Located in the Eastern Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda has offered an economic route to citizenship since 2013, with a minimum investment of $230,000. The CBI program allows applicants to obtain second citizenship and a Caribbean passport. It is based on economic donations to the nation. Contributions can be made through the National Development Fund (NDF), real estate and business investment, or the University of the West Indies Fund (UWI).
After choosing the donation option and successfully completing the program, Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program grants visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to more than 140 countries, including the Schengen Area. Therefore, it stands out for its global mobility opportunities, especially for businesspeople, retirees, and families.
Key Takeaways for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
- Antigua and Barbuda is a Caribbean island. It holds one of the world’s most attractive and affordable citizenship-by-investment programs.
- Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program, which launched in 2013, attracts many foreign investors and helps stimulate the country’s economy.
- To qualify for the program, applicants must choose one of the donation options and make a minimum investment of $230,000. These include the National Development Fund (NDF), real estate and business investment, and the University of the West Indies Fund (UWI).
- As one of the fastest Caribbean citizenship by investment programs, the processing time takes 6-9 months.
- You can include your spouse, children under 30, unmarried siblings, parents and grandparents over 55 as dependents.
- Since November 2023, the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program has required a mandatory virtual interview for its main applicants and dependents aged 16 or older for due diligence requirements.
- To complete the program successfully, the main applicant must stay in Antigua and Barbuda for 5 days during a 5 year time. If not, your Antigua passport will not be valid.
- Citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda allows you to obtain a passport in Antigua and Barbuda. Thus, you will have visa-free travel access to more than 140 countries, including the Schengen Zone.
- Once you are an Antigua and Barbuda, you do not have to worry about foreign income tax as the country is tax friendly.
- There is no language requirement. However, the required documents must be in English or translated into English.
- The country also allows dual citizenship, meaning you can hold both your original nationality and Antigua and Barbuda citizenship simultaneously on the condition that your home country permits it.
What to Discover in This Guide?
- Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
- Who is Eligible to Get Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda?
- Investment Options for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
- What is the Cost of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship?
- Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Requirements
- How to Get Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
There are many reasons to become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda. This program is not just a route to a new passport. It is an opportunity to enhance your global mobility as well.
Visa-Free Travel and International Mobility
As a citizen, you can enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries. Imagine the ease of planning a last-minute business trip or a spontaneous holiday. This includes significant business and travel destinations such as;
-
The United Kingdom
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Countries in the Schengen Area
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Singapore
-
Hong Kong
This mobility means smoother travel for meetings, conferences, and networking events across continents. It also opens doors for exploring international markets.
Economic Advantages
Antigua and Barbuda offers a stable environment and a growing economy. The country is attractive for business due to its low tax regime. Remember that there is no worldwide income, inheritance, or capital gains tax.
Lifestyle Perks
Antigua and Barbuda has beautiful landscapes, a warm climate, and a vibrant culture. As a citizen, you can enjoy a high standard of living. Also, you will have access to quality healthcare and education. The islands offer a sense of security and a relaxed pace of life. These make the country an ideal place for families and retirees.
Investment Opportunities
The citizenship by investment program itself presents various investment opportunities, whether in real estate, business, or contributions to national funds.
Dual Citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s approach to dual citizenship is one of openness and flexibility. The country allows dual citizenship. While you retain your current nationality you can also enjoy the benefits of Antiguan and Barbudan citizenship. This policy maintains your roots while expanding your global reach.
However, holding dual citizenship comes with specific legal considerations. Stay informed about the laws of both countries regarding dual nationality. Some nations may have restrictions or specific requirements for citizens who hold another country’s passport.
Tax Benefits
Antigua and Barbuda offers a favorable tax regime as one of the top countries with no income tax. If you become a citizen, you do not have to pay foreign income tax. However, consider the tax laws of your other country of citizenship. Some countries tax global income, and it can affect your financial planning.
Financial Planning
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program also opens up diverse financial planning opportunities. It allows for more flexibility in investment, banking, and business operations across borders. This can be particularly advantageous to diversify your assets and income streams.
Who is Eligible to Get Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda?
Gaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda involves several crucial steps.
The Main Applicant
Before choosing a path for applying to the citizenship by investment program in Antigua and Barbuda, you need to be sure if you are eligible:
- Being 18 years old
- Being of good character
- Having no criminal record
- Maintaining good health
- Being able to make an economic donation to the country
- Passing a thorough due diligence process
Family Eligibility for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
When applying for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by investment program, the main applicants can also add their dependents:
- The spouse
- Children who are 0-30 years of age who are financially dependent
- Physically or mentally disabled children who are 18 or older.
