How to Get Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

Person has been the spouse of a citizen, with common household, for 3 years. If spouse died during that period and would have become an Antigua and Barbuda citizen, widow can apply for citizenship. Other conditions: oath of loyalty.

Person is born abroad to a citizen who was born in Antigua and Barbuda, or to a citizen who is in the service of the government, or to a deceased parent who held Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.

Person is born in Antigua and Barbuda unless the child is born to a foreign diplomat and neither parent is a citizen, or one of the parents is an enemy alien and the child is born in a place then under occupation by the enemy.

Child must be under age 18. If child is adopted or the stepchild of citizen parent, the child must have been 'recognised by law'.

Citizenship By Investment Programme: Child of the main applicant or his or her spouse who is less than 18 years of age, or 18-26 years of age and who is in full time attendance at a recognised institution of higher education and fully supported by the main applicant, or at least 18 years of age and physically or mentally challenged and who is living with and fully supported by the main applicant

Person is a minor who is adopted by a citizen or, in case of joint adoption, by a male citizen. Other conditions: oath of loyalty.

Transfer to other relatives

Parent or grandparent of the citizenship by investment applicant. Other conditions: must be over 65 years old, living with the applicant and fully dependent on the applicant.

Transfer from deceased citizen

Person is born abroad and parent was or would have been a citizen ex Constitution Art. 112 but for his/her death.

Transfer from deceased citizen

Spouse of deceased citizen must have been married to the latter for at least 3 years.

Spousal coacquisition

Spouse must have been married for at least 3 years to person who becomes a citizen (or who would have but for death become a citizen) and must have been residing with person who becomes a citizen.

Person is a former citizen who had to renounce citizenship in order to acquire or retain citizenship of another country. Other conditions: oath of loyalty.

Person is a Commonwealth citizen of full capacity and has been ordinarily resident in Antigua and Barbuda, or has been in the service of the government, or has had partly such residence and partly such service for at least 5 out of 7 years immediately prior to the application. Minister is explicitly allowed to waive certain requirements. Registration can be denied in the interests of defense or public order, or if the person is sentenced to death or to a prison sentence of at least 12 months, is not of good character, is a danger to public safety, has been declared bankrupt, or has insufficient means to support him/herself.

Foundlings

Person is a newborn infant found in Antigua and Barbuda of unknown parentage.

Otherwise stateless (born in country)

Person is a minor or adult who was born in Antigua and Barbuda and has always been stateless. Registration can be denied in the interests of defense or public order, if the person is sentenced to death or to a prison sentence of at least 12 months, is not of good character, is a danger to public safety, has been declared bankrupt, or has insufficient means to support him/herself.

Person is from a First Schedule country, of full mind and capacity, and has been in Government service, or partly in Government service while ordinarily resident in Antigua and Barbuda. Grounds for refusal include interests of defence, public safety, morality and order, as well as conviction for a criminal offence, being of poor character, engaging in activities prejudicial to Antigua and Barbuda and likelihood of becoming a public charge.

Person is at least 18 years old and whose acquisition of citizenship would be in the special economic interest of Antigua and Barbuda. Other conditions: oath of loyalty, provision of police and medical certificates, payment of fee.