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CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

The tropical islands of Antigua and Barbuda are independent Commonwealth states in the Eastern Caribbean. Considered to be amongst the most beautiful places on earth, they’re a hedonist’s paradise. Antigua & Barbuda established its Citizenship by Investment Program in 2013, and the amendments to the Program were implemented a year later. With some 365 beaches of pristine turquoise water, nestled into a corrugated coastline and historic forts and colonial past, tourism is the key driver of the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic product) and contributes up to 60% of the income.

The Citizenship by Investment program was established by the Honorable Prime Minister and the Government authorities are responsible for processing all applications. This investment program ensures a second passport to investors and a visa-free travel to almost 130 countries. Here’s all that you need to be an applicant for this citizenship program by investment.

Perks of this program include:

·        Citizenship for life, with benefits of living and working in the country

·        Maintaining dual citizenship, if desired

·        Visa-free travel to 150 countries, including UK, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Schengen area.

·        No restrictions on recovering profits

·        Low taxes

·        Living a comfortable and stable life in a country that is a part of the Commonwealth Nations

·        Political System following the British Parliamentary System

·        Living a tropical paradise dream life

Additional benefits include:

·        No interview needed

·        No minimum English Proficiency needed

·        No minimum Qualifications or work experience required

 The Application process:

Applicant must be at least 18 years of age, with no criminal record and a good character. An applicant can apply individually or with spouse and dependent children. The process of applying is rigorous and requires preparation. Application timelines can vary and depends strictly on the time required for documentation. The applicant is required to spend a minimum of 5 days on the island over a period of 5 years. The step-by-step process is as follows:

·        Prepare for application and a pre-approval by Global partners

·        Submit the form to the government

·        4-6 months of due diligence checks

·        Approval in principle

·        Deciding the choice of investment

·        Certificate for citizenship is issued

·        Passport application and insurances

  Choice of Investments:

·        There are quite a few options for investment to gaining citizenship in the country of Antigua. Investors can choose

·        To contribute $100,000 to the Antigua (NDF) National Development Fund  

·        They can choose to invest $1.5m in establishing a business

·        Invest an amount up to $400,000 in a government permitted real estate project

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European Countries Offering Citizenship by Investment

Top 10 European countries for securing EU residency easily are:

1. Austria

Austria offers 10 different types of residency permit, topping the list. Investment in the country is not required for residency permit for Austria.

2. Belgium

Getting a job in Belgium is enough to qualify for residency in Belgium. In less than two weeks one can get a residency in Belgium. No need of investment in the country for residency.

3. Portugal

Portugal residency comes with a cost. Minimum investment to get a residency in Portugal starts from 280K Euro to 500K Euro. One can buy a house with this amount. Another alternative is to invest either €1 million (£900,000) in Portugal bank account or create ten jobs in Portugal.

4. Malta

Malta is an attractive destination and has low tax rates. Malta is a perfect destination for those seeking European citizenship. Citizenship starts at 1 million residency, is at EUR 250K.

5. Spain

Like other neighboring country, Spain’s residency can be obtained by purchasing a property worth €500,000. Also, residents can invest €2 million (£1.8m) in government debt to get a residency permit in Spain.

6. Latvia

To get a temporary residence permit in Latvia you need to invest in a property worth €250,000 along with 5% of government fee. This amount is sufficient to help you get a residency permit in Latvia.

7. Monaco

Residency permit of Monaco comes with tax benefits. Residence of Monaco does not need to pay wealth tax, income tax or capital gains tax.  Along with tax benefits, one can also enjoy visa free travel across Schengen Area. A minimum of €500,000 deposit is required into the bank account during your stay in Monaco.

8. Cyprus

Passport starts from 2 million Euros. This Mediterranean Island is also a popular vacation destination because of the sandy shores and warm weather.

9. Greece

Purchasing a property in Greece for a value of €250,000 can help you get a residency permit of Greece.

10. Bulgaria

To qualify for Bulgaria’s residence program deposit €500,000 into Bulgarian government bond portfolio and keep it for 5 years.

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Understand how Investment Immigration works :

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Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program

Grenada citizenship by investment program is one of the newest of its kind available to investors in the world. Applicants either needs to invest $350,000 in a real estate project which is approved by the government along with 4 years of maintenance for the property invested in Grenada or a donation of $200,000.

Benefits of citizenship by investment in Grenada

1. Free travel visa to over 127 countries that includes EU Schengen countries China and the UK is provided by second citizenship in Grenada and a   passport to investors.

2. Grenada programme is a low cost entry for a second passport.

3. Although applicants are subject to strict due diligence checks but still Grenada is the only Caribbean programme with no country restrictions.

4.No requirement for interview and no need to travel to the country to complete the application.

5.Dependent parents over 55 years of age and dependent children up to 30 years of age are included.

6.No specific country restrictions with Grenada programme.

7.No tax on worldwide income.

