Elite Traveler July-August 2017

Citizenship by Investment Program Ranked number one in the region, and third in the world, the Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) has many advantages. With its quick and easy application process, the program ensures visa-free access to 134 countries (including China, India and Latin America), dual/multiple citizenship and no tax on worldwide income, inheritance, capital gains or investment returns. Top 10 Reasons to Invest: Political Stability – Antigua & Barbuda is a small, stable country both politically and socially, with a strong democratic system of government based on theWestminster (UK) system. Safety and Security – Antigua & Barbuda is one of the most secure and safe countries in the Caribbean and compares well worldwide for low crime rates and the rule of law. The country has little or no exposure to large-scale security concerns, such as terrorism and cyber crime. Well Educated Population – Antigua & Barbuda is one of the more prosperous states in the Eastern Caribbean with tourism, business service outsourcing and the financial services as the largest sectors of the economy. The literacy rate is over 95 percent with residents having a strong cultural affinity to North America and the UK. Highly Skilled Labour Force – Antigua & Barbuda has developed significant human resource skills in tourism, information technology-enabled services, financial services and construction. A network of colleges, as well as accreditation and certification bodies, ensures that skills quality meets world standards. Further, government policy is aimed at ensuring that the skills being produced match competitive business requirements. Robust Telecommunications and ICT Infrastructure – Antigua & Barbuda with a modern telecommunications infrastructure places a high priority on ICT as an important enabler for national development. As a consequence, the country has experienced rapid growth in its ICT sector, driven by major public and private sector investment. Business-friendly Currency and Foreign Exchange Environment – Antigua & Barbuda is a member of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) within a common central bank and currency area. The currency is the EC Dollar that is pegged to the US Dollar at the rate of EC$2.70 to US$1. The country has no foreign exchange controls or restrictions on capital repatriation. Generous Financial Incentives – Antigua & Barbuda’s corporate income tax rate is 25 percent and exemption from payment or reduction in the rate is allowed depending on the level of capital investment and number of jobs to be created in new investment proposals. Further, exemption from or reduction in the rate of import duty on rawmaterials, components, machinery and equipment can also be granted. Welcoming People – the people of Antigua & Barbuda are noted for their friendly nature, particularly towards visitors, whether tourists or investors. There is wide acceptance of the importance of attracting foreign investment into the country.

Strong Investor Protection - Antigua & Barbuda has a Common Law system based on the UKmodel. The legal code guarantees investor protection, facilitating an attractive investment environment. In the Latin American Caribbean Region, Antigua & Barbuda is ranked highly for enforcing contracts and protecting investors.

Three options to choose from

To qualify, legislation requires either an investment in government-approved real estate to the value of at least $400,000, a contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF) amounting to $250,000 or a local business investment of at least $1.5m. Applications take 60-90 days to process and the applicant may need to attend an interview in Antigua. Once citizenship has been granted, citizens must spend at least five days in Antigua & Barbuda over a period of five years. For more on the Citizenship by Investment Program, go to cip.gov.ag AIRPORT The new $100m state-of-the-art terminal at the V.C. Bird International Airport has every modern amenity today’s discerning traveler needs. The airport prides itself on its ability to combine world-class FBO facilities; highly trained and professional ground handling staff will be on hand to attend to your every need. Passenger ground transportation has direct ramp access, assuring discrete and convenient flight and yacht transfers.