Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Complete Guide
Unlocking Opportunities in the Caribbean
Safe haven
For the whole family
$230,000
Minimum investment
$230,000
Family of four
6 months
Obtaining period
Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship program was initiated by the Government of Antigua in 2013 to attract foreign investment and enhance the country’s socioeconomic development. The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI) allows foreign nationals to invest in the country and receive second citizenship in return for themselves and their family. This guide presents everything you should know about economic citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, including:
Overview of Antigua Citizenship by Investment
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program was introduced under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Act, Act No. 2 of 2013. The program promotes economic development by attracting monetary contributions and investment to several opportunities, including a designated state fund, approved real estate business projects, and a fund for the island’s University of the West Indies campus.
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) was formed to oversee and regulate the CBI program, including processing each application, monitoring Authorized Agents, conducting stringent due diligence checks, and validating the completion of required investments.
Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship program is inclusive, allowing the primary applicant’s spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings to submit citizenship applications and acquire citizenship.
Key Program Details
- Visa free countries: 151
- Visa free to EU Schengen Area: Yes
- Tax framework: No personal income taxes
- Processing time: 6 months
- Minimum government fund contribution: $230,000
- Minimum real estate investment: $300,000
- Minimum total for one applicant: $260,600
- Minimum total family of four: $269,400
- Eligible dependents:
- Spouse
- Children under 30 or with disabilities
- Parents and grandparents over 55
- Unmarried siblings
- Passport validity:
- 10 years for citizens 16 and over
- 5 years for citizens under 16
- Visit or residency requirement: Five days in the first five years
- Citizenship interview: Yes (virtual)
- Unique feature: Provides an exclusive $260,000 university fund donation option tailored for families of six or more.
Benefits of the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Program
1
Plan B
Having an Antigua and Barbuda second citizenship gives you the freedom and flexibility of global mobility and personal and financial security for those experiencing geopolitical challenges.
2
Family inclusion​
The primary applicant’s spouse, dependent children, siblings, parents, and grandparents can be included in the application to obtain Antigua and Barbuda passports.Â
3
Dual citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda recognizes dual nationality, meaning investors can obtain Antigua and Barbuda dual citizenship alongside their original citizenship.Â
4
Affordable investment options
Antigua and Barbuda provides the most affordable second citizenship for large families, allowing families of up to six to obtain citizenship with a $260,000 investment.
5
Fast application process
Antigua and Barbuda process citizenship applications quickly, with citizenship and an Antigua and Barbuda passport granted in an average of six months.
6
Attractive tax regime
Antigua and Barbuda tax residents benefit from no income tax, wealth, capital gains, or inheritance taxes.
7
Investment after approval
The required investment is made only after the application has been approved in principle, increasing confidence and reducing risk.
8
No language tests or academic requirements
Applicants to the Antigua citizenship program are not required to sit and pass any language tests or meet any kind of academic requirements.
9
Visa free travel
Antigua passport holders enjoy visa free access to 151 Antigua visa free countries, including Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the Schengen Area, the UK, and Qatar.
10
Citizenship for future dependents
Successful applicants can pass citizenship down to a future spouse or future children.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Eligibility Criteria
- Be over 18 years of ageÂ
- Prove you are of excellent character with bank statements and employer references.Â
- Have a clean criminal recordÂ
- Be in excellent healthÂ
- Have the means to make the required qualifying investmentÂ
- Partake in a virtual interview
- Be able to take the Oath of Allegiance in Antigua and Barbuda or at a Consulate, Embassy, or High Commission of the country.Â
- Spouse
- Children below the age of 18Â
- Children between 18 and 30 who are supported by the main applicant or spouse
- Children aged 18 or older who are mentally/physically challengedÂ
- Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse aged 55 and over who are financially supported by the main applicant or spouseÂ
- Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouseÂ
Antigua and Barbuda nationality law treats biological, stepchildren, and legally adopted children equally. Its legislation allows financially dependent stepchildren and legally adopted children of the main applicant or their spouse to obtain citizenship.
Individuals from a restricted country are not eligible to apply for citizenship:Â
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Yemen
- Sudan
- Russia
- Belarus
Individuals born in a restricted country can apply for the program under the following circumstances:Â
- They migrated prior to the age of majority or maintained permanent residence in a non-restricted country for at least ten years.
- They have no economic ties to any restricted country.Â
Get in touch with a Citizenship by Investment Specialist
Our team of industry-leading experts will help you with everything from filing your immigration application to providing professional legal and tax advice. We are wholly committed to your success.Â
Joe Rice
Head of Caribbean Unit
Antigua and Barbuda Investment Options
The investment routes for obtaining citizenship under the Antigua CBI program start from $230,000 and include:
- Non-refundable donation to the National Development Fund (NDF)
- Government-approved real estate investment
- Non-refundable contribution to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund
- Business investment
1. National Development Fund contribution
Investors can obtain citizenship by a non-refundable monetary contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF). The minimum amount is $230,000 for single applicants or families of up to four. Â
Money received from the fund is used to support government-sponsored projects, public-private partnerships, and approved charitable investments that improve the living conditions of the nation’s inhabitants.
