Residency by investment offers you the opportunity to legally acquire permanent residency status in another country in return for an investment in its economy. Permanent residency is a visa status that allows the bearer to legally live, work, go to school and access healthcare in the host country.
There are several residency by investment programmes in Europe that grant residency, mostly through real estate investment but without the requirement to reside. They often come with accompanying travel freedom across the EU Schengen zone.
Obtaining a second passport could be the best investment you ever make, for increased global mobility and personal security, business and tax exemption. Caribbean Citizenship Programs can offer a second passport with access to over 150 visa-free countries in just 1–2 months through investments starting as low as $100,000.
Obtaining a second passport could be the best investment you ever make, for increased global mobility and personal security, business and tax exemption.
Should you be looking to reside and live in Europe, the best European Citizenship by Investment program available offered is the one from Malta.
For investors whose main aim is to gain global mobility and visa-free access to Europe, the Caribbean Citizenship Programs can be a much more affordable option, offering a second passport with access to over 150 visa-free countries in just 1-2 months through investments starting as low as $100,000.
If you are looking for the quickest and most cost-effective way to obtain European or Caribbean citizenship, book a free consultation with our experts today to receive qualified advice tailored to your specific requirements.
Obtaining a second passport could be the best investment you ever make, for increased global mobility and personal security, business and tax exemption.
Should you be looking to reside and live in Europe, the best European Citizenship by Investment program available offered is the one from Malta.
For investors whose main aim is to gain global mobility and visa-free access to Europe, the Caribbean Citizenship Programs can be a much more affordable option, offering a second passport with access to over 150 visa-free countries in just 1-2 months through investments starting as low as $100,000.
If you are looking for the quickest and most cost-effective way to obtain European or Caribbean citizenship, book a free consultation with our experts today to receive qualified advice tailored to your specific requirements.
Maltese Citizenship by Exceptional Services may be granted under an amendment passed in 2020 to the Maltese Citizenship Act. By virtue of Legal Notice 437 of 2020 (Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations) the rules providing for affluent persons of impeccable standing and repute to be naturalised and to receive Maltese citizenship on the basis of a contribution to and investment in Malta were promulgated. Applications under these regulations by direct investment shall not exceed four hundred (400) yearly and one thousand five hundred (1,500) in total. Applications under these regulations by direct investment shall not exceed four hundred (400) yearly and one thousand five hundred (1,500) in total.
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program was introduced in 1993 by the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, allowing foreign investors to acquire citizenship under certain conditions. This is now one of the world’s longest-running economic citizenship schemes and one of the most reputable. Applicants obtain an irrevocable citizenship and passport without having to reside in the country or renounce their current nationality.
The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship-by-investment program has been in operation since 1984, allowing foreign investors to acquire citizenship under certain conditions. This makes it the oldest existing citizenship-by-investment program and one of the most reputable. Applicants obtain an irrevocable St Kitts and Nevis passport without having to reside in the country or renounce their current nationality.
*The only Caribbean program eligible for the USA E-2 Investor Visa. The Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program was launched in August 2013. The program of Grenada is the only Caribbean program with visa free access to China and the option to apply for E-2 USA ‘Investor Visa’ to reside in the United States. Grenada citizenship applicants obtain an irrevocable citizenship and passport without having to reside in the country or renounce their current nationality.
The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program is the newest program in the Caribbean established in 2015 yet one of the strongest passports within the fast track citizenship programs. Applicants obtain an irrevocable citizenship and passport without having to reside in the country or renounce their current nationality.
The Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program was passed by both houses of Parliament in March 2013, allowing foreign investors to acquire citizenship under certain conditions. Since then, the program has received several applications and granted citizenship to many wealthy investors. Applicants obtain an irrevocable citizenship and passport without having to reside in the country or renounce their current nationality
Malta’s Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations allow applicants to obtain citizenship of Malta, but only after first residing in Malta.
Applicants must hold residency status in Malta for at least 12 months and pass an eligibility assessment to submit an application for citizenship.
Licence: AKM-ACCA-21
Source: Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations, 2020 and the Community Malta Agency official website
Citizenship of Malta comes with a wide range of benefits, including:
Under the Regulations, applicants may obtain citizenship of Malta upon the completion of a three-stage process, consisting of:
01. The Residency Stage
02. The Eligibility Stage
03. The Citizenship Stage
STAGE 01
THE RESIDENCY STAGE
Applicants must first apply to the Community Malta Agency (through an authorised agent) for residency in Malta. Residency status is initially issued for 36 months, and applicants aged 18 and over must hold residency status in Malta for at least 12 months to submit an application for citizenship.
