How Antigua & Barbuda's CBI program works
Antigua and Barbuda launched its citizenship by investment program in 2013. It is administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) under the Ministry of Finance. Applications must go through a CIU-licensed agent — self-filing is not permitted.
The program grants full citizenship, not residency. You and eligible family members become citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, receive passports, and the citizenship is permanent and inheritable. Antigua permits dual citizenship.
The 2024 price increase — why it matters
In August 2024, five Caribbean CBI programs agreed on regional minimum price floors to end a "race to the bottom" on pricing. For Antigua, the NDF contribution minimum jumped from $100,000–$150,000 to a flat $230,000 covering a family of up to four. Any guide quoting the old figures is giving you inaccurate information.
Antigua's one unique advantage
- Only Caribbean CBI program that includes siblings of the main applicant or spouse in a family application
- Schengen Area and UK visa-free access
- ~150–165 visa-free destinations
- 5-day visit requirement within 5 years — the lowest presence requirement in the Caribbean
- Well-established 12-year program with clean track record
Investment routes and what you'll actually pay
| Route | Minimum | Refundable? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Development Fund (NDF) | $230,000 (up to 4 family) | No | Most applicants — fastest, simplest |
| Real estate (approved projects) | $300,000 | Partial, at resale (5-yr hold) | Investors wanting a tangible asset |
| UWI Fund | $260,000 | No | Families of 6+; includes one UWI scholarship |
| Business investment | $1,500,000 | Partial, at exit | Commercial investors; 3+ jobs required |
Government fees on top of the contribution
| Fee type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Government processing fee (family of up to 4) | $30,000 |
| Each additional dependent | $15,000 |
| Due diligence — main applicant | $8,500 |
| Due diligence — spouse | $5,000 |
| Due diligence — dependent child 12–17 | $2,000 |
| Due diligence — adult dependent 18+ | $4,000 |
| Passport fee | $300/person |
All-in realistic totals
| Applicant profile | Contribution | Govt. fees (est.) | Agent fees | All-in total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single applicant (NDF) | $230,000 | ~$38,800 | $10,000–$20,000 | ~$278,000–$290,000 |
| Family of four (NDF) | $230,000 | ~$48,200 | $15,000–$25,000 | ~$293,000–$305,000 |
Who qualifies
The main applicant must be 18 or older, hold a clean criminal record, pass due diligence checks, and demonstrate a lawful source of funds. Most nationalities qualify; applicants from sanctioned countries face enhanced review or exclusion. Your licensed agent will confirm eligibility.
Family inclusion — Antigua's unique position
This is where Antigua distinguishes itself from every other Caribbean CBI program. The list of eligible dependents is the most expansive in the region:
- Spouse
- Children up to age 30 (and their own spouse and children — multi-generational coverage)
- Parents and grandparents aged 55 and older
- Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouse (any age) — no other Caribbean CBI program includes siblings
Virtual interview requirement
Since late 2023, all applicants and dependents aged 16 and older must complete a mandatory virtual interview with the CIU. This is not reflected in many older guides. Your agent will prepare you and coordinate scheduling — expect it as a required step, not optional.
The application process
The process is fully remote. You do not need to travel to Antigua to apply.
Engage a licensed agent
Required by law. Your agent manages document preparation and CIU liaison throughout the process.
Prepare documentation
Passport copies, certified birth certificates, police clearances from all countries of citizenship and residence, bank statements, source-of-funds documentation. Typically 6–8 weeks.
Submit application and pay initial fees
Agent submits to the CIU. You pay 10% of the government processing fee and full due diligence fees at submission.
CIU due diligence review
Background checks conducted through international vetting networks. The most time-intensive phase.
Virtual interview
All applicants and dependents aged 16+ participate via the CIU's secure platform.
Decision and investment
Remaining 90% of government fees due within 30 days of a positive decision, along with the NDF contribution.
Citizenship certificate and oath
Oath of allegiance can be completed at an Antigua consulate in your country or in-country. Passport issued after oath.
The 5-day rule
Antigua requires citizens to spend a minimum of 5 days in Antigua within the first 5 years of obtaining citizenship. If you don't comply, the CIU may delay your passport renewal. Once renewed, the requirement does not carry forward. In practice: plan one short trip to Antigua within 5 years — it is not a meaningful obstacle.
What an Antigua passport provides
Visa-free access
The Antigua and Barbuda passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 150–165 destinations, including the full Schengen Area (27 countries), the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea.
What this means for restricted passport holders
| Destination | Turkish passport | Antigua passport |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen Area (27 countries) | Visa required | Visa-free |
| United Kingdom | Visa required | Visa-free |
| Singapore | Visa-free | Visa-free |
| Hong Kong | Visa-free | Visa-free |
| United States | Visa required | Visa required |
| Canada | Visa required | Visa required |
Tax position
Antigua imposes no personal income tax on worldwide income, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no wealth tax for citizens who establish residency. However, obtaining Antigua citizenship does not change your tax obligations in your home country — citizenship and tax residency are separate questions. Consult a qualified international tax advisor before making residency decisions based on tax assumptions.
Antigua vs. Dominica, Grenada, and St. Kitts
| Factor | Antigua | Dominica | Grenada | St. Kitts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDF minimum | $230,000 | $100,000 | $150,000 | $250,000 |
| Real estate minimum | $300,000 | $200,000 | $220,000 | $325,000 |
| Processing (realistic) | 4–6 months | 4–6 months | 4–6 months | 4–5 months |
| Visa-free destinations | ~150–165 | ~140–150 | ~145–155 | ~157–167 |
| Schengen + UK | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| US E-2 treaty | No | No | Yes | No |
| Sibling inclusion | Yes (unique) | No | No | No |
| Post-citizenship stay | 5 days / 5 years | None | None | None (reform planned) |
| Program established | 2013 | 1993 | 2013 | 1984 |
Decision framework
- Choose Antigua if you have siblings to include — it's the only Caribbean program that allows this in a single application
- Choose Dominica if budget is the primary constraint — $100,000 NDF minimum offers comparable Schengen/UK access at significantly lower cost
- Choose Grenada if US business access via the E-2 investor visa is relevant — the only Caribbean option for this
- Choose St. Kitts if program prestige and passport strength are the priority — the oldest, most recognized Caribbean program