Antigua Ecominic Citizenship Program Being Debated in Parliament

Nov. 16, 2012 - PRLog -- In the Capital city of St Johns, the  government of Antigua has this week debated over its proposed economic citizenship program which will allow third country nationals the opportunity to invest in the Caribbean country and make an application for citizenship.

Located in the Lesser Antilles and being part of the West Indies archipelago, Antigua is only 100km from St Kitts and Nevis, whose Economic Citizenship Program is one of the most established in the world and has great similarities to the new citizenship program being debated in Antigua.

Antigua markets itself as a luxury Caribbean escape and its economy relies heavily on tourism. Antigua is also supported by the growing medical school and its students. Many hotels and resorts are located around the coastline, and the island's single airport is serviced by several major airlines including Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, US Airways, American Airlines, United Airlines among others. The country has a population of just over 80,000 and uses the East Caribbean Dollar and the US Dollar as legal currency. Notable residents include Giorgio Armani, Richard Branson, Eric Clapton and Sir Viv Richards.


The Economic Citizenship Program being debated in parliament is very similar to the one being offered by neighboring Caribbean Island, St Kitts and Nevis. If passed in to law, the program will allow the following investments to qualify for an application for citizenship and 5-year passport

● US $400,000 in property within Antigua
● Contribute US $250,000 to the National Development Fund
● Donate US $250,000 to an approved charitable organisation
● Invest in a business starting at US $1.5 million

One notable difference to the Economic Citizenship program offered by St Kitts is the requirement for physical residence in Antigua once citizenship has been granted. Our understanding is that the proposed law will require new citizens to spend at least 70 days on the Island each year otherwise the passport may not be renewed after 5 years. However, if you have been to Antigua then spending  2 months a year there will be far from onerous as it's a truly beautiful Island.

Our firm Protis Corporation Limited  will assist any prospective investors looking to apply for Antigua citizenship. We are a specialist immigration consultancy providing citizenship and residency advice to High Net Worth investors. Please visit our website http://www.whichcitizenship.com for further information.

© Protis Corporation Limited