Antigua and Barbuda
citizenship
by investment
New opportunities for exploring the world and special conditions for extended families
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The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program was launched in 2013. Investors can choose from four options: a non-refundable contribution to fund, donation towards education, purchasing real estate, or investing in a business.
The minimum investment amount under each of the available options does not depend on the number of family members and is the same as for a single applicant.
Families of six or more people can benefit from a special option: a $260,000 donation to a higher education institution, with processing fees included. This is the most cost-effective way for large families to obtain citizenship.
Participation in the investment program takes at least 6 months. To maintain citizenship, a five-day visit to the country within the first five years after passport approval is required.
13 main benefits of the Antigua and Barbuda CBI program
Visa-free entry to 152 countries
Antigua and Barbuda passport holders can travel to 152 countries, including the European Union, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore, without a visa.
Antigua and Barbuda citizens can also get a 10-year Visitor visa to the USA within two weeks at the nearest consulate.
Low investment threshold
The Antigua and Barbuda passport can be obtained by investing at least $230,000. Obtaining citizenship with family does not increase the investment amount, unlike CBI programs in other Caribbean countries.
Citizenship for the whole family
The Antigua and Barbuda CBI program allows investors to include their spouse, children under 30, parents, grandparents, and siblings. This supports family unity and creates global opportunities for investor’s relatives.
Fast processing time
The investor’s application is processed in 6 or more months.
Minimum residency requirement
Investors and their families do not need to permanently move to Antigua and Barbuda or spend a particular number of days every year there. They are only required to visit the country for 5 days within the first 5 years of obtaining the passport.
No citizenship or language tests
Applicants for citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda do not need to pass language exams or prove integration into local society.
Convenient service
Citizenship is obtained through remote and confidential procedures and with the help of a licensed agent.
Special option for big families
Families with six or more members can contribute just $260,000, including processing fees, making it a more cost-effective pathway to a passport compared to other options and other Caribbean CBI programs.
Investment return
The Antigua and Barbuda program 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.
Pathway to dual citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda permits dual citizenship, allowing investors to keep their original nationality.
Right for preferential education for children
Children of investors can get education in the UK on preferential terms because Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Opportunity to optimise taxes
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 program 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.
Extended rights in other CARICOM states
Antigua and Barbuda’s membership in CARICOM provides investors with business opportunities and benefits across 15 Caribbean 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
Who is eligible for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?
- Over 18
- Without criminal records
- Without visa refusals
- Without citizenship refusals
- Has passed a Due Diligence check
- No serious illnesses
- Opposite sex
- No criminal record or prosecutions
- Financial dependency is not required
- Of any age if fully dependent on the investor due to health conditions
- Over 55
- Financially dependent on the investor
- Of any age if fully dependent on the investor due to health conditions
- No age limit
- Unmarried
- With parents’ or guardians’ consent if under 18
Investment options and requirements for obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship
Non-refundable contribution — $230,000
A non-refundable contribution is made to the National Development Fund. The fund supports healthcare, education, and agriculture.
In addition to the investment, applicants pay processing, passport, and Due Diligence fees. The total expenses depend on the number and age of family members included in the application.
Investments in the Antigua and Barbuda state fund, including fees
| Contribution to the National Development Fund | $230,000 — regardless of the number of applicants |
| Processing fee | $20,000 — for a family of up to 4 people
$10,000 — per family member, starting with the fifth one |
| Due Diligence | $8,500 — for an investor
$5,000 — for a spouse $4,000 — per family member over 18 other than spouse $2,000 — per child or sibling aged 12 to 17 |
| Passport fee | $300 — per applicant |
| Interview | $1,500 — per application |
Donation to a higher education institution — $260,000
Families of 6 or more people are offered a special option to contribute to higher education in Antigua and Barbuda. The minimum investment is $260,000, with processing fees included. A Due Diligence fee is paid separately.
Purchase of government-approved real estate — $300,000+
The government approves real estate projects for program participants, including shares, apartments, or villas in five-star hotels and resort complexes backed by renowned international corporations. Infrastructure investments, such as marinas, are also available.
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 sell their properties for a profit, recouping most of their investment.
Investments in Antigua and Barbuda real estate, including fees
| Investment amount | $300,000 — regardless of the number of applicants |
| State fee | $20,000 — for a family of up to 4 people
$10,000 — per family member, starting with the fifth one |
| Due Diligence | $8,500 — for an investor
$5,000 — for a spouse $4,000 — per family member over 18 other than spouse $2,000 — per child or sibling aged 12 to 17 |
| Passport fee | $300 — per applicant |
| Interview | $1,500 — per application |
Business investments — $400,000+
Applicants can choose one of two investment paths:
- Become a sole investor — in this case, they must invest at least $1.5 million in a company in Antigua and Barbuda.
- Make a group investment — in this case, the total investment must be at least $5 million, with each investor contributing at least $400,000.
Expenses for obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship for a family of four
| Expenses | Fund contribution | Real estate purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Investment amount | $230,000 | $300,000 |
| Due Diligence | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Processing fee | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Passport fee | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Interview | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Total | $272,200 | $342,200 |
Individual cost calculation for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship
Get an individual calculation for your family with all associated costs and government fees
Get the cost calculationInvestment property in Antigua and Barbuda
Selection of real estate
Individual selection
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- Choose between properties from reliable developers
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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, whether a law or consulting firm, assists investors in preparing and submitting documents on their behalf.
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program.
