How RUE Assists with Becoming an Antigua & Barbuda Citizen and Obtaining a Passport

Antigua and Barbuda has become one of the most attractive Caribbean destinations for investors seeking a second citizenship. Its Citizenship-by-Investment Programme (CIP) is renowned for its efficiency, global mobility benefits, favourable tax regime and high living standards. However, successfully navigating the application process and avoiding delays or compliance risks requires the support of a professional advisory partner. Regulated United Europe (RUE) offers clients wishing to secure Antiguan citizenship and passport through investment comprehensive, end-to-end support.

Read on to find out how RUE ensures a smooth, transparent and fully compliant journey from initial consultation to passport issuance.

Why choose Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?

Antigua and Barbuda offers a well-regarded and long-established citizenship-by-investment programme operating under the Citizenship by Investment Act of 2013. Its strong international reputation and flexible requirements make it an appealing choice for investors. Key benefits include:

• Extensive travel freedom, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the Schengen Area (up to 90 days within any 180-day period), the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore and many other Commonwealth nations
• A favourable tax regime with no tax on worldwide income, wealth, capital gains or inheritance
• Applications are processed efficiently, with most approved within 3–4 months
• Minimal residency requirements: there is no obligation to live in Antigua and Barbuda, and only a five-day visit is required within the first five years to maintain citizenship
• There are flexible investment routes offering cost-effective options for individuals, couples and families, including contributions to national funds or approved real estate investments

Strategic consultation and eligibility assessment

Embarking on the journey towards Antiguan and Barbudan citizenship begins with gaining a clear understanding of the programme’s requirements and how they align with your personal circumstances. At RUE, we treat this initial stage with the utmost importance because a properly structured eligibility assessment significantly reduces the risk of complications later in the process.

Our consultation begins with a confidential review of your goals: why you are seeking a second citizenship, the level of global mobility and security you require, whether you plan to include family members and how your investment preferences align with Antigua & Barbuda’s approved pathways. Every client has different motivations – some prioritise visa-free travel, while others focus on wealth planning or future relocation options. Understanding these nuances enables us to tailor the entire process to your circumstances.

A crucial part of the assessment involves reviewing your background to ensure compliance with the due diligence standards of the Citizenship-by-Investment Unit (CIU). Antigua & Barbuda carefully evaluates each applicant, so the documentation must present a clear and accurate picture of your financial history, sources of funds, business activities and personal integrity. RUE’s lawyers will examine your documents in advance, identify any gaps and advise you on how to strengthen your file. This proactive approach protects you from delays or unnecessary scrutiny once the application is submitted to the relevant authorities.

During this phase, we will also clarify the timeline, the required investments, the additional government fees and the role of licensed local agents under Antiguan law. Our goal is to make sure that you understand every step of the process before making any commitments. By the time this stage is complete, you will have received a structured roadmap outlining the process from consultation to passport issuance, leaving no uncertainty about what lies ahead.

Choosing the best investment route

Once your eligibility has been confirmed, the next critical step is to select the investment option that best aligns with your financial strategy and long-term goals. Antigua & Barbuda’s Citizenship-by-Investment Programme offers several options, each of which is designed to accommodate different personal and family circumstances. At RUE, we provide much more than a simple list of these options – we help you to understand the practical implications, financial structure and long-term value of each route.

During this stage, our team will conduct a thorough analysis of your financial priorities. Some investors prefer the simplicity of a one-off government contribution, while others view citizenship as an opportunity to combine personal benefits with a secure real estate investment. The University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund is particularly appealing to families with multiple dependants, as it is specifically structured to support larger households and includes tuition benefits for one family member.

RUE evaluates factors such as the required minimum contribution, additional government fees, potential returns on investment and the investment completion timeline. If you choose the real estate option, we will help you to examine only government-approved properties from credible developers, ensuring transparency and safeguarding your interests. This involves reviewing purchase agreements, checking project history, verifying escrow mechanisms and confirming compliance with CIP regulations.

We also guide you through the implications of each option for future resale opportunities, tax planning and asset diversification. Our priority is to ensure that the investment secures your citizenship and fits seamlessly into your broader wealth management strategy.

By the end of this stage, you will have a clearly defined investment plan balancing legal requirements, financial efficiency and personal objectives, setting a solid foundation for successfully completing your application.

Investment requirements for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship

To qualify for the Citizenship by Investment Programme, applicants must choose one of several government-approved investment options. Each option is designed to accommodate different individual and family needs while supporting national development. The main investment categories are:

National Development Fund (NDF) Contribution: a straightforward, non-refundable donation to the government’s National Development Fund.

• Single applicant or family of up to four: USD 100,000
• Family of five or more: USD 125,000
• Additional due diligence and processing fees apply.

Real Estate Investment: purchase of property in a government-approved real estate project, such as resorts or luxury developments.

Minimum investment: USD 200,000 (can be joint ownership).
– The property must be held for at least five years. Government fees, due diligence and processing charges are also required.

University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund Contribution: A contribution to support the expansion of the UWI campus in Antigua, designed for larger families.

For families of six or more: USD 150,000 (processing fee for one family member to receive a one-year tuition scholarship).
Additional due diligence fees apply.

