ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

Citizenship by Investment

Antigua and Barbuda offers a well-established Citizenship by Investment program, combining enhanced global mobility, tax advantages, and a high-quality Caribbean lifestyle.

Key Facts

Processing Time
Approximately 6–9 months

Visa-Free Access
According to Passport Index, Antigua & Barbuda is ranked 26th with visa free travel access to 152 counties, including China, European Union countries (EU), Russia and the United Kingdom (UK)

Minimum Investment
Starting from USD 230,000

Eligible Family Members
Main applicant, spouse or legal partner, unmarried dependent children aged 0–30, dependent parents and grandparents over 55, and unmarried siblings of any age

Main Advantages

• A strong passport providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries
• Minimal physical presence requirement (only 5 days within the first 5 years)
• Through OECS membership, the right to live and work across select Caribbean member states
• Dual citizenship permitted
• No personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or tax on foreign income
• Real estate investment opportunities with potential returns and an exit option after 5 years
• A safe and attractive destination with excellent air connectivity to North America and Europe

Located in the Leeward Islands of the Eastern Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda is an English-speaking twin-island nation known as the “Land of 365 Beaches.” It is a highly sought-after tourist destination, offering natural beauty alongside a relaxed and luxurious lifestyle.

Since gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1981, the country has built a strong reputation for political and judicial stability. Its Citizenship by Investment Program has been in operation since 2012.

Application Process

The process typically takes between six and nine months following submission to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).

Applicants are required to spend a minimum of five days in the country within the first five years after obtaining citizenship.

1. Initial due diligence
2. Signing of client agreement and payment of retainer fee
3. Preparation and submission of the citizenship application
4. Completion of due diligence checks
5. Mandatory interview (virtual)
6. Application approval
7. Fulfilment of investment requirements
8. Grant of full citizenship

Investment Options

Applicants may choose from the following qualifying routes:

• Donation: USD 230,000 non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF) for a family of up to four
• Real Estate: Minimum USD 300,000 investment in an approved development project, with a required holding period of at least 5 years
• University of the West Indies Fund: USD 260,000 non-refundable contribution for families of six or more
• Business Investment:
• USD 1,500,000 in an approved single business venture, or
• Joint investment totaling USD 5,000,000, with each applicant contributing at least USD 400,000

Cryptocurrency may be accepted as a source of wealth, subject to compliance requirements.

Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old, with a clean criminal record and no national security or reputational risks
• Not have been denied a visa to any country with which Antigua and Barbuda has visa-free travel arrangements