Antigua and Barbuda CBI Laws and Requirements: A Guide

Why Might You Need Legal Help with Citizenship by Investment?

You may need a lawyer to navigate complex rules, avoid refusals, and streamline timelines. A lawyer can ensure your application satisfies Antigua and Barbuda’s statutory requirements, resolve issues if your status is refused or delayed, and coordinate with government bodies.

Legal counsel is especially useful for: preparing compliant work permit and residence applications; structuring family CBI files to minimize total cost; managing source-of-funds narratives under tightened due diligence; representing you in appeals or judicial review before the High Court of Justice in Antigua and Barbuda (part of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court); and coordinating police certificates, medicals, translations, and apostilles.

How Does the Immigration Process Work?

The process depends on your goal: visit, study, work, reside, or obtain citizenship. Generally, you identify the correct category, gather documents (passport, finances, police certificate, medical), submit through the appropriate authority, and attend any required interview. Processing times and fees vary by category and family size.

Typical steps by pathway:

1. Determine the correct pathway:
   • Short stay: visa or visa-exempt entry with possible extension.
   • Study: student status approval plus proof of school enrollment.
   • Work: employer-led work permit from the Labour Department.
   • Residence: temporary or permanent residence under the Immigration and Passport Act.
   • Naturalization: after years of lawful residence under the Citizenship Act.
   • Citizenship by Investment: via CIU donation, real estate, business, or UWI Fund.
2. Collect documents:
   • Valid passport, photos, birth and marriage certificates, police certificate of character, and medical report.
   • Proof of funds, employment, or investment as applicable.
   • For CBI: detailed source-of-funds documentation and due diligence forms.
3. Submit the application:
   • Department of Immigration for visas, extensions, and residence.
   • Labour Department for work permits under the Foreign Nationals and Commonwealth Citizens (Employment) Act (Cap. 187).
   • CIU (via a licensed local agent) for Citizenship by Investment.
4. Attend interviews or biometrics if required:
   • CBI applicants are generally required to complete a mandatory interview.
   • Work permit applicants may be asked for clarifications.
5. Receive decision and finalize:
   • On approval, pay any final fees, collect permits or passports, and register your immigration status.
   • For CBI, complete investment/donation and take the Oath of Allegiance (often by videoconference or before a Commissioner).

What are the Specific Antigua and Barbuda Legal Requirements?

Requirements vary by category, but all applicants must be of good character, provide accurate information, and comply with entry and stay conditions. Below is a high-level summary of key categories and their typical requirements in Antigua and Barbuda.

Visitor entry and extensions

Most nationals from visa-exempt countries may enter for tourism for 30 to 90 days. Those requiring a visa apply through the Department of Immigration or a consulate in advance. Extensions are requested at the Department of Immigration in St. John’s with proof of funds and accommodation.

• Documents: passport valid for travel, return/onward ticket, accommodation details, proof of funds; visa if required.
• Timeline: entry on arrival; extensions typically 1-3 weeks.
• Legal basis: Immigration and Passport Act (Cap. 208) and Regulations.

Student status

Students must show acceptance by a recognized institution in Antigua and Barbuda and sufficient funds for tuition and living. Student status authorizes study but not work unless separately permitted.

• Documents: acceptance letter, financial proof, police certificate, medical, passport photos.
• Timeline: 2-6 weeks once complete.

Work permits

Non-citizens require a work permit under the Foreign Nationals and Commonwealth Citizens (Employment) Act (Cap. 187). Employers apply to the Labour Department, usually after a local labor market check.

• Documents: job offer, employer letter, qualifications, police certificate, medical, passport; proof of advertisement may be requested.
• Timeline: typically 4-8 weeks.
• Fees: vary by sector and duration; paid to the Labour Department.

Temporary and permanent residence

Temporary residence may be granted for employment, family, or other lawful purposes. Permanent residence is available to qualifying long-term residents and via the Permanent Residency Programme for high earners who meet annual contribution thresholds.

• Documents: proof of lawful stay, income, accommodation, police certificate, medical, and in some cases tax compliance.
• High earner PR route: historically aimed at individuals with annual income of at least US$100,000 and a yearly contribution around US$20,000; verify current thresholds before applying.
• Timeline: 2-6 months.
• Legal basis: Immigration and Passport Act (Cap. 208) and Regulations.

Naturalization (citizenship after residence)

Long-term residents may apply for citizenship by naturalization under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Act (Cap. 22). Applicants typically need a period of lawful residence, good character, and knowledge of English.