Business investment: investment into an approved business in Antigua and Barbuda.

Minimum solo investment: USD 1.5 million
– Joint investment: minimum total of USD 5 million, with each investor contributing at least USD 400,000.

Each investment option includes government processing fees, due diligence checks and other administrative costs, which vary depending on the number of applicants.

Who Obtains Citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda?

Since its launch in 2014, Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) has attracted a diverse range of applicants from around the world. According to published government data, the programme had granted citizenship to over 7,200 individuals by mid-2023. This figure includes both main applicants and their dependants.

A total of 3,779 main applicants have formally applied for citizenship through the programme, demonstrating consistent interest from international investors seeking greater global mobility and asset protection.

Applicant origins have shifted over time, reflecting broader global trends.

In the early years, Chinese nationals made up the largest applicant group, representing around 40% of all applicants in the programme’s first four years.
Nigerian nationals have recently become one of the most prominent groups, reflecting growing interest from West Africa.
Other applicants commonly originate from the Middle East, South Asia, Eastern Europe and various African nations.

This evolving demographic mix highlights the programme’s broad international appeal and its role as a gateway to enhanced travel access, economic opportunities and long-term security for families worldwide.

Accessibility for passport holders

Full due diligence preparation and compliance support

The due diligence stage is the backbone of the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship-by-Investment Programme. The government places a strong emphasis on verifying the integrity and financial transparency of each applicant in order to preserve the programme’s international reputation. This is why it is essential to prepare a complete, compliant and professionally organised file-and this is precisely where RUE’s legal expertise becomes invaluable.

Our team begins by conducting an internal pre-due diligence review, mirroring the standards used by the Citizenship-by-Investment Unit (CIU). We examine your financial documents, business records, proof of funds, personal background information and identification documents to ensure accuracy and consistency. This proactive approach helps us to identify potential issues long before your application is submitted, allowing us to address them discreetly and effectively.

Document preparation is often one of the most complex parts of the process. Depending on your country of residence and civil status, various documents may need to be notarised, apostilled, translated or legalised. RUE handles all these requirements with precision, from coordinating with local authorities to ensuring that translations meet legal standards. Our goal is to eliminate procedural mistakes, which are one of the most common causes of delays to citizenship applications.

We can also assist you with drafting affidavits, preparing explanations of the source of your funds, and assembling financial statements that clearly demonstrate your lawful income. Clients with more complex financial structures, such as entrepreneurs, investors or business owners, can benefit from additional structuring guidance from RUE’s legal team to present their financial background in a transparent and comprehensible manner.

Throughout this process, we coordinate fully with authorised local immigration agents in Antigua & Barbuda, as required by law. This ensures that every document meets the CIU’s exact expectations and is formatted according to official standards.

By the time your application reaches the government, it will be complete, strategically organised, well documented and positioned for a smooth review. This level of preparation significantly increases the likelihood of fast approval while reducing stress for you and your family.

Application submission and government communication

Once your documentation is fully prepared and the due diligence file is polished to the highest standard, the application moves into the official submission phase. Antigua & Barbuda’s legal framework stipulates that all citizenship applications must be submitted exclusively through licensed, government-authorised local agents. RUE works closely with trusted and experienced local partners who play a crucial role in ensuring your submission is smooth, compliant and promptly acknowledged by the Citizenship-by-Investment Unit (CIU).

At this stage, our responsibility shifts towards meticulous coordination and oversight. Before submission, RUE conducts a final line-by-line verification of every document to ensure uniformity and consistency – details such as dates, spellings, financial figures and document validity periods must be perfectly aligned. Even minor discrepancies can result in requests for clarification, so we pay special attention to eliminating any that could slow down the process.

Once the dossier is ready, we securely transmit it to the authorised local agent, who formally submits the application to the CIU. Our team maintains constant communication with the agent and monitors the application’s progress through each procedural step, from initial acceptance and payment of government due diligence fees to commencement of background checks and any follow-up requests issued by the authorities.

Should the CIU require additional documentation or clarification, RUE responds promptly. We liaise with the relevant parties, prepare supplementary explanations and ensure that every government enquiry is answered clearly and accurately. This responsiveness is essential, as efficient communication prevents delays and helps maintain a positive evaluation of your application.

Clients are kept fully informed throughout the review process. You will receive regular updates, an overview of each milestone reached and clear timelines for the next stages. Transparency is at the core of our service – our goal is to manage the process and give you confidence and peace of mind during the government’s assessment.

By combining legal precision with continuous coordination, RUE ensures that your application progresses smoothly and professionally until approval in principle is granted.

Assistance with Investment Completion and Oath of Allegiance

Receiving approval in principle from the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is a significant milestone, but the process is not yet complete. The next phase involves finalising the investment you selected earlier, whether it is a financial contribution, real estate acquisition or another approved option. RUE plays a central role in managing this stage, ensuring that all requirements are met accurately and safely within the government’s prescribed timeframe.

