Obtaining dual citizenship is easier and more straightforward now, thanks to numerous programs. With various countries offering different routes, you will be able to find a second passport that meets your requirements and other factors, such as your budget, lifestyle, and tax break needs.
Moreover, you can get a second passport within the shortest time possible. This means that you won’t have to wait for a year or more to get your additional legal travel document and use it as you please.
Reasons to Apply for an Antigua and Barbuda Passport
Antigua and Barbuda is one of the countries that has an attractive second citizenship program. It was first established in 2013 and has undergone several changes in the past years to make it more appealing to foreigners and easier for them to obtain a passport.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIP) has the fastest processing time among the similar routes in the Caribbean. If your application is successful, you can get your passport within six months.
Moreover, when you get an Antigua and Barbados passport, you will enjoy visa-free travel to more than 130 countries and lifetime dual citizenship. Also, you will not be subjected to capital gains, estate, inheritance, and wealth taxes.
All these benefits make the Antigua and Barbuda CIP the best value citizenship program in the Caribbean.
What You Need to Acquire Second Citizenship from Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship application is pretty straightforward. You need to submit key requirements that demonstrate your capability and investment plan.
During the application process, you won’t need to travel to Antigua and Barbuda; you only have to compile and complete the requirements.
But what documents and requirements do you have to submit to obtain second citizenship from this Caribbean country? These are the five most important ones:
Police Certificate
Once you decide to apply for a second passport under the Antigua and Barbuda CIP, a crucial part of the whole process is passing the background check. As such, you must not have an existing criminal record.
One document that you have to submit to support this is a police certificate or police clearance certificate that states you have no criminal record in your country of citizenship.
If you are currently living in a foreign country (not your country of residence) and have been staying here for more than six months, you also need to get a police clearance certificate from the issuing agency.
Police certificates have to be less than six months old at the time of submission. Due to this reason, avoid delaying your application, unless you want to get another one.
Additionally, you also need to submit a certified copy of the proof of name change and your military records, if applicable.
Good Health
Aside from passing the background check, you also have to show that you are of good health when you apply for an Antigua and Barbuda passport. This means undergoing a medical exam.
Aside from the usual exams and evaluations, your medical certificate should include the original results of an HIV test. This is required for all applicants 12 years and older.
If you are including your spouse and children in your application, they need to get an HIV test too.
The HIV test results should not be older than three months at the time of your application.
An Investment Pathway
The Antigua and Barbuda CIP has three investment options. These are:
Government Donation
Through this route, you have to make a non-refundable contribution of at least USD 100,000 to the National Development Fund (NDF). Another option is to donate a minimum non-refundable amount of USD 150,000 to the University of the West Indies. The biggest benefit of this pathway is that it costs less than the other options.
Business Investment
This pathway requires applicants to purchase an eligible, government-approved business for a minimum amount of USD 1.5 million as an individual. You can also partner with other investors and participate in a joint purchase where each person contributes at least USD 400,000, with a minimum total amount of USD 5 million.
Real Estate Purchase
If you choose this route, you have to invest in a government-approved real estate project worth at least USD 200,000. With this pathway, you can own a property, live in it, turn it into a rental to earn extra income, or both. Due to these reasons, it is the best path in the medium term.
Before or during your application, you need to know which investment route to take so that you can prepare your finances.
Financial Documents
Regardless of which investment route you take, you need to demonstrate that you are financially capable of completing them.
A key document that you have to prepare is at least one original bank reference letter issued by an internationally recognized bank where you have an account. This should not be older than six months at the time of your submission.
Other financial documents you have to submit are statements regarding your source of funds which you will invest in Antigua and Barbuda.
In most instances, you will be asked to submit the original documents or notarized copies.
Citizenship Consultant
Finally, the whole second citizenship application process can go faster and more smoothly if you work with a citizenship consultant.
Once you hire a consultant, you will get expert advice at every step of the application process. From choosing which citizenship investment program suits your needs and lifestyle, giving you a checklist of requirements and helping you complete them, to submitting your application pack, you will have an expert assisting you.
If you choose the real estate or business investment pathway, you will also get assistance with finding a property or company that meets your requirements, including your budget.
Your consultant will also act as your representative throughout the whole application process. You won’t need to go to Antigua and Barbuda anytime; your advisor can complete most of the steps for you.
Moreover, your consultant will give you constant updates regarding the status of your purchase or donation and your application.
Whether you want to call Antigua and Barbuda your new home, be an entrepreneur, or enjoy the benefits of having a second passport, make sure you have all these requirements so that you can be a legal citizen of this Caribbean country in the shortest time possible.
AUTHOR BIO:
Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship, residency and investment into the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.
