Antigua and Barbuda Suspends Stay Requirement for Investors

Due to the travel restrictions and border control measures caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Antigua and Barbuda has temporarily adjusted its citizenship by investment program by suspending the requirement to spend five days in the country during the first five years after obtaining its citizenship. The suspension will be in effect until 31 August 2022.

Antigua and Barbuda, a twin-island country lying at the converging point of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, offers one of the most competitive and cost-effective citizenship by investment (CBI) programs not only in the region but also in the world. One of the program requirements is to visit Antigua and Barbuda for a minimum of five days within the first five years after obtaining the economic citizenship of the country. In August 2020, Antigua’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) announced that the five-day visitation requirement would be temporarily discontinued for one year due to the COVID-19 outbreak that led to numerous travel restrictions and emergency measures. As the COVID-19 keeps spreading around the globe, with travel disruption still in place, the Antiguan CIU has extended the suspension of the requirement for one more year — until 31 August 2022.

The CIU’s decision is favourable for investors who have not had the opportunity to visit Antigua and Barbuda and whose qualifying five-year period expires before 31 August 2022, as they could have their citizenship revoked for violating the citizenship by investment program’s rules in case the requirement remained in force.

Moreover, earlier this year Antigua and Barbuda allowed investors to take the oath of allegiance remotely, without the need to travel to the country. Previously, eligible applicants had to take the oath in person, in the islands, but due to the ongoing pandemic and border closure, the Antiguan CIU made it possible to conduct the ceremony online, through a videoconference, or at Antigua and Barbuda’s consulates in other countries.

Considered one of the most sought-after and beautiful Caribbean destinations, Antigua and Barbuda is known for its 365 award-winning beaches, one for each day of the year, a scenic coastline ringed with coral reefs, and year-round tropical climate. The twin-island nation also enjoys advanced banking and financial services and top-notch communication infrastructure, ensuring the growth and sustainability of the economy. Due to the timely measures to prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19, Antigua and Barbuda has stayed a safe haven, mostly unaffected by the coronavirus disease: thus, throughout 2020, the country had only159 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Since its launch in 2013, the citizenship by investment (CBI) program of Antigua and Barbuda has gained overwhelming success, providing a fast and affordable route to a strong second passport. Antigua’s CBI program offers a range of benefits, such as:

• Being the most affordable investor immigration program in the world for large families, with the minimum investment thresholds starting from $100,000;
• Visa-free access to more than 150 countries, including the EU, UK, Schengen states, Hong Kong, and Singapore;
• The possibility to receive long-term (10 years) visas to USA and Canada
• An attractive personal tax environment;
• No requirement to reside in the country;
• A hassle-free and straightforward application process;
• The opportunity to obtain lifetime second citizenship for the whole family;
• Dual citizenship is allowed;

and many others.

Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI program features three investment options:

• A non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund. The minimum amount of the contribution is $100,000 for both, a single applicant and families of up to four, which makes this option highly advantageous for investors seeking to include family members in the application;
• A non-refundable contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund. Established in 2020, this is the newest — and the most family-oriented option of Antigua’s CBI program that requires investors with five or more family members to donate $150,000. It must be mentioned that as part of this option’s offering, any family member under 29 years old can study for a year at the University of the West Indies free of charge;
• A purchase of government-approved real estate with a minimum price of $200,000.

Would you like to become a world citizen with a passport of Antigua and Barbuda? Kindly contact us, and we will be happy to arrange a consultation, provide you with detailed fee schedules, and guide you through the entire route to the coveted passport.