It is expected that the timeframe from submission of a residency application to the issuance of the relevant e-residency card is 15 working days.
Process
Costs
At the residency stage, the following costs apply:
STAGE 02
ELIGIBILITY STAGE
Before completing the residence requirement, and in general within 12 months of the issuance of the residence card, the main applicant must apply through the same agent for an eligibility assessment with the Community Malta Agency.
If the main applicant passes the eligibility assessment and completes the residence requirement (12-36 months or 36+ months), then he/she can apply for citizenship.
Process
Fees
At the eligibility stage, the following fees apply:
STAGE 03
CITIZENSHIP STAGE
At this stage, the applicant must make the relevant investment, the total cost of which differs according to how long the applicant resided in Malta under the residency stage. Upon completion of this stage, the main applicant/dependants receive citizenship of Malta.
Process
Costs and Fees
The following costs and fees apply:
Real Estate Investment
Donation
Launched in 1993, Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme has been ranked as the number one CBI initiative for five consecutive years by the CBI Index. This is a publication by the Financial Times’s Professional Wealth Management (PWM) magazine.
The CBI scheme focuses on the overall quality and integrity of its applicants, only accepting individuals of outstanding character and repute. To ensure credible persons of excellent standing are granted citizenship, comprehensive due diligence checks are performed on all applicants over 18 years of age.
For those who meet Dominica’s citizenship requirements, the idyllic Caribbean island offers one of the best standards of living in the region. Dominica is politically and economically stable, with a low crime rate and rich investment opportunities. Nicknamed the “Nature Island”, it is also one of the most beautiful places on earth. Dominica boasts a pristine coastline, acres of unspoiled tropical rainforest, incredible marine biodiversity and a number of natural hot springs thanks to its volcanic origin.
As well as the many advantages of living in Dominica, Dominica citizenship confers many benefits in its own right. These include:
Citizenship by investment in Dominica is available through two options:
OPTION 01
THE ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION FUND
Applicants can make a substantial contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF), a government fund that supports socio-economic initiatives in Dominica. Due diligence and processing fees apply.
OPTION 02
PRE-APPROVED REAL ESTATE
Under the real estate option applicants are required to purchase Government-approved property. This must be held for a minimum of three years.
Minimum investment: USD 200,000
The following Government Fees apply:
Once an individual’s application for citizenship by investment is approved, an economic citizen can apply for passport at the Passport Office.
What are the Benefits of a Dominica Passport?
Dominican passports are CARICOM passports that are issued to citizens of Dominica for international travel. Dominica passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries and territories worldwide.
Ordinary Dominican passports are valid for 10 years if issued to a person aged 16 or over and are valid for five years for children under the age of 16. They can be renewed at the Passport Office in Roseau (Dominica’s capital city) or at a Dominica High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate.
What is the Dominica Passport Application Process?
The passport application process is separate from the citizenship by investment process, and requires the applicant to present a number of documents, including, but not limited to, a certified copy of the applicant’s Certificate of Naturalisation – the document that is issued to an economic citizen at the end of the citizenship by investment process.
It is possible for an economic citizen to appoint a third party to apply on his or her behalf. Applications for a passport can be submitted as soon as citizenship is received.
How to Re-Apply for a Dominica Passport
Every time Dominican passport holders re-apply for a passport (for example, because their old passport has expired), they must present their old Dominica passport. This will be cancelled upon issuance of the new passport.
Globalciti assists clients who wish to obtain citizenship of Dominica, providing them with the guidance and commitment they need to see their application processed seamlessly. Our team then ensures that clients
The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme stands as the oldest, and one of the most trusted, successful programmes of its kind. Since 1984, it has allowed individuals and their families to legally obtain citizenship of one of the Caribbean’s most idyllic locations.
Successful applicants under the St Kitts and Nevis Programme are registered as citizens of the nation and may apply for a St Kitts and Nevis passport
They have access to a huge range of benefits including:
The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme is the only programme of its kind to offer a guaranteed fast-track route to citizenship, known as the Accelerated Application Process (AAP). Under the AAP, a successful applicant can receive citizenship in as little as 60 days from submission of an application. The AAP is available for the following additional cost, inclusive of due diligence fees:
*Note: while the Citizenship by Investment Unit and the Passport Office work in unison, obtaining citizenship and applying for a passport are two distinct processes.
