Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda: Process

Why Might You Need Legal Help with Citizenship by Investment?

You may need legal help to select the correct route, prepare compliant applications, and avoid refusals under Antigua and Barbuda law. A lawyer can also coordinate with licensed CBI agents, represent you in appeals, and manage complex family situations.

Immigration rules involve multiple statutes and agencies, detailed document standards, criminal record and source-of-funds reviews, and tight timelines. Professional guidance reduces risk from incomplete filings, misinterpretation of the laws, or due diligence issues that can lead to delays or denials.

How Does the Immigration Process Work?

The immigration process generally follows a step-by-step path: secure entry permission, obtain the relevant stay or work authorization, extend or convert status as needed, and, if eligible, progress to permanent residence and citizenship. For CBI, you must apply through a licensed agent to the CIU and pass multi-layer due diligence before approval-in-principle and passport issuance.

1. Identify your route: visitor, student, employee, entrepreneur, family, or Citizenship by Investment.
2. Confirm entry requirements: many nationals are visa-exempt for short stays; others need a visa or entry permit from the Department of Immigration.
3. Obtain status to stay: apply for a student permit, work permit, or residence permit as applicable.
4. Maintain compliance: renew permits on time, register with tax and social security if employed, and follow local law.
5. Seek permanent residence or citizenship: after years of lawful residence, apply under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Act; or consider CBI for an accelerated route.
6. For CBI specifically: engage a licensed agent, select an investment option, complete due diligence and interviews, receive approval-in-principle, complete the investment, and receive a certificate of registration and passport.

What are the Specific Antigua and Barbuda Legal Requirements?

Antigua and Barbuda’s requirements depend on your category, but all routes demand valid travel documents, good character, and truthful disclosure. Work permits are issued by the Labour Department, visas and stays by the Department of Immigration, and CBI by the CIU under the Citizenship by Investment Act 2013 and Regulations.

• Visitors and entry: Passport validity should cover the stay. Some nationalities need pre-arranged visas or entry permits via the Department of Immigration. Proof of onward travel and funds may be required.
• Students: Acceptance letter from a recognized institution such as UWI Five Islands or AUA, proof of tuition and maintenance funds, police certificate, and medicals. Processing is often 2-4 weeks.
• Work permits: Employer sponsorship, proof of labor market testing where applicable, police certificate, medical, and payment of fees to the Labour Department. Processing is typically 2-6 weeks depending on sector.
• Residence permits: Granted to qualifying applicants with ties such as employment, study, business, or family. You must maintain the conditions of stay and renew on time.
• Permanent residence and naturalization: After a period of continuous lawful residence and good character, you can apply for permanent residence and then citizenship via naturalization under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Act. Expect character checks and an oath of allegiance.
• Citizenship by Investment (CBI): Apply through a licensed agent to the CIU under the Citizenship by Investment Act 2013 and Regulations. Options include:
  • Donation to the National Development Fund (NDF) - subject to the 2024-2025 regional minimum USD 200,000 floor.
  • Real estate in an approved project - minimum USD 200,000 investment plus fees. Note Barbuda land has special communal ownership rules under the Barbuda Land Act 2007.
  • University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund - designed for larger families, historically attractive on total cost, and includes a tuition benefit for one family member.

CBI due diligence now includes mandatory interviews, multi-jurisdictional background checks, and verification of source of wealth and funds. Typical total time is 3-6 months after a complete file is lodged.

What Antigua and Barbuda Laws and Regulations Apply?

Key immigration rules are set out in primary legislation and regulations that define entry, stay, work authorization, permanent residence, and citizenship, including investment-based citizenship. The main authorities are the Department of Immigration, the Labour Department, and the CIU.

• Immigration and Passport Act, Cap. 208 - governs entry, visas, and immigration control in Antigua and Barbuda.
• Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Act - sets out citizenship by birth, descent, registration, and naturalization, including good character requirements and the oath of allegiance.
• Citizenship by Investment Act, 2013 and Citizenship by Investment Regulations - establish the CIU, investment options, fees, and due diligence standards.
• Non-Citizens Landholding Regulation Act, Cap. 293 - regulates land acquisition by non-citizens, including licensing requirements.
• Barbuda Land Act, 2007 - provides for communal land tenure in Barbuda, affecting real estate transactions.
• Labour Code of Antigua and Barbuda and work permit regulations - govern employment, work authorization, and employer obligations.
• Caribbean Community Skilled Nationals framework - supports CARICOM skills certificates for qualifying professionals, facilitating regional mobility.

Agencies involved include the Department of Immigration, Antigua and Barbuda Passport Office, Labour Department, Citizenship by Investment Unit, Inland Revenue Department, and the Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board.

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Guide: Top Programs for a Second Passport in 2025

In 2025, Antigua and Barbuda remains a leading CBI option for families, while Grenada and Turkey offer US E-2 eligibility, and Malta offers premium EU access. All Caribbean CBI countries agreed to a USD 200,000 minimum contribution floor, with stricter due diligence and interviews.

Total cost varies by family size, due diligence fees per dependent, processing fees, and optional real estate closing costs. Antigua often wins for larger families due to UWI and family-scaled fee structures, while Grenada and Turkey are preferred when US E-2 access is strategic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a work permit take in Antigua and Barbuda?

Most work permits are processed in 2-6 weeks once a complete file is submitted to the Labour Department. Times vary by sector, document quality, and whether labor market testing is required.

Applicants need an employer sponsor, police certificate, medical clearance, and fee payment. Employers must usually show that no suitably qualified Antiguan and Barbudan was available for the role.

What is the minimum investment for Antigua and Barbuda CBI in 2025?

The regional agreement sets a minimum USD 200,000 contribution floor across the Caribbean CBI programs from 2024-2025. Antigua’s NDF and UWI Fund options reflect this floor, with additional due diligence and processing fees.

