Why the Antigua and Barbuda Passport is a Game-Changer for Digital Nomads
Unlike many Golden Visas that offer residency first, Antigua and Barbuda's program grants you instant citizenship upon approval. This means you and your family immediately become full citizens, with the right to live, work, and hold a passport. Here’s why it’s so attractive for a perpetual traveler:
Powerful Visa-Free Travel: The Antigua and Barbuda passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the entire EU Schengen Area, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore. This dramatically reduces visa-hassle and opens up spontaneous travel opportunities.
A Favorable Tax Haven: As a citizen who is not a tax resident, you can benefit from an extremely attractive tax regime. Antigua and Barbuda has no personal income tax, no inheritance tax, no wealth tax, and no capital gains tax on your worldwide income. This aligns perfectly with the tax optimization strategies favored by digital nomads.
Minimal Physical Presence Required: To maintain your citizenship, you only need to spend a mere five days in the country during the first five years after receiving your passport. This is one of the most lenient requirements globally, designed for individuals who don't want to be tied to one location.
Family-Friendly: You can include your spouse, dependent children up to the age of 30, and dependent parents over 55 in a single application, making it an excellent solution for the whole family.
Investment Options: Your Path to Citizenship
To qualify, you must make a significant financial contribution. There are four main routes, each designed for different investor profiles. For most digital nomads, the donation option is the fastest and most straightforward.
1. National Development Fund (NDF) Donation
This is the most popular and affordable route. It's a non-refundable contribution to the country's development fund.
Investment: A one-time donation of $100,000 USD for a single applicant or a family of up to four members.
Processing Fees: $30,000 USD.
Best for: Individuals and families seeking the fastest, lowest-cost path to citizenship without the hassle of property management.
2. Real Estate Investment
Purchase property in a government-approved real estate project. You can sell the property after a mandatory five-year holding period, potentially recouping your initial investment.
Investment: A minimum of $200,000 USD in an approved project.
Processing Fees: $50,000 USD for a family of up to four.
Best for: Investors who want a tangible asset in the Caribbean and are comfortable with the five-year holding period.
3. University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund
This option is ideal for larger families and offers a unique educational benefit.
Investment: A donation of $150,000 USD.
Benefits: This option covers a family of six and includes a one-year, tuition-only scholarship for one of the dependents at the University of the West Indies.
Best for: Larger families who can take advantage of the scholarship incentive.
4. Business Investment
For high-net-worth entrepreneurs looking to establish a physical business presence.
Investment: A direct investment of $1.5 million USD into an eligible business, or a joint investment of at least $400,000 USD per person in a project totaling at least $5 million USD.
Best for: Serious investors committed to contributing to the local economy.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step
The entire process is streamlined and efficient, typically taking 3 to 6 months from submission to passport issuance.
Hire an Authorized Agent: You cannot apply directly. You must work with a government-authorized agent who will handle your application and guide you through the entire process. This ensures everything is submitted correctly.
Prepare and Submit Application: Your agent will help you gather all necessary documents, such as your passport, birth certificate, and police clearance certificates. They will submit the application package to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
Pay Due Diligence & Processing Fees: Upon submission, you'll pay the non-refundable due diligence fees and a portion of the government processing fees. Due diligence fees are typically $7,500 for the main applicant, $7,500 for a spouse, and less for other dependents.
Receive Approval: The CIU conducts thorough background checks. Once you receive your letter of approval, you have 30 days to make your chosen investment (e.g., transfer the NDF donation).
Take the Oath and Receive Your Passport: After your investment is confirmed, you'll be issued a Certificate of Registration. The final step is to take an Oath of Allegiance, which can be done at an Antigua and Barbuda embassy or consulate, or in Antigua and Barbuda itself. You will then receive your passport.
Eligibility and Dual Citizenship
Who is Eligible?
The primary requirements are straightforward:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a clean criminal record.
Be in good health.
Pass a strict due diligence check.
Note on Restricted Countries: Applicants from Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen are restricted. However, exceptions can be made for individuals who have resided outside these countries for more than 10 years and have no economic ties to them.
Dual Citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda fully permits dual citizenship. You will not be asked to renounce your current citizenship. However, it's your responsibility to check if your home country allows it. Countries like China, India, Japan, and Singapore generally do not permit dual nationality.
