Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide 2025

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program empowers foreign investors to get a second citizenship and a Caribbean passport in exchange for a significant economic contribution to the nation.

Antigua and Barbuda economic citizenship, as it’s often called, grants qualified investors and their families an idyllic life on a tropical island nation and the ability to travel visa free to 151 countries.

Making a significant financial investment is the primary requirement, starting with a non-refundable donation of $230,000 to the country’s government fund, which supports national development projects in the nation.

This guide breaks down Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI program, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, and how to apply step-by-step.

• Antigua CBI Program overview
• Antigua and Barbuda citizenship benefits
• Eligibility criteria for Antigua and Barbuda CBI
• Antigua and Barbuda CBI investment options
• Required documents for Antigua citizenship
• Antigua citizenship by investment application process
• Fees and charges for Antigua and Barbuda CBI
• Antigua and Barbuda CBI pros and cons
• Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa

Key Program Details

• Visa free countries: 151
• Visa free to Schengen Area: Yes
• Launched: 2013
• Purpose: To attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth.
• Tax framework: No 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)

Overview of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment was introduced in 2013 to promote economic growth by attracting foreign direct investment to support social and infrastructure development, ensuring a sustainable future for the country.

The program is overseen by the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), the government authority responsible for handling qualifying investments, donations, and due diligence checks of eligible citizenship applicants.

To be granted citizenship and an Antigua and Barbuda passport, foreign investors have four investment options, starting from $230,000:

• Contributing to the National Development Fund (NDF)
• Investment in approved real estate projects
• Establishing an approved business
• Donating to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund

Antigua and Barbuda allows dual citizenship, permitting Antiguans and Barbudans to obtain multiple citizenships. Successful applicants and their families are granted second passports, which allow them to access 151 countries without visas, including the UK, the EU Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, and China.

11 Benefits of the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program

1. Member of CARICOM and OECS: Antigua and Barbuda citizens enjoy the regional benefits of being citizens of the Caribbean Community and Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.
2. Favorable tax regime: The Antigua and Barbuda tax regime does not impose personal income tax, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes.
3. Visa free travel: Antigua and Barbuda passport holders can travel visa free to 151 countries, including EU Schengen states, the UK, China, and Russia.
4. Extensive family inclusion: Dependent family members, including a spouse, children, parents, and grandparents, qualify for citizenship by investment.
5. Investment only after initial approval: The qualifying investment is made after receiving pre-approval, increasing confidence and reducing risk.
6. Fast processing time: Antigua and Barbuda has the fastest citizenship timeline among Caribbean CBI countries, granting citizenship within six months.
7. Security of a Plan B: Antigua and Barbuda provides a solid Plan B to ensure financial stability and access to a safer, more politically stable environment.
8. No language or history exams: There are no language or cultural knowledge tests and no requirement to visit Antigua and Barbuda during the application process.
9. Opportunity to have dual citizenship: Antigua and Barbuda allows dual citizenship, permitting successful applicants to maintain multiple citizenships and all privileges of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.
10. Citizenship for future generations: Successful CBI applicants can pass citizenship down to a future spouse or future children.
11. Long-term US Visa eligibility: Antigua and Barbuda passport holders can apply for a ten-years US visitor visa.

Eligibility Criteria for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

Requirements for the primary applicant

• Be over 18 years old
• Be of excellent character (proved through bank statements and employer references)
• Hold a clean criminal record
• Be in good 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 online, in Antigua and Barbuda itself, or any Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate of Antigua and Barbuda

Requirements for family inclusion

• 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
• Dependent parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse if aged 55 or above and fully supported by the main investor or spouse
• Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouse

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Act treats biological, stepchildren, and legally adopted children equally. The Act allows financially dependent stepchildren and legally adopted children of the main applicant or their spouse to obtain citizenship.

Including eligible dependents post citizenship approval

• 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
• Russia
• Belarus

Specific individuals can apply for citizenship, provided:

• They 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
• Have maintained no economic ties to any restricted country

Qualifying individuals born in restricted countries may incur additional costs to obtain an Antigua and Barbuda passport due to enhanced due diligence requirements.

Investment Options for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

1. National Development Fund contribution

Obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda is possible following significant economic contributions of at least $230,000 to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund.

The non-refundable contribution is designed for investors seeking the most affordable, fastest and straightforward route to qualify for citizenship by investment.

2. Approved real estate investment

Real estate investment applicants can make an Antigua and Barbuda real estate investment worth at least $300,000 in a government-approved real estate project, which include private homes and luxury resorts.

Approved real estate investment applicants benefit from a lucrative investment with a high rental income potential without the requirement to make a larger qualifying investment to include family members.

3. University of the West Indies Fund donation

The main applicant must make a non-refundable donation of $260,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund.

The University of the West Indies Fund (UWI) option has no additional investment requirement or processing fees, making it suitable for large families of six or more. It also entitles one family member to a one-year, tuition-only scholarship at UWI.

4. Approved business investment

There are two approved business investment options to qualify for Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship program: 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.

Potential investors, such as entrepreneurs, can use the business investment option to create jobs for locals and contribute to the economy. Approved industries include tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology.

Required Documents for the Antigua Citizenship by Investment Program

As stated on the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment official website, cip.gov.ag, during the application, all documentation provided will go through a strict due diligence process adhering to the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) regulations, the government authority responsible for managing citizenship applicants.

