Hundreds of thousands of Americans visit Antigua and Barbuda each year by cruise and air to enjoy spectacular Caribbean beaches and sun. The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by investment programme (CIP) has been particularly attractive to number of wealthy americans seeking US-Caribbean dual citizenship for relocation, retirement and frequent holiday trips. US citizens by investing in Antigua & Barbuda actually can support this small country grappling climate crisis and natural disasters.
American Interest
According to statistics released by Antigua government, numbers speak a different story. A total of 81 americans applied for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program. This makes about 10% of the total applications received by Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU) during the first half of 2024. A total of 190+ applications received from U.S citizens alone for National Development Fund (NDF) from Jan to Jun 2024, according to the CIP statistics published by Antigua authorities. It is important to note that most are last minute applications received before the price increase announced by Antigua for citizenship by investment from Aug 1, 2024 with an extended 1-month grace period.
New Prices
Under the newly revamped CIP program, american investors must invest in three routes to become dual citizens:
- National Development Fund Donation – USD 235,000 (Donation)
- National Real estate – USD 300,000 (share in a resort or condo)
- UWI University Fund Donation – USD 260,000 (only family of six or more can apply)
A Magnet for Americans
The Caribbean islands of Antigua and Barbuda specifically attracts americans for these specific reasons:
- Geographic Proximity – The Antigua islands are easily accessible with direct flights from major U.S. cities like New York, Miami, and Atlanta, making it a convenient tropical getaway.
- Tourism and Cruise arrivals – Antigua is famous for 365 stunning beaches, one for each day of the year, known for their white sand, secluded coves and clear turquoise waters. This is a major draw for beach lovers, offering an idyllic setting for relaxation, sailing, water sports, and sunbathing.
- Exotic Holidays – Antigua boasts of year around events, delicious found, exotic Luxury resorts, rainforests, and private villas. Antigua is a year-round holiday destination that is busiest from mid-December to around Easter.
- Honeymoon destination – Antigua is a World famous destination for weddings, and romantic experiences frequented by celebrities and famous people.
- Retirement and Relocation – Many americans tend to relocate to spend their retirement pension in a low cost country and live alongside beaches with nature.
- Property ownership (beach houses) – Beach properties and ocean villas in Antigua are much cheaper and more affordable compared to U.S. Buying a home makes property buyers eligible for Antiguan citizenship under CIP program.
- Tax free regime – : Antigua and Barbuda does not impose taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance. This tax-friendly environment appeals to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) from the U.S.
- Asset Diversification – Wealthy american families looking to diversify their assets outside the U.S to nearby caribbean islands, in case of political or economic uncertainties.
- Alternate passport – Antigua has a CIP program allows wealthy Americans to invest in the country and obtain a second passport relatively quickly and with ease.
- Visa free movement – US passport holders dont need any visa to visit Antigua and Barbuda for tourism, business and visiting family or friends under special visa waiver agreement.
Surge in US property investors
Antigua and Barbuda has witnessed surge in US person investing in property market boosted by the Citizenship investment programme. Americans don’t need special permits to buy property in Antigua. If citizenship is needed, then government has approved specific areas and developments under CIP program. Popular areas like Jolly Harbour and English Harbour attract affluent buyers seeking luxurious beachfront villas and condos with high rental returns. St John’s, St Paul, and Non Such Bay offer a blend of natural beauty and lucrative investment opportunities for US investors.
The list are approved areas for citizenship investment in the twin islands are:
Antigua
- Fort James to Blue Waters
- Pillar Rock to Five Islands
- Pearns Point to Johnson’s Point
- Falmouth Harbour to Galleon Bay
- Willoughby Bay to Half Moon Bay
- Nonsuch bay area
- Guiana Island and its environs to Crabbs Peninsula to Indian Point
- Blackman’s Estate (Blackman’s Point)
- Marble Hill
Barbuda
- Low Bay to Palmetto Point and Coco Point
- Coco Point
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