Investing a minimum of $200,000 in a government-approved real estate project allows an applicant to gain Antigua and Barbuda’s passport. Moreover, unmarried siblings can be included to get citizenship of this charming Caribbean, which is fast becoming a sought-after destination for large families looking to have a second citizenship.

Purchasing a real estate property in Antigua and Barbuda is considered an opportunity worth seizing due to its affordability and, more importantly, because it stands out as the only citizenship program that allows unmarried siblings to be included in a single application regardless of their age, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of this captivating nation.

Antigua and Barbuda is currently one of the two Caribbean CBI programs that accept siblings alongside Grenada; however, Antigua does not have any age restrictions, while Grenada requires the sibling of the main applicant or spouse to be at least 18 years old.

 

Reasons to choose Antigua & Barbuda

Strong real estate market

The Caribbean paradise offers a wide variety of properties, from modest apartments to luxury beachfront villas, hotel complexes, and eco-logical villas, that are eligible for investment by applicants under the CIP. There are a few charges that apply to property purchases in Antigua and Barbuda in addition to the price of the property itself.

These include income tax on rental income deriving from the property, as well as the legal fees that are around 2% of the property’s value, and the Alien Landholding Licence (ALHL), which is a requirement for any foreign purchasers of real estate on the islands and is charged at a minimum of 5% of the value of the property. This also includes the stamp duty, which is 10% of the total value of the property.

Applicants can purchase government-approved properties in Barbuda, Dickenson Bay, English Harbour, Falmouth Harbour, Galley Bay, Hodges Bay, Jolly Harbour, Nonsuch Bay, Runaway Beach, and Willoughby Bay. In these locations, people can find shopping centers, restaurants, marinas, and golf courses.

 

Real estate prices

The price range of Antigua and Barbuda homes starts from $200,000 and goes up to $12,000,000, depending on the location, proximity to beaches, size, facilities it includes, and the age of the property. The purchasing price per square meter for an apartment in City Centre[1] is around $9,700, and for an apartment outside the center is $4,400.

Antigua’s real estate market provides real estate investors the opportunity to rent out their properties when they are not using them, because tourism is a key driver of the rental market, especially during the peak tourist season.  Gross rental yields in the city center are 1.73%, and outside of center 2.39%[2].

The market is known for its high-end, luxury properties, which are often owned by wealthy individuals, celebrities, and investors. Waterfront villas, beachfront condos, and exclusive estates are in demand. Therefore, property owners can sell their apartments or houses easily, after a period of time, and at good prices.

 

A Cost-effective program for large families

Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program is also renowned as an affordable option for large families. By contributing $130,000 to the National Development Fund, including the governmental fees, a family of 4 can obtain citizenship, and by donating $155,000 to the fund, a family of 5 can obtain citizenship. A family of six can gain citizenship by contributing to the program’s University of the West Indies (UWI) for a $150,000 base cost. This entitles one family member to a one-year tuition scholarship to the UWI. The total contribution, including government-associated costs, amounts to around $183,000.

 

A home for celebrities

Many famous people, such as Robert de Niro, Giorgio Armani, and Oprah Winfrey, have made this paradise island their second home. This demonstrates the nation’s prestige and emphasizes its appeal as a travel destination for individuals looking for exclusivity and luxury. Its natural beauty, high standards of living, and favourable tax system, make it a popular choice for many people.

 

Reputable program

The reputation of Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program is significantly impressive, due to its high level of integrity and transparency. The government thoroughly inspects developers and representatives to guarantee that candidates are working with respectable experts at every stage of the procedure.

Passport holders can leave their countries of residence at any time without a visa and at short notice. This might be helpful in case of an unforeseen political or economic crisis, pandemic or threat to the family’s safety and well-being. In addition to the unmarried siblings who are the primary applicant or their spouse, and any other dependents they wish to include after receiving citizenship, applicants can include their spouse, children under the age of 31 who are dependents, parents, and grandparents who are at least 55 years old. A decision on the application is made in just 4 to 5 months.

 

Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda’s passport

There are numerous benefits to becoming a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, including the right to live, work and study on the islands. Passport holders can avail the high-quality healthcare services, which are based on British standards, and find several private clinics in the country. They can also take advantage of the world-class education services, which are free and compulsory for children from 5 to 16. The teaching process is carried out in English, which gives kids the opportunity to continue further education in the United Kingdom or any other English-speaking country.

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship and passport holders can enter without a visa or visa upon arrival in 150 destinations, including Schengen countries, and stay in the region for up to 90 out of 180 days. Citizens can get a 10-year B-1/B-2 tourist visa to the USA and spend up to 180 days a year on it.

For more information about Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment program, how siblings can take advantage of it, and the best real estate location, please contact us.

[1] https://www.numbeo.com/property-investment/country_result.jsp?country=Antigua+And+Barbuda

[2] https://www.numbeo.com/property-investment/country_result.jsp?country=Antigua+And+Barbuda