Updated on November 4, 2026
Antigua and Barbuda
citizenship
by investment
New opportunities for exploring the world and special conditions for extended families
Download the guide Calculate the cost$230,000+ Fund contribution
$300,000+ Real estate
purchase
purchase
6+ months Obtaining
period
period
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment programme was launched in 2013. Investors can choose from four options: a non-refundable contribution to a 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 programme takes at least 6 months. To maintain citizenship, a 5-day visit to the country within the first 5 years after passport approval is required. However, the government is considering increasing the required stay from 5 to 30 days.
13 main benefits of the Antigua and Barbuda CBI programme
Visa-free entry to over 170 countries
Antigua and Barbuda passport holders can travel to over 170 countries, including the European Union, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore, without a visa.
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 programmes in other Caribbean countries.
Citizenship for the whole family
The Antigua and Barbuda CBI programme allows investors to include their spouse, children under 31, 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 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 programmes.
The option also entitles one family member to a one-year, tuition-only scholarship at the University of the West Indies.
Investment return
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.
Pathway to dual citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda permits dual citizenship, allowing investors to keep their original nationality.
Right to preferential education for children
As citizens of a Commonwealth country, Antigua and Barbuda nationals may be eligible for certain scholarship and fellowship programmes connected with study or professional development in the UK.
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 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% for buyers and 7.5% for sellers on property transfers;
- 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?
Investor
- Over 18
- Without criminal records
- Without visa refusals to a country with which Antigua and Barbuda has visa-free travel
- Has passed a Due Diligence check
- No serious illnesses
Spouse
- In an officially registered marriage
- Opposite sex
- No criminal record or prosecutions
Children under 31
- Financial dependency is not required
- Of any age if fully dependent on the investor due to health conditions
Parents and grandparents of the spouses
- Over 55
- Financially dependent on the investor
- Of any age if fully dependent on the investor due to health conditions
Siblings of the spouses
- No age limit
- Unmarried
- With parents’ or guardians’ consent if under 18
Investment options and requirements for obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship
1st option
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.
| Contribution to the National Development Fund | $230,000 — regardless of the number of applicants |
| State fee | $10,000 — for a single investor
$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 |
| Other fees and charges | $6,400+ |
2nd option
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.
One family member under 29 can study at a university for free for one year.
| Donation | $260,000 — regardless of the number of applicants |
| State fee | $0 for a family of up to 6 people
$10,000 — per family member, starting with the seventh 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 |
| Other fees and charges | $7,400+ |
3rd option
Purchase of government-approved real estate — $300,000+
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. 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.
| Investment amount | $300,000 — regardless of the number of applicants |
| State fee | $10,000 — for a single investor
$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 |
| Other fees and charges | $7,400+ |
4th option
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
Spouses and children aged 13 and 20
| Expenses | Fund contribution | Real estate purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Investment amount | $230,000 | $300,000 |
| Due Diligence | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Processing fee | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Other fees and charges | $8,600+ | $9,600+ |
| Total | $278,100+ | $349,100+ |
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 calculationWe will send you a quote by email within 1 hour.
Investment property in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Philip
$300,000 — $2,850,000
Share, apartements, townhouse or villa in a resort on the coast of the island
56 m²
1—5
1—5
Antigua & Barbuda, Freetown
$395,000+
Stylish and comfortable apartments, Nonsuch Bay, Nonsuch Bay, Freetown
84 m²
1
1
Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Philip
$3,600,000+
Four bedroom villa with infinity pool overlooking the bay
465 m²
4
4
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
How Immigrant Invest can help and why you should trust us
Under Antigua and Barbuda law, only a licensed agent, a law or consulting firm, can submit citizenship by investment applications on an investor’s behalf. Immigrant Invest is one such licensed agent.
We work in full compliance with the Citizenship Act of 1982 and related regulations, and we provide legal support at every stage: from the first consultation and document preparation to application submission and keeping your status after citizenship is granted.
Before submitting an application, our Compliance Department runs a preliminary Due Diligence check to minimise risks. As a result, our clients’ rejection rate is just 1%.
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.
6 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.
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 reduces the rejection risk to 1%.
If issues arise that may lead to rejection, we suggest alternative citizenship by investment programmes.
The investor signs a Services Agreement with Immigrant Invest only after successful preliminary Due Diligence.
3 to 5 weeks
Documents preparation and application 3 to 5 weeks
Documents preparation and application
Immigrant Invest provides a list of required documents. Lawyers translate and apostille them and complete government forms.
6+ months
Due Diligence 6+ months
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.
Up to 1 month
Fulfilment of the investment conditions Up to 1 month
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 1 month
Receiving a passport Up to 1 month
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 5 days within the first 5 years after becoming a citizen.
1 day
Oath of allegiance 1 day
Oath of allegiance
The investor and all family members over 18 take the oath of allegiance. This can be done via video call, at a consulate, or in person in Antigua and Barbuda.
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, Head of the Austrian office
Extending the Antigua and Barbuda passport by investment
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
Africa
- Angola
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burundi
- + 19 countries
- Complete list of countries
Asia
- Armenia
- East Timor
- Vietnam
- Hong Kong
- + 13 countries
- Frequently asked questions
Europe
- Austria
- Albania
- Andorra
- Belarus
- + 39 countries
- Why is Antigua and Barbuda considered comfortable for a living?
North America
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bermuda
- + 16 countries
- 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 yachtsmen from around the globe. The economy thrives on tourism, agriculture, and investments in the citizenship programme.
South America
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Venezuela
- Guyana
- + 5 countries
- The country provides free education up to the age of 16, with private and public schools employing teachers from the USA and the UK.
Oceania
- Vanuatu
- Kiribati
- Micronesia
- Palau
- + 3 countries
- 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.
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 yachtsmen from around the globe. The economy thrives on tourism, agriculture, and investments in the citizenship programme.
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 programme 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 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 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 programme?
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 |
| State 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 |
| Other fees and charges | $8,600+ |
| Total | $278,100+ |
What benefits does an investor get by participating in the Antigua and Barbuda CBI programme?
Benefits of the Antigua & Barbuda citizenship by investment include the following:
- Low cost — starting at $230,000, irrespective of the number of applicants.
- Fast processing time of 6+ months.
- Legal status for close family members.
- Investments in real estate can be returned in 5 years.
- Opportunities to study in the UK through selected scholarship programmes.
How many countries are visa-free for citizens of Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua and Barbuda citizens can enter over 170 countries without visas. Main visa-free destinations are:
- Schengen states — for 90 days in six months.
- United Kingdom — for 180 consecutive days a year.
- Hong Kong — for 90 days a year.
- Singapore — for 30 days per year.
How much does an Antigua and Barbuda passport 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, and the minimum is $230,000;
- 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+ |
| State 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 |
| Other fees and charges | $10,700+ |
| Total | $378,200+ |
How long does it take to get an Antigua and Barbuda passport through the CBI programme?
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 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:
- lawfully wedded spouse;
- children under 31, 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 programme.
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 31, 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 programmes
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