Antigua and Barbuda
citizenship
by investment
New opportunities for travelling the world for cosmopolitans
Download the guide Calculate the cost$100,000+ Fund contribution
$200,000+ Real estate
purchase
purchase
3—6 months Obtaining
period
Licence IMA AB
period
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme was launched in 2013. An investor can obtain citizenship by making a non-refundable contribution to a state fund, purchasing real estate, or investing in a business.
The programme offers the most advantageous terms for investors applying with families of up to four people, where the non-refundable contribution is the same as for a single applicant, totaling $100,000.
Families of six or more people can benefit from a special investment option: a contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund, under which one child of the investor receives a one-year scholarship to study at the university for free.
Participation in the programme spans three to six months, after which the investor is issued an Antigua and Barbuda passport. To maintain citizenship, the requirement is a five-day visit to the country within the first five years following passport application approval.
Investment threshold will double up to $200,000
The change is set to be implemented by June 30th, 2024. Therefore, you still have time to apply for citizenship without overpaying at least $100,000.
11 main benefits of the Antigua and Barbuda programme
Low investment threshold
The Antigua and Barbuda passport can be obtained by investing at least $100,000.
Fast processing time
The investor’s application is processed within 3 to 6 months.
Visa-free entry to 152 countries
With an Antigua and Barbuda passport, you can visit 152 countries without visas, including the European Union, the UK, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore.
Antigua and Barbuda citizens can get a 10-year visa to the USA within two weeks at the nearest consulate.
Preferential education
The investor’s children can be educated in the UK on preferential terms because Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
European bank accounts
Antigua and Barbuda citizens can quickly open accounts with European banks. Such accounts help keep savings in hard currency and facilitate currency transactions.
Tax optimisation
Antigua and Barbuda impose no taxes on personal income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains.
Purchases of real estate and land are subject to taxation, but properties purchased under the citizenship programme are exempt from the land ownership licence fee.
Tax rates in Antigua and Barbuda include:
• 25% on the income companies earn in the country;
• 2.5 to 7.5% on property transfer;
• up to 0.5% on real estate ownership.
Return on investment
The Antigua and Barbuda programme allows investors to buy shares in tourist infrastructure, such as hotels. During ownership, the property can be rented out with a yield of 2 to 5% per annum. After 5 years, the property can be sold at a profit.
Convenient service
Citizenship is obtained through remote and confidential procedures and with the help of a licensed agent.
Dual citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals who acquire the country’s passport to retain their original citizenship.
Special option for big families
The Antigua and Barbuda CBI programme offers a special option for families with six or more members.
By contributing over $150,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund, an investor can enable one child under the age of 29 to study at the University of the West Indies for one year without tuition fees.
Extended rights in other CARICOM states
CARICOM, the economic community comprising 15 Caribbean countries, includes Antigua and Barbuda as a member. This unified free trade area provides numerous business opportunities and enhances the economies of the CARICOM member states.
Visa-free destinations with
the Antigua and Barbuda passport
Africa
- Egypt
- Mauritius
- Reunion
- + 26 countries
Americas
- Barbados
- Brazil
- Chile
- + 37 countries
Asia
- China
- Hong Kong
- Philippines
- + 12 countries
Europe
- Austria
- Germany
- Montenegro
- + 47 countries
Middle East
- Armenia
- Iran
- Jordan
- +2 countries
Oceania
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Palau Islands
- + 9 countries
Practical guide to obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship
- Step-by-step procedure
- Requirements for applicants
- Necessary documents
- Answers to frequently asked questions
PDF, 36 pages, 12 MB
Immigrant Investis a licensed agent
(Licence IMA AB)
Who gets Antigua and Barbuda citizenship
Investor
- Over 18 years old
- Without criminal records
- Without visa refusals
- Without citizenship refusals
- Has passed a Due Diligence check
Spouse
Children under 30
- Financially dependent on the investor
- Adult children over 18 study at an institution of higher education
Parents of the spouses
- Over 55 years old
- Financially dependent on the investor
Siblings of the spouses
- No age limit
- Unmarried
Investment options and requirements for obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship
1 option
Non-refundable contribution
$100,000+A non-refundable contribution goes to the National Development Fund. The fund money is spent on healthcare, education and agricultural support.
Besides investing, applicants pay state, passport and Due Diligence fees. The total expenses amount depends on the family members’ number and age.
Investments in the Antigua and Barbuda state fund, including fees
| Contribution to the National Development Fund | $100,000 — for a single investor $100,000 — for a family of up to 4 people $125,000 — for a family of 5 or more people |
| State fee | $30,000 — for a family of up to 4 people $15,000 — per family member, starting with the fifth one |
| Due Diligence | $7,500 — for an investor $7,500 — for a spouse $2,000 — per child or sibling aged 11 to 17 $4,000 — per child or sibling aged 18 and over, parent or grandparent |
| Passport fee | $300 — per applicant |
| Interview | $1,500 — per application |
2 option
Contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund
$150,000+Families of 6 or more people are offered to contribute to the University of the West Indies Fund. The minimum investment is $150,000. A Due Diligence fee is paid additionally.