The NDF option is designed for investors seeking the most affordable, fastest and straightforward route to qualify for citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda.
NDF Donation | Single Applicant | Family of Up to Four | Family of Five or More |
Minimum Donation | $230,000 | $245,000 | |
Processing Fees | $10,000 | $20,000 | +$10,000 for each additional applicant |
2. Approved real estate investment
The real estate option allows investors to purchase property valued at least $300,000 in government-approved projects. Real estate investment applicants profit from the island’s thriving tourism industry by earning rental as a secondary benefit.
Approved Antigua and Barbuda real estate projects primarily comprise of high-end tourist accommodations and are eligible to be resold five years after citizenship is granted.Â
Real Estate Investment | Single Applicant | Family of Up to Four | Additional Family Member |
Minimum Investment | $300,000 | ||
Processing Fees | $10,000 | $20,000 | +$10,000 for each additional applicant |
3. University of the West Indies Fund donation
Contributing to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund is an affordable option for families of six or. The main applicant must make a non-refundable donation of $260,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund.
A unique benefit of this option is that one of the family members is entitled to a one-year tuition-only scholarship to the University of the West Indies.Â
UWI Fund Contribution | Family of Six or More | Additional Family Member | |
Minimum Contribution | $260,000 | ||
Processing Fees | No fee | +$10,000 for each additional applicant | |
4. Business investment
The business investment option required an investment in government-approved business project in areas including commerce, engineering, and tourism. There are two routes for business investment: A sole or joint investment with the minimum investment being $400,000.
Business Investment | Single Applicant | Family of Up to Four | Additional Family Member |
Minimum Investment | Option A: $1.5 million as a solo investor | ||
Processing Fees | $10,000 | $20,000 | +$10,000 for each additional applicant |
Government fees and charges
Besides the qualifying investment, applicants must pay additional fees to complete the citizenship process:
- Government fee (processing fee)
- Due diligence fee
- Interview fee
- Passport fee
- Courier fee
Fee | Main Applicant | Spouse | Other Dependents | ||||||
Minimum Contribution | $8,500 | $5,000 | $4,000 per applicant aged 18 and over | ||||||
Interview Fees | $1,500 per applicant age 16 and over | ||||||||
Passport Fees | $300 per passport | ||||||||
Estimated Citizenship Cost for a Single Applicant and Family of Four
Here is an example of the estimated Antigua and Barbuda citizenship cost through the cheapest investment option for a single applicant and a family of four, including government fees. The family example includes a primary applicant, spouse, and two children aged 9 and 17.
Costs | Single Applicant | Family of Four | |
Investment Required | $230,000 | ||
Processing Fee | $10,000 | $20,000 | |
Due Diligence Fee | $8,500 | $15,500 | |
Interview Fee | $1,500 | $4,500 | |
Passport Fee | $300 | $1,200 | |
Total | $250,300 | $271,200 | |
Citizenship for future dependents
After gaining citizenship, the primary investor can apply for citizenship for future children. The following fees apply.
Dependent | Cost |
Dependent child aged 0 to 5 | $10,000 |
Dependent child aged 6 to 17 | $25,000 |
Dependent aged 18 and over | $50,000 |
Documents Required for Citizenship by Investment
The following list is an indication of the documents required to submit your Antigua citizenship by investment application. The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) may request additional documents if necessary.
