Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Obtaining an Antigua and Barbuda passport has become, in just a few years, one of the most sought-after pathways for quickly accessing Caribbean citizenship that offers great freedom of movement, favorable taxation, and a stable legal framework. This guide details, in French and in a practical manner, how to obtain the country’s passport in Antigua and Barbuda, focusing on the most commonly used route by foreign investors: the Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI).
This guide details the workings of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program, explaining the concrete steps from application to receipt of the biometric passport, as well as the applicable rules for its renewal.
Understanding the Legal and Institutional Framework
Before discussing amounts and forms, it is essential to place the program within its official framework. The Citizenship by Investment program of Antigua and Barbuda was launched in 2013, based on the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program Act of 2013 and its implementing regulations adopted from 2014 onwards and subsequently amended several times (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2024).
The government entrusted the design and initial implementation of the program to the firm Henley & Partners as early as 2012, with a clear objective: to attract foreign capital to support the growth, infrastructure, and social development of a country where tourism represents approximately 60% of GDP.
The key structure of the system is the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), a specialized administrative unit based in St. John’s (at the Sir John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Center). This entity:
– receives and processes applications (but only via licensed agents)
– conducts compliance checks (anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, criminal record, etc.)
– organizes mandatory interviews
– issues, upon success, the “approval in principle” letter, followed by the certificate of citizenship.
Important: an applicant cannot submit an application directly to the CIU. The law requires going through a locally licensed agent, often supported by an “international marketing agent” responsible for promotion abroad. Companies like Immigrant Invest, Global Citizen Solutions, PassPro, or other specialized firms play this intermediary role, but only an agent with an official CIP Antigua license can submit an application to the CIU.
The Overall Logic: Citizenship First, Passport After
Antigua and Barbuda issues several types of passports: adult, minor, diplomatic, and official. For a foreign investor, the path is always the same:
1. Obtain Antiguan and Barbudian citizenship, often via CBI.
2. Be issued a first passport, associated with this new citizenship.
3. Fulfill certain obligations (notably physical presence) to be able to renew this passport after its initial validity period.
The passport itself is a biometric CARICOM e-passport in dark blue color, bearing the country’s coat of arms and the motto “Each endeavouring, all achieving.” It contains 48 secured pages, with watermarks and security features conforming to international standards.
Passport Power and Concrete Advantages
Even though rankings vary according to indexes (Henley Passport Index, Global Passport Index, etc.), the Antigua and Barbuda passport generally ranks high among Caribbean passports, with reported positions between 25th and 51st place globally depending on sources and years.
In practice, it offers:
– visa-free entry or visa on arrival in approximately 150 to 164 countries and territories
– visa-free access to the Schengen Area (90 days within any 180-day period)
– visa-free stay in the United Kingdom for up to 180 consecutive days
– visa-free stays in Singapore (30 days), Hong Kong (90 days), as well as Russia, China (30 days based on a recent agreement), and several countries in Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
For the United States and Canada, a visa is required. For the USA, citizens can typically obtain a 10-year B-1/B-2 visa. For Canada, under certain conditions (such as holding a previous Canadian visa or a valid US visa), it is possible to benefit from an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
The country is a member of the Commonwealth, CARICOM, and the OECS: this also opens up rights of movement, residence, and work in several member Caribbean islands.
Regarding taxation, Antigua and Barbuda does not impose personal worldwide income tax, nor wealth tax, nor inheritance tax or tax on foreign capital gains. Corporate tax is around 25% on profits earned locally, but this tax framework remains particularly attractive for international investors.
The Four Investment Pathways to Obtain Citizenship
To access the passport via the CBI route, one must first satisfy one of the four approved investment options under the law. The thresholds were raised effective August 1, 2024, which positions Antigua and Barbuda more in a “quality” segment rather than the “cheapest possible.”
Option 1: Contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF)
The National Development Fund is a public fund that finances national projects (infrastructure, public services, etc.). Contributing to the NDF means making a non-refundable donation.
The current minimum amounts are as follows:
| Family Composition | Minimum NDF Contribution (USD) |
|---|---|
| Single applicant or family up to 4 persons | 230,000 |
| Family of 5 persons or more (base) | 230,000 |
| Supplement per additional dependent beyond 4 | 15,000 |
To this donation are added government processing fees (typically $10,000 USD for a single applicant, $20,000 USD for up to 4 persons, then $10,000 USD per additional dependent), as well as due diligence and agent fees.