• Residence: commonly 7 years of lawful residence (with at least 1 year immediately prior to the application) is used as a guideline; the Minister has discretion under the Act.
• Documents: residence proof, police certificates (local and from prior countries), medical, financial means, and referees.
• Timeline: often 6-12 months after a complete file.

Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

Antigua and Barbuda operates a statutory CBI Programme under the Citizenship by Investment Act and Regulations administered by the CIU. As of 2025, a regional minimum donation of US$200,000 applies across the Caribbean Five, with enhanced due diligence and mandatory interviews.

• Investment options approved by the CIU:
  • National Development Fund (NDF) contribution.
  • Approved real estate purchase with minimum qualifying value for each share or unit.
  • Approved business investment (solo or joint).
  • University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund contribution for families, historically attractive for larger households.
• Costs:
  • Minimum donation floor: US$200,000 for single applicants as of 2025 harmonization.
  • Government processing and due diligence fees are additional and scale by family size and age.
  • Real estate and business routes include investment amount plus fees and closing costs.
• Eligibility:
  • Main applicant 18+, clean background, verifiable source of funds, medical fitness.
  • Dependents typically include spouse, children up to a set age if financially dependent, and in some cases dependent parents or grandparents, subject to CIU rules.
• Timeline: commonly 3-6 months from submission of a complete file.
• Interview: mandatory for the main applicant (and in some cases adult dependents), usually virtual.
• Outcome: on approval and investment completion, the Oath of Allegiance is taken and passports are issued by the Passport Office.

What Antigua and Barbuda Laws and Regulations Apply?

Antigua and Barbuda immigration is governed by national statutes and regulations. Below are key legal sources and authorities you will encounter.

• Immigration and Passport Act, Cap. 208 and Immigration Regulations - governs entry, visas, residence permits, and deportation.
• Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Act, Cap. 22 - governs acquisition and loss of citizenship, including naturalization.
• Citizenship by Investment Act and Regulations - establishes the CBI Programme and the CIU’s powers and processes.
• Foreign Nationals and Commonwealth Citizens (Employment) Act, Cap. 187 - establishes work permit requirements.
• Antigua and Barbuda Constitution Order 1981 - sets constitutional rules for citizenship by birth and descent.
• Data Protection Act and Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorist Financing framework - impacts due diligence and handling of personal information.

Relevant government bodies:

• Department of Immigration (Ministry with portfolio for Immigration) - visas, entry, extensions, residence.
• Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) under the Office of the Prime Minister - CBI applications and approvals.
• Passport Office - issues Antigua and Barbuda passports.
• Labour Department (Ministry with portfolio for Labour) - work permits.
• Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda - Police Certificate of Character.
• Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court - High Court of Justice in Antigua and Barbuda for judicial review of administrative decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I stay in Antigua and Barbuda as a tourist?

Most visa-exempt visitors receive entry for 30 to 90 days on arrival. You can apply at the Department of Immigration in St. John’s to extend your stay if you show sufficient funds and valid reasons.

Do I need a work permit to work in Antigua and Barbuda?

Yes, non-citizens need a work permit under the Foreign Nationals and Commonwealth Citizens (Employment) Act (Cap. 187). Your employer typically applies, and processing takes about 4-8 weeks.

How do I become a permanent resident?

You can qualify through long-term lawful residence or via the Permanent Residency Programme if you meet income and annual contribution thresholds. File your application with the Department of Immigration with proof of income, accommodation, police certificate, and medical.

How many years do I need before I can apply for citizenship by naturalization?

The Citizenship Act usually requires several years of lawful residence, commonly seven years, with at least one year immediately before your application. Good character and English proficiency are expected.

What changed in 2024-2025 for Caribbean CBI pricing?

The Caribbean Five agreed to a harmonized minimum donation floor of US$200,000 and stricter due diligence, making old "$100k passport" offers outdated. Expect mandatory interviews, enhanced vetting, and tighter marketing and escrow controls.

Is Antigua and Barbuda the cheapest CBI for families?

Antigua is often the most cost-effective for larger families when you factor total fees, especially under the UWI Fund option that historically bundled multiple dependents. Always compare your family’s ages and composition because due diligence and processing fees can shift the totals.

Does Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI give access to the USA E-2 Visa?

No, Antigua and Barbuda does not have an E-2 treaty with the United States. For E-2 eligibility, many applicants consider Grenada or Turkey, which have E-2 treaties.