If you have opted for the donation route, our team will guide you through the secure transfer of the contribution to the designated government account. We verify payment instructions, ensure compliance with banking regulations, and prepare all the necessary confirmation documents. For clients opting for real estate, the process becomes more intricate. RUE coordinates with developers, escrow agents and legal representatives in Antigua & Barbuda to finalise purchase agreements, oversee the transfer of funds, monitor project compliance and ensure that all contractual obligations are met.

We maintain strict oversight at every step to prevent any irregularities. Clients receive clear instructions, verified payment channels and confirmation of every completed transaction. Our involvement ensures that the investment stage, where large sums of money are typically transferred, is handled with full legal and financial safeguards.

Once the CIU has verified the successful completion of your investment, the next formal requirement is the Oath of Allegiance, a legal step that confirms your commitment to Antigua & Barbuda as a new citizen. Unlike many other jurisdictions, Antigua & Barbuda allows this oath to be taken remotely under the supervision of an embassy, consulate or authorised officer, so you do not need to travel there in person. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for clients with demanding travel schedules.

RUE arranges the oath-taking procedure, coordinates with the relevant diplomatic mission or authorised official, and prepares the necessary documentation and declarations. The process is fast and straightforward, and is designed to accommodate your availability and location.

Once you have completed the oath, your naturalisation documents will be prepared and issued, bringing you one step closer to receiving your passport. This stage marks your transformation from applicant to recognised citizen, and RUE ensures that every detail is handled seamlessly.

Passport issuance and delivery

Once your Certificate of Naturalisation has been issued, you will officially become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda. The final step is to obtain your Antiguan passport, a document that unlocks global mobility, personal security and access to new opportunities. While this stage is generally straightforward, precision is essential to avoid procedural errors and ensure smooth issuance. RUE oversees the entire process from start to finish.

First, we prepare all the passport application forms on your behalf, ensuring they are completed in accordance with the requirements set by the Passport Office of Antigua & Barbuda. Even minor errors, such as incorrect name formatting, outdated photographs or missing declarations, can result in applications being returned and cause unnecessary delays. Our team verifies every detail to ensure that your file is ready for immediate processing.

For clients applying remotely, RUE coordinates with the authorised local agent who will submit the passport application on your behalf. We ensure that all supporting documents-your naturalisation certificate, identity documents, photographs and required fees-are included and properly certified. Throughout this process, we maintain direct communication with the local representative and the relevant government authorities to track the progress of your passport application.

RUE also manages the logistics related to secure passport delivery. Although Antigua & Barbuda passports are typically issued relatively quickly after naturalisation, international shipping must be handled with care. We arrange secure courier services, verify tracking details and ensure delivery aligns with your preferred location and schedule. Clients are updated at every stage until the passport is safely in their hands.

If clients require additional documents, such as national ID cards, passport renewals or certificates for dependants, RUE provides continued administrative support. Our team is available to answer any follow-up queries, providing you with ongoing assistance for all citizenship-related needs, not just the passport.

By the time your passport arrives, the intensive preparation, due diligence and investment process will have transformed into a tangible result: full Antiguan citizenship accompanied by a powerful travel document and a wealth of long-term benefits. RUE’s structured approach ensures that this final step is completed smoothly, efficiently and stress-free.

Post-Citizenship Services

Obtaining citizenship and receiving your Antiguan passport is an important milestone, but for many clients, it is just the beginning of their relationship with the country-and with RUE. The true value lies not only in obtaining citizenship, but also in being able to use it strategically for purposes such as mobility, lifestyle, tax planning and long-term family security. This is why RUE provides a broad range of post-citizenship services, designed to support you long after your passport has been issued.

One of the most common areas in which clients seek support is tax residency planning. Antigua & Barbuda offers an attractive fiscal environment, with no capital gains, inheritance or wealth taxes, making it an appealing choice for global entrepreneurs and investors. However, to legally and sustainably benefit from these advantages, proper structuring is essential. Our advisors can help you to evaluate whether establishing tax residency would be beneficial to you, explain the requirements and assist you with practical steps such as obtaining local documentation and proof of residence and with long-term planning.

Banking support is another area where many new citizens require assistance. RUE can introduce you to reputable financial institutions in the Caribbean and internationally to help you open personal or corporate bank accounts. We will guide you through banking compliance, provide advice on the necessary documentation and help you to avoid common pitfalls relating to cross-border financial regulations.

Beyond financial and tax matters, we also support clients with family-related updates. If you wish to add a spouse, newborn child or dependent parent to your citizenship file, RUE will manage the entire process for you, ensuring compliance with the Citizenship-by-Investment Unit’s (CIU) evolving policies. Similarly, when the time comes to renew your passport or obtain additional civil documents, our dedicated team will handle the administrative work for you.

Some clients also explore local business opportunities, investments or lifestyle possibilities in Antigua & Barbuda after obtaining citizenship. RUE can provide guidance in these areas too, offering clarity on local corporate structures, real estate considerations and the regulatory requirements for operating in the Caribbean market.

The core value of RUE’s post-citizenship service is continuity. We are your long-term partner and are ready to assist you as your needs evolve and new opportunities arise. Our goal is to ensure that your Antiguan citizenship remains a practical, strategic asset, fully supported at every stage of your journey.