Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide 2026

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program grants foreign investors citizenship and a powerful Caribbean passport in exchange for a financial contribution to the country’s economic development. The qualifying investment starts at $230,000, which qualifies a main applicant and up to three qualified dependents. Antigua and Barbuda offers several investment options, including a government fund donation, real estate investment, and business investment.

Successful applicants receive an Antigua and Barbuda passport offering visa free access to 164 countries, including the UK, China, Qatar, and Schengen countries.

This guide was created by Global Citizen Solutions to give investors clear insight into eligibility criteria, how Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship program operates, and the investment routes available to secure citizenship.

• The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program is family-friendly, allowing large families to gain citizenship with a $260,000 minimum investment.
• Investment options to qualify for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship include a non-refundable contribution and approved real estate and business investment.
• Applicants can gain citizenship approval within approximately six months, making the program one of the world’s fastest.
• The Antigua and Barbuda passport ranks 49th on the Global Passport Index and offers visa free or visa on arrival access to 164 countries, including the UK and the Schengen Area.
• Eligible family members include the main applicant’s spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings.

• Visa free countries: 164
• Visa free to Schengen Area: Yes
• Formation: 2013
• Purpose: To attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth.
• Tax framework: No income taxes
• Processing time: 6 months
• Minimum government fund contribution: $230,000
• Minimum education fund contribution: $260,000
• Minimum real estate investment: $300,000
• Minimum total for one applicant: $259,100
• Minimum total family of four: $267,900
• Eligible dependents:
  • Spouse
  • Children under 30 or with disabilities
  • Parents and grandparents over 55 or with disabilities
  • Unmarried siblings
• Passport validity:
  • 10 years for citizens 16 and over
  • 5 years for minors under 16
• Visit or residency requirement: Five days in the first five years
• Citizenship interview: Yes (virtual)

As a licensed international advisory firm, Global Citizen Solutions works closely with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to help qualified applicants obtain Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment. Leveraging established relationships with approved local agents and relevant authorities, we deliver a fully compliant end-to-end solution for investors seeking Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Act of 2013 was established to promote economic growth by attracting foreign direct investment to support social and infrastructure development, ensuring a sustainable future for the country.

The program is overseen by the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), the government authority responsible for handling qualifying investments, donations, and due diligence checks of eligible citizenship applicants. Global Citizen Solutions collaborates directly with authorized local partners to ensure all applications submitted to the CIU fully comply with program regulations.

To be granted citizenship and an Antigua and Barbuda passport, foreign investors have four investment options, starting from $230,000:

• Contributing to the National Development Fund (NDF)
• Investment in approved real estate projects
• Establishing an approved business
• Donating to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship status gives investors and their families access to a stable environment with reliable healthcare, education, and multiple business opportunities. As Antigua and Barbuda allows dual citizenship, new citizens can acquire an Antigua and Barbuda passport without giving up their current citizenship or fulfilling language requirements. Additionally, citizenship investors can benefit from Antigua and Barbuda’s favorable tax structure, including no income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes.

1. Member of CARICOM and OECS: Antigua and Barbuda citizens enjoy the regional benefits of being citizens of the Caribbean Community and Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.
2. Favorable tax regime: The Antigua and Barbuda tax regime does not impose personal income tax, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes.
3. Visa free travel: Antigua and Barbuda increased its ranking to 49 in the 2025 Global Passport Index. Holders can travel visa free to 164 countries, including EU Schengen states, the UK, China, and Russia.
4. Extensive family inclusion: Dependent family members, including a spouse, children, parents, and grandparents, qualify for citizenship by investment.
5. Investment after initial approval: The qualifying investment is made after receiving pre-approval, increasing confidence and reducing risk.
6. Fast processing time: Antigua and Barbuda has the fastest citizenship timeline among Caribbean CBI countries, granting citizenship within six months.
7. Security of a Plan B: Antigua and Barbuda provides a solid Plan B to ensure financial stability and access to a safer, more politically stable environment.
8. No language or history exams: There are no language or cultural knowledge tests and no requirement to visit Antigua and Barbuda during the application process.
9. Dual citizenship: Antigua and Barbuda allows dual citizenship, permitting successful applicants to maintain multiple citizenships and all privileges of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.
10. Citizenship for future generations: Successful CBI applicants can pass citizenship down to a future spouse or future children.
11. Long-term US Visa eligibility: Antigua and Barbuda passport holders can apply for a ten-year US visitor visa.
12. Residence and Work Rights: Successful applicants can live, work, and study in Antigua and Barbuda, as well as other member states of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
13. Access to healthcare: All Antigua and Barbuda citizens have access to healthcare from both public and private facilities.

