Antigua & Barbuda. Your guide to Economic Citizenship 2014

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1 Antigua & Barbuda Your guide to Economic Citizenship 2014

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3 ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Antigua and Barbuda is a group of tropical islands in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean. They are primarily known for their beautiful warm weather, pristine beaches and clear waters. Antigua and Barbuda is the largest of the Leeward Islands at 14 miles long and 11 miles wide; and a land area of 108 square miles for Antigua, and 68 miles square for Barbuda. Due to the much unbroken wall of coral reef and complex coastline of harbors, Antigua and Barbuda is a rather protective area. In fact, back in the 18th century, the secluded area was a perfect place for Great Britain to hide their fleet. Today, for the same reasons, the islands have become the Caribbean s most flocked tourist destination. The difficult-to-navigate coastline and hidden harbors make an expansive area of isolated and untouched beaches, which attracts many trekkers worldwide. The steady winds of the island also make the place ideal for maritime events such as Sailing Week. Its beautiful and inviting coral reefs are magnets to snorkelers and scuba divers of all nations. Temperatures in Antigua and Barbuda generally reach the mid-80s in summer and mid-70s in winter. Antigua and Barbuda are the sunniest islands of the Eastern Caribbean, with an average yearly rainfall of just 45 inches. Antigua and Barbuda is also a member of the United Nations, British Commonwealth, Caricom, and the Organizations of American States (OAS), among many others. Holding an Antigua and Barbuda passport allows visa-free travel to more than 130 countries around the world. Useful information: Capital: St,John s Population: 81,799 Language: English Religion: Christian, small communities of Rastafarian, Orthodox and other Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (pegged to the US Dollar XCD$2.67 = US $1.00) Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II Head of Government: Prime Minister Your Guide to Economic Citizenship 1

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5 ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA THE LEGAL BASIS FOR CITIZENSHIP OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA The government authority responsible for processing all Citizenship by Investment applications is called the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). The unit was established by the Honorable Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda following the parliamentary assent in The citizenship program is based on the Section 6 of the Citizenship by Investment Act, To apply for citizenship, you are required to make a significant economic contribution to the country. Those who qualify under the criteria set by parliamentary decision are extended citizenships to their spouse and children as well. No applicants with criminal records will be approved for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship. GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT OPTIONS There a couple ways to acquire Antigua and Barbuda citizenship. They are as follows: A: NDF Contribution By making a contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF), a non-profit fund, an individual may acquire citizenship through the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program. A minimum sum of $250,000 per individual application is required. Family applications are subject to additional fees. For a limited time, family applications are being offered at $300,000 per family of 4, where 2 of the children are under the age of 18. This discount is being offered through April Additional children require additional fees. Please inquire with us about additional fees so that we make walk you through the process. B. Real Estate Investment Option Citizenship can be acquired via the Real Estate Investment option where applicants are required to make an investment in selected and officially approved property. To qualify for citizenship under this option, please refer to the Real Estate Investment Option page in this brochure. A minimum investment of $400,00 is required. Government Approved Development Project Regulation 6 of the [Citizenship by Investment Act 2013] sets out the process by which real estate projects are approved for investment by applicants to the CIP. The Government will from time to time identify approved development areas. (R6.1) It will then approve specific projects within these areas. Approved projects are then eligible for investment by applicants to the Citizenship by Investment Program. (R6.2) Please contact us for our recommendations for Government Approved development projects. C. Antigua Business Investment There are two business investment options: 1. Where a person proposes to make an investment in an approved business of at least US$ 1,500,000 on their own behalf. 2. At least two persons propose to make a joint investment in such an approved business totaling at least US$ 5,000,000, and each of those persons individually propose to contribute at least US$400,000 to the joint investment an application or application for Citizenship by Investment may be submitted on his, her or their behalf through an agent. ** Government Fees are limited to US$ 300,000 for a family of four (4) where the children are below 18 (2 dependents as prescribed under the CIP Regulations) until April 2015 under the National Development Fund investment option. This is a Limited Time Offer and the Government reserves the right to withdraw the offer at their discretion. Your Guide to Economic Citizenship 3

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7 ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA THE MAIN BENEFITS FOR AQUIRING CITIZENSHIP OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA 4 The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program allows applicants to have a second citizenship and passport without needing to renounce current citizenship. 4 Citizenship is permanent. Adults are granted a Antigua and Barbuda Passport for 5 years and Children 5 years. Citizenship Antigua can assist with all renewals. 4 Almost all nations are eligible to apply for citizenship, including Iranian nationals. 4 Antigua has the fastest application process of all countries where applications are approved in as little as 3 to 5 months. 4 Citizenship is also available to your spouse and children of up to 25 years of age as well as dependent parents aged 65 and older. 4 You will be able to travel freely to over to 131 nations including the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, U.K. and the European Union. 4 As a citizen, you are free from many taxes including personal income tax, corporate tax incentives, import duty incentives, and many others. Your Guide to Economic Citizenship 5

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9 ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION 4Notarized Photograph and Signature Certificate and Birth Certificate 4Medical Certificate including original results of HIV test (no older than 3 months) 4 Certified copy of a current passport 4 Certified copy of your current national identity cards 4 8 original passport-sized photos of oneself taken within the past 6 months. Police Certificate certificate of no criminal record from every country of residence within the past ten years. 4 Professional reference from an attorney or accountant, no older than 6 months 4 Certified copy of divorce document(s) (if applicable) 4 Affidavit of support and notarized school transcripts for all children ages who are included in the application 4 Affidavit of support for all parents and grandparents included in the application 4 For the Real Estate option a signed Purchases and Sales Agreement must be included 4 Certified copy of military records (if applicable) 4 Certified copy of proof of name change (if applicable) 4 One original and recent utility bill or bank statement showing full name and address 4 Original bank reference letter issued by an internationally recognized bank, not older than 6 months. 4 Notarized copy of Birth Certificate for each applicant 4 Certified copy of marriage certificate Your Guide to Economic Citizenship 7