Requirements for Grenada investment

·Applicants must be of good character and should not have any criminal record

· Applicants must be in good health

· Processing of the application takes around 4 months

· Government, Professional and Due Diligence fees apply

· Fees and taxes are additional

United States allow citizens of Grenada to reside and operate a substantial business in the U.S as E-2 treaty ‘Investor Visa’ is signed between Grenada and the United States. Some of the countries like India and China do not have E-2 treaty with USA in such cases investors can apply for a citizenship of Grenada first and then apply for USA E-2 visa.

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What is the Residency Requirement for Citizenship by Investment Application?

With an increasing awareness of Citizenship by Investment Programs, it is imperative that aspirants understand the underlying conditions for these applications. In our previous posts, we have explained the investment structures, the refundable policies and the advantages associated with these Economic Citizenship programs.

Let’s understand a very important aspect of these Investor Immigration applications – the residency requirement.

The Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs like Dominica Citizenship by Investment, St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment, Grenada Citizenship by Investment and St. Kitts Citizenship by Investment have no stipulated residency requirements. In fact, there are no visa interview requirements so applicants can secure this passport overseas.

Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment has a different policy to this regard which states that a 5 day residency is required in a 5 year period to maintain the passport.

For the European Citizenship and Europe Residency Investment programs, there are different requirements by Cyprus, Malta & Portugal. Let’s understand them individually-

Cyprus Citizenship by Investment – no specific requirements

Malta Citizenship by Investment – 12 months residency in Malta is required to obtained Maltese citizenship.  

Portugal Residency by Investment or Portugal Golden Visa – Since this is a residency by Investment program, it only provides residency rights and Citizenship is claimed after 6 years (almost like a naturalization process). However, the mandatory requirement is one week residency in Portugal in a one year period.

The processing times for these applications ranges anywhere between 3-6 months provided all documentation is in order and everything is lodged accurately and in a timely manner.

Investment Immigration programs are not like a regular Immigration application. The investment amounts for the applications are quiet exorbitant and therefore a lot of caution and attention must be given to them.

Get your application done by an expert only for a successful outcome on your application.

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A healthy comparison between the investment programs for Europe ranging from residency to direct passport. Read to know more:

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Distinction Between European and Caribbean Programs

One of the most prominent Immigration programs trending right now is the Citizenship by Investment program offered by countries in European and the Caribbean Region. While the Caribbean countries have Citizenship by Investment program, European countries have European Citizenship by Investment and European Residency by Investment program.

The following programs are offered as a part of the Investor Migration scheme:

With the exception of Portugal Golden Visa, all of these programs offer direct citizenship in a fast track process without having to meet any residency requirements. Besides that, no emphasis is laid on education or work experience or language proficiency like skilled migration programs. Applicants are only required to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds for Investment in an of the Economic Citizenship programs.

Portugal Residency visa offer a residency pathway into the country (Europe residency) and European citizenship can be obtained after 6 years of residence. Every program is distinct in their in terms of the Investment structure, perks involved as well as fees and processing times. For example, Grenada Citizenship by Investment program has additional advantages related to U.S. Immigration. We will now analyze the similarities and differences in the features of these programs:

Now that you have observed the similarities and differences in these programs, making a judicious choice is up to you. You can apply for your 2nd passport to any of the above countries with the help of our associates. All you have to do is reach out to us via the contact us section on our website. An Immigration expert from our team will then connect to you regarding your application for second passport.

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No Residency and Direct Citizenship

As Investor Immigration experts we meet a wide range of High net-worth investors, Professionals, Businessmen and Business owners who want to have a passport from overseas especially European citizenship, but have their businesses functioning in the city of residence and therefore can’t reside in the foreign country for a few years to obtain the passport.

For people like them, the Citizenship by Investment programs was introduced. These programs are an initiative of the Governments of Cyprus, Malta, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, St. Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis to invest capital into the country by purchasing real estate, government bonds or making a significant contribution and obtaining a 2nd passport in return.

As per this Immigration system, applicants are entitled to a European passport or Caribbean passport (depending on the Immigration program) without having to fulfill any requirements of physical residence in the country for a certain number of years, skills and education assessment, language criteria etc. Applicants get an approval for second citizenship within a few months.

This is a fast track processing system that is open to applicants from most countries and considers few relevant factors like financial standing, sufficient funds in saving, valuable assets, a due diligence check, clear character and criminal record of the person and the medical & health check. This is however and obligatory check required in all kinds of Immigration applications.

Skilled Immigration programs that lay a strong emphasis on the education, skilled work experience, language skills, age and other factors. These applicants save you from the hassles of the selection process and are more concerned with your net worth. Caribbean programs even have a no taxation policy on foreign income which is an added bonus. Besides, application under this system can even include the family members and can be benefited by future generations.

These countries also allow you to retain your own nationality and let you maintain a dual nationality status. Imagine the perks involved with that. A powerful passport can also let you travel to your desired destinations for business or leisure without fear visa rejections based on your old passport. You can also choose to invest in a Business or a company and enter the foreign market. For those who would like to own international real estate, there are a variety of options to choose from and some can be re-sold after a few years.

For accurate details on the program it’s best to consult with our experts today!