If the investor chooses this option, one of their children can study at the University of the West Indies for a year free of charge. The bonus is available within the first five years after obtaining citizenship.
3 option
Purchase of government-approved real estate
$200,000+The government approves real estate projects for programme participants, including shares, apartments, or villas in five-star hotels and resort complexes backed by renowned international corporations, as well as infrastructure investments like marinas.
Renting out these properties can yield annual returns of 2 to 5%, with the Caribbean's year-round holiday appeal ensuring high demand. Property maintenance is managed by professional companies.
After 5 years, investors can profitably sell their properties, recouping most of their investment.
Investments in Antigua and Barbuda real estate, including fees
| Investment amount | $200,000 — regardless of the number of applicants |
| State fee | $30,000 — for a family of up to 4 people $15,000 — per family member, starting with the fifth one |
| Due Diligence | $7,500 — for an investor $7,500 — for a spouse $2,000 — per child or sibling aged 11 to 17 $4,000 — per child or sibling aged 18 and over, parent or grandparent |
| Passport fee | $300 — per applicant |
| Interview | $1,500 — per application |
4 option
Business investments
$1,500,000+Investments must be made in a government-approved business project. An applicant can invest in restaurants, cruise ports and marinas, bridges, roads, and pharmaceuticals.
Expenses on obtaining citizenship for a family of 4 people
Spouses and children aged 13 and 20
| Expenses | Fund contribution | Real estate purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Investment amount | $100,000 | $200,000 |
| Due Diligence | $21,000 | $21,000 |
| State fee | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Passport fee | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Interview | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Total | $153,700 | $253,700 |
Individual cost calculation for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship
Get an individual calculation for your family with all associated costs and government fees
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Examples of investment properties in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Philip
$200,000+
Share, apartements, townhouse or villa in a resort on the coast of the island
56+ m²
1—5
1—5
Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Philip
$400,000+
Apartments in a hotel complex by the sea
1
1
Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Mary
$200,000+
Share, apartments or villas in a 5-star hotel complex
1—4
1—3
Selection of real estate
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
Why the help of a licensed agent is required
The law mandates that only a licensed program agent can submit applications for Antigua and Barbuda investment citizenship. A licensed agent, either a law or consulting firm, assists investors in preparing documents and submitting them on the investors’ behalf.
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme.
5 steps to obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment
The process of obtaining citizenship is the same regardless of the investment option. All procedures are confidential and can be completed remotely in 3—6 months.
1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence 1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence
Our certified Compliance Anti-Money Laundering Officer conducts confidential preliminary Due Diligence checks against international legal and business databases. This approach minimises the rejection risk to 1%.
Should any issues arise during the review process that may lead to the rejection of the investor’s application, we will provide alternative citizenship by investment programs.
The investor enters into a Services Agreement with Immigrant Invest only upon successful completion of the preliminary Due Diligence
3 to 5 weeks
Documents preparation and application 3 to 5 weeks
Documents preparation and application
Immigrant Invest provides the investor with a list of documents required for citizenship applications. Then, lawyers translate and apostille them, and complete government forms.
3+ months
Due Diligence 3+ months
Due Diligence
The process begins when the citizenship application is submitted and takes between 3 and 6 months. The check is remote; the investor does not need to travel to the country before the application is approved.
The investor and dependent over 16 must undergo an interview. It is held in English or the applicant’s native language.
Up to 30 days
Fulfilment of the investment conditions Up to 30 days
Fulfilment of the investment conditions
When the application is approved, the investor must transfer money to the fund, buy real estate, or contribute to the business.
Up to 4 weeks
Receiving a passport Up to 4 weeks
Receiving a passport
After fulfilling the investment requirements, the applicant takes an oath of allegiance in Antigua and Barbuda, at the nearest Antigua and Barbuda consulate, or via videoconference.
Citizenship Certificates and passports are collected at an Immigrant Invest office or the investor’s preferred address.
Under the terms of the programme, the investor must visit the country and spend at least five days within the first five years after becoming a citizen.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Antigua and Barbuda considered comfortable for a living?
Antigua and Barbuda is one of the most developed countries in the Caribbean. The islands host branches of Caribbean and US banks, along with numerous hotels, restaurants, and shops. Antigua’s marinas offer comfort and attract yachters from around the globe.
The economy thrives on tourism, agriculture, and investments in the citizenship programme. Free education is provided up to the age of 16. There are private and public schools with teachers from the USA and the UK.
Numerous citizens over 50 from the EU, US, and Canada choose to relocate to Antigua and Barbuda. They enjoy the beauty of nature, the steady pace of life, comfort, and a warm climate. The islands boast an average annual temperature of around +25°C.