- Parents or grandparents who are 55 or older and financially dependent
- Unmarried siblings
- a future spouse of the main applicant (with a $50,000 fee)
- a future spouse of dependent children
- future child of a dependent child
Investment Options for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda welcomes global citizens who wants a quick route to second citizenship. Four investment and contribution options of the Antigua and Barbuda program are as follows:
- The National Development Fund
- Real Estate Investment
- Business Investment
- The University of the West Indies Fund
1. The National Development Fund (NDF)
The National Development Fund (NDF) in Antigua and Barbuda presents a streamlined avenue. This option involves a non-refundable contribution to the nation’s development initiatives. The primary requirement is a minimum investment of $230,000 for a single applicant. The amount increases slightly for families.
Your application begins with a thorough background check. The aim is to ensure compliance with international standards. You can expect the process to be finalized within three to six months. To finalize your application for the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by donation, you need to submit the necessary documentation, including proof of investment, among others.
|
The National Development Fund |
Contribution |
Processing Fees |
Due Diligence Fees |
|
For a single applicant |
$230,000 |
$10,000 |
$8,500 |
|
For a family of 4 or less |
$230,000 |
$20,000 |
$8,500 (main applicant) + $5,000 for spouse, $2,000 per dependent (12–17), $4,000 per dependent (18 and over), $5,000 (benefactor) |
|
For a family of 5 or more |
$230,000 |
$20,000 and $10,000 (from the 5th dependent) |
$8,500 (main applicant) + $5,000 for spouse, $2,000 per dependent (12–17), $4,000 per dependent (18 and over), $5,000 (benefactor) |
2. The Real Estate Investment
This investment program suits investors seeking both a tangible asset and global mobility. The requirement is a minimum investment of $400,000 in approved real estate properties. The investor is required to hold the real estate for at least five years. If you are looking for a tangible investment, this option is ideal. Plus, you will benefit from Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.
You will need to submit the usual documentation, including proof of your real estate purchase. The government’s approval process can take three to six months. It means that you could get additional citizenship within half a year.
What benefits will you get by choosing this option?
- Gaining citizenship
- Investing in a property in a prime location
- Potential financial ROI
| Real Estate Investment | Contribution | Processing Fees | Due Diligence Fees |
| For a single applicant | $300,000 | $10,000 | $8,500 |
| For a family of 4 | $300,000 | $10,000 | $8,500 (main applicant) $5,000 for spouse $2,000 per dependent (12–17) $4,000 per dependent (18 and over) $5,000 (benefactor) |
| For a family of 5 or more | $300,000 | $20,000 and $10,000 (per additional dependent) | $8,500 (main applicant) $5,000 for spouse $2,000 per dependent (12–17) $4,000 per dependent (18 and over) $5,000 (benefactor) |
The Business Investment
Entrepreneurs and business-minded individuals can use this option to obtain citizenship. You can invest a minimum of $1.5 million in a business. One alternative is to invest solely. Or, there will be a joint investment involving at least two persons totaling at least $5 million. Note that each person should at least invest $400,000.
After you get your approval-in-principal letter, you need to make your investment and pay the processing fees within 30 days.
You will need to provide proof of your investment alongside standard documentation. The process may take three to six months.
| The Business Investment | Single applicant | For a family of four | For a family of 5 or more |
| Minimum Investment |
$1,500,000 (For a single applicant) $5,000,000 (For joint investments) |
||
| Processing Fee | $10,000 | $10,000 | $20,000 and $10,000 (for each additional dependent) |
| Due Diligence Fees | $8,500 |
$8,500 (main applicant) $5,000 for spouse $2,000 per dependent (12–17) $4,000 per dependent (18 and over) $5,000 (benefactor) |
$8,500 (main applicant) $5,000 for spouse $2,000 per dependent (12–17) $4,000 per dependent (18 and over) $5,000 (benefactor) |
The University of the West Indies Fund (UWI)
Donating to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund blends philanthropy with global mobility. This donation is the right investment scheme, if you want to contribute to educational development. The minimum number for donation for a family of six and the minimum amount is $260,000.
You must submit the necessary documentation, including proof of donation, and then wait around three to six months.
You will be investing in the future and the education of the Caribbean community. Your donation will directly support the University of the West Indies Fund. Additionally, one family member will be eligible for a one-year scholarship each year.
| UWI | Contribution | Processing Fees | Due Diligence Fees |
| For a family of 6 | $260,000 | – | $8,500 (main applicant) $5,000 for spouse $2,000 per dependent (12–17) $4,000 per dependent (18 and over) $5,000 (benefactor) |
| For a family of 7 or more | $10,000 (for each dependent) | $8,500 (main applicant) $5,000 for spouse $2,000 per dependent (12–17) $4,000 per dependent (18 and over) $5,000 (benefactor) |
What is the Cost of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship?