There are four ways in which an applicant can apply for citizenship under the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme:
1. By donating to the country’s Sustainable Growth Fund
2. By investing in pre-approved real estate
3. By purchasing a private home
4. By choosing the ‘alternative investment option
01
THE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH FUND
The Sustainable Growth Fund is the most direct investment path to St Kitts and Nevis citizenship. The revenue from the fund is used to support sustainable growth initiatives in the country. Under a Limited Time Offer due to expire on 31 December 2021, the following contribution amounts apply:
02
PRE-APPROVED REAL ESTATE
Under this option, applicants are required to invest in government-approved real estate in St Kitts and Nevis. The following investment amounts apply:
An independent investment in pre-approved real-estate, to be held for a minimum of 5 years: USD 400,000
A joint investment with another main applicant, to be held for a minimum of 7 years: USD 200,000
Additionally, the following government fees apply:
03
Until 1 November 2022, applicants can qualify for citizenship under the Programme by purchasing a private home worth USD 400,000. Two or more main applicants may also apply together provided they each contribute USD 400,000 towards the property. The property must be held for a period of five years and can never be reused in a subsequent citizenship by investment application.
Additionally, the following government fees apply:
04
ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT OPTION
Under this new option, an applicant can place an investment in the escrow account of an approved infrastructural project or other approved development project.
To be approved for use in an application, the project must:
Not raise 100% of the capital for the project via citizenship by investment
Already have raised a minimum of 30% of the capital for the project
Be approved by the St Kitts Investment Promotion Agency and Cabinet
The cost of the investment will vary according to whether the project is, eventually, owned by the state (US$175,000) or by a private entity (US$200,000).
If eventually owned by the state, government fees apply as follows:
If eventually owned by a private entity, government fees apply as follows:
Once an individual’s application for citizenship by investment is approved, an economic citizen can apply for a passport at the Passport Office.
What are the Benefits of a St Kitts and Nevis Passport?
St Kitts and Nevis passports are CARICOM passports that are issued to citizens of St Kitts and Nevis for international travel. They are biometric documents, ensuring a greater level of safety and facilitating cross-border procedures. Holders of St Kitts and Nevis passports enjoy visa-free or visa-on arrival access to about 150 countries and territories worldwide.
Ordinary St Kitts and Nevis passports are valid for 10 years if issued to a person aged 16 or over and are valid for five years for children under the age of 16. They can be renewed at the Passport Office at the Government Headquarters in Basseterre (St Kitts and Nevis’ capital city) or at a St Kitts and Nevis High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate.
What is the St Kitts and Nevis Passport Application Process?
The passport application process is separate from the citizenship by investment process and requires the applicant to present a number of documents, including, but not limited to, a certified copy of the applicant’s Certificate of Registration – the document that is issued to an economic citizen at the end of the citizenship by investment process.
Every time St Kitts and Nevis passport holders re-apply for a passport (for example, because their old passport has expired), they must present their old St Kitts and Nevis passport. This will be cancelled upon issuance of the new passport.
For successful applicants, the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment application process consists of seven main steps, which are:
How long does it take to process an application?
From submission of the application to an approval in principle, successful applicants are generally expected to wait three months.
What are the investment options under the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme?
Applicant Eligibility
Applicants for citizenship should be at least 18 years of age, of good character, without a criminal record, and be able and willing to make the required contribution or investment.
Which family members can I include in my application for economic citizenship?
You can include:
What does the due diligence process in St Kitts and Nevis entail?
You will be vetted by multiple entities:
Are citizens of certain countries not allowed to apply?
Nationals of Iran, Afghanistan, and North Korea, regardless of where they live, are excluded from applying (this includes dependants).
Nationals of Iraq, Nigeria, and Yemen are unable to apply for the Accelerated Application Process route.
Is This Programme for Me?
This Caribbean citizenship by investment programme is good value for money for both individual applicants and families looking to apply for second citizenship, including:
Where Your Funds Go
The Sustainable Growth Fund allows future citizens of St Kitts and Nevis to be part of the success story. This investment channel enables both applicants and the nation to thrive. The Sustainable Growth Fund channels resources to priority areas like education, health, climate change and resilience, infrastructure, tourism and culture, and the promotion of indigenous entrepreneurship to benefit all citizens.
