Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

Visa-free travelling to 152 countries
and opportunities to decrease the tax burden

$100,000+

Investment amount

3–6 months

Obtaining period

5 years

Real estate
investment return

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program is one of the newest in the Caribbean. It was launched in 2013.

Cosmopolitans can get citizenship by investing at least $100,000. There are four options: contributions to a state or university fund, real estate purchases, and business investments.

The property purchased to participate in the citizenship program can be sold five years later to return the money. The investor can also earn rental income during ownership.

Family members can obtain citizenship with the investor. The program allows the main applicant’s spouse, children, parents, and siblings to participate.

Antigua and Barbuda offers a special investment option to families of six or more. They can contribute $150,000+ to the University of the West Indies Fund. Thus, a large family spends less than under any other Caribbean CBI program. One family member can enrol in the university and study for a year free of charge.

Investors must spend in Antigua and Barbuda at least 5 days within the first 5 years after obtaining citizenship.

Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship

  • 1

    Visa-free travel to the Schengen Area and the UK

    The Antigua and Barbuda passport equals a Schengen visa, allowing cosmopolitans to enter the Schengen countries and stay in the region for up to 90 out of 180 days. The investors can also stay in the UK up to 180 days a year. The complete list of visa-free destinations includes 150+ countries.

  • 2

    10-year US visitor visas

    Antigua and Barbuda citizens can get a 10-year B-1/B-2 visitor visa to the USA. The visa allows the holder to spend up to 180 days a year in the United States: travel, attend conferences, hold business meetings, and receive medical treatment at US clinics.

  • 3

    “Safe haven” abroad

    With the Antigua and Barbuda passports, investors can leave their countries of residence at any time without a visa and at short notice. It might be helpful in case of an unforeseen political or economic crisis, pandemic, or threat to the family’s safety and well-being.

  • 4

    Tax optimisation

    Antigua and Barbuda does not tax personal income, inheritance, or capital gains. Tax residents don't pay taxes on dividends, interest or royalties.

  • 5

    Visiting Antigua and Barbuda anytime

    Investors may move to the country or visit it without a visa and stay as long as they wish. Antigua and Barbuda have a warm climate, many beautiful sandy beaches and stunning views — that’s why the islands are popular among celebrities.

  • 6

    Extended rights in other CARICOM states

    Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which includes 15 member states. The union has a single market for many of its members, giving investors attractive opportunities. Also, passport holders may travel to other CARICOM states visa-free.

  • 7

    Easy path to second passports for the whole family

    Obtaining an Antigua and Barbuda passport by investment takes 3+ months, a short time compared with citizenship in most other countries globally. The procedure is remote and doesn’t include language or history tests.

    Investors’ spouses, children under 30, parents over 55, and unmarried siblings may be included in the application.

  • 8

    Right to keep another passport

    The country recognises dual citizenship. Investors mustn’t renounce other citizenships unless other countries require it.

  • 9

    Investment return

    Investors contributing to real estate or business can return invested money in 5 years.

  • 10

    Special offer for big families

    Contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund options is explicitly designed for the families of six or more people. Under it, any family member under 29 can study for a year at the University of the West Indies for free.

150+ visa-free countries for Antigua and Barbuda citizens

Asia

Hong Kong

Indonesia

Singapore

+ 18 countries

Africa

Kenya

Mauritius

Madagascar

+ 26 countries

Europe

Austria

Germany

Spain

+ 45 countries

Oceania

Kiribati

Micronesia

New Caledonia

+ 9 countries

North America

Bahamas

Barbados

Cayman Islands

+ 25 countries

South America

Aruba

Brazil

Colombia

+ 10 countries

price

Guide to obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship

  • Step-by-step procedure

  • Requirements for applicants

  • Required documents

  • Answers to frequently asked questions

Who can get Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?

  • Investor

    • Over 18 years old

    • No criminal records or prosecutions

    • Capable of confirming the legality of the income

    • No serious illnesses

  • Spouse

  • Children under 30

    Fully financially dependent on the investor if over 18

  • Parents

    • Over 55

    • Fully financially dependent on the investor

  • Siblings

    • Unmarried

    • Don’t have children

    • Financially supported by the main applicant

Investment options for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship

Antigua and Barbuda offers four investment options, and it is the only Caribbean country providing an option specifically designed for large families.

1 option

Non-refundable contribution $100,000+

Contributing to the National Development Fund is the least costly option for single investors and families of up to five people. The contribution is non-refundable.

Expenses

Investor 

Married couple

Family of 4

Family of 5+

Contribution to the fund

$100,000

$100,000

$100,000

$125,000

Processing fee

$30,000

$30,000

$30,000

$30,000

+$15,000 per additional dependant, starting from the 5th

Due Diligence

$7,500

$15,000

$15,000 for the spouses

+$2,000 per child aged 12 to 17

+$4,000 per adult family member

$15,000 for the spouses

+$2,000 per child aged 12 to 17

+$4,000 per adult family member

Other fees

$2,060+

$2,360+

$2,960+

$3,260+

2 option

Real estate purchase $200,000+

Investors buy shares in government-approved real estate projects. They can sell the property in 5 years and return the money.

Expenses

Investor 

Married couple

Family of 4, excluding siblings

Family of 5+

Real estate purchase

$200,000

$200,000

$200,000

$200,000

Processing fee

$30,000

$30,000

$30,000

$30,000

+$15,000 per additional dependant, starting from the 5th

Due Diligence

$7,500

$15,000

$15,000 for the spouses

+$2,000 per child aged 12 to 17

+$4,000 per adult family member

$15,000 for the spouses

+$2,000 per child aged 12 to 17

+$4,000 per adult family member

Other fees

$2,060+

$2,360+

$2,960+

$3,260+

3 option

Contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund $150,000+

The option is designed for families of at least six people. Any family member under 29 can study for a year at the University of the West Indies for free. The contribution is non-refundable.