The following documents are required:

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

Ensure documents are certified and authenticated in accordance with Antigua and Barbuda immigration law. 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:

1. Apostille, following the Hague Convention for jurisdictions that are party to it.
2. Validation of the notary public’s certificate by the relevant government department for jurisdictions not part of the convention.

Oath of Allegiance

An Oath of Allegiance to Antigua and Barbuda must be sworn in the presence of a notary public or an individual authorized by the Antigua and Barbuda government to administer oaths for successful applicants and their family to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment. 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 and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

Potential applicants must submit their citizenship application to an authorized agent licensed by the CIU.

*The Antigua CIU only accept citizen applications submitted by Authorized Agents.

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 Antigua and Barbuda passport

Fees and Processing Charges of Antigua CBI

Besides the required investment, obtaining direct citizenship requires paying fees to complete the application process:

• Government fee (processing fee)
• Due diligence fee
• Interview fee
• Passport fee
• Courier fee

Regarding processing fees, the amount is determined by the investment chosen and the number of dependents included. For contributions to the NDF and business and real estate investments, investors must pay a processing fee of $10,000 as a single applicant or $20,000 for up to four family members, and $10,000 for each additional family member.

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. The courier fee varies dependent on the licensed agent, typically costing about $300 per applicant.

Estimated expenses for a family of four

Here is an example of the estimated cost to obtain citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda for a family of four, including government fees. The example includes a primary applicant, spouse, and two children aged 9 and 17.

Legal Structure

The Citizenship by Investment Act of 2013 forms the legal basis for the citizenship program. The Act defines the program’s investment routes, investment thresholds, application processes, due diligence procedures, and applicant requirements before and after obtaining citizenship.

Core requirements 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 citizenships or more without the requirement to renounce Antigua and Barbuda citizenship. Antigua and Barbuda dual citizenship includes parity in rights and privileges for citizens with multiple citizenships, such as the right to vote, access social services, and maintain a passport.

 

Antigua and Barbuda CBI Comparison with Other Caribbean Nations

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: Offers the most affordable Caribbean citizenship by investment program for a family of four.
• Dominica: Offers the most option to purchase property and acquire citizenship.
• Grenada: Is the only Caribbean CBI country offering eligibility to the US E2 Visa program.
• St Kitts and Nevis: Was the first country to establish a citizenship by investment program.
• St Lucia: Provides the most diverse investment options.

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 Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda

How to become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda?

A person can become an Antigua and Barbuda citizen by birth if they’re born in Antigua and Barbuda, by descent if they’re born to a Antiguan and Barbudan parent or grandparent, by naturalization if they’ve lived in Antigua and Barbuda for at least seven years, or by investment if they make a qualifying investment in Antigua and Barbuda’s economy.

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, the personal visit required to maintain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is five days during the first five years of obtaining citizenship. 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, for an investment overview, Antigua and Barbuda offers citizenship to foreign nationals who contribute at least $230,000 to the country economic development.

How strong is the Antigua and Barbuda passport?

The Antigua and Barbuda passport ranks 51st on the Global Passport Index. It grants visa free and visa on arrival access to 151 destinations, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, the UK, Chine, Qatar, 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 permanent residence rights, including the ability to live, work, and study in the country. 

Can you have dual citizenship in the US and Antigua and Barbuda?

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 $230,000. The total Antigua and Barbuda citizenship cost includes additional fees; government/processing fees, due diligence fees, passport fees, and interview fees.

Can I include my family in my Antigua citizenship application?

You can include the following dependents in your citizenship by investment application:

• Spouse or future spouse
• Dependent children
• Parents and grandparents aged 55 or older
• Unmarried siblings

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 six 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 second passport in exchange for making an investment in the country.

Who can get Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?

People who qualify for citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda include foreign nationals who are over 18, have a clean criminal record, are in good health, and have the necessary finances to fulfill the minimum investment and pay the required government fees. Additionally, family members of the primary applicant can also get citizenship, which includes the primary applicant’s spouse, children under 30 or with disabilities, parents, grandparents, and unmarried siblings.

Is it easy to get Antigua citizenship?

Getting Antigua citizenship is relatively easy, provided foreign nationals fulfill the eligibility criteria, which include being over 18, having a clean criminal record, and making the necessary minimum investment, which starts from $230,000.

Why do applicants need a licensed agent’s help?

Using a licensed agent to apply for the Antigua CBI program is not just a recommendation but one of the primary Antigua citizenship requirements for citizenship by investment, which was legislated by the government to ensure transparency, efficiency, and compliance.

Is Antigua citizenship worth it?

Most successful applicants of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program find that citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda is worth it due to the low investment requirement compared to other programs, the short six-month processing time, the country’s strong passport for visa free access, the right to hold citizenship next to an existing citizenship, and the right for family members and a future child to obtain citizenship.

What minimum investment is required for the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program?

The starting investment to get Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment is $230,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four, excluding government and associated fees.

What is the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa?

Holding its own against other Golden Visas, the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship investment citizenship program allows savvy investors to contribute economically to the nation and obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship and a Golden Passport for themselves and their family members. As a politically neutral nation, Antigua and Barbuda offers a passport that enhances diplomatic security and allows visa free access to 151 destinations.

What are the cons of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment?

Though Antigua and Barbuda investment citizenship is highly advantageous, a downside to the country’s program is that it’s the only one in the Caribbean with a mandatory residency requirement, albeit just five days in the first five years. Additionally, Antigua and Barbuda passport holders cannot travel to Canada or the US without a regular visa.