This option is considered the simplest and often the fastest, as it avoids the complexity of a real estate or business transaction.
Option 2: Approved Real Estate Investment
The second option consists of acquiring real estate in a government-approved project. This can be villas, beachfront residences, hotel shares, or resorts such as Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, Deppie Bay Villas, Amavi Beach Resort & Spa, or Nonsuch Bay Resort.
The main rules constitute the essential framework to know and follow. They define the foundations and limits to adhere to in order to ensure the smooth running of activities and compliance with established procedures.
| Parameter | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum real estate investment | $300,000 USD |
| Mandatory holding period | 5 years |
| Joint investment (2 investors or more) | $300,000 USD each |
The buyer must hold the asset for at least five years. It is possible to resell it later while retaining citizenship, provided the rules are followed (notably avoiding resale too early unless reinvesting in another approved project). The properties can generate annual rental income, often estimated between 2% and 5% or even up to 8% depending on sources and projects, subject to the ABST sales tax (approximately 17%).
This choice adds complexity: due diligence on the developer, title registration, payment of stamp duties and fees (e.g., 2.5% stamp duty), as well as transfer fees. Conversely, it allows coupling passport acquisition with a potentially profitable patrimonial investment.
Option 3: Investment in a Local Business
This pathway is more suited to entrepreneurial profiles and high-net-worth individuals. Two scenarios exist:
| Type of Investment | Minimum Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Single investor | 1,500,000 |
| Joint investment (≥2 persons) | 5,000,000 total (min. 400,000 per investor) |
Eligible sectors include tourism, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, and technology. The business must be approved by the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority and, in some cases, create at least three permanent jobs for local citizens.
Government fees for a family of up to four persons amount to $50,000 USD.
Option 4: Donation to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund
Designed for large families, this option consists of making a non-refundable donation to a fund intended to finance the University of the West Indies campus.
The conditions:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum family size | 6 persons or more |
| Minimum contribution to UWI Fund | $260,000 USD |
| Included benefit | 1 one-year scholarship (tuition fees) for a family member |
The donation includes the government processing fees for a family of six persons, but additional fees of $10,000 USD per dependent may apply beyond the sixth member. This formula is often cited as one of the most interesting in the world for large families.
Who Can Become a Citizen and Obtain a Passport?
To obtain the country’s passport in Antigua and Barbuda via investment, one must first meet the eligibility conditions for citizenship.
Conditions for the Main Applicant
The main applicant must:
– be at least 18 years old
– present a clean criminal record
– be in good health (a medical certificate is required, with mandatory HIV test from age 12)
– justify the legal origin of the invested funds
– undergo and pass a thorough due diligence examination (international background check)
– be willing to take an oath (or affirmation) of allegiance to the country.
The program accepts dual citizenship and does not require renouncing one’s original citizenship. There is no language test, culture test, or requirement for prior residence before obtaining citizenship.
Who Can Be Included as a Dependent?
One of the major strengths of the program is the flexibility offered to include the extended family in the same application. The following can be added:
The legal spouse or future spouse (with additional fees after citizenship is obtained) can be included. Children are eligible if they are minors under 18 years old, adults up to 30 years old and financially dependent (their own spouses and children can sometimes be included), or any age if they are disabled and fully dependent. Parents or grandparents can be included if they are 55 years or older and financially dependent, or any age if they are disabled and dependent. Unmarried siblings of the applicant or their spouse are also eligible, often subject to age conditions.
It is also possible to add certain relatives after the initial grant of citizenship: for example a future spouse ($50,000 USD fee), an unborn child ($10,000 USD before age 6, $20,000 to $25,000 USD from 6 to 17 years old according to mentioned scales).
Restrictions by Nationality
Antigua and Barbuda applies principle restrictions regarding nationals of certain countries considered high-risk. Nationals of Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan, Russia, and Belarus are in principle excluded, unless they meet strict exceptional conditions:
To be exempt from restrictions related to a restricted country, an individual must have emigrated before adulthood, have permanent residence for at least 10 years in a non-restricted country (such as Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates), and no longer have significant economic ties to the restricted country.
The Procedure Steps to Obtain Citizenship
Even though professionals accompany the candidate from start to finish, it is useful to understand the general roadmap.
1. Selection of a Licensed Agent and Pre-Verifications
Everything begins with the choice of a locally licensed agent. Companies like Immigrant Invest, Global Citizen Solutions, PassPro or other established firms collaborate with local lawyers to prepare applications.
