Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment delivers Caribbean citizenship starting at just $100,000 – one of the fastest and most affordable routes to a second passport with serious travel power. This twin-island nation offers visa-free access to 150+ destinations, including the UK, EU Schengen zone, and key business hubs across Asia.
What makes Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment stand out?
- Zero taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, or inheritance.
- No residency requirements beyond a brief five-day stay within your first five years.
- A streamlined application process that can have your passport in hand within 3-6 months.
For digital nomads, entrepreneurs expanding into Caribbean and Latin American markets, or families wanting a Plan B citizenship, Antigua checks all the boxes. The program’s been running strong since 2013 with a solid track record and straightforward requirements.
This complete guide breaks down everything you need to know about securing your Antigua and Barbuda passport through investment.
Table Of Contents:
- Why Antigua and Barbuda? The Perks of a Caribbean Passport
- Investment Routes for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
- Breaking Down the Costs and Fees
- Are You Eligible? Key Requirements
- The Step-by-Step Application Process
- Conclusion
Why Antigua and Barbuda? The Perks of a Caribbean Passport
The benefits of an Antigua and Barbuda passport are compelling and go far beyond the country’s famous beaches.
Incredible Visa-Free Travel
Imagine boarding a plane without weeks of filling out visa application forms. This is a significant draw for any global citizen. A Barbuda passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 destinations, including major business and leisure hubs.
This extensive list allows for free travel throughout Europe’s Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Singapore. For frequent travelers and international business people, this level of visa-free travel eliminates considerable administrative hassle. It represents a fundamental shift in personal and professional freedom.
A Favorable Tax System
Antigua and Barbuda offers a friendly tax environment that can be advantageous. The country imposes no personal income tax on worldwide income, no wealth tax, and no inheritance tax on its citizens. This structure is particularly appealing to high-net-worth individuals considering their financial planning.
However, it is important to be realistic about tax obligations. Acquiring dual citizenship does not automatically eliminate your tax responsibilities in your home country. U.S. citizens, for example, are taxed on their global income regardless of where they live, a policy that a second citizenship does not change.
A Program That Welcomes Your Whole Family
The family-inclusive nature of the Antigua and Barbuda program is one of its most celebrated features. The program allows the main applicant to add more dependents to their application than most other citizenship by investment (CBI) programs. This makes obtaining citizenship a collective family goal.
You can include a wide range of family members in a single application. The list of eligible dependents includes your spouse, dependent children under 30, and parents or grandparents aged 55 and over. Uniquely, the program also allows the inclusion of unmarried siblings of the principal applicant or their spouse, regardless of age.
Investment Routes for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
You have several different investment options to choose from when you decide to pursue citizenship. This flexibility allows you to select a path that aligns with your personal and financial objectives.
National Development Fund (NDF) Donation
The most straightforward and popular route is a one-time, non-refundable donation to the National Development Fund (NDF). The money from this development fund is used directly for public sector projects and national initiatives endorsed by the government. The minimum donation amounts are clearly defined.
For a single applicant or a family of up to four, the contribution to the fund is $100,000. For a family of five or more, the investment minimum increases to $125,000. This path is known for its speed and simplicity, making it the preferred choice for many applicants.
Real Estate Investment
If you prefer a tangible asset, the real estate investment option is an excellent choice. This path requires you to invest in a government-approved real estate project, which could be a share in a hotel, a private villa, or a condominium. The estate investment must be held for a minimum of five years before it can be resold.
The minimum investment for this route is $200,000. A key benefit of the real estate investment is the potential for a return through rental income or appreciation in property value over time. For investors looking to build a property portfolio, this is an attractive option.
University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund
Antigua and Barbuda presents a unique option specifically designed for larger families through the University of the West Indies Fund. This investment option helps finance the university’s fourth campus, located in Antigua. It holds a special appeal for applicants with many dependents.
For a family of six or more, a contribution of $150,000 to the West Indies Fund is required. This route not only grants citizenship to the entire family but also includes a one-year, tuition-only scholarship to the University of the West Indies for one family member. This makes the indies fund a very valuable choice for those prioritizing education.
