ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

General: Governed by the 1981 Constitution (Antigua and Barbuda Independence Order) and the Citizenship Act, Cap. 22.

• By Birth: Anyone born in Antigua and Barbuda on or after November 1, 1981 is a citizen by birth (jus soli), regardless of parents' nationality, except children of diplomats/foreign representatives.

• By Descent: A child born abroad on or after Nov 1, 1981, with at least one parent who is an Antiguan/Barbudan citizen, acquires citizenship by descent.

• By Registration: Available to (a) a person married to a citizen for at least 3 years where the marriage subsists and the couple is not separated; (b) Commonwealth citizens who resided in Antigua and Barbuda continuously for more than 7 years (historically, before Oct 31, 1981, though registration routes continue under the Act); (c) minors adopted by a citizen.

• By Naturalization: Available to foreign nationals after a qualifying period of continuous lawful residence (commonly cited around 7 years), demonstrating good character and intent to reside; a Citizenship by Investment Programme (from ~US$230,000) also confers citizenship without a residency requirement.

• Dual Citizenship: Fully recognized. The Constitution protects citizens from being deprived of citizenship, refused a passport, or compelled to renounce another nationality solely because they hold another country's citizenship.

• Loss of Citizenship – Voluntary: Renunciation is permitted with Parliament's/government's involvement; formal application required (via the Passport & Citizenship Division or diplomatic mission).

• Loss of Citizenship – Involuntary: Naturalized/registered citizenship may be revoked for (a) obtaining citizenship through fraud or false statement, or (b) conviction of sedition or treason against Antigua and Barbuda.

‍ ‍REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

General OECS Descent Requirements:

• Applicant's certified birth certificate copies and US passport bio page.

• Antiguan parent's or grandparent's local birth certificate and valid passport.

• Lineage marriage or divorce certificates.

• A comprehensive local or national police clearance record (less than 6 months old).

• A recent medical health certificate.

• Form Download: Antigua and Barbuda manages descent applications exclusively via physical print stock distributions through local consulates. You must contact the Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda in New York to order your serialized paperwork package.

• Oath of Allegiance: Most OECS countries (such as Antigua And Barbuda) require a signed, notarized Oath of Allegiance to the state before citizenship is formalized.