Negosentro.com | Reasons Why Antigua and Barbuda Has the Best Citizenship by Investment Program | The Caribbean has long been known as a leisure destination, but over the years, it has slowly become an ideal place to relocate for a lot of people. The top reason why the region has seen an increase in expats is the amazing island weather, which is quite ideal and beneficial, particularly for older individuals.
Another reason that a lot of expats have provided is the potential for business to be found in this part of the world. There are tons of business opportunities available throughout the West Indies for entrepreneurs.
However, it’s important to point out that some countries in the region greatly outperform others in attracting immigrants. One of these nations is Antigua and Barbuda, which is known in the international community as one of the countries with the best citizenship by investment programs.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Program
Most Caribbean nations offer second citizenship by investment. However, this provision is not created the same for every country. What sets Antigua and Barbuda’s program apart is, first and foremost, the cost. It offers the best value among all the countries that offer this program.
The amount of money you can pay the government through the program to obtain second citizenship to Antigua and Barbuda starts at $100,000, which is significantly lower than in any of the other countries in the region. This is just one advantage; listed below are the other reasons why the country has the best citizenship by investment program.
1. Convenient application
Applying for dual citizenship to Antigua and Barbuda does not require your physical presence in the country. Once you have found the specialists to assist you, all you have to do is present all the necessary requirements. The program experts will take care of everything for you.
Additionally, you don’t even need to live in the country after your Antigua and Barbuda citizenship has been granted.
2. Faster processing
Typically, the application processing can take a few months. In Antigua and Barbuda, it used to take 90 days or three months to process new passports. In other countries, 120 days or four months remains to be the standard processing time.
However, in an interview, CIU Head Charmain Quinland-Donovan shared that processing timelines in Antigua have improved due to a more efficient staff. From the 90-day processing timeline, the organization can now complete passport processing within 60 days or two months. On some occasions, the CIU has managed to accomplish all that within 45 days.
Needless to say, prompt processing is one of the top reasons that puts Antigua’s citizenship by investment program a cut above the rest.
3. Visa-free travel to more countries
Visa-free travel is another attractive benefit provided by Antigua’s citizenship by investment program. For people who live on the fast lane, not having to apply for a visa to visit a lot of countries is a huge source of convenience. For many entrepreneurs, for instance, this means the ability to lock in opportunities for establishing international relations.
People with an Antiguan passport can travel visa-free to 165 of the 195 countries in the world.
4. A fast-growing economy
Antigua and Barbuda is considered the Switzerland of the Caribbean. This means that the economy is growing, making it an excellent location for various business pursuits. It is also worth mentioning that this twin-island nation offers competitive salaries, which is why a lot of skilled workers from neighboring nations in the West Indies move here for work.
For those who are looking to invest and grow their assets, there’s a much higher success rate with these pursuits in Antigua and Barbuda compared to anywhere else in the region. Plus, for dual citizens, the process for startups is both less complicated and less costly.
5. Living in safety in the Caribbean
As gorgeous all around as the Caribbean may be, what with its white sandy beaches, abundant sunshine, and wonderful weather 90 percent of the time, it is often in the path of strong hurricanes.
However, Antigua and Barbuda are often out of the way of natural catastrophes. In addition to that, reports reveal that when it comes to crime rates, this nation is among the few with the lowest reports of crimes. Most crimes are petty ones, and they are mostly concentrated in specific areas, so it’s very safe to live everywhere else in the country.
This means that if you choose to move here permanently, your personal safety and the integrity of your investments can be preserved as well.
6. Tax relief
If you’re an acknowledged citizen of the country, expect to enjoy a lot of tax advantages. For one, Antigua and Barbuda citizens are not required to pay capital gain and estate taxes. Plus, other taxes are considerably lower compared to other countries.
This means that through a citizenship program, you can pursue a variety of wealth building opportunities without worrying about the financial strain created by taxes.
7. Easy assimilation
With Antigua being one of the most progressive nations in the Caribbean region, many find that becoming a citizen here is so much easier than in other countries. First of all, the international language, English, is widely spoken here. Second, there’s a fast-growing number of expats from English-speaking nations here. Third, the business community is mostly composed of foreign entrepreneurs.
It’s worth noting as well that being an acknowledged citizen of the country comes with a lot of benefits, such as free primary health care. If you have children, there’s free education until they reach the age of 16. What’s more, the quality of education is competitive because it’s based on the British education system.
And as mentioned earlier, you can start a business and invest in properties more easily.
Applying for Dual Citizenship to Antigua and Barbuda
Indeed, Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program is an outstanding program for people who want to gain a new way of life, grow their wealth, and diversify their financial portfolio. If you are keen on this provision, the easiest way to apply is with the help of program specialists.
Start by filling an application form online; you will be provided with a team of experts to guide you through the other requirements and and help you submit your application for processing.
Author Bio
Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship investment into the Caribbean, North America and Europe. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.
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