minimum one original professional reference (For instance, from an attorney, notary public, official accountant or other professional of similar standing). This should also be not older than six months.
- One original document of evidence of residential address (Like certified copy of a recent utility bill or bank statement showing full name and address, or written confirmation from a bank, attorney, chartered accountant or notary public).
- Original excerpt of marriage record or certified copy of marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Certified copy of divorce papers (if applicable).
- Statement of the source of funds to be invested in Antigua and Barbuda.
- A sworn affidavit of support for each dependent (excluding spouse) over the age of 18.
- Certified copy of Military Records or exemption from military service (if applicable)
Other documents required for the real estate investment route:
- Copy of real estate contract (Purchase and Sale Agreement) must be submitted with the application forms.
- Evidence of title transfer to be submitted after the applicant receives approval in principle.
Antigua and Barbuda Passport Application Process
Here is the detailed timeline of the Antigua and Barbuda application process:
Month one: Time for Preparation
- You must select the investment option that suits your needs and requirements.
- Select an authorized agent to handle your application.
- Collect all your documents and submit them to the Antigua Citizenship By Investment Unit (CIU) through a licensed agent.
30 to 60 Days Processing Time
- The CIU agency will conduct a background check and approve your application.
- Next, you must make your financial investment and submit proof of your investment.
Month three to five: Apply for Citizenship
- After you pay the passport fees, you can obtain your certificate of registration.
- Once you receive your registration certificate, you obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship status.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cost of an Antigua Passport
How much is the Antigua and Barbuda passport renewal fee?
The Antigua and Barbuda passport renewal fee for a 48-page passport is about $65 for persons over 16 and $35 for persons under 15, excluding courier fees and express services.
How powerful is the Antigua and Barbuda passport?
The Antigua and Barbuda passport ranks 59th on the Global Passport Index. Antigua and Barbuda citizens have visa free travel and visa on arrival access to more than 150 countries, including popular destinations like the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Can I include family members in my Antigua and Barbuda citizenship application?
Your entire family is eligible for the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program. This means the applicant investing can also include their extended family members, like dependent siblings, grandchildren, and future spouses, provided they pay additional government fees, including a due diligence fee and processing fee.
How long does it take to get an Antigua and Barbuda passport?
The direct citizenship by investment process in Antigua and Barbuda takes three to six months, including the country’s strict due diligence checks. After being granted citizenship, the Antigua and Barbuda Passport Officer processes passport applications within three weeks. An expedited Antigua passport takes three to five business days to process.
How much is a passport of Antigua and Barbuda?
Besides the initial minimum foreign investment amount for the citizenship by investment program, each applicant, including a spouse and financially dependent children, must pay an Antigua passport fee of $300. A single investor and those including family members when applying for Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship program should also consider the processing and due diligence fee in the overall Antigua and Barbuda passport cost.