Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

Program Overview

Antigua & Barbuda's Citizenship by Investment Programme, established in 2013, offers one of the most powerful Caribbean passports with visa-free access to over 152 countries. The programme is unique in offering multiple investment routes including a university fund option. A minimal residency requirement of just 5 days within the first 5 years makes it one of the most flexible programs available. Managed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).

Minimum Investment

$230,000

Processing Time

3–6 months

Visa-Free Countries

152

Investment Options

National Development Fund (NDF)

$230,000

Non-refundable contribution to the NDF supporting national development projects and infrastructure.

Real Estate Investment

$300,000

Purchase of government-approved real estate. Minimum holding period of 5 years. Joint investments (two applicants sharing a single unit) are permitted at $300,000 each.

Business Investment

$400,000

Investment in an approved business enterprise, either as a sole investor or as part of a joint investment with other applicants.

University of the West Indies Fund

$260,000

Contribution to the University of the West Indies fund, which includes a scholarship for one family member to attend UWI for one year.

Processing Timeline

Initial Consultation - Week 1–2

Program overview, investment route selection, and preliminary eligibility review.

Document Collection - Week 3–6

Comprehensive document gathering with support from our dedicated compliance team.

Application Submission - Week 7–8

Complete application filed with the CIU through a Licensed Agent.

Due Diligence - Week 9–16

International background checks and government review.

Approval in Principle - Week 17–20

AIP issued upon successful due diligence.

Investment Completion - Week 21–22

Complete chosen investment within the specified timeframe.

Citizenship & Passport - Week 23–26

Certificate of Citizenship and passport issued.

Visa-Free Access

The Antigua & Barbuda passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 152 countries worldwide, including:

✈️ United Kingdom

✈️ Schengen Area

✈️ Singapore

✈️ Hong Kong

✈️ Brazil

✈️ South Korea

✈️ UAE

Family Inclusion

Spouse

Yes - included in main application

Children

Dependent children under 31 years of age

Parents

Dependent parents aged 55 and above

Siblings

Unmarried siblings under 31

Tax Environment

Income Tax

No personal income tax

Wealth Tax

No wealth tax

Inheritance Tax

No inheritance or estate tax

Capital Gains

No capital gains tax

Antigua & Barbuda does not tax worldwide income, making it a highly attractive jurisdiction for global investors.

Residency & Dual Citizenship

Residency Requirement

5 days within 5 years

Physical presence requirement: 5 days within 5 years.

Dual Citizenship

Yes

Fully recognized. Your existing nationality remains unaffected.

Required Documents

Valid passport (certified copy)
Birth certificate (apostilled)
Police clearance from all countries of residence
Medical examination report
Proof of source of funds
Bank reference letter
Professional references (2)
Passport photographs (8)
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Proof of address
Academic transcripts (if applicable)

Step-by-Step Application Process

1

Initial Consultation

Meet with our senior advisors to discuss your objectives, eligibility, and preferred investment route.

2

Due Diligence Pre-Screening

We conduct internal compliance checks to ensure your profile meets program requirements before formal submission.

3

Document Preparation & Submission

Our team prepares your complete application package and submits it to the relevant government authority.

4

Government Due Diligence

The government conducts thorough background checks through international intelligence agencies.

5

Approval in Principle

Upon successful due diligence, you receive an Approval in Principle and complete your chosen investment.

6

Oath of Allegiance

Take the Oath of Allegiance, which can typically be done at an embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

7

Passport Issuance

Your Certificate of Citizenship and passport are issued, completing your journey to dual citizenship.

Fees Breakdown

Fee Type	Details
Government Fees	$10,000 single; $20,000 family of 4; $10,000/additional dependent
Due Diligence Fees	$8,500 main applicant; $5,000/spouse; $4,000/dep (18+); $2,000/dep (12-17)
Processing Fees	$10,000 single; $20,000 family of 4; $10,000/additional dependent
Passport Fees	$300 per passport
Real Estate Holding Period	5-year minimum holding period

Frequently Asked Questions

Antigua & Barbuda requires only 5 days of physical presence within the first 5 years of citizenship - one of the lightest requirements of any CBI program.

For a $260,000 contribution, one family member receives a one-year scholarship to the University of the West Indies, making it a unique education-investment hybrid.

Yes. Two applicants can jointly invest in a single approved property at $300,000 each, making the real estate route more accessible.

The Antigua & Barbuda passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 152 countries, including the UK, Schengen Area, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Yes. You can add eligible dependents to your citizenship at a later date by filing a supplementary application.

Yes. Antigua & Barbuda fully recognizes dual citizenship. Your existing passport remains unaffected.

You can invest $400,000 in an approved business as a sole investor, or join with other applicants in a joint venture totaling at least $400,000 each.

Typical processing time is 3–6 months from submission to passport issuance, though some applications may be fast-tracked.