Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
Antigua and Barbuda's Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) was established in 2013 and offers four investment routes: a contribution to the National Development Fund, an approved real estate purchase, a business investment, or a contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund. The National Development Fund route is the most popular at $150,000 for a family of four. A unique requirement mandates at least 5 days of physical presence in the country within 5 years of receiving citizenship. The Antiguan passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 151 destinations including the UK, EU Schengen area, and Canada.
Program Details
- Individual Cost
- $130,000
- Family of 4 Cost
- $150,000
- Processing Time
- 6 months
- Residency Required
- Minimum 5 days of physical presence in Antigua and Barbuda within 5 years of citizenship grant
- Due Diligence
- Enhanced
- Visa-Free Destinations
- 151
- Dual Citizenship
- Accepted
- Renunciation Required
- No
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Amount (USD) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| National Development Fund contribution — individual | $130,000 | Family of 4: $150,000 |
| Due diligence fees — main applicant | $7,500 | |
| Due diligence fees — spouse | $7,500 | |
| Processing fees | $1,500 | Per adult |
| Passport fees | $300 | Per applicant |
| Legal/agent fees (estimate) | $12,000 |
Nationality Restrictions
This program does not accept applications from nationals of: Nationals of Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea ineligible; additional countries subject to enhanced scrutiny
Investment Routes
| Route | Amount (USD) | Lock-up (years) | Exit-Value Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Fund Donation | $100,000 | — | National Development Fund (NDF) contribution. Non-refundable. Single applicant: USD 100,000 (raised from previous USD 100,000 for individual; Oct 2023 reform also raised the family rate). Family of 4 (main + spouse + 2 dependants): USD 100,000 (NDF is USD 100k regardless of family size up to 4 under 2023 reform — verify for families over 4). Source: cip.gov.ag |
| Real Estate | $200,000 | 5 | Approved real estate purchase. Minimum USD 200,000 (single applicant, shared purchase). USD 400,000 for sole ownership. 5-year holding period. Only CIP-approved developments qualify. Liquidity moderate in English Harbour / Jolly Harbour areas. |
| Government Fund Donation | $150,000 | — | University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund option: USD 150,000 for a family of 6. Entitles one family member to a one-year tuition-free study at UWI. Non-refundable. Introduced as a unique route among Caribbean CBI programs. |
Realistic Total Timeline
4–8 months
End-to-end from application submission to passport issuance, based on recent reported timelines. Times assume a complete file; source- of-funds gaps or refusals can extend significantly.
Due Diligence
- Provider
- Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) + approved third-party due diligence firms
- Depth Level
- enhanced
Common Disqualifiers
- ⚠Nationals of Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea, and currently sanctioned jurisdictions are ineligible
- ⚠Any criminal conviction or pending criminal charge
- ⚠Failure to disclose all nationalities, previous names, or family members
- ⚠Adverse media or reputational risk findings
- ⚠Inability to explain source of funds to required standard
- ⚠Previous refusal by any Caribbean CBI program
Approved Agents
Applications must be submitted through a licensed agent approved by the programme authority.
Official approved-agents directory →Family Inclusion
- Siblings
- Not included
- Parents Min Age
- 58+
- Max Child Age
- 26
- Grandparents
- Not included
Spouse and dependent children under 18 included. Children aged 18–26 in full-time education eligible. Financially dependent parents aged 58+ and parents-in-law may be included for additional processing fees (USD 7,500 per person). Physically challenged children of any age who are financially dependent may be included. 5-day physical presence requirement in Antigua and Barbuda within 5 years of citizenship grant applies to all adult citizens. Source: cip.gov.ag
Travel Benefits
- Visa-Free Destinations
- 151
- Schengen
- ✓
- UK
- ✓
- US E-2 Treaty
- —
- Canada eTA
- —
Post-Citizenship Tax Implications
Antigua and Barbuda has no income tax (abolished 2016), no capital gains tax, no wealth tax, and no inheritance tax. Holding Antiguan citizenship while residing outside Antigua creates no Antigua tax liability. If you take up physical residence (triggering the 5-day minimum or beyond), you are not automatically a tax resident — but Antigua has no income tax regardless. Note: US citizens and LPRs remain subject to US worldwide income taxation regardless of second passport held.
Recent Changes
National Development Fund (NDF) contribution restructured. Family-of-4 rate adjusted. Program documentation and due diligence requirements enhanced following CARICOM regional review and international AML/CFT pressure.
source →Antigua and Barbuda suspended acceptance of applications from Russian and Belarusian nationals following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and related international sanctions.
source →
Programme FAQs
What is the 5-day physical presence requirement?
Sources: cip.gov.ag
Is Antigua eligible for the US E-2 Investor Visa?
Sources: cip.gov.ag
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