Antigua and Barbuda’s National Development Fund (NDF) is a non-profit fund established under Section 42(2) of the Finance Administration Act 2006 as part of the country’s economic citizenship program. As a non-profit fund, the purpose of the NDF is to help fund government-sponsored projects, public-private partnerships, and other charitable investments approved by the government. The fund is subject to parliamentary oversight by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda through a six-monthly report that enables transparency and accountability.
In return for a non-refundable contribution of $230,000 to Antigua and Barbuda’s National Development Fund (NDF), investors and up to three family members can obtain citizenship within four to five months and enjoy the benefits of an Antigua and Barbuda passport.
This article will examine the National Development Fund (NDF) option in Antigua and Barbuda, including the minimum contribution requirement, application process, processing fees, and the benefits of donating to the fund.
What is the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund?
The Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund (NDF) was introduced under Section 42(2) of the Finance Administration Act 2006 as a cornerstone of the country’s national development strategy.
As a non-profit fund, the NDF was incorporated with Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program in 2013 to receive non-refundable investor contributions. The fund aims to finance government projects, public-private partnerships, and other national development endeavors approved by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship By Investment Unit (CIU) was the government authority established to manage the fund and its allocations. The fund receives parliamentary review from a six-monthly report.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
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National Development Fund (NDF) Contribution Requirement
A non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund in Antigua and Barbuda is the most affordable route to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment. The CIU requires a minimum contribution amount of $230,000, making it the most affordable dual citizenship option for families among all of the Caribbean citizenship programs.
The table below outlines the costs associated with donating to the National Development Fund (NDF) in Antigua and Barbuda. As you will see, the contribution amount and government processing fees can vary depending on the number of family members. In addition to contributing the minimum sum and paying government processing fees, you will need to pay due diligence fees and passport fees.
National Developmen Fund (NDF) Contribution | ||||
Number of Applicants | Single Investor | Investor and Spouse | Family of Four | Family of Five or More |
Required Contribution Amount | $230,000 | $245,000 | ||
Processing Fee | $20,000 | +$10,000 for each additional applicant | ||
Due Diligence Fee | $7,500 per applicant | Main applicant and spouse: $7,500 each Family members over 18: $4,000 each Family members aged 12-17: $2,000 each | ||
Passport Fee | $1,500 per applicant | |||
Interview Fee | $1,500 per applicant | |||
Application Process and Timeline
1. Discussion and proposal
2. Start onboarding
3. Application review
4. Due diligence
5. Application submission
6. Approval
7. Payment
8. Receive your passport
It is important to note that, by law, applicants are required to submit their applications through a local authorized agent licensed to market and promote the Citizenship by Investment Program by Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). Applicants can see licensed agents on cip.gov.ag, the government website for the CIU. Global Citizen Solutions is a licensed agent authorized by Antigua and Barbuda’s CIU.
1. Discussion with our success team and obtain proposal: Obtain a proposal detailing all fees associated with your specific National Development Fund application.
2. Start onboarding: Prepare and collect your application form and necessary supporting documents for your application. Notarize and certify documents as necessary.
3. Application review: As an Antigua and Barbuda licensed agent, our team will perform a complete review of your citizenship application to ensure everything is in order.
4. Due diligence: Submit your completed application form and other essential documents. Following this, a due diligence check by the Antigua and Barbuda government will be carried out.
5. Application submission: Submit your application to Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). You will also need to pay the submission fees.
6. Approval: It generally takes about four to five months from the date of the interview stage for your citizenship application to be approved by the Citizenship by Investment Unit.
7. Payment: Besides the contribution to the National Development Fund, you will be issued a final invoice detailing the remainder of the fees you are required to pay. This will include your investment payment, as well as the remainder of the government fees. Your Antigua and Barbuda passport and Certificate of Registration (COR) will be issued within one month of you making your investment payment.
8. Receive your passport: Your passports and COR will be issued. You must take the oath or affirmation of allegiance upon your first visit to the country.
As you can see, the entire application process is quite straightforward and investment applicants can expect applications to be processed within four to five months.