How long does CBI take in Antigua and Barbuda?

Typical CIU processing is 3-6 months from complete file submission. Timelines depend on how quickly you pass due diligence and complete investment formalities.

Can a CBI refusal be appealed?

CBI decisions are discretionary; formal appeals are limited, but you can request reconsideration if you address the grounds of refusal. In some cases, judicial review in the High Court may be possible for procedural fairness issues.

What documents will I need for most applications?

Expect to provide a valid passport, birth and marriage certificates, police certificates, medical report, proof of funds or employment, photos, and certified translations where applicable. CBI applications require detailed source-of-funds and banking evidence.

When Should You Hire a Lawyer?

Hire a lawyer when your case involves complex facts, tight timelines, or significant stakes. Legal guidance is especially valuable for work permits, residence and naturalization applications, and any CBI file where stricter 2025 due diligence could trigger questions.

Consider engaging counsel if you have prior visa refusals, name or identity discrepancies, politically exposed person status, multiple dependents spanning age brackets, or funds sourced from multiple jurisdictions. A local practitioner can coordinate with the Department of Immigration, the CIU, the Labour Department, and notaries to keep your file compliant and moving.

What are the Next Steps?

Start by choosing your pathway and mapping eligibility against Antigua and Barbuda’s statutes. Then gather core documents early to avoid delays, and time-sensitive items like police certificates and medicals close to submission so they remain valid.

1. Assess your goal:
   • Tourism or business visit.
   • Study or work in Antigua and Barbuda.
   • Temporary or permanent residence with a view to naturalization.
   • Citizenship by Investment for faster second passport access.
2. Assemble documents:
   • Passport, civil status records, police certificates, medicals, proof of funds or job offer, and accommodation details.
   • For CBI: audited or bank-stamped financial records and source-of-funds evidence.
3. Engage a local licensed agent or lawyer:
   • Mandatory for CBI filings with the CIU.
   • Helpful for work permits, residence, and naturalization to reduce risks.
4. Submit the application to the correct authority:
   • Department of Immigration for visas, extensions, and residence.
   • Labour Department for work permits.
   • CIU (Office of the Prime Minister) for CBI applications.
5. Prepare for interview and due diligence:
   • Ensure your information is consistent across all forms and evidence.
   • Respond promptly to any requests for clarification.
6. Finalize and maintain compliance:
   • Pay fees and contributions, collect permits or passports, and track renewal dates.
   • For residents, maintain lawful status toward future naturalization.

Antigua and Barbuda CBI: 2025 Total Cost Snapshot and Regional Context

Answer: Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI remains highly competitive for families when you calculate total costs, while the Caribbean Five now share a US$200,000 minimum donation floor. Grenada and Turkey are unique for USA E-2 eligibility, and Malta remains the premium EU pathway with substantially higher costs and timelines.

Below is a simplified comparison to help you frame decisions. Always obtain a personalized quotation based on your family composition, ages, and chosen route (donation vs real estate vs business).

Practical Tips for Antigua and Barbuda Applications

Answer: Prepare early, certify documents correctly, and maintain consistency across forms. Use official templates provided by the Department of Immigration, the Labour Department, and the CIU, and keep originals ready for inspection.

• Police certificate of character: obtain from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda if resident, and from all countries of residence for the past 10 years.
• Medical: complete the required medical exam and lab tests within the validity window required by the Department or CIU.
• Source of funds: for CBI, build a clear audit trail using bank statements, employment contracts, tax returns, and sale agreements.
• Translations and certifications: use certified translations and notarizations; apostille or legalization may be required depending on document origin.
• Dependents’ proof: provide birth certificates, adoption orders, custody documents, and evidence of financial dependence if applicable.

Common Timelines and Fees in Antigua and Barbuda

Answer: Expect 1-3 weeks for visitor extensions, 4-8 weeks for work permits, 2-6 months for residence, 6-12 months for naturalization, and 3-6 months for CBI. Fees vary by category and family size, with due diligence and processing fees adding materially to CBI totals.

• Visitor extension: application fee plus possible overstay penalties if late.
• Work permit: government fees vary by sector and permit length; employers often cover costs.
• Residence: filing fees plus medical and police certificates.
• CBI: donation or investment amount plus due diligence (commonly several thousand per adult) and government processing fees that scale by family composition.

Due Diligence and Compliance in 2025

Answer: Due diligence across the Caribbean has tightened under EU and partner-nation pressure. Expect identity verification, multi-jurisdictional background checks, open-source intelligence reviews, sanction and watchlist screening, and interviews.

