PassPro spoke to Thomas Anthony, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Citizenship by Investment Unit of Antigua and Barbuda, at his office in St John’s, Antigua to understand what makes his country’s Citizenship by Investment Program one of the most robust and respected in the Caribbean region. Here are his top 5 reasons:
Visa-on-arrival Access to the Most Sought-After Countries
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship is considered among the top 25 most globally mobile ciitzenships in the world, allowing visa-on-arrival travel to 134 countries including the UK, Schengen Zone, Hong Kong and Singapore. It is the only Caribbean country offering a citizenship program to allow visa-on-arrival entry to Canada.
An Internationally-Respected Program
A very strong, multi-tiered due diligence process ensures that the program is trusted and respected globally, part of the reason why the Antiguan and Barbudan citizenship continues to enjoy visa-on-arrival access to countries with the tightest border controls.
The Program does not consider applicants from countries on the Restricted Countries List unless they live outside of their country of nationality and have permanent residency status in Canada, United Kingdom or the United States of America. Applications are thoroughly scrutinized and Economic Citizens have to visit Antigua and Barbuda for 5 days within 5 years of gaining a citizenship to secure permanent citizenship. This essential step lends further international credibility to the program.
An Affordable Entry Threshold of Investment
Applications for a family of 4 persons starts at a non-refundable donation of USD200,000 to the National Development Fund in addition to government processing fees of USD50,000 for the principle applicant and spouse and free for up to two dependents
Investment in a CIP-approved real estate project starts at USD400,000 in addition to other required processing, due diligence and property registration fees. The property investment needs to be held for 5 years.
A Solid and Growing Economy
Antigua and Barbuda is becoming known as the economic engine of the Eastern Caribbean. The twin-island country is home to the most modern and well-connected airport in the region, VC Bird International Airport, which offers direct flights to the Americas, Europe, and the United Kingdom and serves as a key hub for regional aircraft. Tourism is a crucial economic driver, and CIP-funded real estate initiatives contribute to the development of an internationally competitive tourism sector.
A Jewel in the Caribbean
With 365 beaches, adventure sports and an internationally-hailed Sailing Regatta held each year, Antigua and Barbuda is highly sought after as a year-round holiday and honeymoon destination. Real estate investments hold their value and are considered amongst the most sustainable investments in the Eastern Caribbean.
Want to know more? PassPro is a Government Approved agent for the Citizenship by Investment Unit of Antigua and Barbuda and will be happy to provide you with more information on the program. Follow PassPro on LinkedIn, Twitter @PassProNews or Facebook/PassproCitizenship or email [email protected]
