Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment in 2025

Imagine holding a passport that opens the door to over 150 countries, offers access to a favorable tax environment, and can be obtained in just a few months—without leaving your home. Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program offers all of that and even more. Investors and their dependent relatives can get a strategic tool for global mobility, asset protection, and lifestyle freedom. This Caribbean nation could be your gateway to a world without borders. Our article, combined with tailored assistance, will guide you smoothly toward a second passport.

Why Choose Antigua and Barbuda for Citizenship by Investment?

Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program offers one of the fastest and most cost-effective routes to a second passport. For qualified applicants, processing time is 4–6 months without visiting the country. While a family of six can obtain passports by donating $260,000. But its real value lies in broader advantages that extend far beyond cost and processing time. Key benefits of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment:

• Global Mobility. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 152 countries and territories, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Ireland.
• Tax Advantages. No personal income tax on worldwide income for investors and dependents residing in the country for 183+ days a year after obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship and passport.
• Business and Banking Freedom. А reputable passport provided by a politically neutral country facilitates banking, business expansion, and investments worldwide.
• Dual Citizenship Allowed. When obtaining a second passport in Antigua, there’s no need to renounce your current citizenship.
• Family Inclusion. Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program covers large families, including spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and even siblings. Family members often can be included under more flexible age and dependency rules than in other countries.
• Attractive Lifestyle and Travel Hub. Antigua and Barbuda passports and citizenship obtained by investment offer a year-round access to pristine beaches, marine activities, and a strategic location with excellent air and sea connections to North America, Europe, and the wider Caribbean.

These advantages make Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment a compelling choice for UHNWIs looking for a reputable, flexible, and family-friendly second citizenship program.

Legal Framework of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program

The program operates under the Citizenship by Investment Act, 2013 and its subsequent amendments (Regulations #50 / 2024 being the most recent), as well as official regulations issued by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). Under the Act, foreign nationals may acquire citizenship through a qualifying investment, subject to stringent background checks and approval by the government of Antigua and Barbuda.

This legal framework sets the eligibility criteria, investment thresholds, due diligence requirements, and application procedures, ensuring the program meets both national interests and international compliance standards. The law also specifies permissible investment routes, conditions for family inclusion, and obligations of successful applicants towards the host country, such as the oath of allegiance.

Investment Options to Obtain Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

Applicants for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship must complete one of the government-approved investment routes. Each option is regulated by the Citizenship by Investment Act and designed to support the country’s economic development while offering flexibility to suit different investor profiles.

1. Contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF)

The most accessible route to Antigua and Barbuda citizenship and passport for individuals and small families. Minimum contribution is $230,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four. The contribution is fully non-refundable. Government processing fees apply.

2. Contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund (UWIF)

Tailored for larger families of six or more members. Minimum contribution is $260,000 plus $10,000 for each additional dependent beyond the sixth. Besides citizenship and passport, it includes one year of tuition at the University of the West Indies for one family member.

3. Real Estate Investment

The best option for applicants seeking an asset-backed route to citizenship. Minimum investment is $300,000. The investment must be directed into a government-approved real estate project in the host country. There’s a list of approved real estate projects in Antigua and Barbuda. Real estate must be held for 5+ years before resale. Early disposal leads to the revocation of citizenship.

4. Approved Business Investment

The least common option. Minimum investment in a government-approved business is $1.5 million. There’s a group investment option: $5 million total, with each main passport applicant contributing at least $400,000.

All citizenship by investment routes in Antigua and Barbuda require payment of due diligence and government processing fees.

Antigua and Barbuda Passport: Cost, Validity, and Renewal

Any passport obtained under Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program grants the same rights as those held by citizens by birth, including visa-free travel to numerous countries and territories, as well as access to legal, banking, tax, and lifestyle advantages.

Initial Passport Cost

Administrative fee for passport issuance is $300. While the cost of the passport itself is relatively modest, it’s accessible only to Antigua and Barbuda citizenship owners.

Validity and Renewal

• Standard validity of Antigua and Barbuda passport: 5 years for first-time issuance under the citizenship by investment program.
• Renewal: Upon renewal, passports are typically issued with a 10-year validity for adults and 5 years for children under 16.
• Renewal process: Applicants must submit a valid passport, a receipt for a passport renewal fee, two photographs, proof of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship (certificate of naturalization), and filled-in forms. If the original passport is lost, an extra fee will apply.
• Physical presence: To renew their passports after the initial five-year period, citizenship by investment owners must prove that they’ve fulfilled the program’s requirement of visiting Antigua and Barbuda for at least five days within the first five years after citizenship grant.

Additional Costs and Fees

In addition to the qualifying investment, applicants for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship and passport must pay a range of processing, due diligence, and other administrative fees. These amounts vary depending on the chosen investment route, family size, and other factors.

Government Processing Fees

• Main applicant: $10,000
• Family of up to 4: $20,000
• Family of 5+: $20,000 plus $10,000 for each additional dependent

Due Diligence Fees

Mandatory for all applicants aged 12+:

• Main applicant: $8,500
• Spouse: $5,000
• Children aged 12–17: $2,000 each
• Children aged 18–30, parents, and grandparents aged 55+: $4,000 each
• Children under 11: No fee

Adding Dependents After Initial Citizenship by Investment Approval

• Child under 5 years old: $10,000
• Child aged 6–17: $25,000
• Adult dependent (18+): $50,000

Other Costs

• Legal and agent fees: Vary depending on the service provider and citizenship application complexity.
• Documents: Costs for notarization, apostilles, and translations depend on the country of issuance.
• Real estate transactions: If choosing the real estate investment route, buyers should factor in closing costs, government stamp duties, and developer fees.