The agent first conducts an informal pre-diligence: verification of profiles, basic screening to ensure no blocking element (international sanctions, criminal investigations, etc.) will condemn the application even before its submission.
2. Choice of Investment Option
The applicant, with their advisor, determines the option best suited to their objectives (simple passport acquisition, income-generating real estate investment, entrepreneurial project, UWI family optimization, etc.) taking into account:
– the overall budget (investment + fees)
– family size
– desired degree of liquidity (donation vs. salable asset)
– time constraints (real estate, for example, sometimes lengthens processing).
3. Compilation of Documentary File
This is often the most time-consuming step. It is necessary to gather:
To compile a residence application file, it is necessary to provide several official documents. These include current passports (certified copy), vital records (birth, marriage, divorce, adoption), and police clearance certificates from each country of residence for more than 6 months since the age of 18 (dated less than 3 months). For persons 12 years and older, medical certificates and HIV test results are required. Proof of address (bill, lease), bank and professional references, as well as documents proving the legitimate source of funds (statements, contracts, tax returns) must also be attached. Passport-sized identification photos are required (usually 8 per adult). Finally, for the real estate option, a signed sales agreement or purchase contract must be provided.
All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations. Foreign documents must generally be apostilled or legalized, with proof of the authenticity of the issuing authority’s signature.
4. Formal Submission of the File to the CIU
Once the file is complete, the agent fills out the official forms (AB1, AB2, AB3, AB4, AB5…) and submits them to the CIU, accompanied by:
– a first installment of government fees (often 10% non-refundable, payable upon submission)
– due diligence fees
– mandatory interview fees ($1,500 USD per person aged 16 and over).
It is recommended not to proceed with the transfer of the main investment capital (such as NDF, real estate, business, or UWI) until an “approval in principle” has been obtained. This approach avoids definitively committing funds prematurely.
5. Due Diligence and Mandatory Interview
The CIU then launches an in-depth check, partly entrusted to specialized international providers, often ACAMS certified (anti-money laundering). The points examined:
– identity and complete history of the applicant and dependents
– criminal records and investigations in international databases
– source of invested funds
– any links with sanctions, major disputes, or questionable financial matters.
Since December 2023, a virtual interview is mandatory for all candidates aged 16 and over. This is a measure that strengthens the credibility of the program and allows the authorities to directly assess the candidates’ profiles.
Official announced processing times are around 3 to 6 months, but the most recent reports mention significant backlogs, with actual durations sometimes reaching 6 to 12 months.
6. Approval in Principle Letter and Completion of the Investment
If the CIU is satisfied, it issues an “approval in principle” letter. This letter confirms that the candidate is approved provided they finalize the chosen investment within a period generally of 30 days.
The applicant then proceeds:
– with the wire transfer of the NDF or UWI contribution, or
– with the payment of the real estate purchase price (or contribution to the ad hoc structure, such as a non-profit company holding the property), or
– with the capital investment in the approved business.
For real estate, it is then necessary to obtain proof of property transfer, registration with the cadastre, and, if applicable, share certificates if the holding structure is corporate.
7. Oath of Allegiance and Issuance of Citizenship Certificate
When proof of investment is provided to the CIU, the authorities organize the taking of the oath or affirmation of allegiance. It can be done:
– on-site in Antigua and Barbuda
– at an embassy, high commission, or consulate of the country abroad
– online via video conference, provided the procedure is duly supervised (presence of a notary, live broadcast for the CIU, etc.).
As soon as the oath is taken, the candidate receives a certificate of citizenship (Certificate of Registration). It is this document that then allows one to apply for the passport.
From Citizenship to Passport: Concrete Steps
Once a citizen, the investor and their family members can request the issuance of their passports. This phase follows rules common to all citizens (whether born in the country, naturalized, or became citizens by investment).
Forms and Competent Authorities
The passport is issued by the Passport Office, a division of the Prime Minister’s Ministry, located on Queen Elizabeth Highway in St. John’s. Citizens living abroad can go through embassies and consulates (London, Washington DC, New York, Miami, Toronto, Havana, etc.).
The main forms are:
– Form L: passport application for persons 16 years and over
– Form M: application for those under 16 years
They must be filled out in English, in capital letters if handwritten, in black or dark blue pen. Errors are corrected by crossing out and initialing; the use of liquid correction fluid is prohibited. Dates are in DD/MM/YYYY format.