Required documents for obtaining Antigua and Barbuda second citizenship by investment
Along with the application form and completed government forms, applicants for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment must submit the following documents:
- passports of all applicants;
- birth certificates;
- marriage and divorce certificates, if applicable;
- affidavit of support for each dependent, if applicable;
- passport-sized photos;
- police clearance certificates;
- medical certificates;
- proof of source of funds;
- investment confirmation documents.
5 steps to obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment
The process of obtaining citizenship is the same for all investment options. All procedures are confidential and can be completed remotely in 6 or more months.
Preliminary Due Diligence
Our certified Compliance Anti-Money Laundering Officer conducts confidential preliminary Due Diligence checks against international legal and business databases. This reduces the rejection risk to 1%.
If issues arise that may lead to rejection, we suggest alternative citizenship by investment programs.
The investor signs a Services Agreement with Immigrant Invest only after successful preliminary Due Diligence.
Documents preparation and application
Immigrant Invest provides a list of required documents. Lawyers translate and apostille them and complete government forms.
Due Diligence
The process begins once the citizenship application is submitted and takes 3 to 6 months. The check is remote; the investor does not need to travel to Antigua and Barbuda 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.
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.
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 program, the investor must visit the country and spend at least five days within the first five years after becoming a citizen.
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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, Head of the Austrian office
Extending an Antigua and Barbuda passport
Although Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is granted for life, applicants must renew their passports after 5 years. Investors can do this on their own or turn to Immigrant Invest experts, who help collect the necessary documents and submit an application.
To extend passports, investors and their family members must submit the following documents for each applicant, including children:
- certified copy of the sworn or affirmed Allegiance;
- proof of holding the investment for five years, if invested in real estate or business;
- proof of fee payment: $1,000 for each adult applicant and $500 for each minor applicant;
- certified copies of personal documents, such as birth certificates, registration certificates, marriage certificates, and name change certificates, if applicable;
- valid Antigua and Barbuda passports, which are to be renewed;
- confirmation of a 5-day stay in the country, such as entry and exit stamps in the Antigua and Barbuda passport, a hotel receipt; a boarding pass, or a confirmation from property management.
Visa-free destinations with the Antigua and Barbuda passport
- Egypt
- Mauritius
- Reunion
- South Africa
- Tunisia
- + 24 countries
- Barbados
- Brazil
- Chile
- Cuba
- Peru
- + 35 countries
- China
- Hong Kong
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Korea
- + 10 countries
- Austria
- Germany
- Montenegro
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- + 45 countries
- Armenia
- Iran
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Qatar
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Palau Islands
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
- + 7 countries
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 program.
The country provides free education up to the age of 16, with private and public schools employing teachers from the USA and the UK.
Many citizens over 50 from the EU, US, and Canada relocate to Antigua and Barbuda for its natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle, comfort, and warm climate. The islands enjoy an average annual temperature of around +25°C.
Does a citizenship program participant need to visit Antigua and Barbuda?
Investors do not need to visit Antigua and Barbuda to obtain citizenship. A licensed agent, like Immigrant Invest, submits documents on the investor’s behalf, and all procedures are completed remotely. Even the oath can be taken at the nearest consulate, and the Citizenship Certificate and passport are sent to the investor’s provided address.
However, the CBI program requires the investor to visit the country for at least 5 days within the first 5 years of citizenship. Many investors use this opportunity for a holiday in the tropical paradise, often staying longer. Some even plan their visit aboard a cruise liner.
What makes the Antigua and Barbuda program stand out from other Caribbean CBI programs?
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program stands out for its advantageous offer for investors applying with a family of six or more members. These families can invest $260,000 in higher education in Antigua and Barbuda, with processing fees included, to obtain passports for the entire family.
What are the minimum expenses for a family of four under the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program?
A non-refundable contribution to a state fund requires the least investment amount — $230,000, plus additional fees.
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 | $230,000 |
| Processing fee | $20,000 |
| Due Diligence | $19,500:
• $13,500 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 |
| Interview | $1,500 per application |
| Total | $272,200 |
What benefits does an investor get by participating in the Antigua and Barbuda CBI program?
The Antigua and Barbuda CBI program benefits include:
- Low cost of citizenship — from $230,000, irrespective of number of applicants.
- Fast processing time of 6+ months.
- 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 passport cost?
A participant in the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program 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 | $300,000+ |
| Processing fee | $40,000:
• $20,000 for both spouses and two children • $10,000 per parent |
| Due Diligence | $27,500:
• $13,500 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 |
| Interview | $1,500 per application |
| Total | $370,800+ |
How long does it take to get an Antigua and Barbuda passport through the CBI program?
Passport processing takes 6 or more 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 in 3+ months.
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;
- children under 30, with no need to confirm financial dependency on the investor;
- spouses’ parents and grandparents over 55, who are financially dependent on one of the spouses;
- spouses’ unmarried siblings.
How to gain citizenship in Antigua & Barbuda?
There are several paths to Antigua and Barbuda citizenship, including birth, affiliation, naturalisation, and marriage. The fastest way to become an Antigua and Barbuda citizen is to participate in the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program.
Investors can choose from 4 options:
- non-refundable contribution — $230,000+;
- donation to a higher education institution — $260,000+;
- purchase of government-approved real estate — $300,000+;
- business investments — $400,000+.
Citizenship can be extended to the investor’s spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 55, and siblings. Passports are obtained within 6+ months.
For more information, follow the link to one of the following pages: About Antigua and Barbuda, Fund contribution, Real estate, or Visa-free countries.
Caribbean citizenship
Alternative investment programs
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