Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) provided a detailed update on program performance, upcoming residency reforms, and the nation’s stance toward the European Union’s 2028 deadline at the 2026 Investment Promotion Conference in Guangdong, China.
Processing performance and family inclusion
- In 2024‑2025 the CIU handled an application volume equal to its typical five‑year workload, with every submission receiving an initial determination.
- New applications filed in 2026 are now processed within six months.
- The program uniquely permits up to five generations—grandparents through grandchildren—to be included under a single family application, the only Caribbean CBI scheme with such breadth.
- Integrity checks involve a three‑layer review (identity, financial background, character) using multiple due‑diligence providers and regular reporting to regional oversight bodies.
Revised post‑citizenship residence requirement
- The required physical presence will increase from five days to 30 days over a five‑year period.
- The 30 days are calculated collectively for the family unit, not individually; a single family visit can satisfy the cumulative requirement for all members.
- The reform aims to address international concerns about “meaningful connection” while keeping the obligation practical for multi‑generational families.
EU 2028 phase‑out request
- The European Commission has asked the five Eastern Caribbean states that run CBI programs to terminate them by 1 June 2028.
- Antigua and Barbuda’s government has stated it will not accept unilateral termination without a viable alternative source of financing.
- A coordinated response is being prepared with the other four jurisdictions, including a high‑level delegation for direct talks in Brussels.
- The program is framed as a critical source of non‑tax revenue supporting infrastructure and social development.
Visa‑free access to the Schengen area
- The CIU expressed confidence that Antigua and Barbuda will retain visa‑free travel to the EU.
- Proposed safeguards include:
- Enhanced due‑diligence procedures
- Biometric screening of applicants
- Additional pre‑approval checks for security concerns
- Regional cooperation among the five Caribbean CBI programs is emphasized as essential for maintaining EU confidence.
The conference, attended by roughly 400 investment‑migration professionals from China, served as a direct channel for clarifying policy changes and reinforcing the CIU’s commitment to program integrity, regulatory compliance, and economic contribution.
Source article: www.imidaily.com
