Processing Timelines & Government Bottlenecks

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Antigua’s CIP is known for its relatively efficient and transparent processing, particularly when compared to more bureaucratic systems in Europe. However, applicants should understand the typical timelines and anticipate possible bottlenecks.

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Standard Application Timeline

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Stage

Estimated Timeframe

Initial consultation & pre-screening

1–2 weeks

Document gathering & legal review

3–5 weeks

Submission to CIU

Upon completion of dossier

CIU due diligence phase

45–90 days

Government approval in principle

Within 90–120 days total

Investment execution

1–2 weeks (after AIP)

Final approval & passport issuance

2–4 weeks

Total Duration: On average, 3–5 months, assuming no complications.

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Known Bottlenecks

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1. Documentation delays: Applicants with incomplete, inconsistent, or poorly translated documents face processing delays.
   
2. High-risk jurisdictions: Background checks for PEPs, sanctioned individuals, or crypto-heavy portfolios can extend due diligence by several weeks.
   
3. Real estate title verification: If investing in property, title searches and developer compliance checks may cause administrative delays.
   
4. Family member verification: Including elderly or adult dependents often triggers deeper scrutiny and slower approval.
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Fast-Track Options

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Unlike Malta or certain EU countries, Antigua does not offer premium or fast-track lanes. However, engaging a licensed agent with direct CIU access can streamline communication, reduce errors, and accelerate review time through proper file preparation.

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Working with pre-approved developers or established business consortia also reduces compliance risk and avoids re-verification delays.

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