Investments in real estate provide wider benefits for the economy of St Kitts and Nevis through direct and indirect job creation.
Who Heads up the Citizenship by Investment Programme of St Kitts and Nevis?
Les Khan, PMP, MSOC, BBA, is Chief Executive Officer of the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Investment Unit. Les Khan has over 20 years of experience with large financial organisations and risk management companies globally. Since 2015, Les Khan has been involved in the revamping of the Citizenship by Investment Unit in St Kitts and Nevis, and has become a resident expert on citizenship programmes within the Caribbean.
Originally from Trinidad, Les Khan is a member of the Project Management Institute and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) in addition to being a member of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) and the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). Les Khan earned his Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of South Australia and his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Finance from Baruch College, New York.
How Globalciti can help?
Globalciti assists clients who wish to obtain citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis, providing them with the guidance and commitment they need to see their application processed seamlessly. Our team then ensures that clients who obtain their citizenship also apply for, and receive, St Kitts and Nevis passports should they wish to.
Grenada has several reasons to be a favourite among high net-worth individuals. Having restructured, redeveloped, and re-launched its citizenship by investment programme in 2013, the Caribbean island-nation has become a popular second citizenship option, particularly among those with larger families. Through Grenada’s Programme, successful applicants can obtain citizenship, and later, a passport that allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to more than 140 countries and territories.
Beyond the benefits of economic and international freedom, Grenada also offers many lifestyle perks to those who decide to call it home. Affectionately known as the Spice Island due to its rich heritage of growing and trading spices, Grenada basks in a year-round tropical climate with cooling trade winds that make the many hours of sunshine all the more pleasant. It also boasts excellent healthcare and education systems and is among the safest nations in the Caribbean. Incredible scenery, rich biodiversity, exquisite cuisine, and a welcoming community only add to this tri-island paradise’s lure.
The Grenada citizenship by investment programme provides an opportunity to apply for a Grenada passport and a huge range of benefits including:
Citizenship by investment in Grenada is available through two options:
OPTION 01
THE NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION FUND
The National Transformation Fund NTF was established to assist the transformation of Grenada’s economy into one that is diversified, resilient, and prosperous. Due Diligence, application and processing fees apply.
OPTION 02
PRE-APPROVED REAL ESTATE
There are two options available to applicants who want to invest in real estate in Grenada. In both cases, the investment must be held for a period of five years from the date citizenship is received. Due diligence, application and processing fees apply.
Under both options, the following Government Fees apply:
Upon becoming a citizen of Grenada through its Citizenship by Investment Programme, an economic citizen can apply for a passport at the Passport Department of the Royal Grenada Police Force. It is also possible for that economic citizen to appoint a third party to apply on his or her behalf. Applications for a passport can be submitted as soon as citizenship is received.
What are the benefits of a Grenada passport?
Grenadian passports are CARICOM passports that are issued to citizens of Grenada for international travel. They are biometric documents, ensuring a greater level of safety and facilitating cross-border procedures. Holders of Grenadian passports enjoy visa-free or visa-on arrival access to more than 140 countries and territories worldwide.
Ordinary Grenadian passports are valid for five years. They can be renewed at the Passport Department of the Royal Grenada Police Force in St George’s (Grenada’s capital city) or at a Grenada High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate.
What is the Grenada passport application process?
The passport application process is separate from the citizenship by investment process, and requires the applicant to present a number of documents, including, but not limited to, a certified copy of the applicant’s Certificate of Registration – the document that is issued to an economic citizen at the end of the citizenship by investment process.
How to re-apply for a Grenada passport
Every time Grenada passport holders re-apply for a passport (for example, because their old passport has expired), they must present their old Grenada passport. This will be cancelled upon issuance of the new passport.
Globalciti assists clients who wish to obtain citizenship of Grenada, providing them with the guidance and commitment they need to see their application processed seamlessly. Our team then ensures that clients who obtain their citizenship also apply for, and receive Grenadian passports.
Grenada Citizenship by Investment application process consists of seven steps, which are:
Is there a residency requirement?
No residency required.
How long does it take to process a Citizenship by Investment application?
From submission of the application to an approval in principle, applicants are generally expected to wait three months.
What are the investment options under the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme?
Applicant Eligibility
Applicants for citizenship should be at least 18 years of age, in good health, of good character, without a criminal record, and able and willing to make the required contribution or investment.
Which family members can I include in my application for economic citizenship?
You can include:
What does the due diligence process in entail?