Main applicant

• Over 18 years old
• Of excellent character (proved through bank statements and employer references)
• Clean criminal record
• In good health
• Take an Oath of Allegiance to Antigua and Barbuda
• Spend a minimum of five days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first five years of obtaining citizenship

Qualifying dependents

• Spouse or future spouse
• Children of the main applicant or their spouse:
  • Under 18 years old
  • Aged 18 to 30, if supported by the main applicant or spouse (as well as their spouse and dependent children)
  • Aged 18 or over who are physically/mentally challenged
• Dependent parents or grandparents of the main applicant or their spouse:
  • Aged 55 or above and fully dependent
  • Who are physically/mentally challenged
• Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouse

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Act treats biological, stepchildren, and legally adopted children equally. Global Citizen Solutions assists investors in verifying their eligibility for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship in accordance with the criteria outlined by the Antigua and Barbuda Official Unit.

Restricted countries

• Afghanistan
• Iran
• North Korea
• Somalia
• Yemen
• Sudan
• Russia
• Belarus

Specific individuals can apply for citizenship, provided:

• They migrated before the age of majority and/or have maintained permanent residence in any country other than those on the restricted country list for a period of at least ten years
• Have maintained no economic ties to any restricted country

Qualifying individuals born in restricted countries may incur additional costs to obtain an Antigua and Barbuda passport due to enhanced due diligence requirements.

Several investment options are available from $230,000, including contributions to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund (NDF), investing in a joint or sole business venture, investments in approved real estate, or donations to the University of the West Indies Fund.

01/ National Development Fund contribution

Obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda is possible following significant economic contributions of at least $230,000 (for a family of up to four) to the National Development Fund.

02/ Approved real estate investment

Real estate investment applicants can make an Antigua and Barbuda real estate investment worth at least $300,000 in a government-approved real estate project, which include private homes and luxury resorts. Investment properties must be held for at least five years.

03/ University of the West Indies Fund donation

The main applicant must make a non-refundable donation of $260,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund.  The University of the West Indies Fund (UWI) option has no additional investment requirement or processing fees, making it suitable for large families of six or more. It also entitles one family member to a one-year, tuition-only scholarship at UWI.

04/ Approved business investment

There are two approved business investment options to qualify for Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship program: Invest $1.5 million as a solo investor or make a joint investment by contributing $400,000 to an approved business enter valued at least $5 million.  Approved industries include tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology.

Important things to consider

• Minimum investment threshold: The minimum investment amount to make a family eligible for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment depends on the number of family members. The NDF qualifies a single applicant or family of four with a non-refundable contribution of $230,000. Including additional family members increases the required contribution by $15,000.
• Minimum stay requirement: The Antigua and Barbuda program is entirely remote, with a nominal five-day residency requirement in the first five years of obtaining citizenship. However, the Antigua and Barbuda government plans to introduce a minimum physical residency requirement to qualify for citizenship, which is expected to be 30 days.

As stated on the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment official website, cip.gov.ag, during the application, all documentation provided will go through a strict due diligence process adhering to the Antigua and Barbuda Official Unit (CIU) regulations, the government authority responsible for managing citizenship applicants.

The following documents are required:

Application forms:

• Citizenship by Investment Application Form AB1
• Photograph and Signature Certificate Form AB2
• Medical Certificate Form AB3
• Investment Confirmation Form AB4
• Licensed Agent Form Form AB5

Passport application forms:

• Antigua & Barbuda Passport L Form (16 and older)
• Antigua & Barbuda Passport M Form (Under 16)

Investment options

• Real Estate Developer Application Form AB8
• Business Investment Application Form AB9

Forms for Agents & Representatives:

• Representatives and Service Providers Form AB6
• Agent’s License Form Form AB7

Required documents for submission:

• Completed AB1-5 application forms
• Completed citizenship by investment forms, according to which of the investment options is chosen, AB8-AB9.
• Original Police Certificate from the country of citizenship or residence. This document is required for each country in which the person lived for 6 consecutive months or longer since reaching the age of 18.
• Original excerpt of the full birth record or certified copy of the birth certificate.
• Certified copy of proof of name change [if applicable].
• Certified copy of current passport(s) showing name, photo citizenship/nationality, date and place of issue, expiry date, passport number, and issuing country.
• Eight original passport-sized photos of each applicant taken within the last six months. One of the photos in each set of 8 must be certified.
• Medical Certificate including original results of an HIV test (an HIV test is required for all persons twelve (12) years and older applying for citizenship. The HIV test results must be not older than three months.

Other supporting documents required from the main applicant:

• At least one original bank reference letter issued by an internationally recognized bank, not older than six months.
• At least one original professional reference (e.g., from an attorney, notary public, official accountant, or other professional of similar standing) not older than six months.
• One original document of evidence of residential address (e.g., certified copy of a recent utility bill or bank statement showing full name and address or written confirmation from a bank, attorney, chartered accountant, or notary public).
• Original excerpt of marriage record or certified copy of marriage certificate(s) if applicable (i.e., if married persons apply together).
• Certified copy of divorce documents (if applicable).
• Statement of the source of funds to be invested in Antigua and Barbuda.
• An affidavit of support for each dependent (excluding spouse) over 18 years of age.
• Certified copy of Military Records or exemption from military service (if applicable)

Other documents required for the real estate investment route:

• Copy of duly executed real estate contract (Purchase and Sale Agreement) to be submitted with the application forms.
• Evidence of title transfer, to be submitted after the applicant receives approval in principle.

