The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) was launched by the Antigua government in 20213 to improve the nation’s socioeconomic development. To achieve this, the immigration program provides foreign nationals and their families the chance to secure second citizenship by making one of four eligible investments: A government fund contribution, government-approved real estate or business investment, or a donation to the University of the West Indies Fund (UWI).
After obtaining dual citizenship and a second passport, investors enjoy tax advantages, enhanced security, and visa free travel to 151 countries.
This guide provides everything you should know about citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda, including the investment requirements, the application process, associated government and processing fees, the timeline, and the benefits of Antiguan citizenship.
⚠️ Antigua and Barbuda Extends Deadline for CBI Price Increase
Following the MoU Agreement, Antigua and Barbuda announced a one-month extension to the deadline for implementing the new minimum investment threshold for its citizenship by investment program.
Antigua and Barbuda will implement the new threshold by July 30, 2024. This extension benefits potential applicants by providing additional time to submit their Caribbean Citizenship applications under the current investment threshold of $100,000.
With the new deadline, we strongly encourage applicants to submit their applications promptly to lock in the current rates and avoid the forthcoming price increase.
Overview of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program was launched under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Act No. 2 of 2013 to promote economic growth by supporting infrastructure development and increasing foreign direct investment, ensuring a sustainable future for the country.
The citizenship program is overseen by the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), the government authority responsible for qualifying investments and due diligence of eligible citizenship applicants.
Foreign investors have the option of four investments they can make to be granted citizenship and an Antigua passport. One of the primary approved investments includes contributing to the National Development Fund (NDF), a dedicated fund created under section 42(2) of the Finance Administration Act 2006 to finance government-backed initiatives, including public and private partnerships and approved charitable projects. Alternative investments include:
- Sole or joint purchase of approved real estate projects
- Establishing a business
- Donating to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund
Successful applicants and their families gain several benefits, including visa free entry to over 150 countries.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Program Benefits
Become a citizen of the Caribbean community
Great tax benefits
Visa free access to 151 countries
Quick four to five-month application process
No language or cultural knowledge tests required
Extensive family inclusion
Why choose Antigua and Barbudan citizenship by investment?
- Plan B: Gain second citizenship and opportunities and flexibility for you and your family through citizenship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
- Attractive tax regime: Citizens enjoy low Antigua and Barbuda taxes. There is no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax and the country does tax personal income earned from foreign sources.
- Visa free travel: Antigua and Barbuda passport holders enjoy visa free travel to over 150 countries, including the European Union, the UK, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, and Russia.
- Quick citizenship process: The application process is fast, taking an average of four months to five months.
- Flexible requirements: There are no language tests, academic requirements, or residency requirements for citizenship. You can do the whole process remotely without needing to visit Antigua and Barbuda.
- Family inclusion: Your entire family can be included in the application – spouse (or future spouse), dependent children, siblings, parents, and grandparents.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Antigua and Barbuda dual citizenship program, you must meet specific criteria, e.g., being at least 18 years old, having a clean criminal record, and being in good health. The principal applicant can also include eligible members of the family, such as their spouse and children under 18 years old.
Requirements for the primary applicant
The primary applicant requirements for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship are:
- Be over 18 years old
- Be of excellent character (proved through bank statements and employer references)
- Hold no criminal record
- Have excellent health
- Be able to make a qualifying investment
- Spend a minimum of five days in Antigua and Barbuda within five calendar years of registering as a citizen
- Be willing to take the oath of allegiance in Antigua and Barbuda itself, or any Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate of Antigua and Barbuda
Requirements for family inclusion
The following family members are also eligible for the investment program:
- Spouse or future spouse
- Children under the age of 18
- Children aged 18 to 30, if they are supported by the main applicant or spouse (as well as their spouse and dependent children)
- Dependent children aged 18 or over who are physically/mentally challenged
- Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse if aged 55 or above and financially dependent on the main applicant or spouse
- Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouse
Including family members post citizenship approval
You can include additional members of the family at any time after the conclusion of the citizenship process. Regardless of the investment option, the fees are:
- 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
Restricted countries
Antigua and Barbuda’s restricted countries list includes:
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Yemen
- Sudan
Individuals born in these restricted countries but who 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 and maintain no economic ties to any restricted country are eligible to apply for citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda.
