Anguilla Residency By Investment Program | An Incomplete Guide

Overview:

The Anguilla Residency By Investment (ARBI) program is an investment immigration initiative that enables overseas investors to obtain permanent residency in Anguilla by transferring funds to participate in designated economic activities. This program has been running successfully since 2019.

Economic Requirements:

Currently, the ARBI program offers three economic options for applicants:

1. Donation Option: Investors must donate $150,000 USD to the government-controlled Capital Development Fund.For each additional dependent, the primary applicant must donate an extra $50,000 USD.

2. Real Estate Option: Investors must purchase a local real estate portfolio worth at least $750,000 USD and hold it for a minimum of five years.For families with more than three dependents, starting from the fifth family member, the minimum investment required increases by $100,000 USD for each additional dependent.

3. High-Value Investment Option: Regardless of the chosen investment model, if an applicant invests more than $2.5 million USD in Anguilla, they can fast-track to citizenship in the second year after obtaining permanent residency.

Government Fees:

In addition to the investment requirements outlined earlier, applicants for Anguilla’s ARBI program must also pay certain government fees:

1. Processing Fee: US$3,000 for a family of four or less. An additional US$500 is charged for each additional dependent.

2. Real Estate Option Visa Fee: US$10,000 for a single applicant, US$20,000 for a family of two to four, and an additional US$5,000 for each additional dependent.

3. Background Check Fee: US$7,500 per main applicant and dependent over 18 years old, and US$2,500 per dependent aged 12 to 18.

Application Process:

To ensure a smooth and successful application for Anguilla’s ARBI investment residency program, it is mandatory to engage the services of a licensed local agent. The application process can be broadly summarized into the following steps:

Step 1: Initiate Your Application

1. Contact a Licensed Agent: Begin by selecting an authorized agent from Anguilla’s official list, accessible at https://www.selectanguilla.com/.

2. Choose Your Investment Path: Discuss with your agent the two investment options available under ARBI: the non-refundable donation to the Capital Development Fund (CDF) or the real estate investment.

3. Gather Required Documentation: Prepare all necessary documents, including:

Identity Documents: Valid passports, passport-sized photos, birth certificates, and marriage certificates for all applicants.

Investment Proof: Provide evidence of your chosen investment path and intended investment amount, though the actual investment need not be made at the time of application.

Financial Proof: Demonstrate your financial means to support the investment and maintain a family in Anguilla through bank statements and net asset proofs.

Personal Resume: The main applicant must provide a resume detailing their educational background and work/business experience.

Criminal Record Clearance: All applicants must obtain a police clearance certificate from their country of residence.

All documents originating outside Anguilla must be notarized. Non-English documents must be translated into English.

4. Submit Application through Agent: Your authorized agent will handle the application submission on your behalf.

Step 2: Background Investigation:

1. Background Check: Select Anguilla, an entity under Anguilla’s International Financial Centre, will conduct a thorough background check on all applicants.

2. Approval Timeline: The overall approval process for the Anguilla investment residency program typically takes around three months.

Step 3: Complete Investment and Obtain Residency

1. Investment Completion: Once your application is approved, you can proceed with transferring funds to Anguilla, either for donation or real estate purchase.

2. Pay Government Fees: Settle applicable government fees.

3. Receive Permanent Residency Card: Upon completion of the investment and payment of fees, you will be issued your permanent residency card.

Dependents:

The Anguilla Investment Permanent Residency Program allows the main applicant’s spouse, children under 18, and economically dependent children aged 18 to 26 to also settle in the area as dependent applicants.

Minimum Residency Requirement:

The ARBI project does not impose any minimum residency requirements. Permanent residents of Anguilla can maintain their PR card without physically residing in the local area year-round.

However, if you wish to become a tax resident of Anguilla, you must spend at least 45 days per year within the local area and avoid living in any specific country or region for more than 183 days in a natural year.

Additionally, if you intend to apply for BOTC (British Overseas Territories Citizen) status in Anguilla, you must reside on the island for at least nine months each year.

Taxation:

Anguilla does not levy direct taxes on its residents. In other words, if you live in Anguilla, you are not required to pay income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, corporate tax, or any other direct tax.

BOTC:

After five years of legal residence in Anguilla, foreign nationals can apply for British Overseas Territory Citizenship (BOTC), granting them a passport that opens doors to global opportunities.

BOTC holders who wish to become British citizens must:

1. Reside in the UK: Live in the UK for a minimum of six months in each of the five years preceding their application.

2. Meet Other Requirements: Fulfill additional requirements, such as passing a citizenship test and demonstrating integration into British society.

Useful Links:

ARBI PPT: https://gov.ai/document/finance/Anguilla%20Residency%20by%20Investment%20(ARBI)%20Presentation-%20General%20Public.pdf