Antigua and Barbuda

What are the benefits of an Antigua and Barbuda passport?

Antigua and Barbuda passports are CARICOM passports that are issued to citizens of Antigua and Barbuda for international travel. They are biometric documents, ensuring a greater level of safety and facilitating cross-border procedures.

How long are Antigua and Barbuda passports valid for?

First-time passports of Antigua and Barbuda issued to economic citizens are only valid for five years. This is to ensure that proper checks are performed on whether the economic citizen has fulfilled the five-day residence requirement and travel requirement to complete the Oath of Allegiance in Antigua and Barbuda.

The validity of second-time passports depends on whether the passport is issued to someone aged 16 or over. If the person is 16 or over, then Antigua and Barbuda passports are valid for 10 years. If the person is a child aged less than 16, then the passport is only valid for five years.

What is the Antigua and Barbuda passport application process?

The passport application process is separate from the Citizenship by Investment process and requires the applicant to present several documents. These documents vary according to whether the application is a first-time application, a first-time renewal, or a later renewal.

In all cases, a certified copy of the applicant’s Certificate of Registration – the document that is issued to an economic citizen at the end of the Citizenship by Investment process – must be provided.

Every time Antigua and Barbuda passport holders re-apply for a passport (for example, because their old passport has expired), they must present their old Antigua and Barbuda passport. This will be cancelled upon issuance of the new passport.

To renew a first-time passport that has expired, an economic citizen must first send a request to the Citizenship by Investment Unit through his or her Licenced Agent.

All other renewals after that can be made directly at the Passport Office (a department within the Prime Minister’s Ministry) located on Queen Elizabeth Highway in St John’s (Antigua and Barbuda’s capital city). Alternatively, applications can be made at an Antigua and Barbuda High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate.

Application Process

Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment application process consists of seven steps:

Step 1: Application and pre-approval by Lexen Law. We will look through your application to check everything is in order and confirm it meets the requisite conditions, giving it the best possible chance of being accepted.

Step 2: Submission of citizenship application. After approving the application, we will then send it to Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) on your behalf.

Step 3: Government processing and due diligence checks. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda will process your application and perform due diligence checks, which includes checking for criminal records and assessing your ability to provide funds.

All principal applicants and their dependants aged 16 and over will be subject to a mandatory interview.

These interviews will be conducted virtually by independent service providers contracted by the CIU for this purpose. The CIU will schedule each interview with the relevant Licenced Agent.

All members of the application are required to be present at the interview along with the identification documents submitted with their application.

The interviews will be conducted in English, but options are available for alternative native languages where the applicant is unable to be interviewed in English.

Step 4: Approval in principle. Once your application is approved in principle, you’ll receive a letter confirming that the CIU has officially granted your request for citizenship.

Step 5: Make the investment of your choice. Now is the point you make your qualifying investments.

Step 6: Citizenship certificate issued. After you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll receive a citizenship certificate, officially making you an Antigua and Barbuda citizen.

Step 7: Passport application. You’re now able to apply for an Antigua and Barbuda passport and reap all the associated global mobility benefits.

How long does it take to process an application?

From submission of the application to receiving the approval in principle, applicants can generally expect to wait around three months. You are not required to pass tests, or travel to or reside in Antigua and Barbuda, which helps speed up the process.

What are the investment options under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme?

Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda is available through one of four options:

1. The National Development Fund
2. Pre-approved Real Estate
3. The University of West Indies Fund (UWIF)
4. Business Option

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants for citizenship should be at least 18 years of age, in good health and of good character, without a criminal record, and able and willing to make the required contribution.

Which family members can I include in my application for economic citizenship?

You can include:

• A spouse of the main applicant;
• A child of the main applicant or his or her spouse who is 0-30 years of age and is financially dependent on the principal applicant;
• A child of any age who is physically or mentally challenged, living with and fully supported by the main applicant;
• A parent or grandparent of the main applicant, or his or her spouse, who is 55 years of age or older and who is financially dependent on the principal applicant; or a parent or grandparent of any age who is physically or mentally incapacitated;
• A sibling under the age of 18, or an unmarried sibling over the age of 18;
• A spouse of a dependant no older than 35 years.

For the purposes of the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme ‘child’ means a biological or legally adopted child of the main applicant, or of the spouse of the main applicant.

What does the due diligence process in Antigua and Barbuda entail?

You will be vetted by multiple entities:

• KYC (know-your-customer) checks performed by local Authorised Agents.
• Internal checks including AML (anti-money laundering) and CTF (counter-terrorism financing) vetting.
• Mandated international due diligence firms perform online and on-the-ground checks.
• Regional and international crime prevention bodies check that you aren’t on any wanted or sanctions lists.
• Mandatory interview.

Children above 12 years must go through due diligence and background checks. Dependent children under 11 requires no due diligence but requires a sworn affidavit from parents and there is no due diligence fee to be paid.

Are citizens of certain countries not allowed to apply?

The following nationals are on the restricted list for Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda:

• Afghanistan
• Iran
• North Korea
• Somalia
• Yemen
• Sudan

Nationals of the countries listed are eligible to apply for citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda under the Citizenship by Investment Programme after having met the following criteria:

• Individuals born in these restricted countries but who migrated before the age of majority and/or have maintained permanent residence in any country other than those on the restricted country list, for a period of not less than 10 years and maintain no economic ties to any restricted country.

Nationals of Belarus and Russia are banned from applying for the Antigua and Barbuda CBI Programme.

Is this programme for me?

The following may be a good fit for the programme:

1. Individuals/businesspeople looking to establish overseas businesses.
2. Families seeking better global mobility.
3. Professionals who want to broaden their horizons.

Where do the funds go?

The National Development Fund (NDF) was established for the purpose of funding government sponsored projects, including public-private partnerships and approved charitable investments.