CITIZENSHIP OPTIONS

  • UPDATE FOR JULY 2021

  • University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund Option – US$150,000 (inclusive of processing fees for a family of six [minimum number of persons]. US$15,000 is payable for each dependent.

Entitles one member of the family to a one-year scholarship, tuition only, at the University of the West Indies.

Frequently Asked Questions on the University of the West Indies Fund Option

Can a family of 4 or 5 persons apply under this option?

This option is only open to families of six (6) persons or more; 6 is the minimum number of persons which can be included in the application. Families of five (5) or less may choose one of the other three (3) options.

Are dependent parents allowed to be part of the family of six?

Dependent parents are allowed to be part of the family of six (6) once they have attained the age of 58 when the application is submitted.

Who is eligible to benefit from the one-year scholarship?

A family member who is part of the application and is less than 29 years is eligible to benefit.

Do we submit 10% of US$150,000 or just due diligence fees?

The government processing fees have already been included in the quoted investment amount. Accordingly, US$3,000 (representing 10% processing fees) is required with the application. Full due diligence fees are also to be paid at this time.

How are we to submit the balance of the fees?

As customary, within 30 days of the approval, the balance of the US$150,000 (US$147,000) will be required to be submitted using the wiring details provided in the approval letter.

Does the scholarship opportunity have an expiry date?

Scholarships must be utilized within the first five (5) years.

  • Reduced National Development Fund Contribution - US$100,000.00

Under the revised and updated Citizenship by Investment Act, effective 1st November, 2017 the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has reduced the Contribution to the National Development Fund for applications of not more than 4 persons in a family unit to US$100,000.00 while for applications with more than 4 persons the NDF Contribution is reduced to US$125,000.00.

It should be noted that the reduced NDF Contribution is valid for one year commencing 1st November 2017, unless further extended or appropriately reduced by law by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

  • Real Estate Investment - US$400,000.00 (Minimum)

A second option for citizenship is to acquire real estate property in an approved zoned area, in an investment that can deliver an annual rate of return. Such an investment requires a minimum acquisition of real estate property of US$400,000.00. There are a number of approved developments that are part of the program. More details on this option is available upon request.

Effective 1st May, 2018 the Government of Antigua and Barbuda introduced a Limited Time Offer (LTO) under the Real Estate Investment option. Until the 31st October, 2018, while the minimum investment remains at US$400,000.00, two applications from related parties can make a joint investment with each applicant investing a minimum of US$200,000.00 in order to qualify. Parties are related by virtue of being represented by the same Licensed Local Agent.

The Citizenship by  Investment  Unit   advises   that  Cabinet,   in  its   meetings  of 11th    December, 2019  and   26th   February   2020,   has  agreed  to  the  following Enhancements and modifications to the Programme as outlined  below:

1.  The retention of the current minimum investment amount of US$400,000 modified by the permanent inclusion of a co-application option at minimum US$200,000;

2.  The resale,  at the end of the five (5)  year renewal  period, of real  estate units and   shares, previously  purchased by applicants under the programme,  to subsequent applicants  as eligible  investments.   Property and/or shares  may only be resold  once under the Citizenship by Investment Programme.

3.  Effective 1st  April,  2020, creation of a third  pathway for applying   under the real  estate option where the full purchase price of a unit shall  be no less than US$200,000 (EC$540,000);

a.   Developers with existing inventory which may be sold at this price may utilize this pathway

b.   New developments where units are to be priced for this pathway may apply for designation as an approved real       estate development;

  • Investment in Business - US$1,500,000.00 (Minimum)

A third option for citizenship is to invest in an approved business in Antigua and Barbuda with a minimum investment of US$1,500,000.00. In the event two or more investors wish to be joint partners in a business venture, the minimum investment required is US$5,000,000.00, with any one partner investing a minimum of US$400,000.00 in the business venture. More details on this option is available upon request.

Once a potential applicant has selected the preferred citizenship option that is best tailored to the applicant’s requirements, then the application process begins.