Antigua and Barbuda is a beautiful country in the Caribbean that speaks for itself with its gorgeous coastlines and landscapes. But it offers much more than that, which is why so many people want to make it their home. Getting citizenship here means you can enjoy pleasant weather and friendly neighbors. Plus, you can fly to over 120 countries without a visa and even stay outside the country for a long time without losing citizenship.
The best part? Getting citizenship is easy. One of the quickest ways to become a citizen here is through the citizenship by investment program that allows you to inject your funds into the economy. With CBI, you can get your second passport in just a few months!
To help you become a citizen, we’ll walk you through every step of the application process. Read on to identify key things to remember for a smooth and successful application.
What are the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Requirements?
Like most countries, you must meet a few requirements to be eligible for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship. These usually are around health, age, financial status, security, and relationships. What they need from you may vary based on the application route you choose.
Citizenship by Investment Option
CBI is one of the simplest ways for families to get citizenship in this Caribbean country. By donating to a certain course, you qualify for various benefits, mainly citizenship for you and your family.
Through donations, applicants need to contribute a certain amount to the government fund. You can contribute at least USD 230,000 (non-refundable) to the National Development Fund (NDF) for a family of four. Another option is to invest in approved real estate projects.
The other two options are buying shares in approved businesses and donating to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund- perfect when applying for citizenship with a large family of more than 6 family members.
CBI Program Citizenship Eligibility Criteria
To apply for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship, you’ll need to meet these conditions- nothing more than the ordinary requirements:
- Meet the age limit of at least 18 years.
- Show you have good character by providing a recent police clearance certificate with no criminal record in places you’ve lived in the last 6 months.
- Prove you are financially stable, and show sources of the funds on your recent bank statements to confirm you can meet the minimum contribution.
- Be in good health alongside your dependents, as proven by a health certificate.
- Have a valid passport from your home country.
- Show proof of your relationship with family members like your children, spouse, parents, siblings, or grandparents.
Another option is the residency route, which allows Commonwealth citizens who’ve lived in the country for over 7 years to become citizens.
6 Steps to Getting Your Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
1. Choose a Licensed Agent: Having a licensed agent to handle your citizenship application is the best way to ensure no detail is missed. How can you find one? Do thorough research and check reviews to see what others say about them. Only settle for a pro with a good reputation for a smooth application process.
2. Review Application Guidelines: The requirements can differ based on your chosen path to citizenship. So, if you’ve opted to apply through the CBI program, start by checking the specific requirements.
3. Fill Out the Application and Attach Documents: This step is pretty straightforward; simply follow the instructions provided. After you’ve double-checked everything attach your documents; certificate of good conduct, a copy of your passport, bank statements, medical certificates, and any other required documents.
4. Pay the Application Fee: The amount you pay usually depends on the number of dependents you include in your application. If it’s just you, the fee will be lower, but the more dependents you have, the higher the fee. The fee is paid online and covers government charges, background checks, and passport fees.
5. Attend Interview: Interviews are part of the background checks and are usually conducted remotely. Always submit all the required documents before the interview to avoid setbacks.
6. Wait for Approval: After submitting your application, you can sit and wait. Your application will likely sail through if you pass all the background checks. The process usually takes 3 to 4 months, but it could be more depending on the prevailing conditions. Always contact the agency for clarification in case of any unusual delays.
Conclusion
Getting citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda can be one of the best decisions you make. And the fact that the application is straightforward makes it a worthy course. The only thing you need to do is meet the eligibility requirements- which is pretty easy if you have the funds. Once everything is set and the application submitted, your second citizenship is just a few months away.
To avoid potential delays, watch out for small mistakes in your application that could also cost you more money. It’s advisable to work with a trustworthy immigration agent with vast experience in citizenship applications. They act as your third eye, ensuring everything is checked and supporting you throughout the process.
