The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has introduced a new reform to its Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP), marking an important milestone in the ongoing modernization of investment-based citizenship initiatives across the Caribbean.
This initiative comes at a time of increased global emphasis on security, transparency, and compliance, aligning the program with the standards set by the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
The objective is clear: to enhance the credibility, reliability, and long-term sustainability of the program while maintaining its many advantages for investors. These adjustments are not intended to restrict access to citizenship. The goal is to ensure its continued recognition and stability on the international stage.
In other words, this reform represents a natural and positive evolution a necessary modernization that allows Caribbean citizenship programs to remain attractive, secure, and globally respected.
The new legislation introduces several key adjustments designed to enhance transparency, credibility, and international compliance within Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Program.
These changes do not alter the core foundations of the program but rather aim to modernize and further strengthen its integrity and global reputation.
New citizens will now be required to spend a total of 30 days in Antigua and Barbuda within a five-year period, compared to the previous five-day requirement.
This condition remains flexible, as the 30 days can be spread across multiple visits according to each individual’s availability.
The purpose of this change is to deepen the connection between investors and the country, without imposing unnecessary constraints on their schedules.
All new applicants will now be required to participate in a formal interview, either in person or virtually.
The goal is to strengthen due diligence and ensure that every candidate is properly known and verified through a transparent process.
This measure, already common in other international citizenship programs, will enhance the program’s credibility among global partners and institutions.
The government is also introducing fingerprint and biometric photo collection for all new citizens, as well as for existing citizens when renewing their passports.
To make this process accessible, biometric centers will be established across key global regions (including North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa).
This step further reinforces the program’s commitment to security and international best practices, ensuring that Caribbean passports remain among the most secure and respected in the world.
Antigua and Barbuda is working closely with other members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) including St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Dominica, and Grenada to align their practices and implementation timelines.
This regional approach aims to eliminate disparities between programs and strengthen coherence and international confidence in the Caribbean’s Citizenship by Investment framework.
For individuals who already hold citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda, this reform brings no loss of rights or benefits. All advantages associated with citizenship including freedom of movement, economic rights, and legal status remain unchanged.
The only adjustment concerns the submission of biometric data when renewing a passport. This measure, already standard practice in many countries, is intended to enhance the security and authenticity of travel documents, ensuring that Caribbean passports continue to rank among the most trusted and respected in the world.
It is important to note that no immediate action is required from existing citizens. The authorities will communicate all next steps and practical details clearly and in advance, allowing for a smooth and transparent implementation process.
For individuals who are currently in the process of applying for citizenship or considering submitting an application soon, it is important to note that ongoing applications are not immediately affected by the new reforms. The process will continue to be handled under the current rules, with no changes to conditions, timelines, or core requirements.
The new measures, such as mandatory interviews and the 30-day residency requirement over five years, will be introduced gradually, with a structured transition period. This approach ensures that applicants can adapt comfortably while receiving continuous support and guidance throughout the process.
For future investors, this represents an ideal time to begin the application process. Submitting a file now allows applicants to benefit from the existing framework, while also being automatically covered by the enhanced, modernized, and globally recognized system once it takes effect.
These reforms reaffirm the Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s strong commitment to maintaining a high-quality Citizenship by Investment Program, built on transparency, trust, and international security.
Through these enhancements, the program now stands on an even stronger and more sustainable foundation. This ensures its long-term credibility and the lasting value of the passport it grants.
Both current citizens and future investors can be fully confident: Caribbean citizenship remains attractive, recognized, and secure, while continuing to offer outstanding opportunities for global mobility, stability, and diversification.
The Citizenship Invest team remains at your disposal to provide personalized guidance and support, whether you are already a citizen, currently in the application process, or exploring your investment options.
The reform introduces a new residency requirement of 30 days over a five-year period for new citizens of Antigua and Barbuda. This means that each citizen must spend a total of 30 days in the country within five years, with no annual minimum and no fixed duration per stay. The requirement can be fulfilled through multiple short visits, offering maximum flexibility.
Every applicant for citizenship by investment will be required to complete a mandatory interview as part of the application process. This interview can be conducted either in person or remotely. This insures that the process remains convenient and accessible to all. The purpose of this measure is to enhance transparency and credibility. It allows authorities to better understand each applicant’s background and confirm the authenticity of their application. It is not a test or an assessment, but rather a standard verification step, already common practice in many international citizenship programs.
This new procedure involves recording key identification details such as fingerprints and a biometric photograph to further enhance the security and authenticity of issued documents. To make the process simple, fast, and accessible, biometric collection centers will be established in multiple regions around the world.
Current holders of an Antigua and Barbuda passport are not directly affected by the new measures. They will retain all their existing rights and benefits. The only update concerns the biometric data collection, which will become mandatory only when renewing the passport. No other action is required in the meantime. The authorities will communicate all procedures clearly and in advance once this step becomes applicable.
Applications that are currently being processed will not be affected by the new reform. They will continue to be evaluated and finalized under the existing procedures in place at the time of submission. The new requirements will be introduced gradually.