Antigua and Barbuda offers various investment options, each with its specific cost structure for potential investors.
| Investment Options | The Main Applicant | Processing Fees | Due Diligence Fees |
| The National Development Fund | $230,000 | $10,000 | $8,500 |
| Investment in Real Estate | $300,000 | $10,000 | $8,500 |
| Investment in Business (Single Investor) | $1,500,000 | $10,000 | $8,500 |
| Investment in Business (Joint Investment) | Each investor should pay at least $400,000, totaling $5,000,000 | $10,000 | $8,500 |
| The University of the West Indies Fund | $260,000 | – | $8,500 |
* Note that the table only covers the costs of the main applicants, additional fees will change depending on the number of dependents.
Expenses For a Family of Four
Here’s a summary of the total costs for a family of four to get Antigua and Barbuda citizenship through different investment options.
| Investment Option | Contribution | Processing Fees | Due Diligence Fees | Total Estimated Cost |
| National Development Fund (NDF) | $230,000 | $20,000 | $17,500 (Main: $8,500, Spouse: $5,000, 2 Dependents 12–17: $4,000) |
$267,500 |
| Real Estate Investment | $300,000 | $10,000 | $17,500 (Main: $8,500, Spouse: $5,000, 2 Dependents 12–17: $4,000) |
$327,500 |
| Business Investment (Joint) | $400,000 | $10,000 | $17,500 (Main: $8,500, Spouse: $5,000, 2 Dependents 12–17: $4,000) |
$427,500 |
| UWI Fund | Not eligible | Not eligible | Not eligible | Not available for family of 4 |
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Requirements
Now that you have learnt eligibility criteria and donation options for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment, let’s look at the requirements.
Due Diligence Check
Antigua and Barbuda requires a due diligence check for each main applicant. Through this thorough financial background check, the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program ensures transparency and prevents money laundering.
Minimum Residency Requirements
The processing time for citizenship applications is usually within three to six months. However, there is a residency requirement to maintain your citizenship status like Golden Visa countries. In order to obtain citizenship, it is necessary to spend a minimum of five days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first five years.
Interview
To pass through a comprehensive due diligence check, the main applicant and their dependents who are 16 and over must attend a virtual interview as of 2023. The interview costs $1500 per applicant.
Required Documents
During the application process, you will be asked to gather certain documents to pass through background checks. These documents include:
Application Forms
The required application forms include the following:
- Citizenship by Investment Application Form AB1
- Photograph and Signature Certificate Form AB2
- Medical Certificate Form AB3 – Example
- Investment Confirmation Form AB4
- Agent Form AB5
Passport application forms:
- Antigua & Barbuda Passport L Form (for applicants 16 and older)
- Antigua & Barbuda Passport M Form (for applicants under 16)
Citizenship by investment options
- Real Estate Developer Application Form AB8
- Business Investment Application Form AB9
Forms for agents and representatives:
- Representatives and Service Providers Form AB6
- Agent’s License Form AB7
Please note that the forms can be found on the official government website.
Other Documents
- Filled-out AB1-5 forms and citizenship by investment documentation.
- Two certified color copies of each applicant’s passport (showing name, photo, nationality, issue details, expiry date, passport number, and issuing country)
- Certified color copy of the applicant’s current National Identity Card.
- Eight recent passport-sized photos (one certified).
- Two certified and apostilled copies of the full birth certificate (including parents’ details).
- Police clearance certificate from the country of citizenship and any country you lived in for over 3 months in the past 10 years, issued within the last 6 months.
- Certified copy of Military Records (if applicable).
- Notarized copy of the name change document (if applicable).
- Medical certificate, including original HIV test results (for applicants aged 12+; results must be within 3 months).
- At least 1 original bank reference letter and 1 original professional reference (within 6 months).
- Two certified copies of proof of residential address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement) plus Lease/Tenancy Agreement or Deed of Title.
- Two original or certified marriage certificates or divorce documents (if applicable).
- Statement of source of funds for Antigua and Barbuda investment.
- Sworn affidavit of support for each dependent over 18 (excluding spouse).
- Written confirmation from an accredited university if a dependent (18-25) is in full-time education.
For a real estate option, you also need to submit a copy of the executed real estate contract and evidence of title transfer (after approval in principle).
Document Certification
Required documents for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment application must be certified and validated. It is to ensure that documents are properly certified and recognized internationally.
The certifying person must provide their full name, role, and contact details (address, phone number, and email).
When a notary public certifies a document as an accurate copy, it must be further validated by:
- An apostille, if the country is a member of the 1961 Hague Convention.
