Today, everyone dreams of obtaining an alternative passport, preferably near the southern continents. Such judgments are not uncommon and are dictated by the following circumstances:
- unrestricted movement within 150 countries;
- privileges in Britain and other Commonwealth territories;
- no residency requirements;
- good tax treatment;
- safety and security.
It is worth noting that Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is a wonderful solution for those concerned about their future fate or seeking to organize a “reserve airfield” when problems arise. Acyr Jardim, an expert of the Imim Caribbean company, will explain in detail what is required to obtain and what rules must be observed.
Benefits of obtaining Antigua citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship offers a plethora of advantages to its holders:
- Visa-Free Travel: Citizens can travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
- Tax Benefits: The nation boasts no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or global income taxation.
- Dual Citizenship: Antigua and Barbuda allows dual citizenship, enabling citizens to maintain their original nationality.
- Natural Beauty: Citizens can enjoy the nation’s idyllic beaches, lush landscapes, and a warm climate year-round.
- Investment Opportunities: The country’s citizenship-by-investment program provides various avenues for personal and business growth, fostering a favorable environment for businesses.
- Easy Process: Acquiring citizenship can be relatively swift, often within 3-6 months, through the country’s Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP).
- Stability: The nation offers political stability, being part of the British Commonwealth, and boasts a stable economy.
- Educational Opportunities: Citizens have access to decent education facilities and can also leverage the country’s ties with other nations for educational advantages abroad.
- Healthcare: The country provides modern healthcare facilities.
- Culture and Lifestyle: A rich blend of cultures influences the island’s festivals, music, and cuisine, making it a vibrant place to live.
In essence, Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is a gateway to global mobility, financial benefits, and an elevated quality of life amidst unparalleled natural beauty.
Criteria for obtaining Antigua citizenship: What is the essence
Only people who meet the following points have this chance:
- reaching the age of majority;
- trustworthiness;
- good health;
- presence of capital for financial transactions;
- willingness to take the oath of office.
It gives the eligibility for this scheme. Each candidate has the right to include his close relatives in the form to be filled in.
Main Features of receive Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP)
It is the most common scheme. To achieve Antigua and Barbuda second passport, participants in the process need to fund the following projects:
- 100,000 dollars to the National Transformation Fund;
- 150,000 dollars as a payment to the Local University Foundation;
- 200,000 dollars to buy apartments or offices;
- 400,000 dollars to buy a company share or develop your own business.
The amount of finance under any offer depends on the family’s composition. However, this condition does not apply to the purchase of residential or commercial properties. You must also pay government taxes: payments to the National Transformation Fund, acquisitions of residential properties with office centers, and business contributions of 30,000 dollars.
Families of up to 6 people can donate to the above HEI. The amount of this contribution already includes state fees for all family members. However, if the number of family members exceeds the stated level, an additional $15,000 must be spent.
Free capital invested in acquiring any type of real estate investment in Antigua can pay off and pay dividends in the long run. The authorities offer properties approved by the program. The properties usually sold are apartments, villas, or shares. After 60 months, the property can be resold profitably, and you can receive rental income during this period.
Is there a citizenship by descent option?
It is another interesting and valid method of becoming a passport holder of an island nation. If your grandparents or parents were citizens, obtaining an identity card in the territory is a good path. Such rules have been in place since the 1980s.
Citizenship by Marriage
The conclusion of marriage is also an excellent way to acquire the bond of this territory. It is necessary to formalize a marriage relationship with a citizen of the island state and to live together as a couple for 36 months. These requirements become the basis for registration to have an additional civilian identity card subsequently.
Passport by Naturalization
Those who reside in the country can also acquire this status. You must prove that you have been on the island for over 60 months to submit the appropriate form.
Can you obtain dual citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda?
There are several important steps to follow to complete the above procedure. In particular, applicants need to:
- Contact an agent and undergo a Due Diligence verification. According to the local legislation, a particular organization, which obtain a special license, prepares the documents for naturalization. If you submit a special form independently, the state will reject it. Preliminary verification will allow you to identify problems and assess rejection risks.
- Collect the papers. Qualified employees analyze situations and advise clients on the necessary certificates and other acts. Once the documentation is provided, attorneys sign duplicates and draft letters.
- Undergo a legal review. The agency checks aliens and their documents to ensure that they are trustworthy. The analysis takes place taking into account the information that is contained in international databases. This process can take more than six months. Based on the results of the checks, the decision to approve the application is made.
- Fulfill financial obligations. After agreeing on all the points, you must buy real estate, start a business, or sponsor government projects.
Once you pass all these stages, everything you need for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship will be ready within a month. The paperwork will be mailed to the recipient’s address. Next, you will need to take the oath of office.
Final Thoughts
As we can see, obtaining a second passport in Antigua and Barbuda is entirely possible. Like other schemes, this opportunity requires fulfilling specific actions and compliance with the necessary conditions and requirements. Every foreigner should consider it and consult with competent experts from licensed immigration agencies. It is also not superfluous to study the legislation and business opportunities. If you are satisfied with everything, you should contact the agency representatives and choose ways to obtain citizenship in Antigua.