Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Documents in 2026: Checklist, Apostille, Translation

Why So Many Documents

Antigua grants a passport for investment. In return, the country wants to ensure: you are a reliable person with clean money. This can only be verified through documents.

Therefore, the package is large. It contains three groups of documents. First—who you are (passport, birth certificates). Second—are you clean before the law (police clearance certificates, medical records). Third—where the money comes from (bank statements, references).

Sounds complicated? In practice, it is simple logic. The state simply wants to understand who it is accepting as a citizen. If all documents are in order, the verification process goes smoothly.

The main rule is simple. All documents must be in English and officially certified. Details on this below.

Personal Documents: Who You Are

This is the foundation. Any application starts with this.

• International Passport A certified copy of all pages is required, including blank pages. Validity period—minimum 6 months at the time of submission.
• Birth Certificate Original or certified copy. With apostille, if your country is a signatory to the Hague Convention.
• Marriage Certificate If you are married. Also original or certified copy.
• Identity Card (ID) If available—certified copy.
• Divorce Certificate or Name Change Certificate If applicable to your situation.

Each document must be current and legible. Old faded copies will not be accepted. It is better to order new copies in advance.

Police Clearance Certificates

This is one of the key documents. Antigua takes background verification very seriously.

A police clearance certificate is not obtained from just one country. It is obtained from all countries where you have lived longer than 6 months over the last 10 years. Plus all countries of which you are a citizen.

For example, you were born in one country, lived in another for 5 years, and have a passport from a third. Then certificates are needed from all three.

Important—timing. The certificate must not be older than 3 months at the time of submission. An expired one will not be accepted.

It is required for each adult from 18 years of age. If a certificate cannot be obtained from a particular country, a separate statutory declaration is prepared with an explanation of why the document is unavailable.

Source of Funds: Where the Money Comes From

Antigua requires verification that investment funds are legitimate. This is called a source of funds check. For Russian citizens, it is strict, but conducted according to law, without circumventing sanctions.

Here is what is typically requested:

• Bank statements covering a minimum of 6 months.
• Proof of origin of funds: employment history, business or property sale, inheritance.
• Reference letter from your bank.
• Professional recommendation (from a lawyer, accountant, or business partner).
• Tax returns, if applicable.
• Company documents, if funds come from business activity.
• Affidavit (certified statement) regarding source of funds.

The clearer your money trail, the smoother the verification process. Do not hide transactions—instead, explain them.

Medical Documents

Health is also checked as part of the standard requirements.

The primary document is a medical certificate in form AB3, completed by a physician in English. Each applicant requires a separate certificate, including children.

An HIV test result must be attached to the certificate. It is required for all applicants aged 12 and older. The result must be current—within 3 months.

The medical certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Medical examinations are therefore scheduled not too early to ensure documents remain current by the time of application submission.

Do not be alarmed by the term "medical examination." In practice, it is a standard doctor's visit and a few tests.

Photographs and Official Forms

In addition to certificates, photographs and completed program application forms are required.

Photographs Eight fresh color passport-style photographs for each applicant. Photo requirements are strict—similar to those for a travel passport.

Program Forms There are several forms, completed in conjunction with your licensed agent:

• AB1 - Main applicant questionnaire
• AB2 - Form with photograph and signature sample
• AB3 - Medical certificate (mentioned above)
• AB4 - Investment confirmation

Form templates are available only through a licensed agent. The Citizenship Commission (CIU) website provides only sample versions for reference.

What is Apostille and Why Is It Necessary

An apostille is a special stamp. It confirms that a document is genuine and ensures it is recognized abroad.

In simple terms: your birth certificate works at home without question. But for Antigua, it is merely a document from a foreign country. An apostille makes it understandable and legally valid for another state.

An apostille is affixed if your country is a party to the Hague Convention. The UK, the US and Russia, for example, are parties. The stamp is applied to birth certificates, medical documents, and other official papers issued outside Antigua.

If your country is not a party to the convention, consular legalization is performed instead of apostille. It is a similar procedure, only conducted through an embassy. The objective is the same—to ensure the document is recognized.

Translation of Documents into English

All documents submitted to Antigua must be in English. This is a strict requirement.

If your document is not in English, it requires a certified translation by an official translator.

Who may perform translations:

• - A translator accredited by the court
• - A government agency
• - An international organization or similar official body

Online translations or "translations by an acquaintance" will not be accepted.

The typical process is as follows: first, an apostille is affixed to the original, then an official translation is made, and finally the translation is notarized. Your agent will advise the exact sequence applicable to your country.

Table: Document – Purpose – Format

For quick reference, here is a summary table.

Separate document package for each family member

This is a frequent question. And the answer is simple: yes, a separate set of documents is prepared for each person.

Applying together with your spouse? That means two complete packages. With children? Each child also has their own set of documents.

In other words, the following are prepared separately:

• Passport and certificates – for each person
• Medical certificate AB3 – for each person, including infants
• Photographs – for each person
• Criminal record checks – for all adults aged 18 and over

Family composition under the program is broad. You can include a spouse, children, parents, and even grandparents aged 55 and over. But more people means more document packages. This is normal; simply allow time for collection.

Common mistakes when gathering documents

Most delays are due to minor issues. Here's what people most often stumble on.

• Expired certificates Criminal record check or medical certificate obtained too early, with the deadline passed by submission
• No apostille Submitted certificate without stamp – it will not be accepted
• Poor translation Translation not from official translator
• Forgot the country Did not obtain certificate from country where you lived for six months
• Incomplete package for child Thought children need fewer documents – but a complete set is required

Good news: with an experienced agent, these mistakes do not happen. They provide you in advance with a precise checklist for your situation and verify every document

Procedure: how everything is gathered in practice

To avoid confusion, here is the logical sequence of actions

1. Agent provides you with a personal checklist for your family and country
2. You order fresh certificates and criminal record checks
3. Have apostille (or legalization) affixed to documents.
4. Obtain official English translation and have it certified.
5. Undergo medical examination and take HIV test.
6. Prepare bank statements and documents proving source of funds.
7. Take 8 photographs, complete forms AB1-AB4 with an agent.
8. Agent compiles all documents into a package and submits to the State Commission (CIU).

You cannot submit documents directly yourself. Only through a licensed agent - this is a program requirement.

Do you want a precise checklist tailored to your situation? Write to us - we will advise what to prepare and verify each document before submission.

How document verification works

After submission, the package goes to the State Commission on Citizenship by Investment (CIU). The main process begins - due diligence.

First, they verify all documents are present and properly executed. Then they check you against databases and public sources. They examine the history of funds and your legal background.

The Commission may request additional documents. This is normal and does not mean rejection. They simply need clarification. The faster you provide the documents, the faster your case progresses.

This is why accuracy from the start is crucial. A clean, complete, properly certified package is half the battle. You can keep your existing citizenship if your home country allows it; Russian citizens, for example, simply notify the Ministry of Interior (usually within 60 days). Citizenship and tax residency are different matters - a passport alone does not make you a tax resident of Antigua.

Summary of key points

We will consolidate everything into one clear picture.

• The package consists of three parts: who you are, your clean legal status, and source of funds.
• All documents must be in English with apostille and official translation.
• Criminal record certificates - from all countries of residence, current (not older than 3 months).
• Medical examination and HIV test - for each person, photographs - 8 per person.
• A separate complete package is prepared for each family member.
• Only a licensed agent can submit documents.

If you want to see the full program - conditions, amounts, and timelines - visit the page Antigua citizenship by investment. And details on requirements, passport, and timelines - in the articles below.