- Official confirmation from the relevant government authority if the country is not part of the Hague Convention.
How to Get Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
Here is the step-by-step application process for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.
Step 1: Choose Your Investment Program
First, decide on your investment route for the best CBI program. As mentioned above, options include the national development fund, real estate, a business investment, or a donation to the University of the West Indies Fund. Each has specific requirements and benefits.
In this step, you can get in touch with Get Golden Visa. Our experts will help you to find the best investment option and streamline the process.
Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
Next, compile the necessary documents. This includes a valid passport, birth certificate, police clearance, and proof of investment. Ensure all documents are up-to-date and accurately reflect your information.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once you have your documents and investment ready, submit your application. Make sure that all paperwork is in order.
Step 4: Due Diligence and Processing
After submission, your application undergoes a due diligence check. This is a critical step. There will be a verifying process for your background and investment. Expect this to take around three to six months.
Step 5: Approval and Citizenship
If your application is successful, you will receive a notification of approval. Following this, you will complete any necessary investment transactions. Ultimately, you will receive your certificate of registration as a citizen and take an oath of Allegiance.
Step 6: Passport and Residency
As the final process, apply for your Antiguan and Barbudan passports, costing $300 per person. Remember the last step. You must spend at least five days in the country within the first five years of your citizenship.The passport will be valid for 5 years at first, then you can extend it to 10 years.
Get Golden Visa: Who We Are and How We Can Help You
Get Golden Visa is a bespoke investment advisory firm. Contact us and talk to one of our experienced team members to help you with any and all your questions in your quest for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment.
Frequently Asked Questions on Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda
Why is Antigua and Barbuda considered a top destination for Citizenship by Investment?
According to Henley & Partners’ 2017–2018 report, Antigua and Barbuda was ranked the best CBI destination in the Caribbean and fourth globally. It scored 61 out of 100 on the Global Citizenship Programme Index, with high marks in categories such as quality of life, visa-free access, processing efficiency, compliance, financial and residence requirements, relocation flexibility, and transparency.
How does Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI Program benefit the country’s economy?
The program generates around 15% of the government’s annual revenue and drives significant investment in construction and real estate. It has funded the country’s shift to renewable energy, supported post-storm reconstruction in Barbuda, and helped Antigua and Barbuda repay its entire external debt to the IMF by boosting national liquidity and tax revenues.
What are the main reasons to become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda?
Citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda offers numerous advantages. It includes visa-free travel to over 150 countries, fast processing times, and a stable, business-friendly environment. Beyond the benefits of the passport, the country offers an exceptional quality of life with charming beaches, world-class sailing, luxury resorts, and outdoor activities.
Can I emigrate to Antigua?
Yes, you can emigrate to Antigua. There are various pathways, including through the Citizenship by Investment program or by obtaining a work or residence permit. The citizenship process and requirements vary depending on the method chosen.
How much is the immigration fee in Antigua?
The immigration fee in Antigua varies. It depends on the type of visa or permit you are applying for. For detailed and current fee structures, it is best to check government fees.
How strong is Antigua and Barbuda passport?
Antigua and Barbuda passport is ranked 28th in 2025. Passport owners of Antigua and Barbuda get the option to travel to 153 countries through visa-free access.
Can foreigners buy property in Antigua and Barbuda?
The answer is yes. As a foreigner, you can buy property in Antigua and Barbuda. Foreigners can own property without any restrictions. However, non-citizens need to obtain a Non-Citizen Land Holding License, which comes with a fee.
Is it cheaper to live in Antigua?
The cost of living in Antigua varies depending on lifestyle choices and location within the island. Generally, living costs can be higher compared to some countries due to the importation of goods. However, it can be affordable with local market choices and lifestyle adjustments.
Can you retire in Antigua?
Retiring in Antigua is easy for foreigners. US citizens can stay for up to 180 days without a visa. To stay longer, you can apply for permanent residency or get citizenship by investment.
Can US citizens hold dual nationality with Antigua and Barbuda?
Yes, Antigua allows dual citizenship, and the US does not stop its citizens from having another passport. This means US citizens can get Antigua citizenship without losing their nationality.
How long can you stay in Antigua?
Foreigners can live in Antigua by applying for permanent residency, citizenship by investment, or a remote work visa (valid for two years). US citizens can also stay for 180 days without a visa and apply for extensions if needed.
Does Antigua have a tax agreement with the United States?
No, Antigua does not have a tax treaty with the US. But it has no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax, making it attractive for investors and retirees.
How safe is Antigua for expats and retirees?
Antigua is safe for expats, with low crime rates compared to other Caribbean countries. It offers a peaceful environment, beautiful scenery, and a warm climate, along with a relatively low crime rate.