• Enhanced Checks: third-party due diligence firms, Interpol notices, CARICOM IMPACS cooperation.
• Mandatory Interviews: usually virtual, aimed at verifying identity, background, and source of funds.
• Funding Traceability: transactions typically must pass through approved escrow arrangements with licensed institutions.
• Ongoing Compliance: misrepresentation can lead to revocation under the Citizenship Act and related regulations.

Step-by-Step: Antigua and Barbuda CBI Application

Answer: Work through a licensed local agent, complete due diligence forms, select your investment option, and prepare the source-of-funds file. After approval-in-principle, finalize the investment and take the Oath to receive citizenship and passports.

1. Engage a licensed local agent approved by the CIU.
2. Pre-screening: submit basic KYC for an initial risk check.
3. Select investment option: NDF donation, approved real estate, approved business, or UWI Fund.
4. Document assembly: civil records, police certificates, medical, bank statements, audited financials where applicable, and affidavits.
5. CIU filing: pay due diligence and processing fees; attend the mandatory interview.
6. Approval-in-principle: complete the donation or investment within the required timeframe.
7. Oath of Allegiance: take the Oath before an authorized officer (often remotely).
8. Issuance: receive Certificate(s) of Registration and apply for Antigua and Barbuda passport(s) through the Passport Office.

Key Antigua and Barbuda Government Contacts

Answer: The Department of Immigration handles visas and residence, the Labour Department issues work permits, and the CIU processes CBI files. The Passport Office issues passports after citizenship is granted.

• Department of Immigration - entry, extensions, residence permits.
• Labour Department - work permits under Cap. 187.
• Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), Office of the Prime Minister - CBI applications and approvals.
• Passport Office - passport issuance for citizens.

How Antigua Compares for Families vs Singles

Answer: Singles will see broadly similar all-in donation-route costs across the Caribbean Five due to the US$200,000 minimum floor. Families often find Antigua’s fee structure and the UWI Fund option provide better total value than peer islands.

• Single applicants: totals cluster around US$230k-US$260k when fees are included.
• Family of four: Antigua often undercuts peers due to efficient fee scaling and bundled options; always model ages of dependents because due diligence fees for adults increase the total.
• Real estate path: consider holding period, resale restrictions, and project viability; legal review of the purchase agreement is essential.

Red Flags That Can Delay or Derail Applications

Answer: Inconsistent personal data, unexplained wealth, incomplete civil documents, and adverse media hits can stall or sink applications. Advance remediation and frank disclosure with your lawyer are critical.

• Name or date discrepancies across documents.
• Gaps in bank statements or cash-intensive histories without documentation.
• Pending criminal matters or sanctions exposure.
• Unclear custody for child dependents or missing consent letters.
• Using unlicensed agents or non-conforming payment channels.

Appeals and Remedies

Answer: Immigration refusals can in some cases be appealed to the Minister responsible for Immigration or challenged by judicial review in the High Court. CBI refusals are largely discretionary, but reconsideration or a fresh application may be possible.

• Administrative appeal: where the Act or Regulations provide, submit within stated deadlines with new supporting evidence.
• Judicial review: challenge procedural unfairness or legal error in the High Court of Justice of Antigua and Barbuda.
• Reapplication: address refusal reasons, supplement documentation, and refile with improved evidence.

Document Checklist Starters

Answer: Start your file with identity, civil status, police, and medical documents, then add pathway-specific items. Keep certified copies and maintain a consistent personal profile across all forms.

• All applicants: passports, birth certificates, photos, address proof.
• Adults: police certificates for each country of residence in the last 10 years; medical exam and lab reports.
• CBI: bank statements, tax returns, business ownership proofs, property sale contracts, inheritance documents, and sworn source-of-funds declarations.
• Work: employment contract, professional qualifications, and employer support letter.
• Residence: proof of accommodation and income or financial means.

Final Thoughts

Answer: Antigua and Barbuda offers clear immigration pathways and a mature CBI Programme that is now synchronized with regional pricing and due diligence standards. If you plan carefully and use qualified professionals, you can move from inquiry to approval on realistic 2025 timelines.

Whether you are visiting, working, studying, settling, or pursuing a second passport for global mobility, align your strategy with the governing statutes, provide thorough documentation, and anticipate interviews and background checks. For most applicants, early legal involvement pays for itself by preventing delays and optimizing total costs, especially for families under the CBI Programme.