You will be vetted by multiple entities:
Are citizens of certain countries not allowed to apply?
Citizens of Iran and North Korea are ineligible to apply to the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Is this programme for me?
Economic citizens of Grenada are able to apply for the E-2 Visa to the United States.
The following are also a good fit for the Programme:
Where do the funds go?
The National Transformation Fund is a Government fund responsible for financing projects that will benefit Grenada’s economy and help its diversification.
Launched in 2016, St Lucia has the newest citizenship by investment programme in the Caribbean. Inheriting decades of experience from its island neighbours, St Lucia’s programme is an amalgamation of practices from its surrounding islands and provides a wide range of benefits for investors and locals alike.
An idyllic spot for nature seekers, history buffs, and relaxation-seekers, St Lucia offers citizens all of the tropical benefits of the Caribbean, along with visa-free entry to an additional 145 countries or territories. Read on to discover how you can apply for St Lucian citizenship, and benefit from CS Global Partners’ CBI initiative.
The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme provides an opportunity to apply for St Lucia citizenship and a huge range of benefits including:
OPTION 01
THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC FUND
OPTION 02
REAL ESTATE
Applicants may obtain citizenship by purchasing Government-approved property valued at a minimum of USD 300,000. This property must be owned and maintained for a minimum of 5 years after citizenship has been granted. Due diligence fees apply.
The following Government administration fees are applicable:
OPTION 03
PRE-APPROVED ENTERPRISE PROJECT
Applicants can obtain citizenship by making an investment, either independent or joint, in a pre-approved enterprise project. Independent investment must be valued at USD 3.5 million and create at least 3 permanent jobs. For joint investments, each investor must contribute at least USD 1 million, resulting in a joint investment worth USD 6 million and creating at least 6 permanent jobs. Due diligence, processing, Government administration fees apply.
OPTION 04
GOVERNMENT BONDS
Applicants may choose to invest in government bonds to obtain citizenship. Once citizenship has been granted, investments in government bonds must be held in the applicant’s name for a fixed period of time that varies according to the applicant’s family structure. The bonds must not attract a rate of interest for the duration of this period.
Due diligence and Government administrative fees apply. The following is applicable under a Limited Time Offer expiring on 31 December 2021:
St Lucia Citizenship by Investment application process consists of seven steps, which are:
Is there a residency requirement?
No residency is required.
How long does it take to process a citizenship by investment application?
From submission of the application to an approval in principle, applicants are generally expected to wait three months.
What are the investment options under the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme?
Applicant eligibility
Applicants for citizenship should be at least 18 years of age, in good health and of good character, without a criminal record, and able and willing to make the required contribution.
Which family members can I include in my application for economic citizenship?
You can include:
What does the due diligence process in St Lucia entail?
You will be vetted by multiple entities:
Are citizens of certain countries not allowed to apply?
The following nationals cannot apply for citizenship by investment in St Lucia, as due diligence checks cannot be effectively performed in these countries:
The Unit has also warned of difficulties with processing applications from Syria.
All other nationalities are eligible to apply
Is this programme for me?
The following may be a good fit for the programme:
Where do the funds go?
The National Economic Fund (NEF) was established to receive qualifying investments to fund Government-sponsored projects on the island.
With hundreds of beaches, year-round sunshine, and some of the most welcoming people you could wish to meet, Antigua and Barbuda is heaven on earth. You can make this popular holiday location the home of your dreams by applying to the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment programme. Established in 2013, the scheme grants you citizenship in exchange for an economic donation to this celestial Caribbean country.
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment programme offers a many of benefits, including:
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship gives you the right to live and work in the country for life, plus civic entitlements like voting, free healthcare and the right to hold an Antigua and Barbuda passport.
Unlike other countries, Antigua and Barbuda has no restrictions on dual citizenship. Consequently, you don’t need to relinquish your original nationality in order to become an Antigua and Barbuda citizen.
As an Antigua and Barbuda citizen, you’ll also be able to pass on your citizenship rights to your descendants. This allows them to enjoy all the same benefits and in turn safeguards your family’s future.
An Antigua and Barbuda passport offers visa-free travel to over 150 countries across all of the world’s continents. This includes the likes of Singapore, the UK, Brazil, Bangladesh, Germany and Egypt.
Citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda is available through one of four options. Please note that due diligence and government processing fees apply to all.