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship: Investment Options
To qualify for economic citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, you must choose one of four investment routes.
1. National Development Fund (NDF) contribution
Obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda is possible by making a $100,000 non-refundable contribution to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund. The investment threshold depends on the number of dependents included in the application.
National Development Fund | Single Applicant or Family Up to 4 | Family of 5 or more |
Minimum Donation | $100,000 | $125,000 |
Processing Fee | $30,000 | +$15,000 for each additional applicant |
Due Diligence Fee | Main applicant and spouse: $7,500 each | |
Passport Fee | $300 per passport | |
Interview Fee | $1,500 per application | |
2. Approved real estate investment
Investors can make an Antigua and Barbuda real estate investment worth at least $200,000 in a government-approved real estate project. The minimum hold period of five years.
Real Estate Investment | Single Applicant or Family Up to 4 | Additional Family Member |
Minimum Investment | $200,000 | |
Processing Fee | $30,000 | +$15,000 for each additional applicant |
Due Diligence Fee | Main applicant and spouse: $7,500 each | |
Passport Fee | $300 per passport | |
Interview Fee | $1,500 per application | |
3. University of the West Indies Fund donation
Designed for large families of six people or more, the main applicant must make a non-refundable donation of $150,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund. The University of the West Indies Fund (UWI) option entitles one family member to a one-year, tuition-only scholarship at UWI.
University of the West Indies Fund | Family of 6 or More | Additional Family Member |
Minimum Donation | $150,000 | |
Processing Fee | No fee | $15,000 for each additional applicant |
Due Diligence Fee | Main applicant and spouse: $7,500 each | |
Passport Fee | $300 per passport | |
Interview Fee | $1,500 per application | |
4. Approved business investment
There are two business investment options: 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.
Business Investment | Family of 6 or More | Additional Family Member |
Minimum Donation | OPTION 1: $1,500,000 as a solo investor OPTION 2: $400,000 (in a joint $5,000,000 enterprise) | |
Processing Fee | No fee | $15,000 for each additional applicant |
Due Diligence Fee | Main applicant and spouse: $7,500 each | |
Passport Fee | $300 per passport | |
Interview Fee | $1,500 per application | |
Fees and processing charges
Besides the required qualifying investment, obtaining direct citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda requires paying a set of fees to complete the application process:
- Government fee (processing fee)
- Due diligence fee
- Interview fee
- Passport fee
Regarding processing fees, the amount is determined by the selected investment option and the number of dependents included. For contributions to the NDF and real estate investments, applicants are subject to a $30,000 processing fee. In contrast, the University of the West Indies Fund option does not entail a government processing fee for the principal applicant and up to five dependents.
All other applicable fees are fixed amounts, which include a due diligence fee per applicant of $7,500 for the main applicant and spouse, $4,000 for dependent children, parents, and unmarried siblings over 18, and $2,000 for dependent children aged 12 to 17. The Antigua passport fee is $300, and the mandatory interview fee is $1,500.
Antigua Citizenship by Investment Required Documents
As stated on the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment official website, cip.gov.ag, during the application, all documentation provided will go through the due diligence process performed by the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), the government authority responsible for managing citizenship applicants.
This is a vital step in citizenship by investment application, as it means the documents and information will be checked to confirm the identity, financial profile, and security profile of the main applicant and all dependents aged 16 or over. This process is crucial to guarantee the credibility of a citizenship-by-investment program.
