The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program provides a sought-after path to alternative citizenship. By investing in approved real estate or contributing to the country’s National Development Fund, applicants can acquire the rights and privileges of Antiguan and Barbudan citizenship, including visa-free travel to nearly 150 destinations, the ability to live, work, and study in the country, and the opportunity to pass on citizenship to future generations.

Investing in Antigua and Barbuda’s real estate market

Antigua and Barbuda’s real estate market is a true gem in the Caribbean, offering a unique lifestyle experience for buyers seeking island living at its finest. From luxurious villas nestled along pristine beaches to chic boutique hotel suites in vibrant resort towns, the nation’s real estate offerings cater to a wide range of preferences and budgets.

The island’s breathtaking natural scenery, with its turquoise waters, swaying palms, and white sandy beaches, provides the perfect backdrop for a serene and luxurious island lifestyle. At the same time, Antigua and Barbuda’s stable economy, strong tourism industry, and welcoming environment for foreign investment make it an attractive destination for those seeking both a tropical haven and a savvy real estate investment opportunity.

Minimum investment requirements

To qualify for citizenship through the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program via the real estate option, applicants must purchase a property valued at a minimum of USD 300,000 from one of the government-approved real estate developments. This investment can be made through sole or shared ownership, providing flexibility to cater to different investment goals.

Ownership structures

Antigua and Barbuda offers versatile ownership structures for real estate investors, allowing them to choose between sole or shared ownership of their desired property. Sole ownership provides complete control and exclusivity, while shared ownership can be an attractive option for those seeking a more affordable entry point or a diversified investment portfolio.

This flexibility in ownership structures accommodates diverse investment strategies and preferences, making it easier for investors to find the perfect real estate opportunity that aligns with their specific needs and goals.

Rental income potential

Beyond the allure of owning a piece of paradise, investing in Antigua and Barbuda’s real estate market also presents the opportunity for generating rental income. The island’s thriving tourism industry ensures a steady demand for vacation rentals, with residential properties typically yielding an annual rental income ranging from 2.5% to 5%.

This potential for passive income can provide an additional revenue stream for investors, while also offering the option to offset some of the costs associated with property ownership. With careful property management and a strategic approach, real estate investments in Antigua and Barbuda can be a lucrative source of income.

Additional expenses

Aside from the property’s purchase price, buyers should factor in the following additional expenses when investing in real estate in Antigua and Barbuda:

• Third-party legal transfer or closing fees: 1% of the purchase price
• Purchaser’s stamp duty: 2.5% of the purchase price
• Property management fees (if utilizing a professional management company)
• Maintenance and upkeep costs
• Utilities and other recurring expenses

It’s important to carefully consider and budget for these additional expenses to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the total investment required and to plan accordingly.

Tax implications

Rental income generated from properties in Antigua and Barbuda is subject to the ABST (Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax) tax, which is levied at a rate of 15% for short-term rentals. Additionally, property owners are required to pay an annual property tax to the government, as assessed by the Inland Revenue Department based on the value of the property.

It’s advisable to consult with local tax professionals or relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the latest tax regulations and to explore potential deductions or exemptions that may apply to your specific situation.

Expected returns and potential benefits

While the real estate market in Antigua and Barbuda offers the allure of island living and a thriving tourism industry, it also presents attractive investment opportunities. Under normal market conditions, property investments can yield an estimated annual revenue of 2.5% to 3%.

However, it’s important to note that these returns can fluctuate based on various factors, including global economic conditions, tourism trends, and local market dynamics. A well-informed and strategic approach to real estate investment, coupled with professional guidance, can help maximize returns while mitigating potential risks.

Beyond the financial benefits, investing in Antigua and Barbuda’s real estate market also offers the unique opportunity to acquire citizenship through the Citizenship by Investment Program. This can provide access to a host of advantages, including visa-free travel to nearly 150 destinations, the ability to live, work, and study in Antigua and Barbuda, and the opportunity to pass on citizenship to future generations.

🌴 Antigua & Barbuda: Government-Approved Real Estate Projects

Below is a curated table of government-approved real estate projects in Antigua and Barbuda, organized by parish with project types.

St. John’s

• Trade Winds Hotel – Carib Boots Limited, Dickenson Bay
• The Amavi Beach Resort & Spa – Leisure World Properties Limited, Yeptons Estate
• Blue Waters Beach Hotel – Carib Holdings Ltd, Soldier Bay
• Ocean Grand – Corbkinnons Limited, Dickenson Bay
• Diamond Harbour – Diamond Caribbean Properties Limited, Long Street
• Freetown Destination Resort – Freetown Destination Resort Limited, #60 Nevis Street
• Courtyard Marriott Hotel Antigua – G.V. Development Limited, Church Street
• OBI Villas – Ocean Breeze Investments Ltd, Jolly Harbour
• Antigua Yacht Club Marina – Ondeck Living Limited, Falmouth Harbour
• Papaya Hotel & Spa – Rendezvous Bay Real Estate Corporation, Rendezvous Bay
• Trafalgar Beach Resort – Trafalgar Beach Resort, Hideaway Beach, Yeptons

St. George’s

• International Free Trade Centre – Caribbean Free Trade Zone Development (Antigua) Inc, Carlisle
• BluPearl at Hodges Bay – JSN Development Group Limited, Hodges Bay

