ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Citizenship by Investment Program

The process typically takes between 6 and 8 months from the date a complete application is submitted until the issuance of the passport. This timeframe includes the official government review, the due diligence process, and the issuance of citizenship and passport documents.

The following government-approved routes are available for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment:

• Contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF): non-refundable contribution starting from USD 230,000. The fastest and most cost-effective route for individuals and smaller families.

• Contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund (UWI): USD 260,000, eligible from 6 people in the application. Includes one year of tuition-free study for one family member at the UWI.

• Investment in a government-approved real estate project from USD 350,000. Resale is possible after a holding period of 5 years.

Each option leads to full citizenship and an Antigua and Barbuda passport.

The minimum investment starts at USD 230,000 for the contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF).

Only government-approved real estate projects are eligible for the Citizenship by Investment program.

• Minimum investment: USD 350,000

• Resale permitted after a holding period of 5 years

• Family members do not increase the minimum investment amount

To qualify as the main applicant, the following requirements must be met:

• Minimum age of 18

• Exceptional character and standing, verified through bank references and professional letters of recommendation

• No criminal record

• Excellent state of health

• Ability to fulfill one of the approved investment options

• Minimum stay of 5 days within the first 5 years of citizenship

• Taking the Oath of Allegiance

These conditions ensure the integrity and high standards required of all future citizens.

The Antigua and Barbuda program allows the inclusion of an exceptionally broad family structure:

• Spouse

• Children under 18, biological, adopted or stepchildren

• Children up to age 30, provided they are financially dependent on the main applicant or spouse

• Children with a physical or mental disability, with no age limit

• Parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse aged 55 and over, provided they are financially dependent

• Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouse, regardless of age

Important: the law treats biological, adopted and stepchildren equally.

Note: each of these groups has its own documentary requirements. Which dependants are eligible in your case is checked directly with your entries in the cost calculator further up this page.

No, a visit to Antigua and Barbuda is not required during the application process. However, after obtaining citizenship, you must spend at least five days in the country within the first five years. This minimum residency requirement is necessary to renew your initial passport and maintain your citizenship permanently.

No, there is no residency requirement - neither before nor after naturalization. Citizenship can be acquired without permanent presence in the country. However, within the first five years you must spend at least five days in the country.

The standard documentation for the application includes:

• Current passport and birth certificate

• Police clearance certificate and medical certificate

• Source of wealth documentation and proof of funds

• Proof of residential address and evidence of marital status

• Professional reference letters and, if applicable, affidavits of support

In collaboration with GoodbyeMatrix, you select the most suitable investment path. We guide you through the comprehensive collection and submission of all required documentation. Your application then undergoes a rigorous due diligence review by the authorities. Upon receiving approval in principle, you proceed with the final investment. Following this, you are issued your certificate of naturalization and your Antigua and Barbuda passport.

The first passport is issued with a validity of 5 years. After completing a single visit of at least 5 days to Antigua and Barbuda within this period, the passport can be renewed for a validity of 10 years. Subsequent stays are not required for future renewals.

No. The government does not accept direct applications. The application has to be filed through an accredited and licensed agent. We guide you through the entire process and manage the filing through licensed partners.

No. The official application forms are not available for public download. They are issued exclusively to licensed and registered agents by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).

Yes, this is possible. Eligible family members can be added to an existing citizenship approval at a later date. The government fees currently recorded for such additions are:

• Spouse or other adult dependent aged 18 and older: USD 50,000

• Dependent child aged 5 and younger: USD 10,000

• Dependent child aged 6 to 17 years: USD 25,000

All subsequent additions must be submitted through an authorized agent to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).

Yes. As a general rule, nationals of the following countries are considered restricted:

• Afghanistan

• Iran

• North Korea

• Somalia

• Yemen

• Sudan

• Russia

The restriction also applies to a place of birth in Afghanistan, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Sudan or Yemen.

Exception: individuals from these nations may still be eligible to apply if they migrated before reaching the age of majority and/or have maintained permanent residence in an approved third country for at least 10 years, while maintaining no economic ties to their country of origin.

Note: applicants from these states are subject to enhanced due diligence requirements and additional costs for background checks. Every case is reviewed individually.

Yes. All successful applicants and their family members must take an Oath of Allegiance to officially receive their citizenship.

Important notes:

• The oath can be taken in person in Antigua and Barbuda, at one of its embassies or consulates abroad, or before a licensed notary in your current country.

• For your convenience, the ceremony can be completed remotely via a secure video link, so you do not have to travel specifically for this step.

• Taking the oath is a mandatory legal requirement. Once completed, your certificate of naturalization and passport are issued.

Yes. Antigua and Barbuda allows unrestricted dual citizenship. According to the Citizenship Act of 1982, you are permitted to retain all existing passports. Please also check the rules of your country of origin.

Yes. Antigua and Barbuda citizenship can be passed on to future generations - provided the physical residency requirement of 5 days within the first 5 years of naturalization is met and the birth is properly registered. Children born after the parents have obtained citizenship acquire it automatically by descent. Grandchildren also benefit, provided all documentation is complete and legal requirements are fulfilled.

Antigua and Barbuda is consistently ranked among the leading CBI jurisdictions in the Caribbean. Below is a concise comparison of the key differences:

• Antigua and Barbuda: most cost-effective for families. It remains the most attractive option for families of four or more. In addition, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund option is designed for large families of six or more and includes a one-year university scholarship for one dependent.

• Dominica: most affordable for individuals. While most Caribbean nations increased their minimums in 2024 and 2025, Dominica remains one of the most accessible entry points for single applicants.

• Grenada: access to the US E-2 visa. Grenada is the only Caribbean CBI nation with a treaty that allows citizens to apply for the US E-2 investor visa, making it the top choice for those with business ambitions in the United States.

• St. Kitts and Nevis: as the pioneer of the CBI model, established in 1984, it is often viewed as the most prestigious brand.

• St. Lucia: maximum investment flexibility. St. Lucia offers the widest variety of paths, including government bonds, which are refundable after a holding period, unlike standard donations.

Conclusion: Antigua and Barbuda stands out for its value for families, solid global mobility and the educational benefits integrated into its investment paths.

The Antigua and Barbuda passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 150 countries, including the EU Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, China and South Africa. Citizenship is granted for life, the passport is initially valid for 5 years and can then be renewed for 10-year periods.