- Citizenship by Investment Application Form AB1Â
- Photograph and Signature Certificate Form AB2Â
- Medical Certificate Form AB3Â
- Investment Confirmation Form AB4Â
- Agent Form AB5Â
- Antigua and Barbuda Passport L Form – 16 and olderÂ
- Antigua and Barbuda Passport M Form – under 16Â
- Real Estate Developer Application Form AB8Â
- Business Investment Application Form AB9Â
- Representatives and Service Providers Forms AB6Â
- Agent’s License Form AB7Â
- Completed application forms – AB1-5Â
- Completed citizenship by investment forms (depending on chosen investment route) – AB8-9Â
- Original police certificate from your country of citizenship/residence (required for each country in which you have lived for six or more consecutive months since the age of 18)Â
- Original excerpt of full birth record or certified copy of birth certificateÂ
- Certified copy of proof of name change (if applicable)Â
- Certified copy of current passport(s) showing:Â
- NameÂ
- PhotoÂ
- Citizenship/nationalityÂ
- Date and place of issueÂ
- Expiry dateÂ
- Passport numberÂ
- Country of issueÂ
- Eight original passport-sized photos of each applicant taken within the last six months (One in each set of eight must be certified)Â
- Medical certificate including original results of an HIV test (not older than three months). HIV tests are required for all applicants aged 12 and older.Â
- At least one original bank reference letter issued by an internationally recognized bank (not older than six months)Â
- At least one original professional reference from an attorney, notary public, official accountant, etc. (not older than six months)Â
- Proof of residential address (original document, e.g., certified copy of a recent utility bill/bank statement showing full name and address, written confirmation from an attorney, bank, chartered accountant, or notary public, etc.)Â
- Original excerpt of marriage record or certified copy of marriage certificate (if applicable)Â
- Certified copy of divorce documents (if applicable)Â
- Statement of the source of funds to be invested in Antigua and BarbudaÂ
- Affidavit of support for each dependent over 18 years old (excl. spouse)Â
- Certified copy of Military Records or exemption from military service (if applicable)Â
- Copy of duly executed real estate contract, i.e., Purchase and Sale Agreement (submitted with application forms)Â
- Evidence of title transfer (submitted once applicant receives approval in principle)Â
Supporting documents included in your application for citizenship must be certified and authenticated according to the law of the document’s jurisdiction of origin.Â
The individual certifying the document must provide the following information:Â
- Full name (in capitals)Â
- Capacity in which they are actingÂ
- Residential or business addressÂ
- Telephone numberÂ
- E-mail addressÂ
If a notary public certifies a document as a true copy of the original, the document must be authenticated by an apostille according to the provisions of the Hague Convention, which abolish the requirement for legislation for foreign public documents (if the jurisdiction is party to the convention). The relevant government department must validate the notary public’s certificate if the jurisdiction is not party to the convention.
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Step-by-Step Citizenship Application Process​
1
Choose your investment route
Decide which of the four investment routes best aligns with your goals
2
Select an Authorized Agent
From CIU’s list of approved Authorized Agents, choose one to submit your citizenship application.
3
Complete all application forms
Complete all the forms and necessary documents as provided by your Authorized Agent.
4
Submit your application
Your dedicated Investment 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 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.Â
9
Visa free travel
Antigua passport holders enjoy visa free access to 150 Antigua visa free countries, including Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the Schengen Area, the UK, and Qatar.
Citizenship processing time
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship timeline is about six months, beginning from submitting the complete application to issuing citizenship documents.
Month one (preparation)
- Choose the qualifying investment
- Choose an Authorized Agent
- Prepare the required documents and submit to the CIU
Months two to four (processing)
- The CIU outsources background checks
- Complete the virtual interview
- Make the required investment
Months four to six (Approval)
- Pay the passport fee and obtain a Certificate of Registration
- Obtain an Antiguan and Barbudan passport
Why choose Antigua and Barbuda CBI?
- Antigua and Barbuda’s economic citizenship program is respected worldwide, demonstrated by the government’s expanding diplomatic ties.
- New citizens and residents enjoy unspoiled beauty and life on a safe tropical island.
- Antigua and Barbuda second passport holders can travel to 151 countries visa free, including the UK, EU countries, China, Russia, and Qatar.
- Successful applicants gain lifetime citizenship for themselves and their families.
- CBI in Antigua and Barbuda is the most affordable Caribbean citizenship for large families.
- The program has a confidential application process with no exchange of information with other governments.
- The program has no in-person Caribbean citizenship interview or language test requirements.
- Visiting Antigua and Barbuda is not required to obtain a passport, and it can also be renewed abroad.
- There is no personal income tax on local or worldwide income, nor wealth, capital gains, or inheritance tax in Antigua and Barbuda.
Compliance and Legal Structure
The Citizenship by Investment Act of 2013 forms the legal basis for Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship program. The Act defines investment routes, investment thresholds, application processes, due diligence procedures, and eligibility criteria and conditions before and after acquiring citizenship.
The main conditions include:
- Minimum investment amounts
- Due diligence procedures
- Application fees
- Application process and timeline
- Grounds for citizenship denial, revocation, and renouncement
- Rights and responsibilities of new citizens
Dual citizenship law
Antigua and Barbuda recognizes dual citizenship, allowing successful applicants to maintain two or more citizenships without the requirement to renounce citizenship. Antigua and Barbuda dual citizenship provides parity in rights and privileges for citizens with multiple citizenships, such as the right to vote, access social services, and maintain an Antigua and Barbuda passport.
Citizenship revocation
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has the authority to cancel citizenship obtained through investment if it discovers any dishonesty or breaches of its rules.Â
Key amendments to the program
May 2019: Antigua and Barbuda extends Limited Time Offer (LTO) until 31 October 2020.
April 2020: Iraq nationals now eligible to apply for citizenship.
May 2020: University of West Indies Fund option established.
April 2020: Permits stateless people from Brunei, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to apply for citizenship by investment.