The following documents are required to apply for the Antigua and Barbuda program:
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)
Citizenship by investment- 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
For citizenship by investment applications requiring supporting documents, ensure they are certified and authenticated as per the originating jurisdiction’s laws. The certifying person should provide: Full name (in capitals), role, residential/business address, phone number, and email.
If a notary public certifies a document as a true copy, authentication is needed through:
- Apostille, following the Hague Convention for jurisdictions that are party to it.
- Validation of the notary public’s certificate by the relevant government department for jurisdictions not part of the convention.
Mandatory interview
As part of the due diligence process, the CIU requires the primary applicant and any dependents to undergo mandatory interviews. Any additional dependent aged 16 and above will participate in the interview, which will be conducted virtually in the applicant’s preferred language once due diligence has been completed. The cost is $1,500 per application.
Oath of Allegiance
Like citizenship by naturalization, successful applicants must swear an Oath of Allegiance to Antigua and Barbuda in the presence of a notary public or an individual authorized by the Antigua and Barbuda government to administer oaths to obtain citizenship. 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.
Steps on How To Get Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
Potential applicants must submit their citizenship application to an authorized agent licensed by the CIU to manage applications and conduct preliminary due diligence checks.
1. Choose your investment route: Decide which of the four investment routes is best for you: making a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF), purchasing shares of pre-approved real estate projects, making an enterprise investment, or donating to the University of the West Indies Fund. |
2. Complete all application forms: Complete all the forms and necessary documents as provided by Global Citizen Solutions. |
3. Submit your application: Your dedicated Investment Migration Specialist will submit the citizenship application on your behalf*. |
4. Receive the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) approval of application: Within 60-90 days of applying, you will receive a confirmation letter with the status 'approved in principle'. |
5. Make your investment: Make the investment and send proof to the CIU. |
6. 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 of Antigua and Barbuda. You and your family will receive your passports at an address of your choice. |
*The Antigua CIU doesn’t accept applications directly from applicants but only from Authorized Agents.
Mandatory interview
As part of the due diligence process, the CIU announced in December 2023 that future applicants must attend a citizenship interview. Any additional dependent aged 16 and above will participate in the interview, which will be conducted virtually and in the applicant’s preferred language once the CIU’s due diligence has been completed. The cost will be $1,500 per application.
CBI Compliance and Monitoring in Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is the government authority responsible for overseeing the country’s CBI program. The Unit collaborates closely with government entities such as the US Treasury, the European Union, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), ensuring compliance with regulations like anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) policies, while also supervising the activities of licensed agents.
Compliance oversight and strict due diligence checks of applicants of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program ensure its international credibility and value to successful applicants. Antigua and Barbuda, along with the four other Caribbean nations, endorsed the citizenship by investment Memorandum of Understanding, which came into effect on 30 June 2024, strengthening and advancing compliance efforts in Caribbean investment citizenship programs.
Pros and Cons of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
Pros
- Family-friendly: Most affordable Caribbean citizenship by investment for large families with a minimum investment donation of $100,000 (NDF donation) for a family of four or $150,000 (UWI Fund donation) for a family of six or more.
- Well connected: Antigua and Barbuda has frequent direct flights to New York, Miami, London, Toronto, and Montreal, among other major cities. Delta Airlines recently announced it will begin daily direct flights to Antigua from Atlanta and New York. In collaboration with P&O Cruises, Norse Atlantic Airways announced it would begin weekly flights to Antigua from London and Manchester.
- Long-term US visa: Citizens can apply for a ten-year visitor visa to the US.
- Excellent travel mobility: With an Antigua and Barbudan passport, you’ll be granted visa free entry to over 150 visa free destinations worldwide.
Cons
- Travel requirement: This is the only Caribbean CBI program with a travel requirement, albeit a small one. Although there is no need to be physically present in Antigua and Barbuda at any point during the citizenship process, once you become a citizen, you must spend a minimum of five days in the country, in total, during the first five years.
