Luxury Locations issue 26

FEATURE

Gateway to freedom Antigua’s citizenship by investment programme stands strong in turbulent times

A nyone keeping tabs on global financial news will be aware that the world’s citizenship by investment programmes (CIP) have been in the firing line in recent times. With their ability to lower one’s tax liability and allow savvy investors to enter new and emerging markets, it’s little wonder that heavyweight powers like the US might be happy to see the back of so-called ‘golden passports’. What critics didn’t count on was the tenacity of small nations like those in the Caribbean who are determined to keep what, for many, is an economic lifeline – and thus the high levels of diligence and oversight with which their schemes are governed today. The truth is, increasingly stringent

“Remote passport acquisition is possible, with just a five-day visit required before the first five-year renewal – a requirement that enhances the programme’s international credibility. Direct flights from the US and Canada make this visit convenient,” Recouso added. Forbes’ top rated CIP country of Portugal – with its five-year route to naturalisation – won’t necessarily appeal to those seeking the year-round sunshine and laidback vibe that the Caribbean has on tap. Investment migration experts Henley & Partners say applications for Caribbean CIP soared significantly last year as more and more high-net worth people opted to escape turbulence in their homeland. “With flexible investment

measures to bolster transparency, weed out undesirables, and close loopholes that could once be exploited by crooks, means such programmes appear unlikely to be going anywhere. Surging turmoil and political instability in many countries worldwide – not least in the US itself – is only making them all the more attractive. There are a number of nations across the globe that offer CIP, but Antigua and Barbuda’s programme stands out for several reasons.

routes – from real estate and business to contributions supporting national development—Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment programme provides accessible pathways for investors at every stage of wealth-building,” the consultancy’s Dominic Volek tells Luxury Locations Magazine. “From its pristine beaches and thriving property market to its excellent air links to North America and Europe, this Caribbean island nation is an

It was in fact ranked the second best in the world by Forbes, which noted its visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 150 destinations including the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and Europe’s Schengen Area. While its price – which starts at US$230,000 via a contribution to the National Development Fund – is on a par with the four other Caribbean CIPs, Antigua was lauded for its overall passport strength. “In terms of passport prestige and visa-free access, it’s at the top along with St Kitts and Nevis – ranking above St Lucia, Grenada and Dominica citizenship in terms of passport strength,” wrote Alex Recouso. “Antigua also feels very safe, has great infrastructure and the processing times are as low as six months.

exceptional place to live, invest, or own a second home.” Volek describes an Antigua and Barbuda passport as “a true gateway to the world”. “It also stands out as one of the most family-friendly programmes globally, securing a brighter future not only for investors but also for their spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and even siblings under a single application.” One of the most popular routes to citizenship in Antigua is investing at least US$300,000 into a government-approved property, which must be held for a minimum of five years. Luxury Locations has a wide range of listings which fall into this category, from resort suites to villas. Not only can buyers expect healthy appreciation, they can also secure additional return on investment by offering their property for short-term vacation

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