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Benefits of Donating to the National Development Fund for Citizenship
There are a number of benefits of contributing to the National Development Fund (NDF):
Most affordable option for families of four or more: The $230,000 minimum sum contribution for families of four makes Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment the cheapest. If your family comprises up to five members, the $245,000 minimum sum requirement is the least expensive route to obtain citizenship in the Caribbean. If your family is made up of six or more members, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund will be the more affordable option for you.
Fund contributions benefit the country: The money that investors contribute to the non-profit fund is used to develop the country’s agriculture, precious metal, service, and tourism sectors. Tourism amounts to 60 percent of GDP, and the majority of NDF contributions go towards national development in this sector. Proceeds from the NDF have been used to improve airport facilities and sustainable energy, including a $20 million 10 MW solar, wind, and energy storage system.
Quick processing time: The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship application process is the fastest among Caribbean countries, with the Antigua and Barbuda official unit processing applications within an average of four to five months.
Tax optimization: Donating to the National Development Fund is beneficial for tax purposes because of Antigua and Barbuda’s favorable tax system, which imposes zero personal income tax, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth taxes.
Visa free travel: The benefit of obtaining citizenship through the NDF donation option includes receiving a Caribbean passport, which allows Antigua and Barbuda passport holders to travel visa free to over 150 countries.
Contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF): Popular Amongst Investors
The National Development Fund option is popular among investors. Although the CIU did not publish detailed data from 2020-2022, the department has confirmed that the number of investors choosing to contribute to the National Development Fund remained above 70 percent between 2018 and 2022.
Year | NDF Contribution | Real Estate Investment | Business Investment | UWI Contribution |
2018 | 93.5 percent | 3 percent | 3.45 percent | - |
2019 | 96 percent | 2.55 percent | 1.7 percent | - |
2020 | 95 percent | 6.5 percent | 2.2 percent | 1.65 percent |
2021 | 82 percent | 11 percent | 12 percent | 5.45 percent |
2022 | 74 percent | 12 percent | 11 percent | 3.1 percent |
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens. With offices in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, our multilingual team guides individuals and families from start to finish, providing expert advice considering freedom, mobility, taxation, and security.
- We have helped hundreds of clients from 35+ countries in all the top residency by investment and citizenship by investment programs. With an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the area, we provide our clients with solid guidance.
- Our team has never had a case rejected. Our 100 percent approval rate sets us apart from our competitors and guarantees that you can expect a successful application.
- Our transparent pricing covers all the processes from opening your bank account, document certification, and legal due diligence to investment and submission. As there is one fee for the entire process, you can be confident that you will not face any hidden costs later.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server. You can be safe knowing that your personal data is treated with the utmost security.
- Global Citizen Solutions provides an all-encompassing solution. Our support can continue even after you receive your passport. We offer additional services such as company incorporation, Trusts, and Foundations formation.
- The BeGlobal Onboarding System® allows you to access the status of your application every step of the way, something that sets us apart from our competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions about the National Development Fund (NDF)
What is the cheapest investment route for the Antigua and Barbuda passport program?
The cheapest route under Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI program is a National Development Fund (NDF) donation, particularly if you are a family with dependent children or dependent parents. The minimum sum required is a one-time investment of $230,000, which qualifies up to four family members.
Besides the contribution to the National Development Fund, the application process cost includes government processing fees, due diligence fees, passport fees, and a fee to have your application submitted by a local authorized agent licensed by Antigua’s citizenship by investment unit, which maintains parliamentary oversight of the program.
The government processing fee is $20,000 for the primary applicant and three family members and $10,000 for each additional dependent, including dependent children and dependent parents.
What is the National Development Plan of Antigua and Barbuda?
The National Development Plan of Antigua and Barbuda is a comprehensive strategic framework designed to guide and monitor the country’s operations and activities established to ensure the country’s long-term socio-economic development.
What is the revenue of the CIP program in Antigua?
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda reported in his budget speech in 2023 that the nation generated EC $88.8 million (USD 32.86 million) in revenue from the country’s CIP program in 2022, with 74 percent coming directly from non-refundable donations to the National Development Fund.
Is there an Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment price increase?
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship cost increased at the beginning of August 2024, as per the standardized minimum investment agreed in the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding. The cost to donate to the National Development Fund increased from $100,000 to $230,000; however the new minimum donation amount qualifies up to four family members to obtain citizenship.
