Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program

The most affordable route is the National Development Fund (NDF) donation, which starts at USD $230,000 for a family of up to four. This is a one-time, non-refundable contribution with no ongoing obligations beyond the standard government processing and due diligence fees. For larger families of six or more, the University of the West Indies option at USD $260,000 may offer better value as it includes a one-year university scholarship.

The standard processing timeline is three to six months from the date a complete application is submitted to the Citizenship by Investment Unit. Timelines can vary depending on the volume of applications under review and the complexity of individual due diligence checks. Applicants with straightforward profiles and well-prepared documentation tend to receive decisions toward the shorter end of this range.

An Antigua and Barbuda passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 150 countries and territories. Key destinations include the entire European Schengen Area (26 countries), the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, and most nations across the Caribbean, Africa, and South America. Visa requirements are subject to bilateral agreements and can change, so we recommend consulting our advisory team for the most current travel access information.

Yes. Antigua and Barbuda permits one of the broadest family inclusions among citizenship by investment programs. A single application can cover your spouse, dependent children under 30, parents and grandparents aged 55 or older, and unmarried siblings under 18 of the main applicant. Each additional dependant beyond the base family unit incurs supplementary government fees, which vary by the investment option selected.

The physical presence requirement is minimal. Citizens are expected to spend at least five days in Antigua and Barbuda during the first five years after obtaining citizenship. There is no ongoing annual residency obligation. This makes the program especially suitable for investors who intend to use their second citizenship primarily for travel flexibility and financial planning rather than relocation.

Yes. Antigua and Barbuda fully recognizes and permits dual citizenship. There is no requirement to renounce your existing nationality when you acquire Antiguan citizenship. Furthermore, the government does not notify your country of origin about your new citizenship status, providing an additional layer of privacy for investors who value discretion.

Antigua and Barbuda imposes no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no wealth tax on its citizens and residents. Taxation is based on residency, not citizenship — meaning that simply holding an Antiguan passport does not create a tax obligation if you reside elsewhere. However, tax laws interact across jurisdictions, and we strongly recommend consulting a qualified international tax advisor to understand the implications for your specific situation.

The program is established under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Act of 2013 and is administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit, a dedicated government authority. All applicants undergo rigorous due diligence conducted by independent international verification agencies. The program operates under regulatory oversight consistent with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards. Antigua and Barbuda is also a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the British Commonwealth.

Under the real estate route, applicants purchase property valued at a minimum of USD $300,000 from a list of government-approved developments. The property must be held for at least five years before it can be resold. Joint applications are also permitted, where two applicants each invest at least USD $200,000 in the same approved project. Approved projects typically include resort developments, luxury residences, and hospitality ventures that contribute to the country’s tourism infrastructure.