OBS: This is not an exhaustive list, as the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) may request additional documents if necessary.

Certification of documents

Documents should be certified and authenticated in accordance with Antigua and Barbuda immigration law. If a notary public certifies a document as a true copy, authentication is needed through:

1. Apostille, following the Hague Convention for jurisdictions that are party to it.
2. Validation of the notary public’s certificate by the relevant government department for jurisdictions not part of the convention.

Global Citizen Solutions assists clients in preparing the required documentation, including translations and certifications in line with the CIU’s guidelines.

Oath of Allegiance

An Oath of Allegiance to Antigua and Barbuda must be sworn in the presence of a notary public or an individual authorized by the Antigua and Barbuda government to administer oaths for successful applicants and their family to obtain Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment. The oath can be taken in Antigua and Barbuda or at an embassy overseas, and it must be live-streamed for the CIU to witness.

1. Consult Global Citizen Solutions: Global Citizen Solutions will coordinate with an approved local agent to submit your citizenship application.
2. Choose your investment route: Decide which of the four investment routes best aligns with your goals
3. Complete all application forms: Complete all the forms and necessary documents as provided by Global Citizen Solutions.
4. Submit your application: Global Citizen Solutions’ dedicated migration specialist will submit the citizenship application on your behalf.
5. Take the citizenship interview: As part of the citizenship process, you must complete the mandatory interview requirement, which can be done virtually.
6. Receive the CIU approval of application: Within four to five months of submission, you will receive a confirmation letter with the status ‘approved in principle.’
7. Make your investment: Make the required investment with support from Global Citizen Solutions and send proof to the CIU.
8. Become a citizen: Take the oath or affirmation of allegiance at an Embassy, High Commission, or Consular Office of Antigua and Barbuda, and become a citizen.

The Antigua CIU only accepts citizen applications submitted by Authorized Agents.

Citizenship processing time

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship timeline is about six months, beginning from submitting the complete application to issuing citizenship documents.

Month 1

Preparation

-Consult Global Citizen Solutions
-Choose the qualifying investment
-Prepare the required documents and submit to the CIU

Month 2-4

Processing

-The CIU outsources background checks
-Complete the virtual interview
-Make the required investment

Month 4-6

Approval

-Pay the passport fee and obtain a Certificate of Registration
-Obtain an Antigua and Barbuda passport

Besides the required investment, obtaining direct citizenship includes paying fees to complete the application process:

• Government fee (processing fee)
• Due diligence fee
• Interview fee
• Passport fee
• Courier fee

Processing fees are determined by the investment and number of applicants. An Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment lawyer will confirm the final amount owed.

Adding dependents post citizenship approval

• Spouse or other dependent aged 18 or over: $50,000
• Dependent child aged five or younger: $10,000
• Dependent child aged 6 to 17: $20,000

Estimated cost

Here is an example of the estimated Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment cost single applicant and for a family of four, including a spouse and two children aged 9 and 17.

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program is one of five Caribbean citizenship programs. Here is a brief comparison of the highlights of each Caribbean citizenship by investment program:

• Antigua and Barbuda: Offers the most affordable Caribbean citizenship by investment program for a family of four.
• Dominica: Offers the most affordable option to purchase property and acquire citizenship.
• Grenada: Is the only Caribbean CBI country offering eligibility to the US E2 Visa program.
• St Kitts and Nevis: Was the first country to establish a citizenship by investment program.
• St Lucia: Provides the most diverse investment options.

Why use Global Citizen Solutions?

Global Citizen Solutions is a multidisciplinary firm offering bespoke residence and citizenship solutions in Europe and the Caribbean. In a world where the economy and politics are unpredictable, having a second citizenship opens up opportunities and creates flexibility for you and your family.

So, why work with Global Citizen Solutions to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?

• Authorized International Marketing Agent. Global Citizen Solutions have official certification by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to promote and market their Citizenship by Investment program. You can find a copy of our certificate by clicking the image on the right
• Global approach by local experts. We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean CBI programs.
• 100 percent approval rate. We have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial, free-of-charge, due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
• Independent service and full transparency. We will present to you all the investment options available, and all expenses will be discussed in advance, with no hidden fees.
• An all-encompassing solution. A multidisciplinary team of immigration lawyers, investment specialists, and tax experts will take into consideration all your and your family's mobility, tax, and lifestyle needs.
• Confidential service and secure data management. All private data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.

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