OPTION 01
THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND
The non-profit National Development Fund finances government projects, public-private partnerships, and other charitable investments in Antigua and Barbuda. Applicants must contribute a set amount to the fund according to the number of dependents they have.
OPTION 02
REAL ESTATE
Qualifying real estate projects must be approved by The Cabinet upon receiving a recommendation from the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA). Applicants must commit to holding the real estate for at least five years and can invest individually or with a partner.
OPTION 03
BUSINESS INVESTMENT
You may instead choose to invest in a business that has been pre-approved by The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda. This can be done individually or with a partner.
OPTION 04
UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES FUND
The University of the West Indies Fund finances the institution’s fourth landed campus in Antigua and Barbuda. It is only available to families composed of at least six members, and entitles one member to a year of tuition-only scholarship at the university.
Family of six members: USD 150,000 (including government processing fees for a family of six)
Processing fees
The following government processing fees are applicable to all the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment options:
What are the benefits of an Antigua and Barbuda passport?
Antigua and Barbuda passports are CARICOM passports that are issued to citizens of Antigua and Barbuda for international travel. They are biometric documents, ensuring a greater level of safety and facilitating cross-border procedures. Antigua and Barbuda passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to almost 150 countries and territories worldwide.
How long are Antigua and Barbuda passports valid for?
First-time passports of Antigua and Barbuda issued to economic citizens are only valid for five years. This is to ensure that proper checks are performed on whether the economic citizen has fulfilled the five-day residence requirement and travel requirement to complete the Oath of Allegiance in Antigua and Barbuda.
The validity of second-time passports depends on whether the passport is issued to someone aged 16 or over. If the person is 16 or over, then Antigua and Barbuda passports are valid for 10 years. If the person is a child aged less than 16, then the passport is only valid for five years.
What is the Antigua and Barbuda passport application process?
The passport application process is separate from the citizenship by investment process, and requires the applicant to present a number of documents. These documents vary according to whether the application is a first-time application, a first-time renewal, or a later renewal. In all cases, a certified copy of the applicant’s Certificate of Registration – the document that is issued to an economic citizen at the end of the citizenship by investment process – must be provided.
Every time Antigua and Barbuda passport holders re-apply for a passport (for example, because their old passport has expired), they must present their old Antigua and Barbuda passport. This will be cancelled upon issuance of the new passport.
To renew a first-time passport that has expired, an economic citizen must first send a request to the Citizenship by Investment Unit through his or her Licensed Agent. All other renewals after that can be made directly at the Passport Office (a department within the Prime Minister’s Ministry) located on Queen Elizabeth Highway in St John’s (Antigua and Barbuda’s capital city). Alternatively, applications can be made at an Antigua and Barbuda High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate.
Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment application process consists of seven steps:
Application and pre-approval by Globalciti
We will look through your application to check everything is in order and confirm it meets the requisite conditions, giving it the best possible chance of being accepted.
Submission of citizenship application.
After approving the application, we’ll then send it to Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) on your behalf.
Government processing and due diligence checks
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda will process your application and perform due diligence checks, which includes checking for criminal records and assessing your ability to provide funds.
Approval in principle.
Once your application is approved in principle, you’ll receive a letter confirming that the CIU has officially granted your request for citizenship.
Make the investment of your choice
Now is the point you submit all the required documentation, pay government and make your qualifying investments.
Citizenship certificate issued.
After you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll receive a citizenship certificate, officially making you an Antigua and Barbuda citizen.
Passport application.
You’re now able to apply for an Antigua and Barbuda passport and reap all the travel benefits involved.
How long does it take to process an application?
From submission of the application to receiving the approval in principle, applicants can generally expect to wait around three months. You are not required to attend an interview, pass tests, or even travel to or reside in Antigua and Barbuda, which helps speed up the process.
1. What are the investment options under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme?
A direct contribution to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
An investment in pre-approved real estate.
A business investment.
A contribution to the University of West Indies Fund.
The scheme’s minimum investment amount ($100,000) is the world’s most affordable option for single applicants looking to obtain economic citizenship.
2. Which family members can I include in my application for economic citizenship?
You can include:
3. What does the due diligence process in Antigua and Barbuda entail?
You will be vetted by multiple entities:
4. Are citizens of certain countries not allowed to apply?
Citizens of Iran, North Korea, or Sudan are not allowed to apply to the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment programme unless they:
5. Is the Antigua and Barbuda CBI programme right for me?
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment programme is great value for those looking to gain second citizenship. The following people are particularly good fits for the scheme:
6. Is there a residency requirement?
Successful applicants are required to reside in the country for a minimum of five days within five years after receiving citizenship. However, this requirement has been temporarily suspended until 31 August 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
7. How long does it take to process a citizenship by investment application?
From submission of the application to an approval in principle, applicants are generally expected to wait between six and seven months.