Does a citizenship programme participant need to visit Antigua and Barbuda?
Investors do not come to Antigua and Barbuda to get citizenship. A licensed agent like Immigrant Invest submits documents on the investor’s behalf, and all procedures are remote. Even the oath can be taken at the country’s nearest consulate. The Citizenship Certificate and passport are sent to the address provided by the investor.
However, the CBI programme has a condition: the investor must visit the country for at least 5 days within the first 5 years of citizenship. In our experience, investors use this time for holidays in a tropical paradise and spend more than 5 days on the islands. Some programme participants plan to visit Antigua and Barbuda aboard a cruise liner.
What makes the Antigua and Barbuda programme stand out from other Caribbean CBI programmes?
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship programme stands out for its advantageous offer for investors applying with a family of up to four members. In such cases, the minimum investment remains $100,000, the same as for individual investors. The price of Antigua and Barbuda passports per family will be approximately $150,000, inclusive of fees.
The programme presents a unique opportunity for families with six or more members. Such families have the option to invest $150,000 in the University of the West Indies Fund. Additionally, the investor contributes an extra $15,000 for each additional applicant, beginning with the seventh family member. In return, the investor’s child can study at the university for one year for free.
What are the minimum expenses for a family of four under the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship programme?
A non-refundable contribution to a state fund requires the least investment amount — $100,000, plus additional fees. It is a beneficial option for families of up to four people as they contribute as much as a single applicant — $100,000. Under other Caribbean citizenship by investment programmes, the contribution amount increases depending on the number of family members.
For clarity, here is a cost calculation in a table.
Expenses with a non-refundable fund contribution for a family of four: spouses with two children aged 13 and 20
| Expenses | Amount |
| Fund contribution | $100,000 |
| State fee | $30,000 |
| Due Diligence | $21,000:
• $15,000 for both spouses • $2,000 for a child aged 12 to 17 • $4,000 for a child over 18 |
| Passport fee | $1,200: $300 per family member |
| Bank fee | $1,200: $300 per family member |
| Interview | $1,500 per application |
| Total | $154,900 |
What benefits does an investor get by participating in the Antigua and Barbuda CBI programme?
The Antigua and Barbuda CBI programme benefits include:
- Low cost of citizenship — from $100,000.
- Fast processing time of 3 to 6 months. However, the CBI Unit usually decides within 10 weeks.
- With the Antigua and Barbuda passport, getting a B-1/B-2 visa to the USA is easier. The procedure usually takes 2 weeks. The visa validity period is 10 years.
- Investments in real estate can be returned in 5 years.
- An opportunity to study at universities in the UK.
How many countries are visa-free for citizens of Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua and Barbuda citizens can enter 152 countries without visas. Main visa-free destinations are:
- the EU states — for 90 days in six months.
- the UK — for 180 consecutive days a year.
- Hong Kong — for 90 days a year.
- Singapore — for 30 days per year.
How much does Antigua and Barbuda citizenship cost?
A participant in the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship programme fulfils basic investment conditions:
- invests in the country’s economy — the amount is provided for each option;
- pays additional fees.
For example, here is the cost calculation for obtaining an Antigua and Barbuda passport by purchasing real estate.
Expenses with a real estate purchase for a family of 6: spouses, two children aged 13 and 20, and the investor’s parents
| Expenses | Amount |
| Real estate purchase | $200,000+ |
| State fee | $60,000:
• $30,000 for both spouses and two children • $15,000 per parent |
| Due Diligence | $29,000:
• $15,000 for both spouses • $2,000 for a child aged 12 to 17 • $4,000 per participant over 18 |
| Passport fee | $1,800: $300 per family member |
| Bank fee | $1,800: $300 per family member |
| Interview | $1,500 per application |
| Total | $294,100+ |
How long does it take to get an Antigua and Barbuda passport through the CBI programme?
Passport processing takes 3 to 6 months. The time frame includes the entire procedure of obtaining citizenship, including Due Diligence by Antigua and Barbuda government agencies and issuing documents — a Citizenship Certificate and a passport. The CBI Unit processes applications within 10 weeks and plans to reduce it to 45 days.
Can you have dual citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua and Barbuda allows its citizens to hold two or more passports. People who obtain citizenship in this island country don’t need to renounce their other citizenship.
However, some countries, such as India or Iran, prohibit their citizens from holding more than one passport. Therefore, it is advisable to verify whether your country of origin is among those states.
Which family members can obtain Antigua and Barbuda second citizenship with an investor?
Together with the main applicant, second passports may be obtained by:
- a lawfully wedded spouse;
- financially dependent children under the age of 30;
- spouses’ parents and grandparents over 55, who are financially dependent on one of the spouses;
- spouses’ unmarried siblings.
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.
Zlata Erlach, Caribbean Investment Program Expert