- Extreme weather: Antigua and Barbuda is vulnerable to hurricanes, such as Hurricane Irma, which caused serious damage to the island of Barbuda in 2017. This is a factor to consider if you plan to invest in touristic accommodation.
Antigua and Barbuda CBI Comparison with other Caribbean investment Programs
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: The most affordable Caribbean citizenship by investment program for a family of four.
- Dominica: The cheapest real estate prices available real estate citizenship.
- Grenada: The only Caribbean CBI country offering eligibility to the US E2 Visa
- St Kitts and Nevis: The first country to establish a citizenship by investment program. It provides the strongest Caribbean passport by investment.
- St Lucia: Provides the most investment options, including the option to invest in infrastructure projects with a minimum amount of $250,000
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions about Antigua and Barbuda's CBI Program
How to become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda?
The fastest way to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is through the citizenship by investment program. Investment options are:
- National Development Fund donation (minimum $100,000)
- Approved real estate project investment (minimum $200,000)
- Approved business venture investment (minimum $400,000)
- University of the West Indies Fund donation (minimum $150,000)
You must have no criminal record, no serious health problems, and be older than 18. The application process for Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship program takes four to five months to complete.
Must I visit Antigua and Barbuda for the citizenship by investment program?
You don’t need to visit Antigua during the CBI application process. After obtaining a citizenship certificate in Antigua and Barbuda, the personal visit required to maintain it is five days during the first five years. Minimum residence requirements must be met to renew your passport for the first time.
Can you buy Antigua citizenship?
You can’t buy Antigua and Barbudan citizenship or a passport. However, Antigua and Barbuda offers citizenship to foreign nationals who contribute to the country economic development.
How strong is the Antigua passport?
The Antigua and Barbuda passport ranks 59th on the Global Passport Index. It grants visa free and visa on arrival access to over 150 destinations, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Zone. You’re granted citizenship for a lifetime, and the passport has an initial five-year validity, after which your Antiguan passport can be renewed every ten years.
Can I live and work in Antigua and Barbuda with citizenship?
Obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda allows you and your family full residency rights, including the ability to live, work, and study in the country. To learn more about living in this beautiful island nation, visit our guide to the best towns to live in Antigua and Barbuda.
Can you have dual citizenship in the US and Antigua?
Both Antigua and Barbuda and the United States allow their citizens to hold multiple citizenship.
How much does it cost to invest in Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment cost starts at $100,000. The four investment routes are:
- A $100,000 National Development Fund contribution
- Real estate purchases in an approved project with a minimum value of $200,000
- Contributing $150,000 to the University Fund
- Approved business investments – solo ($1.5 million) or joint ($400,000)
Additional fees include government fees/processing fees, due diligence fees, passport fees, and interview fees.
Can I include my family in my Antigua citizenship application?
Yes, you can include the following dependents in your second citizenship by investment application:
- Spouse or future spouse
- Dependent children
- Parents and grandparents aged 55 or older
- Unmarried siblings
If you would like to include them at a later date, you can do so at an additional fee.
How long does it take to get citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda?
Provided you fulfill all Antigua and Barbuda citizenship requirements, the citizenship timeline in Antigua and Barbuda takes four to five months until the issuance of an approval letter.
What is the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship By Investment Programme?
The Antigua Citizenship by Investment Programme, also known as the Antigua and Barbuda Investor Visa, is a program allowing foreigners to obtain an Antigua passport in exchange for making an investment in the country.
Investment routes include contributing to the National Development Fund or investing in real estate/business.
A stringent application process ensures that applicants meet all eligibility criteria for citizenship.
Are there any residency requirements for maintaining citizenship?
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment requirements do not include maintained permanent residence or a requirement to visit the country to receive citizenship. Successful applicants and additional family members who apply for citizenship can live in Antigua and Barbuda or permanently reside abroad and keep their Antigua second passport and dual citizenship status.
