Application Process Roadmap

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Navigating the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program requires a structured, multi-disciplinary approach that integrates immigration law, financial compliance, and strategic planning. The process is regulated and managed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), which requires that all applications be submitted through licensed agents. Below is a comprehensive roadmap of the application lifecycle.

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Step 1: Initial Consultation and Strategic Assessment

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Applicants begin with a private consultation with an authorized CIP advisor or legal representative. At this stage:

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• Advisors assess eligibility, background, and red flag risks.
  
• Clients choose their preferred investment route based on liquidity, ROI goals, and complexity tolerance.
  
• A family inclusion strategy is mapped, considering cost, timing, and documentation logistics.
  
• Jurisdictional tax and dual citizenship implications are discussed with private client legal counsel.
  
  

Early alignment on strategy significantly reduces processing time and audit risk.

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Step 2: Document Preparation and Legal Pre-Clearance

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Once the route is selected, the applicant’s advisory team compiles all documents required by the CIU and third-party due diligence firms. This includes:

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• Personal and family identity documents (birth, marriage, passports).
  
• Source of funds documentation and financial declarations.
  
• Medical certificates and police clearance (from all jurisdictions resided in for the past 10 years).
  
• Affidavits of support for dependents, certified translations, and apostilles.
  
  

Experienced agents conduct an internal compliance audit before submission to ensure alignment with FATF and CIU standards. Any gaps are flagged and remedied at this stage.

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Step 3: File Submission and Government Due Diligence

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The application is submitted through a licensed agent to the CIU. The CIU:

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• Reviews the dossier for completeness.
  
• Commissions due diligence checks via international firms (e.g., S-RM, Exiger).
  
• Coordinates background checks with Interpol, CARICOM, and regional security bodies.
  
• Requests clarification if red flags or inconsistencies arise.
  
  

No interview is typically required unless high-risk flags are triggered. However, written declarations or supplemental documents may be requested.

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Step 4: Approval in Principle and Investment Execution

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Upon successful due diligence, the CIU issues a Letter of Approval in Principle. The applicant must then:

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• Transfer the donation amount to the government escrow account; or
  
• Execute real estate/business investments and provide title and escrow documentation.
  
  

Funds must be transferred from a personal or verified business account in the applicant’s name. Once confirmed, the CIU proceeds to issuance.

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Step 5: Naturalization and Passport Issuance

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The CIU issues a Certificate of Registration (Naturalization), and the Antigua & Barbuda Passport Office delivers:

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• A 5-year passport for all approved applicants.
  
• Optional e-passport services, depending on jurisdiction of delivery.
  
• Ongoing CIU monitoring for program compliance and residency fulfillment.
  
  

Applicants are advised to keep records of physical visits, particularly for residency verification within the first five years.

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