8. Applicant Eligibility
Applicants for citizenship should be at least 18 years of age, of good character, without a criminal record, and be able and willing to make the required contribution.
9. Where Your Funds Go?
The contributions to the National Development Fund, a nonprofit fund, are used for funding government projects, public-private partnerships, and other charitable investments approved by the government.
Proceeds from the University of the West Indies Fund go to the development of the university’s fourth campus.
Investments in real estate and business provide wider benefits for the economy of Antigua and Barbuda through direct and indirect job creation.
Government of Antigua and Barbuda
Citizenship by Investment Unit
Residency by investment offers you the opportunity to legally acquire permanent residency status in another country in return for an investment in its economy. Permanent residency is a visa status that allows the bearer to legally live, work, go to school and access healthcare in the host country.
There are several residency by investment programmes in Europe that grant residency, mostly through real estate investment but without the requirement to reside. These programmes are especially popular with investors not wishing to emigrate and move their family but require flexibility should the need ever reside. They often come with accompanying travel freedom across the EU Schengen zone. Eventually if permanent residency is undertaken by the investor and their family then citizenship of the country can usually be applied for.
Please note our website remains a guide. Contact our advisors below up to date information and an assessment for your personal circumstances.
Residency by investment offers you the opportunity to legally acquire permanent residency status in another country in return for an investment in its economy. Permanent residency is a visa status that allows the bearer to legally live, work, go to school and access healthcare in the host country.
There are several residency by investment programmes in Europe that grant residency, mostly through real estate investment but without the requirement to reside. These programmes are especially popular with investors not wishing to emigrate and move their family but require flexibility should the need ever reside. They often come with accompanying travel freedom across the EU Schengen zone. Eventually if permanent residency is undertaken by the investor and their family then citizenship of the country can usually be applied for.
Please note our website remains a guide. Contact our advisors below up to date information and an assessment for your personal circumstances.
The golden visa program in Greece offers the most affordable real estate investment route to permanent residency in Europe, with a minimum real estate investment of €250,000 + VAT (if any). Following the launch of several European investment visa programmes it was introduced by the Greek government in 2013 to encourage investment into Greece.Applications under these regulations by direct investment shall not exceed four hundred (400) yearly and one thousand five hundred (1,500) in total.
The Cyprus Permanent Residency (PR) program offers non-EU individuals a permanent visa for entering, staying and living for a lifetime in Cyprus within 2 months, with a minimum real estate investment of €300,000 + VAT (if any). The process is fast and easy and it covers all dependant children up to 25 years old, parents and spouse of the applicant.
Known as the Greece Golden Visa Programme, Greece’s Residence by Investment Programme has been in operation since 2014 and is considered one of the most affordable programmes that provides access to Europe. The Programme is the ideal solution for non-EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals seeking the freedom to live, undertake business, and study in Greece, or to travel across the Schengen Area.
Greece’s pleasant Mediterranean climate, cosmopolitan cities and exceptional approach to hospitality have lured many high net worth individuals into making this beautiful country their second home. Investors and their families can obtain permanent residence status in Greece through the Programme, even while maintaining alternative residence elsewhere. Under the Programme, permanent residence status is subject to renewal every five years.
There are a number of key advantages for those applying to the Greece Residence by Investment Programme, including:
Cyprus residence by investment programme has been in operation since 2013 and is considered one of the most affordable programmes that provides access to Europe. The programme is the ideal solution for non-EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals seeking the freedom to live, undertake business, and study in Greece
An important hub in the heart of the Mediterranean at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia, Cyprus is diverse, culturally rich and perfectly placed for working and traveling within and beyond the European Union.
Cyprus has seen significant activity in the shipping, tourism, legal and financial services sectors, and also a surge of interest in foreign investments and developments, as well as appreciation in property and investment values. With a warm Mediterranean climate all year long, Cyprus is an ideal destination for a permanent residence.
Option Real Estate
Applicants may obtain residency in Cyprus through the purchase of residential, commercial, or agricultural real estate, with a minimum value of EUR 300,000, plus the applicable taxes and fees.