Real estate remains an alternative with a minimum USD 200,000 in an approved project plus fees. Family sizing affects total costs, often making Antigua competitive for larger households.

Can my family be included in a CBI application?

Yes, CBI allows a main applicant to include a spouse and dependent children; parents and grandparents may also be eligible if dependent. Exact definitions of dependency and age limits are set by the CIU and updated from time to time.

Because eligibility rules change, your licensed agent and lawyer should confirm who qualifies before filing, especially for adult children and older dependents.

Does Antigua and Barbuda citizenship allow dual nationality?

Yes, Antigua and Barbuda permits dual citizenship. You should also confirm whether your current country of nationality allows dual citizenship before proceeding.

Dual nationals must comply with the laws of both countries, including tax and military obligations where applicable.

Is Antigua and Barbuda part of any regional free-movement area?

Yes, Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and CARICOM. Citizens benefit from regional arrangements, including the OECS economic union and CARICOM Skilled Nationals framework.

Qualifying CARICOM skilled nationals can often work without a traditional work permit, subject to holding a valid skills certificate and registration with the local authorities.

Do I need a lawyer for a CBI application?

While the CIU requires you to apply through a licensed agent, a lawyer adds value by pre-vetting source-of-funds, organizing complex family evidence, and managing risks identified in due diligence. Given tighter 2024-2025 standards and mandatory interviews, professional legal guidance is highly recommended.

Lawyers can also coordinate real estate transactions, navigate landholding licenses for non-citizens, and advise on tax and estate planning linked to your new citizenship.

What can cause a CBI refusal in Antigua and Barbuda?

Common refusal reasons include security or criminal red flags, unexplained or high-risk source of funds, prior visa denials to sensitive jurisdictions, sanctions exposure, or false statements. Non-compliance during interviews can also harm outcomes.

Early legal due diligence helps identify and address issues before filing, improving your probability of approval.

Can I buy property anywhere in Antigua and Barbuda as a non-citizen?

Non-citizens generally need a landholding license under the Non-Citizens Landholding Regulation Act, Cap. 293. Barbuda has unique communal land tenure under the Barbuda Land Act 2007, so transactions there are restricted.

CBI-approved real estate projects have already met regulatory criteria, but you should still obtain independent legal searches, title reviews, and purchase contract protections.

How long does CBI take and do I need to visit?

CBI processing typically takes 3-6 months after submission of a complete file. Antigua and Barbuda does not usually require physical residence for CBI approval, though you may need to attend a remote interview and submit biometrics as directed.

Post-approval, you receive a certificate of registration and can obtain your Antigua and Barbuda passport from the Passport Office.

Can I naturalize through residence instead of investing?

Yes, you can pursue naturalization after meeting residence and good character requirements under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Act. The qualifying residence period spans several years, followed by an application, review, and the oath of allegiance if approved.

Residence-based paths suit long-term residents with employment, family ties, or business in Antigua and Barbuda who do not need expedited citizenship via CBI.

When Should You Hire a Lawyer?

Hire a lawyer as early as possible, ideally before you choose your route. Early advice helps you select the correct category, anticipate due diligence issues, and assemble compliant evidence to avoid refusals and delays.

A lawyer is particularly important if you have a complex family structure, past visa denials or criminal cautions, high-risk jurisdictions in your history, or if you are purchasing real estate under CBI. Your lawyer can also coordinate with your licensed CBI agent, manage escrow and completion mechanics, and review purchase and sale agreements for approved developments.

What are the Next Steps?

Start by mapping your goals, timeline, and budget. Then engage a local immigration lawyer and, for CBI, select a licensed Antigua and Barbuda agent recognized by the CIU.

1. Define your objective: work, study, residency, or second citizenship for mobility and security.
2. Gather documents: passports, birth and marriage certificates, police certificates, medicals, proof of funds, and education or employment records.
3. Select your route: for CBI, compare NDF, UWI Fund, and real estate based on family size and total cost; for work or study, confirm employer sponsorship or school acceptance.
4. Engage professionals: retain a local lawyer and licensed CBI agent; for real estate, instruct an independent conveyancing attorney.
5. Undergo pre-checks: internal due diligence to identify any red flags before filing.
6. File and track: submit your application to the correct authority - Department of Immigration, Labour Department, or CIU - and track interview or additional evidence requests.
7. Complete and maintain status: finalize investment or permit issuance; observe renewals, compliance, and travel rules associated with your new status or passport.

Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Essentials at a Glance

Below is a concise summary of the main authorities, typical timelines, and indicative costs. Exact fees change periodically and vary by family size and sector.

• Authorities: Department of Immigration, Antigua and Barbuda Passport Office, Labour Department, Citizenship by Investment Unit, Inland Revenue Department, Social Security Board.
• Work permits: 2-6 weeks; fees vary by occupation and duration.
• Student permits: 2-4 weeks; proof of funds and acceptance letter required.
• Residence and permanent residence: several months depending on basis and completeness.
• CBI: 3-6 months; minimum USD 200,000 plus due diligence and processing fees; interviews are mandatory.
• Landholding: Non-citizens require a license under Cap. 293; Barbuda land is governed by the 2007 Act.

How Antigua and Barbuda Compares for Families and E-2 Access

For families of four or more, Antigua and Barbuda often delivers the lowest total cost among the Caribbean Five due to contribution structures like the UWI Fund and scaled fees. For US E-2 access, consider Grenada or Turkey, as Antigua does not have a US E-2 treaty.

Due diligence standards have tightened across all CBI programs in response to EU guidance and international best practices. A professional team helps ensure thorough source-of-wealth documentation, honest disclosure, and proper preparation for interviews, which are now standard in the Caribbean.