New Citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda Changes

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On December 15, 2023, RIF Trust learned of new Citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda developments. We did so via an official memo sent by Charmaine Donovan, CEO of Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Unit. It was titled “Mandatory Interviews – Citizenship Applications”.

Changes in Acquiring Citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda by Investment

There have been modifications to Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment requirements. This memorandum served to both clarify and remind. The memo begins with the following sentence: “Further to the Unit’s communication dated 13th November 2023, on the subject, please be reminded that all applications submitted to the Unit date stamped 15th December 2023, and thereafter will be subjected to an interview.”

On top of the usual due diligence and 10% processing charges, you now need to pay an extra $1,500 interview fee. The memo continues: “Since the notification, we have received a number of inquiries seeking clarity on the interview process.” “We have therefore compiled responses to these questions.” You can view the most pertinent ones reproduced in the FAQ below.

Antigua and Barbuda Mandatory Interviews FAQ

1.) “At what stage of the application process would the interviews be conducted, would it be prior to, during or after the external due diligence process?”

“The interview will form part of the due diligence process and will be conducted virtually following the completion of the investigative component of the due diligence process.”

2.) “How much advanced time will be given ahead of the interview?”

“To ensure that the application assessment process is not unduly protracted, applicants will be provided with earliest available dates to make their selection. The Unit will provide a minimum of three (3) date/time options from which to select.”

3.) “Will there be a requirement for all applicants on file to be present? Is each applicant to be individually interviewed or will it be the principal applicant only who will be interviewed?”

“All persons who are members of the same application are required to be present during the interview. Only applicants aged 16 and above will be interviewed. Identification documents may be presented by the principal applicant on behalf of members of the application who are below the age of 16.”

“Where family members reside in separate locations, appropriate links to the virtual interview will be provided for them to attend. This is required to prevent scheduling conflicts and/or undue delays with the processing of their application. Additionally, where a subsequent individual interview is required, the applicant will be so advised and the requisite arrangements made to confirm the date and time as necessary.”

4.) “Kindly confirm what documents the applicants will be required to present during the interview.”

“All passports, government issued identification documents, birth certificates and all other identification documents submitted with the application should be presented/made available during the interview.”

5.) “Additionally, will copies of the above documents suffice or are the originals to be shown during the interview?”

“As far as possible, original documents of all identification documents submitted with the application must be presented during the interview. In exceptional circumstances, certified copies of these documents may be accepted.”

6.) “What happens after the interview is completed? When will the applicants be advised of the CIU’s decision?”

“Following the completion of the interview, decisions on the application will be communicated in the usual manner in accordance with Section 5 (14) of the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment (Amendment) Act, 2016.”

7.) “Do the applicants get a copy/transcript of their interview?”

“Interviews will now form part of the due diligence process. Therefore, reports and/or transcripts therefrom are not available for sharing with the applicant or other third party.”

Your Next Steps to Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

RIF Trust is a Citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda specialist. We can advise you regarding eligibility and investment options. So, don’t delay and contact RIF Trust today.