Who Can Apply?

To obtain a passport under the Antigua citizenship by investment program, a main applicant must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Possess a clean criminal record and pass a comprehensive due diligence screening.
• Be in good health.
• Show a lawful source of funds for the investment.
• Swear the Oath of Allegiance in person in Antigua and Barbuda or at an embassy, high commission, or consulate of this country.

Citizens of certain sanctioned or “blacklisted” countries — including Afghanistan, Iran, Yemen, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Russia, and Belarus — are generally ineligible. Exceptions apply for individuals who emigrated before the age of 18 and obtained permanent residency or citizenship in certain third countries (e.g., the US, the UK, and Australia) or resided outside restricted states for 10+ years with no significant economic ties.

Eligible Family Members

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program offers one of the broadest lists of eligible dependents in the Caribbean and worldwide:

• Spouse of the main applicant.
• Children aged up to 30.
• Grandchildren.
• Spouse of any dependent child (if the child is under 30).
• Siblings of the main applicant or spouse (unmarried and over 18 years old).
• Parents and grandparents (no age limit if disabled; otherwise – 55+).
• Spouse or a child of a dependent family member added post-approval, if the family member was under 35 at the time of the original citizenship by investment application.

The country’s program also allows the appointment of an alternative main applicant at the time of citizenship by investment submission in case of the death or incapacity of the original main applicant.

Documents Required

To obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment, the main applicant and dependents (if available) must provide:

• Completed government forms (AB1–AB5).
• Passports and birth certificates.
• Police clearance certificates from all countries of citizenship and residence within the previous 10 years.
• HIV test results for all applicants aged 12+ (valid within 3 months).
• Marriage/divorce certificates.
• Bank reference letters and bank statements for the past 12 months.
• Professional reference letter (from an employer, attorney, auditor, or business partner).
• Proof of address in the country of residence / origin (utility bill, lease, or title deed).
• Affidavits of dependency for adult dependents.
• Corporate documents, if the applicant owns a business providing the source of investment funds.

Legalized translations must accompany all documents not in English at submission.

Step-by-Step Citizenship Application Process

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program follows a structured, government-regulated procedure designed to ensure transparency, compliance, and efficiency. Applications can only be submitted through licensed immigration agents accredited by the Citizenship by Investment Unit. The process is organized as follows:

1. Initial Consultation. An authorized agent is engaged. During an initial consultation, the agent evaluates the applicant’s goals, family composition, and resources to recommend a suitable investment option.
2. Agreement and Pre-Screening. A formal service contract is signed with the agent. A preliminary background check is conducted to identify potential issues that may affect citizenship approval.
3. Documents. The applicant gathers all the required documents in the prescribed format (notarized, apostilled, and translated if necessary). The agent assists in completing official forms, verifying compliance, and preparing the investment documentation.
4. Submission and Initial Government Fees. The agent submits the full application package to the CIU along with the initial 10% gov’t processing fee (non-refundable) and due diligence fees for all applicants aged 12+.
5. Government Due Diligence and Decision. The CIU conducts rigorous background checks through international security databases, financial intelligence units, external service providers, and law enforcement agencies in the country. The process typically takes several months. Once completed, the CIU issues either:
   • Approval in Principle – allowing the applicant to proceed with the chosen investment;
   • Request for Additional Information – if clarification is needed; or
   • Rejection – if due diligence findings are unfavorable.
6. Investment / Donation and Final Fees. Upon receiving Approval in Principle, the applicant must finalize the qualifying investment (contribution, real estate purchase, or business investment) and pay the remaining government fees within the specified time frame.
7. Citizenship Grant and Passport Issuance. Once the CIU confirms the receipt of investment funds and compliance with all program conditions, the applicant is issued a Certificate of Naturalization. The new citizen can then apply for an Antigua and Barbuda passport, which is typically delivered via the licensed agent to the applicant’s chosen address.
8. Fulfilling the Residency Requirement. Within the five years from the date of the citizenship grant, the investor and applicable dependents must visit Antigua and Barbuda for at least five days to maintain eligibility for passport renewal.

Antigua Citizenship Cost Breakdown in 2025

Final Thoughts: Is Antigua Citizenship by Investment the Right Choice for You?

Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program stands out for its competitive pricing, broad family inclusion, and relatively fast processing. The flexibility of investment options — from direct contributions to real estate or business investments — allows both solo investors and large families to tailor their approach.

Note that citizens from certain countries face restrictions. Real estate projects in Antigua and Barbuda may carry completion risks – careful due diligence is required. Initial passports issued under the citizenship by investment program are valid for only five years before the first renewal.

Choosing the right citizenship program depends on your goals, family profile, and long-term strategy. Our experts will evaluate your case, propose the most suitable investment route, and manage the entire application process. Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward Antigua and Barbuda citizenship and passport.

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