Written by Kal Kennard (Guest Post).
Getting secondary citizenship or residency in another country is becoming a popular option. This is because more and more people want to protect themselves from uncertainties and risks related to residing in one country. If there is economic, social, or political turmoil in your home country, becoming a resident of another country will provide more security.
Presently, most people want to become a resident of Antigua, and there are compelling reasons why.
Two islands in the Caribbean create the independent Commonwealth country known as Antigua and Barbuda. It is one of the places in the world most visited by tourists because of its year-round tropical weather. Also, its official language is English, so you won’t need to learn a foreign language to stay there.
Read on to learn other compelling reasons to submit an Antigua citizenship application and how to get it fast.
3 Reasons to Apply for Antigua Citizenship
Becoming a citizen of Antigua offers several perks.
1. Travel to different countries visa-free
As mentioned earlier, Antigua is a member of the Commonwealth. So if you have an Antigua passport, you have the privilege to visit at least 130 countries. That includes Europe and the U.K. with visa-free entry.
2. Large expat community
Antigua and Barbuda have a huge expat community, so you don’t have to worry about being the only expat in the nation, should you decide to spend time there during the year or even relocate and make it your primary base.
Also, there are activities to keep you entertained and engaged, including diving and sailing in the Caribbean’s beautiful clear blue waters. Many sports are popular in Antigua including cricket and football.
If you are moving with your children, the British and Canadian systems have influenced the nation’s education. That means there are both private and public schools available.
3. Brilliant tax policies
When it comes to Antigua tax policies, you don’t have to worry about inheritance tax or capital gains taxation, and will not be resident for tax purposes by virtue of becoming a citizen. Should you decide to become a permanent resident once you are a citizen, you will find that Antigua & Barbuda is a very tax-friendly place to live in.
The nation ended collecting personal income tax in 2017, which makes it more appealing to expats. And if you live between two places, some tax rules and treaties can safeguard you from paying taxes on a similar income in two different countries.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program is considered the easiest and fastest way of acquiring Antigua permanent residency.
Getting your citizenship through this program requires you to make a considerable financial contribution to the country. In return, you are granted citizenship and can become resident at any time, but the process is subject to due diligence process and strict screening.
To qualify for this program, you must be more than 18 years old, meet specific requirements, and choose one of these three available investment choices:
- Buy approved real estate that is worth USD 400,000. A joint investment can be made, with each applicant required to invest at least USD 200,000 to be qualified. Also, the property can be sold after five years, allowing you to get your capital back without affecting your citizenship.
- Contribute USD 100,000 to the Antigua National Development Fund, which is non-refundable. This amount covers a family of four. But if you are applying alone, the same amount of contribution is required.
- Purchase an eligible business amounting to at least USD 1.5 million. A joint purchase is possible, but each person should at least pay USD 400,000, adding up to at least USD 5,000,000.
Upon the approval of your application, you will receive your passports after you have made your approved investment. Your passports are valid for an initial span of five years, after which you can apply for renewal. Subsequent passports are valid for ten years.
Though it won’t require you to live permanently in the country, you can be deprived of renewing your passport if you don’t spend at least five days in the nation during the first five years of residency.
The application process is rigorous. But with proper knowledge and expert help, it can be made easy and straightforward. It would be best to get assistance from a proficient international team specializing in Antigua citizenship programs and based in the jurisdiction.
Applications can only be made via government-licensed agents. These experts will make the process less stressful because they will help you throughout the process. With their help, you can get your Antigua citizenship in four to six months.
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Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship, residency and investment into the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.
Very informative! Love your blog so much!❤️❤️
Thank you so much Aarushi. Comments like these keeps us motivated and helps to continue what we are doing.
My pleasure! Aww that’s so sweet!!