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11 ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT OPTION Citizenship can be acquired via the Real Estate Investment option where applicants are required to make an investment in selected and officially approved property. To qualify for citizenship under this option, the following requirements apply: 4 Passports will be valid for 5 years. There is a residency requirement whereby all economic citizens must spend a total of 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda, which can be accumulated over a 5 year period. Due Diligence Fees All applications are subject to rigorous due diligence to ensure that only meritorious applicants are granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda. The due diligence fee is charged for each family member above the age of 11 years as prescribed in the table below. The due diligence fee is payable upon submission of the application by the appointed agent and is non-refundable. 4 The minimum value of real estate investment for you and your family is US$400,000 and must be government-approved real estate. 4 In a joint application of two or more applicants, each applicant is to contribute the minimum investment of $400,000 respectively. 4 Real estate cannot be sold until 5 years after the purchase. 4 The balance of the government processing fee and all sums due to the developer than enable transfer of title to your name, must be paid on receipt of letter of approval. 4 All in order, a certificate of registration will be issued to you and your family which needs to be forwarded to the passport office with your application along with any accompanying documentation. 4 You and each member of your family are also subject to fees for the issuance of your passports. ** Government Fees are limited to US$ 300,000 for a family of four (4) where the children are below 18 (2 dependents as prescribed under the CIP Regulations) until April 2015 under the National Development Fund investment option. This includes the fees for both the application and government processing fees. This is a Limited Time Offer and the Government reserves the right to withdraw the offer at their discretion. Your Guide to Economic Citizenship 9

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13 ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA ANTIGUA & BARBUDA CITIZENSHIP PROCESS & TIMEFRAME Step 1 Upon instructing us to proceed and in receipt of our professional fees and the Governments due diligence fees, we will liaise with you to prepare your supporting application documents for submitting to the Citizenship Investment Unit in Antigua. Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 If you have chosen the real estate option, you will pay 10% deposit to the developer After due diligence by the Government an approval in principle letter is issued by the Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU) in Antigua. The balance of the real estate investment is due or the NDF option and citizenship fees to the Antigua and Barbuda Government escrow account The Citizenship certificate is issued Step 6 The Antigua & Barbuda passport is issued Time Frame: Approval in Principle is issued within 90 days Passport in 120 days Please note these time frames are a guideline as each individual case can vary. Your Guide to Economic Citizenship 11

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15 ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Frequently Asked Questions 4 How long does citizenship of Antigua & Barbuda take? We are currently processing our applications in 3-5 months 4 Does Antigua & Barbuda have restricted nationalities? No. Iranians are also invited to apply. 4 What is the difference between the NDF option or real estate? The NDF is a donation option and the funds are nonrefundable, although the real estate option is more expensive you would have the property to sell after five years and maintain your citizenship 4 Where can I travel to visa free with a Antigua & Barbuda passport? Europe, United Kingdom and Canada but for a full list please ask to a list of the visa free countries 4 What are the benefits of Antigua & Barbuda citizenship? Visa free travel to Europe, the UK and Canada, Open to Iranian Nationals No income tax Dual Citizenship is allowed 4 Does Antigua & Barbuda allow dual nationality? Yes 4 Does Antigua & Barbuda disclose who has applied for citizenship? No, confidentiality is maintained 4 Do I have to reside in Antigua & Barbuda to maintain citizenship? There is no requirement to reside in Antigua & Barbuda. 4 Do I need to travel to Antigua & Barbuda? Yes, there is a 5 day residency requirement for each applicant, which can be acquired over a 5 year period. 4 What is the minimum investment required? The NDF donation option is the cheapest option and starts at $250,000 if you chose real estate the minimum is $400,000 4 If I have a new baby after I receive my families citizenship for Antigua & Barbuda can I include the new baby? Yes, new born children are eligible for citizenship by descent. 4 How long is a Antigua & Barbuda passport valid? 5 years for adults and five years for children. Your Guide to Economic Citizenship 13

16 ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA WHY CHOOSE CARIBBEAN CITIZENSHIP? Caribbean Citizenship is recognized as the leader in obtaining fast-track citizenship and processing applications in just 3 to 5 months. With offices in each jurisdiction, our local lawyers and professional offshore consultants are on hand to advise you on the best programme for you to obtain an irrevocable second passport. Firstly, we will liaise with you to ensure your application forms are completed accurately to ensure a successful application and secondly, with the Due Diligence Agency and Government on a daily basis, to expedite your application. With over 12 years experience of successfully guiding families through what can often be a complicated process, our past clients are more than happy to contacted by you to offer reassurance on the whole process. We understand that there are often substantial time zone differences, particularly with the Middle East and Asia but we will always be on hand on your time to give you current updates. Whether you are considering a second citizenship due to your current nationality being restrictive with issuing visas, personal security or opening opportunities for your children, acquiring a second citizenship is a wise decision and an investment for the future: Your citizenship of choice is for life, your spouse and children can be included and dual nationality is recognised. It is also an incredibly effective tool for tax planning and offering more privacy in banking and investments. The jurisdictions we offer have generous tax regimes - no Wealth, Gift, Inheritance, Foreign Income or Capital Gains Tax and No Personal Income tax. Once you have received your second citizenship we are here to help and support you should you require assistance in opening bank accounts, driving licences and other services in the jurisdictions. 14 Your Guide to Economic Citizenship

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18 St.Kitts & Nevis: Dominica: UAE: PO Box 874 Roseau Commonwealth of Dominica