Derivative — minor child registered on parent's acquisition
Citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda
- Eligibility
- AG-CBN-01 is the derivative registration route by which a minor child — defined in Cap.22 s.2(1) as any person under 18 — who is the child, stepchild, or adopted child of a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda (or of a person entitled to be registered as a citizen) may themselves be registered as a citizen.
- Timeline
- standard
- Renunciation
- Not required
Overview
AG-CBN-01 is the derivative registration route by which a minor child — defined in Cap.22 s.2(1) as any person under 18 — who is the child, stepchild, or adopted child of a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda (or of a person entitled to be registered as a citizen) may themselves be registered as a citizen. The constitutional foundation is s.114(1)(f) of the Constitution Order 1981, which confers an entitlement to registration upon making application; the Citizenship Act Cap.22 s.5 then confirms that a person registered under s.3 of the Act or pursuant to s.114 of the Constitution is a citizen "by registration as from the date on which he is registered." This route is distinct from the automatic adoption-citizenship route (AG-ADP-01, Cap.22 s.4): adoption under s.4 vests citizenship automatically and immediately at the date of the order without any application. The CBN derivative registration route under s.114(1)(f) requires an application and produces citizenship by registration. The two routes may cover the same child in different circumstances: a child who is adopted under Antiguan law acquires citizenship automatically under s.4 without needing to invoke s.114(1)(f); a child whose parent acquires citizenship by registration, naturalisation, or CBI — but has not been adopted — must invoke s.114(1)(f)/CBN. The route is also architecturally broader than adoption: it covers legitimate children, children born out of wedlock (Const s.118(2) defines "child" to include a child born out of wedlock and not legitimated), stepchildren, and adopted children — extending the derivative citizenship entitlement to the full range of legally-recognised child relationships. It also extends to children of persons who are entitled to be registered (not just existing citizens), meaning the derivative application can run concurrently with the parent's own registration or naturalisation process. The CBN route has been continuously operative since 1 November 1981 (Const s.114(1)(f)) and, for the Citizenship Act procedural layer, since 19 August 1982 (Cap.22 s.5).
Example scenarios
ELIGIBLE — AG-CBN-01. Under Constitution s.114(1)(f), any person under 18 who is the child of a citizen is entitled (upon application) to be registered. The mother is now a citizen (by naturalisation). The daughter (15, non-citizen) qualifies. Application made by the mother as parent/guardian on behalf of the daughter. Oath of allegiance required (if daughter does not already owe allegiance to the Crown). Citizenship from date of registration.
AG-CBN-01 route doc: s.114(1)(f) — 'any person under 18 who is the child... of a citizen OR of a person who is or would but for his death have been entitled to be registered.' Mother is now a citizen by naturalisation. Daughter is under 18. No independent residence requirement for the child. Application made by parent/guardian per s.114(2).
INELIGIBLE — AG-CBN-01. The s.114(1)(f) entitlement applies to 'any person under the age of eighteen years.' The son is 22 years old — above the age threshold. This route is unavailable. Alternative routes: if the son has resided in Antigua for sufficient time, he may qualify under AG-NAT-01 or AG-NAT-02 (depending on nationality). CBI is always an option if he has the investment capacity.
AG-CBN-01 route doc: age limit is under 18 at the time of registration (Cap.22 s.2(1): 'minor means a person who has not attained the age of eighteen years'). Son at 22 is not a minor. The out-of-wedlock status is irrelevant since Const s.118(2) includes out-of-wedlock children in the 'child' definition — but the age cap still applies.
ELIGIBLE — AG-CBN-01. Constitution s.114(1)(f) expressly covers 'child, stepchild or child adopted in a manner recognised by law.' Stepchildren are included in the definition. The stepchild is under 18 (14 years old) and is not an AG citizen. Application made by the parent or guardian on behalf of the child (Const s.114(2)). Citizenship from date of registration.
AG-CBN-01 route doc: s.114(1)(f) expressly includes 'stepchild.' Const s.118(2) broadly defines 'child' to include out-of-wedlock children; the stepchild relationship is even more explicitly covered by the text. Age 14 is under 18. Application by the father (citizen/stepparent) on behalf of the child.
THE CHILD MAKES THE APPLICATION THEMSELVES — AG-CBN-01. Constitution s.114(2) provides that for s.114(1)(f) applications, the application shall be made 'on his behalf by his parent or guardian: Provided that if the person to whom subsection (1)(f) of this section applies is or has been married, the application may be made by that person.' Since the 14-year-old has been married, the application may be made by the child themselves rather than requiring the parent/guardian as applicant. This is an exception to the general rule that the parent applies on the child's behalf.
AG-CBN-01 route doc: Const s.114(2) proviso — 'if the minor is or has been married, the application may be made by that person' (the minor themselves). This is a statutory exception enabling married minors to act on their own behalf in citizenship registration proceedings.
Informational summary compiled from primary legal sources — not legal advice. Citizenship law changes; verify with the competent authority before acting. Last verified 2026-06-15.
Track changes to this route
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