Antigua is a small island nation located in the Caribbean. It consists of two islands, Antigua and Barbuda. This nation enjoys beautiful, tropical weather year round. Antigua boasts a large tourism sector. In addition, English is the official language. Antigua is also host to one of the world’s more popular options for second citizenship.
Obtaining second residency or citizenship in a foreign country is becoming increasingly popular. This is because individuals are recognizing the importance of developing a proper “Plan B” to safeguard themselves against unnecessary risks and uncertainties associated with having only one country of residence. Should any type of social, political, or economic unrest unfold in one’s home country, a Plan B is the most secure way to protect one’s self and one’s family.
Currently, the second citizenship program of Antigua is one of the most popular in the world. There are several reasons for this.
One is that it requires a fairly short amount of time to obtain second citizenship in Antigua, around 3-4 months. This is much better than many other second citizenship programs, such as that of St. Kitts and Nevis, another Caribbean country whose second citizenship program is also very popular. To obtain second citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis could take anywhere from 6-12 months.
Still, this is all better than many, many other second citizenship programs in other areas of the world. A 5-year permanent residency requirement before obtaining citizenship is fairly standard in most parts of the world, such as South America as well as most EU countries. Some nations, such as Switzerland, have even more stringent residency requirements before one can obtain a passport there. It takes 12 years of residency before one can obtain a Swiss passport.
Another reason why second residency in Antigua is so popular is the relative ease of acquiring it. In addition to having one of the shortest average processing times for obtaining second citizenship, Antigua also has some of the easiest requirements for second citizenship.
As I stated earlier, while some nations require years of permanent residency before one can apply for citizenship, Antigua does not. Beyond obvious background checks which come with any second citizenship application process, all one really has to do to obtain second citizenship in Antigua is to make a sizable investment into a few predetermined areas in the Antiguan economy. This is known as Antigua and Barbuda Economic Citizenship or Citizenship by Investment. Speaking of investments required to obtain second citizenship…
Antigua has one of the lowest required investments for second citizenship. Many nations around the world offer second citizenship through investment programs. The difference in investment required, however, varies wildly. In Antigua, for instance, there are 3 investments which one can make to apply for citizenship there.
- The most affordable option is to donate a minimum $100,000 to a government social program (As of November 1, 2019).
- The second option is to invest a minimum $400,000 in government approved real estate project.
- The final option is to invest a minimum $1.5 million as an individual in an Antiguan business. Alternatively, a joint purchase where each person contributes at least USD $400,000.
While $100,000 may sound like a lot, consider that other second citizenship programs around the world ask for a lot more. For example, a passport from Malta is considered one of the best in the world (it grants EU citizenship as well as being a member of the British Commonwealth). However, it doesn’t come cheap, at a minimum €1.15 million investment.
Antigua’s $100,000 minimum donation, or $400,000 minimum real estate purchase seem much more reasonable by comparison. Still, Antigua doesn’t offer the world’s cheapest second citizenship or residency program. In Panama, for example, one can easily and affordably acquire permanent residence, which can lead to second citizenship in 5 years.
Obtaining a second citizenship in Antigua is an excellent Plan B. It allows you to safeguard yourself and your loved ones from any disaster which may occur in your home country. Due diligence and forward thinking are the keys to a future that is prosperous, as well as secure.
I hope you got some value from this article: Getting Second Citizenship in Antigua. Our specialty is residency and second citizenship world wide. Please contact our office HERE for additional information. Here are some articles on second citizenship and residency that you may find interesting:
6 Countries Where It’s Easy To Get A Residency Visa
Top Residency and Visa Options: Bulgaria, Thailand, Malta, DR, and St. Kitts
Top 16 Reasons to Move To Panama
Understanding the difference: resident vs. citizen
If you’re interested in buying a home abroad and want to weigh up your options, visit ECI Developments, who specialize in creating exceptional residence and resort communities across the world.
