Charmaine Donavan, the Chief Executive Officer of the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP
Antigua and Barbuda has secured a commendable fourth-place ranking in the 2024 Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Index, tying with Saint Lucia among Caribbean countries.
The recent report, prepared by global research consultant James McKay and published in September 2024 by McKay Research, assessed the performance of CBI programs worldwide.
The index evaluates programs based on nine criteria, including living standards, freedom of movement, investment thresholds, and due diligence, which are crucial for individuals seeking alternative citizenship.
This year’s CBI Index featured 12 countries with active programs: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Austria, Malta, Türkiye, Egypt, Cambodia, Vanuatu, and Jordan.
Antigua and Barbuda’s strong fourth-place position reflects its transparent, adaptable, and inclusive program, with family-friendly policies and rigorous compliance measures.
A key factor in Antigua and Barbuda’s success has been its dedication to regional collaboration through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed with other Caribbean nations.
Effective June 2024, this MoA set a minimum investment threshold of $200,000 and established standardized information-sharing protocols to improve due diligence across the region.
The country’s adherence to these benchmarks, including required applicant interviews, bolstered its strong ranking in the CBI Index and highlighted its leadership role in the Caribbean concerning program integrity.
Antigua and Barbuda’s program is notable for its family flexibility, allowing dependents up to age 30, as well as parents, grandparents, and siblings, to be included in applications.
Coupled with a minimal residency requirement of just five days within five years, this makes the country particularly appealing for investors seeking second citizenship that accommodates the entire family.
Antigua and Barbuda stands out in the 2024 CBI Index for their exceptionally family-friendly programs, featuring a flexible application structure that accommodates siblings, parents, and grandparents of both the primary applicant and their spouse.
Furthermore, the age limit for dependents of the main applicant has been increased from under 18 to 30 years. As of August 2024, there will be no age limits for dependents who are physically or mentally incapacitated.
So where is the story?????