Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

Answers to frequently asked questions

• How to become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda?

  The fastest path to an Antigua and Barbuda passport is participation in the country’s citizenship-by-investment program. Applicants acquire citizenship in 6+ mounths in exchange for an investment of $230,000+.

• How much does it cost to obtain citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda?

  The program offers four investment options:

  1. Non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund of $230,000+.

  2. Real estate purchase of $300,000+.

  3. Contribution to a higher education institution of $260,000, only for families of 6+ members.

  4. Business investments of $400,000+.

  The investor pays a processing fee of $10,000+ under each option except the contribution to a higher education institution. Also, there is a Due Diligence fee for each participant over 12 years old, some other state duties and payments for professional assistance.

  The costs depend on a family composition: the larger the family, the more they pay.

  A family of four — the spouses and two children aged 13 and 20 — will need at least $273,000.

• How many countries will an Antigua passport give me visa-free access to?

  Antigua and Barbuda passport holders travel visa-free to 150+ countries, including the UK and the entire Schengen Area.

• How long is my Antiguan passport valid?

  An Antigua and Barbuda passport is valid for 5 years, an investor must renew it.

• Do I need to travel to Antigua and Barbuda to complete the citizenship process?

  Yes, you must go to Antigua and Barbuda during the initial five years after getting citizenship and stay there for five days.

• Do Antigua and Barbuda recognise dual citizenship?

  Yes, Antigua and Barbuda allows its citizens to hold passports of other countries.

• Can unmarried or same-sex couples apply for Antigua’s citizenship programme?

  Only married couples can participate in the program. The spouse must be of the opposite sex to the investor.

• Were there any updates on the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program in 2024?

  Starting August 1st, 2024, new investment thresholds and fees apply, where the minimum investment increased from $100,000 to $230,000. Besides, adult children do not have to be financially dependent on the main applicant to qualify for citizenship.

• Does Immigrant Invest guarantee that I will get an Antigua and Barbuda passport?

  No licensed agent can guarantee a passport. You probably deal with scammers if you are offered a 100% guarantee.

  Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent of the Antigua and Barbuda CBI program with its own Compliance Department. We conduct a preliminary Due Diligence check to identify the rejection risks and find an alternative solution when necessary. As a result, most of our clients pass Due Diligence and obtain citizenship.

• Is there a way to return the investments?

  You can return the invested money if you have chosen a real estate purchase. The investor can sell the property in 5 years. Moreover, the investor can also earn rental income during the 5-year ownership period. Some developers forecast rental income of 8% per annum.

• Do I need to come to Antigua and Barbuda to get a passport?

  The passport can be obtained remotely. However, you are usually required to visit the country for at least 5 days within 5 years after obtaining citizenship. Otherwise, the passport won’t be renewed, and citizenship might be revoked.

  Only four exceptional circumstances waive the requirement to spend 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda. Those are the following:

  1. All adults in the passport renewal application have spent 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda and their passports are six or less months from expiration, but minors included in the application haven’t visited the country yet. For such dependents to receive the second 10-year Antigua and Barbuda passport, they must comply with the 5-day rule.

  2. Applicants who turned 80 at the time when granted citizenship or during the first five years after that.

  3. Applicants who are unable to travel to Antigua and Barbuda due to infirmity or acute disability. The applicant’s condition must be proved with medical reports and affidavits.

• Are there any additional expenses under the program?

  Yes, there are. The applicant pays government fees and fees for legal and administrative services. The amount depends on the specific situation, for example, the family composition. We can calculate the final cost for your family individually.

  The most considerable fee is for the Due Diligence check. It costs $8,500 for the investor, $5,000 for the spouse, $4,000 per adult family member and $2,000 per child 12 to 17 years old. Applicants also pay a passport fee, a bank charge of $600 per invoice, and an interview fee of $1,500 per application.

• Can I apply for Antigua and Barbuda nationality myself?

  No, you cannot. By law, only a licensed agent of the Antigua and Barbuda CBI program can apply for citizenship by investment on the investor’s behalf.

• Is it possible to get citizenship for family members after the investor has received an Antigua and Barbuda passport?

  The investor can add additional eligible family members to the citizenship by investment application even after receiving the passport.

  The eligible family members are:

  • a new spouse;

  • children and grandchildren under 17;

  • parents;

  • spouses of the investor’s adult children provided that the children are financially dependent on the investor.

  Additional family members have no time limits to join the CBI program.

• Can an Antigua citizen work in the USA?

  Antigua and Barbuda citizens can work in the USA only if they obtain a working visa. However, with a 10-year B‑1/B‑2 visitor visa, one can spend up to 180 days a year and attend business meetings.

• Can you work in the UK with an Antigua passport?

  No, Antigua and Barbuda passport holders can’t work in the UK without a working permit from the respective country.