St. Mary’s

• Callalloo Project – Al Caribi Developments Antigua Ltd, Morris Bay, Old Road
• No.5 Jolly Harbour – EGMF Development Limited, Porto Fino Offices, Jolly Harbour
• Hermitage Bay Antigua – Hermitage Bay Hotel Limited, Jennings Extension
• Tamarind Hills Development – Island Heights Limited, Fryes Beach
• Tranquility Bay Antigua – Jolly Beach Vacations, Jolly Harbour
• Colibri Court – KDI Development Limited, Jolly Harbour Marina Village, Bolans
• Passion Village – Macy Limited, Valley Church
• Sugar Ridge Villas – Mongoose Developments Limited, Tottenham Park
• Marina Residences – Orange Ltd, Jolly Harbour
• Pearns Point, The Reserve & Hotel – Orange Ltd, Jolly Harbour
• Harbour Island Residences – Stanhope Shepherd Limited, Jolly Harbour Commercial Centre
• Best Western Premier – Title Harbour Views Ltd., Jolly Harbour
• Hibiscus and Flamboyant Villas – Whitegate Development Projects, Ffryes Estate

St. Paul’s

• Daniel Bay – Blueprint Development, Willoughby Bay
• Nelson’s Retreat Development – Blueprint Development, English Harbour
• Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort – Carlo Falcone, English Harbour
• Galley Bay Heights – Galley Bay Heights, Pigeon Point, Falmouth
• Dieppe Bay Villas – Naple Developers Limited, English Harbour
• Pigeon Point – New Century Development Ltd, Falmouth
• South Point Antigua – ROLS Limited / South Point Antigua, Yacht Club Drive

St. Phillip’s

• Nonsuch Bay Resort – Nonsuch Development Company Limited, Hughes Point
• Verandah Estates – Verandah Estates Limited, Long Bay
• World of Indulgence Villas – World of Indulgence, Nonsuch Bay Resort, Hughes Point

Multiple Parishes

• Maiden Island – Yida International Investment Antigua Limited, Crump Peninsula, Guiana Island, Crump Island

Government-Approved Areas

Below is the rearranged list of officially designated areas in Antigua and Barbuda for eligible real estate investments under the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), as per the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). Specific projects within these areas require individual approval, with boundaries defined in the regulations.

Antigua

• Blackman’s Estate (Blackman’s Point)
• Falmouth Harbour to Galleon Bay
• Fort James to Blue Waters
• Guiana Island and its environs to Crabbs Peninsula to Indian Point
• Marble Hill
• Nonsuch Bay area
• Pearns Point to Johnson’s Point
• Pillar Rock to Five Islands
• Willoughby Bay to Half Moon Bay

Barbuda

• Coco Point
• Low Bay to Palmetto Point and Coco Point

Antigua and Barbuda Real Estate FAQ

Are there any restrictions on the acquisition of real estate in Antigua and Barbuda by foreign buyers?

Foreign nationals require a non-citizen’s landholding license to purchase real estate in Antigua and Barbuda. However, this license is not required if the client is applying for citizenship through the country’s Citizenship by Investment Program by investing in one of the approved real estate developments.

How can immovable property in Antigua and Barbuda be acquired?

There are two main ways for foreign nationals to acquire immovable property:

• For non-citizens, a landholding license must be obtained from the government prior to purchasing real estate on the islands.
• For those seeking citizenship, immovable property can be acquired through the Citizenship by Investment Program by investing the required minimum amount (currently USD 300,000) in an approved real estate development.

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Does the applicant need to open a bank account to purchase property, and what is the procedure?

It is not mandatory for overseas investors to have a local bank account in Antigua and Barbuda to purchase property. However, once the property is acquired, it is highly advisable to open a bank account on the island to facilitate smooth transactions and business operations related to the property ownership.

The procedure to open a bank account typically involves providing standard documentation such as a valid passport, proof of address, and source of funds. Some banks may require additional documentation depending on their policies.

What kind of returns can be expected from property investment in Antigua and Barbuda?

Under normal market conditions, real estate investments in Antigua and Barbuda can generate an estimated annual revenue between 2.5% and 3%. However, these returns can fluctuate based on various factors, including global economic conditions, tourism trends, and local market dynamics.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the real estate market experienced challenges, and expected returns may have been lower than average during that period.

How is rental income from properties in Antigua and Barbuda taxed?

Rental income generated from properties is subject to the ABST (Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax). For short-term rentals, the ABST tax rate is 15%.

Property owners are advised to consult with local tax professionals to ensure compliance with the latest regulations and understand any potential deductions or exemptions.

What other immovable property-related taxes and charges are imposed in Antigua and Barbuda?

In addition to rental income tax, property owners must pay an annual property tax based on the value of the property.

When purchasing a property, buyers are responsible for third-party legal transfer or closing fees (typically 1% of the purchase price) and the standard purchaser’s stamp duty of 2.5% of the purchase price.

Are there any holding period requirements for real estate purchased through the Citizenship by Investment Program?

Yes, applicants must hold and maintain ownership of the qualifying property for a minimum of five years before being eligible for citizenship renunciation or resale.

Is it possible to obtain financing for property purchases in Antigua and Barbuda as a foreign buyer?

Yes, some local and international financial institutions may offer financing options. Availability and terms vary based on the buyer’s financial profile, the property, and prevailing market conditions. Buyers should consult financial advisors to explore options.

Are there any zoning restrictions or regulations that foreign buyers should be aware of when purchasing property in Antigua and Barbuda?

Yes, zoning regulations govern land use and development. These may impose restrictions on activities allowed on certain parcels of land, including residential, commercial, agricultural, or mixed-use purposes.

Foreign buyers should familiarize themselves with local zoning laws and consult legal experts or real estate professionals to ensure compliance.

Contact AptCitizenship.com for Expert Guidance

To learn more about investing in Antigua and Barbuda’s real estate market and the Citizenship by Investment Program, or to schedule a consultation with one of our qualified advisors, contact us here.