March 2024: Signs the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
August 2024: Raises the minimum monetary contribution from $100,000 to $230,000 as per the MoU.
Tax rates in Antigua and Barbuda are as follows:Â
- Antigua and Barbuda sales tax (ABST) is typically fixed at 15 percent and is levied on local consumption. Hotels pay a lower rate of 10.5 percent, and holiday accommodations pay a rate of 12.5 percent.Â
- The business and corporate tax rate is 25 percent of net profits. Companies can qualify for concessions such as a 20-year tax holiday on profits.Â
- Properties are subject to an annual property tax of 02. to 0.5 percent.
Antigua and Barbuda CBI Pros and Cons
Pros
- Family-friendly: The most affordable program for large families, starting, requiring a $260,000 non-refundable donation for a large family of six.
- Multiple investment options: The program provides four routes to invest in the Caribbean and obtain citizenship.
- Tax optimization: No personal income tax, wealth, inheritance, capital gains taxes, or tax on dividends, royalties, and interest.
- US visa opportunity: Antigua and Barbuda citizens can apply for a ten-year US B-1/B-2 Visa.
Cons
- Minimum residency: Antigua and Barbuda has the only Caribbean citizenship by investment program that requires applicants to fulfill a minimum residency requirement.
- Weather conditions: Like other islands in the Eastern Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda can experience extreme weather in the form of hurricanes.
- Limited double tax treaties: Antigua and Barbuda has double tax treaties with other CARICOM countries, Germany, and the UK. This means you may be required to pay tax in other countries.
Antigua and Barbuda CBI vs other Caribbean Programs
The Antigua and Barbuda CBI program is one of five Caribbean economic citizenship programs.
- Antigua and Barbuda:Â The most affordable program for large family applications.
- Dominica:Â The cheapest economic citizenship for single applicants.
- Grenada:Â The only Caribbean CBI nation offering eligibility to the US E2 Visa Program.
- St Kitts and Nevis: The fastest application process and strongest Caribbean passport.
- St Lucia:Â The only fully refundable investment option.
Antigua and Barbuda Passport Power Ranking
The Antigua and Barbuda passport is a powerful Caribbean passport that facilitates visa free access to 151 countries worldwide. The passport ranks 51st on the Global Passport Index, and destinations passport holders can travel to without a visa include the UK, Ireland, China, Russia, Qatar, Singapore, and EU countries in the Schengen zone. Antigua and Barbuda citizens also qualify to apply for a US visitor visa.
Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?
- 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 of 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.
- Authorized International Marketing Agent. Global Citizen Solutions is licensed by the Antigua and Barbuda government to promote the country’s CBI program and act as a CIP International Marketing Agent for Antigua and Barbuda.
Get in touch with a Caribbean Citizenship by Investment specialist​
Frequently Asked Questions about Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
It’s not possible to buy Antigua citizenship, but you can invest in the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program (sometimes called the Antigua and Barbuda Investor Visa) for $230,000 and obtain citizenship.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Program offers four investment routes: A donation to the National Development Fund (NDF), a donation to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund, a real estate investment, or a business investment. To qualify, the investor must be over 18, pass a background check, and be able to make the qualifying investment. Once you obtain citizenship, the personal visit required is only five days during the first five years of citizenship.
There are many benefits to the Antiguan and Barbudan citizenship by investment (CBI) program. For example, investors can include family members in their application as well as at a later date following the granting of citizenship. Antigua and Barbuda passport holders also enjoy visa free travel to 150 countries, including the UK, Singapore, South Korea, and the Schengen zone. Antigua and Barbuda tax residents do not pay income or wealth tax.Â
This will depend on your individual circumstances and objectives. Overall, however, it is worth obtaining Antigua citizenship vs Dominica citizenship or that of many other nations. The passport is ranked 51st on the Global Passport Index as it offers exceptional visa free and visa on arrival access. Citizens also enjoy tax benefits, including no tax on income generated from local or worldwide sources, dual citizenship, and quality of life in a progressive country. You can also include dependents unmarried siblings, children, spouses, parents, and grandparents in an Antigua citizenship application.
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment requirements include being 18 or over, having a clean criminal record, being in good health, and making one of the approved investments in the program.
Gaining citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda is relatively straightforward, provided applicants fulfill the eligibility and significant economic contribution requirements and apply through authorized Caribbean immigration services.
The official website of the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), cip.gov.ag, lists all licensed agents for the country’s citizenship program.
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment timeline from application submission to obtaining citizenship takes six months on average.
Besides the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program, individuals can become Antigua and Barbuda citizens by being born in the country, having at least one Antigua and Barbudan parent, marriage to an Antigua and Barbuda citizen, and living in the country for at least seven years.
According to Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister’s budget speech, applications in the citizenship by investment programme increased to 739 in 2024 compared to 685 in 2023.