The passport application form includes several sections to collect precise information. It first asks for identity, marital status, nationality, height, and distinguishing marks. Next, it specifies the reason for the application: first passport, renewal, loss, theft, damage, or name change. It also identifies the type of citizenship: by birth, descent, naturalization, registration, marriage, or Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI). Finally, a section is dedicated to the list of supporting documents to attach to the file.
Documents to Provide for a First Application After CBI
A new citizen by investment will need to present:
– the duly completed Form L (or M for a minor)
– the citizenship certificate obtained via CBI
– their birth certificate
– their marriage or divorce certificate if applicable
– a certified copy of the identity page of their original passport (the document with which they traveled before naturalization)
– two standard-compliant identification photos (45 × 35 mm format, color, white background, neutral face, no dark glasses or unjustified headwear, taken within the last 6 months)
– for minors, parental consent forms and parents’ identification documents
– if the application is submitted abroad, the documents must often be apostilled or legalized.
Passport Fees
For citizens from CBI, a fee of $300 USD per passport applies at the time of issuance. Regarding the local fee schedule, historical grids indicate, for standard non-CBI applications:
| Passport Type and Service | Indicative Fees (USD) |
|---|---|
| Adult 32 pages – renewal | 90 |
| Adult 32 pages – lost/stolen/urgent | 180 |
| Adult 64 pages – renewal | 150 |
| Adult 64 pages – lost/stolen/urgent | 300 |
| Under 16 years – renewal | 40 |
| Under 16 years – lost/stolen/urgent | 80 |
For CBI passport holders, specialized sources mention a higher renewal cost: approximately $1,000 USD for an adult and $500 USD for a minor, due to the additional checks related to maintaining the program’s conditions.
Validity of the First CBI Passport
An adult who becomes a citizen by investment first receives a passport valid for 5 years. Minors also have a validity of 5 years. Upon the first renewal, adults then obtain a 10-year passport, and minors retain a 5-year cycle.
This initial 5-year period is not insignificant: it allows the authorities to verify that the citizen has respected the key conditions of the program, notably the obligation of physical presence in the territory.
The Crucial “5-Day” Obligation and Passport Sustainability
An often underestimated rule is that of minimum physical presence. For citizenship to become fully consolidated and to be able to renew one’s passport after 5 years, a citizen by investment must have stayed at least 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first 5 years following the acquisition of their citizenship.
Some practical points:
The required 5 days correspond to days of actual presence; travel days are generally not counted. This rule also applies to accompanying minors, not just the main applicant. Proof can be provided via entry/exit stamps in the passport, flight tickets, or hotel receipts. In the absence of stamps (notably in automated airports), other supporting documents such as flight confirmations, accommodation invoices, or attestations from immigration authorities are accepted.
If this stay has not been completed, passport renewal can be refused until the person fulfills the obligation, which can lead to additional verification procedures (an additional 30 to 45 days of checks according to some sources).
Passport Renewal for Citizens by Investment
The holder of a CBI passport must anticipate renewal, ideally 6 months before expiration, to avoid any difficulty related to the residual validity rules required by many countries (often a minimum of 6 months).
Typical File for a CBI Renewal Application
For a standard renewal, one must gather:
To renew your expiring passport, you must provide: your Certificate of Citizenship (Certificate of Registration), the AB10 form (renewal) accompanied by Form L or M according to your age, two compliant identification photos, an updated proof of address, proof of your 5-day stay in Antigua and Barbuda during the first five years, as well as proof that your initial investment (real estate or business) is still valid (title deed, share certificates, tax receipts, etc.). If not done previously, also provide proof of the taking of the oath of allegiance.
When the passport is lost, stolen, or seriously damaged, the procedure becomes more complicated: filing a police report, notarized affidavits, specific forms (e.g., AB10-D), longer delays (investigations of about 3 months), and increased fees (amounts around $1,200 USD are mentioned).
Timelines and Channels for Renewal
Renewal can be done:
To submit an application for an Antigua and Barbuda passport, several options are possible: directly at the Passport Office in St. John’s, at an embassy or consulate of the country abroad (such as those located in London, New York, Toronto, Miami, Washington, or Havana), or through a representative, provided that the representative presents a notarized power of attorney and a copy of their own identification.
The announced timelines are around 3 to 4 weeks for a standard renewal, but recent sources mention durations of up to 8 weeks depending on the workload and peak periods (tourist season, end of year, etc.). An expedited service is possible in certain emergency cases, for an additional fee, with reduced timelines to 3 to 5 business days, or even 24 hours for very critical situations.