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Investment programs are a popular trend these days for business men and high net worth individuals. Find out the right program and eligibility for you!

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A substantial investment amount is required for the Citizenship by Investment programs. Check out the different investments paths for a secured global investment

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Refundable & Non Refundable Investment

The past few years has seen many Immigration programs on the rise, and an even more increasing demand for Immigration. People are scouting for Immigration routes that are hassle free, involve lesser procedures and have lucrative benefits for the entire family. In the light of these situations, the Citizenship by Investment program is the ideal choice.

Global Investors, businessmen and high net-worth Investors are open to investment programs that offer them direct second passport opportunities. The Economic Citizenship programs aim at meeting these requirements by offering fast track citizenship with no mandatory residency requirements. Individuals are only expected to invest in the following Investment schemes which may have refundable or non re-fundable investment. Let’s find out:-

Donation to a Government Fund

This is a feature of the Caribbean Citizenship Programs. This stream of Investment is a non-refundable contribution. The proceeds from Donation to a Government or Sustainable fund go towards the rehabilitation and development of the Caribbean Islands and therefore the contribution you make will not be refunded at any point.

Real Estate Investment

Investment in Real Estate is common in all Citizenship by Investment schemes. Acquiring a property in the country can grant you a 2nd passport and allow you to reside and settle if required in the country. This form of investment is refundable (certain exceptions in the case of Cyprus) but after 5 years or the specified term. The property must be maintained by the applicant for the stipulated term and can be re sold after.

Investment in Government Securities

St Lucia Citizenship by Investment and Malta Citizenship by Investment have the provision for Investment in Government Securities. This stream of Investment is a non refundable one.

Business Investment

Business Investment is an aspect in Cyprus Citizenship and Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment programs. Any investment made in an existing business or company in these countries is to finance the activities of the business where revenue will be generated and profit will be shared. So there is no refund in this investment. For Cyprus Business Investment, the requirement states presence in Cyprus and employment of 5 local citizens.

Cyprus Citizenship by Investment

Cyprus Citizenship Investment program allows investment in one stream or a combination of Investment amounting to €2 million. In addition to any investment made, it is compulsory that the investor must hold a property worth €500,000 indefinitely. Call us today for more details on each program!

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European countries like Spain & Portugal have introduced Residency by Investment program for those who intend to reside and apply for a European passport later. Find out how:

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Caribbean Vs Europe Citizenship by Investment

The Citizenship by Investment program is an initiative by countries in the European and Caribbean region to direct foreign investment into the country by Implementation of Investment Immigration schemes. Businessmen and high net work individuals have found this as an easy hassle-free route to obtain a second passport by Investment in the following manner:

 Real Estate Purchase

 Contribution to a Government Funds

 Investment in Government Securities

 Business Investment

 The following countries offer Citizenship by Investment programs:

There are certain fundamental similarities to both the programs that make these very beneficial:

-        Visa free access to more than 120 countries around the globe

-        Direct passport without any requirements for residency

-        Dependant family members can also avail this benefit

-        Fast track visa processing in less than 6 months

-        Provision for dual nationality status

However, there are a few ways in which these programs differ from each other:

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment

The Caribbean Citizenship programs provide the following incentives to applicants:      

Most programs have no interview requirement and no requirements to visit the country.

The Caribbean programs also have a no taxation policy on foreign income, capital gains.

The investments for these programs are less expensive than the European citizenship.

Programs like Grenada citizenship also have accessory rights for U.S Immigration.

 Europe Citizenship by Investment

The European passport by Investment programs has their own perks for investors:

These schemes offer a citizenship of a European Union country.

This opens up doors to certain benefits for travel, business & work  opportunities in the EU.

 Keen on finding out the most suitable Economic citizenship program for you and your family? Have a word with our experts on this matter!

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Fast Track European Passport

After super powers like the UK & US, the European region is considered as a prime economic zone in the world market. The Euro zone and the Schengen Region have a strategic importance that cannot be substituted. A European passport can hold great significance and thus people all around their globe are already in the pursuit of getting a European passport.

European countries have their own independent policies in terms of obtaining a European citizenship. European Immigration has different routes that have their own rules and regulations on how to get a European passport. There are two methods mainly adapted:

       European citizenship by Residency in Europe

       European citizenship by Investment

The fastest way to get European citizenship is the popular Citizenship by Investment program. In the European Union, Cyprus and Malta offer investment citizenship by means of making a substantial investment in the country. Both these countries regulate different policies when it comes to second citizenship by Investment. These programs are popularly known as:

       Cyprus Citizenship by Investment

       Malta Citizenship by Investment

Advantages:

       Visa free travel to over 160 countries worldwide

       Fast track Immigration process

       Maintaining Dual Nationality

       EU residency rights in member countries

       Family members can also acquire the citizenship

Investment:

Investor Immigration Europe Programs require applicants to make a significant Investment into a regulated Government scheme or Real Estate investment as follows:

 For detailed information on the Investment structure of these programs, book an appointment for a free consultation today with our Investment Immigration team!