Business Investment
For entrepreneurs, a direct investment in an approved business is another available path. This option has higher investment thresholds and is best suited for those who genuinely intend to operate a business within the country. This path allows for more active involvement in the local economy.
You can make a sole investment of at least $1.5 million. Alternatively, you can participate in a joint investment where each of the main applicants contributes at least $400,000, for a total project value of at least $5 million. This is a more hands-on route to becoming a Barbuda citizen.
Breaking Down the Costs and Fees
The primary investment amount is not the only cost to consider. It is important to have a complete financial picture to avoid any surprises during the application process. You will also need to budget for government processing fees, diligence fees, and passport fees.
These additional costs apply regardless of which of the investment options you select. The diligence fee is particularly important, as this covers the cost of the thorough background checks the government performs on every applicant over 12 years old. This process ensures that all new Barbuda citizens are reputable individuals, which protects the passport’s integrity.
Here is a simple breakdown of the main costs for the popular NDF donation option for a family of four. Professional fees charged by authorized agents are separate and will vary.
| Fee Type | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Main Investment (Family of 4) | $100,000 |
| Processing Fee | $30,000 |
| Diligence Fee (Main Applicant) | $7,500 |
| Diligence Fee (Spouse) | $7,500 |
| Diligence Fee (Dependent Child 12-17) | $2,000 |
| Diligence Fee (Dependent 18-29) | $4,000 |
| Passport Fee (per person) | $300 |
Are You Eligible? Key Requirements
The application process is not open to everyone. Antigua and Barbuda is selective about who is granted citizenship, and all applicants must meet several key criteria. The requirements are designed to be reasonable while maintaining the program’s high standards.
To be considered eligible, you must meet the following conditions:
- You must be over 18 years of age.
- You must have a clean criminal record.
- You must be in good health.
- You and all dependent children over 12 must pass a detailed due diligence check.
- You must be able to provide proof of the source of your investment funds.
One special condition is the residency requirement. You are required to visit Antigua and Barbuda for at least five days during the first five years after your citizenship is granted. According to the Citizenship by Investment Unit, this is a mandatory step to renew your passport after its initial expiration.
The Step-by-Step Application Process
The application journey might seem complex, but it is a clear and well-defined process broken down into a few manageable steps. The most important part is working with an experienced and authorized agent who can guide you.
1. Choose Your Agent and Investment Path. Your first step is to select a government-authorized agent, as you cannot submit an application form directly to the government. Your agent will help you determine which of the investment options is the best fit for you and your family.
2. Gather All Your Documents. Next, you will begin collecting all the required documents. This paperwork typically includes your birth certificate, passport copies, marriage certificate, bank statements, and professional references. Your agent will provide you with a comprehensive checklist to follow.
3. Submit Your Application and Due Diligence. Your agent will complete the final application forms, such as Form AB, and submit them on your behalf. At this stage, the authority responsible for the CBI program begins its strict due diligence process. The average processing time for this stage is between three and six months.
4. Get Your Letter of Approval. Once the background checks are complete and all your information is verified, you will receive an approval in principle letter. This letter confirms you have been approved, pending the completion of your investment. Now is when you will make your donation or finalize your real estate purchase.
5. Receive Your Citizenship and Passport. After your investment is confirmed by the government, you will be issued a Certificate of Registration, which is your proof of citizenship. Once you are granted citizenship, you can apply for your passport. You and any added dependents, including your spouse and children, are now officially citizens.
Conclusion
A second passport is a powerful tool for freedom, security, and opportunity in an unpredictable world. It provides more options for travel, business, and personal life. For many, it offers a safe harbor for their family should the need ever arise.
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program is a standout choice due to its flexibility, family inclusiveness, and strong international reputation. With a transparent process and clear benefits, it is a solid option for individuals and families looking to expand their global reach.
Ready to explore your options? Get started with our free tailored guide and discover the right citizenship path for you.