Overall Cost and Value of the Antigua and Barbuda Passport
It is possible to get an idea of the “all-inclusive” cost for a typical family by combining the NDF elements and ancillary fees.
Take, for illustrative purposes, the case of a family of four persons (two adults and two children) choosing the NDF option:
| Cost Item (Family of 4, NDF) | Approximate Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| NDF Contribution | 230,000 |
| Government Processing Fees | 20,000 |
| Due Diligence (e.g.: 8,500 + 5,000 + 2,000 + 2,000) | ~17,500 |
| Mandatory Interview Fees (4 × 1,500) | 6,000 |
| Passport Fees (4 × 300) | 1,200 |
| Agent and Legal Fees (variable) | ? |
According to some market analyses, the total cost (investment + official fees + professional fees) for such a family can roughly range between $250,000 and $300,000 USD, sometimes more depending on the level of assistance chosen.
Compared to other Caribbean programs (Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Grenada), Antigua and Barbuda stands out for:
– very competitive cost for large families (notably via the UWI fund)
– broad family coverage including parents, grandparents, and siblings
– a clear but reasonable physical presence requirement (5 days in 5 years).
Concrete Advantages of the Passport for Mobility and Daily Life
Beyond the simple prestige of a second passport, Antigua and Barbuda citizenship provides tangible benefits.
In terms of mobility:
– visa-free access to the United Kingdom for extended tourist stays of up to 180 days
– visa-free travel or visa on arrival in most countries of Europe, East Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea on eTA), the Middle East (Qatar, etc.), and Latin America
– possibility of obtaining a 10-year US B-1/B-2 visa for business and tourism
– facilitated access to certain electronic authorizations (ETAs, eVisas) like for Canada, under conditions.
On a regional level, as a member country of the OECS and CARICOM, citizens can:
– reside and work more easily in other member states
– use a simple identity document to travel within some OECS islands.
Commonwealth membership status can provide access to preferential conditions at some British universities. Furthermore, the UWI (University of the West Indies) contribution offers coverage of one year of tuition fees for a family member at that university.
Finally, on the patrimonial and fiscal front, the absence of worldwide income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax on an international scale makes this passport particularly attractive for high-income families looking to structure their mobility and estate planning.
Pitfalls to Avoid and Best Practices
Published statistics show that a large part of delays and refusals stems from avoidable errors in applications.
Among the points of attention:
Visa refusals are often linked to the provision of expired or not updated documents, lack of apostille for foreign documents, photos non-compliant with ICAO standards, insufficient demonstration of the source of funds, forgetting proof of the 5-day stay before the first renewal, and miscalculation of total fees including processing and due diligence fees.
A good practice is to work with an experienced firm, which will use detailed checklists, ensure that all documents are dated appropriately, apostilled, and conform to the latest versions required by the CIU and the Passport Office. Keeping digital copies of all documents and old passports (including canceled ones) is also highly recommended.
Why Antigua and Barbuda Remains a Solid Option Despite Higher Thresholds
With the revision of amounts effective August 2024 (NDF donation raised to $230,000 USD, real estate to $300,000 USD, UWI to $260,000 USD, etc.), Antigua and Barbuda has aligned with a regional trend of raising requirements, motivated both by international pressure and the desire to attract stronger investors.
Despite these increases, the program retains structural strengths:
This procedure offers a very competitive price-quality ratio, particularly for large families. It offers great flexibility regarding eligible dependents and requires no language test or long-term residence obligation. The obtained passport benefits from international recognition and allows visa-free travel to many countries. Finally, it offers attractive personal taxation for non-resident taxpayers.
For those seeking a second passport that is both solid, recognized, transferable to future generations, and integrated into a stable English-speaking political environment, the path of citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda remains one of the most coherent options on the market.
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In summary, obtaining the country’s passport in Antigua and Barbuda via the Citizenship by Investment program requires:
To succeed in an Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment application, it is crucial to follow a rigorous process. First, select a licensed agent and verify the feasibility of the file. Then, choose an investment option suited to your budget and family configuration. Next, compile an impeccable documentary file and pass the mandatory interview. After approval in principle, complete the investment and take the oath of allegiance. The passport application must be submitted in Antigua or at a diplomatic mission. Finally, it is imperative to respect, within the first five years, the obligation of a five-day stay on-site, an essential condition for renewal.
This process, which generally spans 3 to 6 months to obtain citizenship (excluding possible delays) and a few weeks for passport issuance, then opens the way to extended international mobility, regional economic opportunities, and more flexible estate planning for the entire family.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
