The Antigua and Barbuda 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. The NDF’s purpose is to support economic and social development, and it is subject to parliamentary oversight by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
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 and enjoy the benefits of an Antigua and Barbuda passport.
This article will examine the National Development Fund, including the following:
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 element 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.
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.
Purpose of the National Development Fund
The Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund (NDF) was formed to support national development projects across all sectors in Antigua and Barbuda. The primary purpose of the NDF is to raise capital for public sector projects, public-private partnerships, and other charitable investments that the government deems will contribute to the country’s social and economic development. These projects have included:
- Improvements to healthcare and medical infrastructure
- Education and training programs
- Tourism and infrastructure development
- Green energy and environmental sustainability
- Disaster recovery and resilience projects
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
The Ultimate Guide by Experts.
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 Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Unit requires a minimum contribution amount of $230,000 for up to four people, 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.
National Development Fund (NDF) Contribution | ||||
Number of Applicants | Single Investor | 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 | $8,500 main applicant | Spouse: $5,000 Family members over 18: $4,000 each Family members aged 12-17: $2,000 each | ||
Interview Fee | $1,500 per applicant | |||
Passport Fee | $300 per applicant | |||
NDF Application Process and Timeline
1. Discuss the investment requirement
2. Start onboarding
3. Application review
4. Application submission
5. Due diligence check
6. Application approval
7. Make the investment
8. Receive your passport
Applicants are required to submit their applications through a local authorized agent licensed to market and promote the program by CIU. Applicants can see licensed agents with an Antigua CIP license on cip.gov.ag, the government website for the CIU.
1. Discuss the investment requirement: Obtain a proposal detailing all fees associated with a 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: The Antigua and Barbuda licensed agent will perform a complete review of your citizenship application to ensure everything is in order.
4. Application submission: Your agent will submit your completed application to Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). You will also need to pay the submission fees, including the due diligence fee.
5. Due diligence check: A detailed background check will be conducted, which includes a virtual Caribbean citizenship interview.
6. Application approval: It generally takes about six months from the date of the interview stage for your citizenship application to be Approved in Principle.
7. Make the investment: After your application has been approved, make the required contribution to the National Development Fund and pay any remaining government fees. This will include your investment payment, as well as the remainder of the government fees.
8. Receive your passport: Your Certificate of Registration and Antigua and Barbuda passport will be issued. You must take the oath or affirmation of allegiance upon your first visit to the country.
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Six Benefits of Donating to the National Development Fund for Citizenship
1. Most affordable option for families
The $230,000 minimum Antigua National Development Fund contribution for citizenship for families of four makes Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment the cheapest Caribbean citizenship program. 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.
2. No language requirements
The Antigua and Barbuda NDF donation option has no language requirements, allowing investors to obtained citizenship through a streamlined process.
3. Fund contributions benefit the country
Investors are directly responsible for funding government-sponsored projects to improve social and economic development in the country. 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.
4. Quick processing time
The National Development Fund Antigua application process application process is the fastest among Caribbean countries, with the Antigua and Barbuda official unit processing applications within an average of six months.
5. Tax optimization
Citizenship and and tax residency in Antigua and Barbuda is favorable. The Antigua National Development Fund tax benefits include zero personal income tax, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth taxes.
6. Visa free travel
The Antigua and Barbuda NDF donation option includes receiving a powerful Caribbean passport, which allows holders to travel to 151 countries visa free.
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 |
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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. 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.
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.
Can contributions to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund be refunded?
The Antigua NDF donation requirements include a non-refundable donation, meaning applicants cannot recover the money donated to the fund. Nevertheless, applicants are only required to make the one-time payment after their application has received pre-approval.
Can I apply for dual citizenship by donating to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund?
The Antigua and Barbuda government recognizes dual citizenship, allowing foreign investors to obtain an Antigua and Barbuda second passport through NDF contributions, provided they fulfill all the eligibility criteria.