Expenses

Family of 6+

Contribution to the fund

$150,000

+$15,000 per family member, starting from the seventh

Due Diligence

$15,000 for the spouses

+$2,000 per child aged 12 to 17

+$4,000 per adult family member

Other fees

$3,560+

4 option

Business investments $400,000+

There are two investment paths. The applicant can become a sole investor, spending at least $1.5 million developing a company in Antigua and Barbuda. A group investment of at least $5 million is allowed if each investor contributes at least $400,000.

A processing fee of at least $30,000 is also charged. For each additional member starting from the fifth, the investor pays $15,000.

Expenses for a family of 4

The spouses and two children aged 13 and 20

Expenses

Contribution to the state fund

Real estate purchase

Investments

$100,000

$200,000

Processing fee

$30,000

$30,000

Due Diligence

$21,000

$21,000

Other fees

$2,960

$2,960

Total

$153,960

$253,960

Individual cost calculation for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship

Individual cost calculation for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship

Get an individual calculation for your family with all associated costs and government fees

Schedule a meeting

Individual selection of investment properties

  • Discuss your tasks and goals

  • Choose between properties from reliable developers

  • Get fully prepared and verified documents for a purchase

Elena Kozyreva
Elena Kozyreva

Managing Director for Real Estate projects

Prefer messengers?

Why do applicants need a licensed agent’s help?

The Antigua and Barbuda law prohibits investors from applying for citizenship by investment on their own. A licensed program agent must apply on the investor’s behalf. The licensed agent is a consulting company that assists applicants at every stage of obtaining citizenship by investment.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program.

License IMA AB

License IMA AB

Step-by-step procedure for obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship

1

1 day

Preliminary Due Diligence

Immigrant Invest conducts a preliminary Due Diligence to prepare for the check at the CBI unit. The preliminary check helps lawyers identify the rejection risks in advance and find an alternative solution. 

The preliminary Due Diligence is entirely confidential. The investor only provides their passport.

Immigrant Invest has its own Compliance Department. A certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer checks investors’ documents, considering the nuances of the Due Diligence procedures in different countries.

The preliminary Due Diligence reduces the risk of a  citizenship application being rejected to 1%.

Pass a quick test and learn the nuances that can prevent you from obtaining a second citizenship

Evaluate your chances of passing Due Diligence

Take a short anonymous test and learn more about the nuances of Due Diligence checks

2

3 or 5 weeks

Preparation of documents

Immigrant Invest lawyers provide the investor with a list of personal documents and financial records required to participate in the CBI program. They translate and notarise the copies on receipt of the documents and fill out government forms.

3

At least 3 months

Due Diligence

The prepared documents are sent to the Antigua and Barbuda CBI unit. The CBI unit carries out a Due Diligence check by examining the investor’s documents and checking information against international databases. All family members over 12 years old must undergo the Due Diligence check. 

Due Diligence is a crucial stage of the CBI program. Its results define whether the applicants get citizenship or not.

The main applicant and dependents over 16 also undergo a mandatory interview. It is held online in English.

4

Up to 30 days

Approval and fulfilment of the investment condition

Once Immigrant Invest receives approval notification, the applicant must fulfil the investment condition within 30 days: contribute to the selected fund, buy real estate, or invest in a business.

5

Up to 4 weeks

Getting a passport

The passport and naturalisation certificate are issued within 4 weeks after investing. The applicant receives the documents at a convenient address.

6

1 day

Oath of allegiance

The investor and all adult family members must take the oath of allegiance. They can do it via videoconference, at a consulate or in person in Antigua and Barbuda. 

The new citizens should visit Antigua and Barbuda for at least 5 days within 5 years after getting their passports.

Schedule a meeting

Let's discuss the details

Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.

Vladlena Baranova
Vladlena Baranova

Lawyer, AML Compliance officer, certified CAMS specialist

Prefer messengers?

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 3—6 months in exchange for an investment of $100,000 or more.

  • 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 $100,000+.

    2. Real estate purchase of $200,000+.

    3. Contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund of $150,000+, only for families of 6+ members.

    4. Business investments of $400,000+.

    An investor pays a $30,000 state fee under each option except the contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund. Also, there is a Due Diligence fee for each participant over 12 years old, some other state duties and payments for legal services.

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

    A family of four — the spouses and two children of 13 and 20 years old — will pay around $153,000, excluding fees for legal services.

  • 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?

  • 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 2023?

    Actually, everything has stayed the same in the program in 2023. However, an important shift comes into force on July 1st. Since that day, the investors will be required to visit Antigua and Barbuda for 5 days again, as before the pandemic.

  • 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. The investor filed a passport renewal application after June 30th, 2023 but before July 20th, 2023, when the Five Day Waiver Suspension Memorandum came into force.

    2. 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.

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

    4. 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 $7,500 each for the investor and their spouse, $4,000 per adult family member and $2,000 per child 12 to 17 years old. Applicants also pay a passport fee, and a bank charge of $600 per person, 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.

    However, there is a fee per family member joining the program later. It costs $50,000 to add a spouse or a parent, $10,000 to add a child under 5 years old and $20,000 to add a child from 6 to 17 years old.

  • 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.

Schedule a meeting

Let's discuss the details

We will develop an individual solution, select a country and status that will solve your problems, and accompany the entire process.

Zlata Erlach
Zlata Erlach

Head of the Austrian office

Prefer messengers?